House Cleaning and General Cleaning Guide Scope of Works Initial walk‑through & checklist – confirm priority areas and note delicate finishes. Routine surfa...
Hiring a domestic cleaner in the UK typically costs £15–£28 per hour, with most homes booking either a regular weekly/fortnightly visit or one-off deep cleans. A typical 3-bedroom house takes 2.5–4 hours for a regular clean (so £40–£100 per visit) and 5–9 hours for a one-off deep clean (£90–£250).
Costs vary regionally — London and the Home Counties run at £22–£32/hour, Scotland and the North often £14–£22/hour. Agencies typically charge a small premium (£3–£8/hour) over self-employed cleaners but provide cover, replacements and insurance.
What a regular clean covers
"Regular clean" generally means weekly, fortnightly or monthly maintenance — keeping a clean home clean. A typical scope:
- Kitchen — wipe surfaces, clean hob and outside of oven, sink and taps, mop floor.
- Bathrooms — clean toilet, basin, bath/shower, mirror, mop floor.
- Living areas — dust surfaces, vacuum carpets and rugs, hoover sofa cushions, sweep/mop hard floors.
- Bedrooms — change beds (if linens are out), dust, vacuum.
- Hallways and stairs — vacuum, wipe banisters.
What's typically NOT in a regular clean: inside oven, inside fridge, windows (interior glass), behind appliances, ironing.
What a deep clean adds
One-off or quarterly deep cleans go further:
- Inside the oven, hob extractor and microwave.
- Inside the fridge and freezer.
- Window cleaning (interior glass and sills).
- Skirtings, doors and door frames wiped.
- Behind and under appliances (where movable).
- Light fittings and ceiling fans dusted.
- Limescale removal in bathrooms.
Deep cleans are often booked seasonally, before/after a tenancy, or before guests visit.
Typical UK costs
| Service | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Regular clean (3-bed, 3 hours) | £45–£80 per visit |
| Regular clean (4-bed, 4 hours) | £60–£110 per visit |
| One-off deep clean (3-bed) | £120–£250 |
| One-off deep clean (4-bed) | £180–£350 |
| End-of-tenancy clean (3-bed) | £200–£350 |
| Spring clean (full house, includes carpets) | £250–£500 |
| Hourly rate (self-employed) | £15–£25 |
| Hourly rate (agency) | £18–£32 |
Self-employed vs agency
- Self-employed cleaner — cheaper hourly rate, often the same person each visit, you build a relationship over time. Downsides: no cover when they're sick or on holiday, you pay them direct (sometimes cash), no insurance unless they hold their own.
- Agency — higher hourly rate, may rotate cleaners, but provides cover, public liability insurance, and replacements if you don't get on with someone. Better choice for landlords or anyone who can't manage cancellations.
Things people often miss
- Cleaning products — most cleaners bring their own. If you have specific brand preferences, eco products, or marble / oiled-wood surfaces that need particular cleaners, agree this upfront. Provide them yourself if you want a specific finish.
- Insurance and tax — paying a self-employed cleaner cash without records is fine for the cleaner (they declare it), but if they damage something the recovery is harder without a written agreement. Even a simple email contract helps.
- Trial visit — most cleaners offer a one-off first visit so both sides can see if the fit works. Pay for the trial as a deep clean (£120+) and assess; if it works, regular bookings continue.
- Key handling — long-term arrangements often involve giving the cleaner a key. Make sure you trust them and have insurance that covers theft by an authorised key-holder.
- Cleaning when you're not there — generally fine but only after a few visits where you're present. Lets you spot-check approach and quality before unsupervised access.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get my house cleaned professionally?
Most homeowners book weekly or fortnightly. Single-occupancy or low-traffic homes can stretch to monthly. Families with children and pets often need weekly. Match frequency to mess generation, not house size.
Should I tip my cleaner?
Not customary in the UK for regular cleaners on an agreed hourly rate — they've already priced their time. A Christmas bonus (typically the value of one visit) is common and appreciated for long-term arrangements.
Are professional cleaners insured?
Agency cleaners almost always have public liability insurance up to £1m+. Self-employed cleaners often don't unless they've explicitly arranged it. Ask before they start, and check your home insurance covers damage by tradespeople.
What's the difference between a regular clean and a deep clean?
Regular cleans maintain a clean home (visible surfaces, floors, bathrooms, kitchen). Deep cleans go behind, under, and inside (oven interior, fridge, behind appliances, windows). Most homes need a deep clean every 3–6 months, with regular cleans in between.
How long does a typical clean take?
Rough rule: 1 hour per bedroom for a regular clean, 2 hours per bedroom for a deep clean. A 3-bed house = 3 hours regular, 6 hours deep. Cleaners learn your home and get faster after a few visits.
Do I need to be home when the cleaner is there?
Not after the first few visits. Most regular arrangements involve key access while you're at work. New cleaners — be present for the first 2–3 visits to set expectations and answer questions.
Want a local pro to handle this? Whether you want a one-off deep clean or weekly regular service, a domestic cleaner saves you the time and effort. Cheaper than the equivalent of your own time, especially when you factor in a fortnightly habit.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
