House cleaning and ironing

Whether you require a weekly maintenance clean, a one-off deep clean, or a dedicated ironing service to tackle the laundry pile, understanding the costs and expectations is vital. This guide covers everything from hourly rates to the specific tasks included in a standard domestic service.

What Does the Work Involve?

• General Living Areas: Dusting all surfaces, vacuuming carpets, mopping hard floors, and emptying bins.
• Kitchen Sanitisation: Wiping down worktops, cleaning the exterior of appliances (ovens, hobs, fridges), and scrubbing sinks.
• Bathroom Deep Clean: Descaling taps, scrubbing tiles and grout, sanitising toilets, and polishing mirrors and shower screens.
• Ironing Services: Sorting garments by fabric type, pressing to a professional standard, and either folding or hanging items as requested.
• Touchpoint Cleaning: Disinfecting high-traffic areas such as light switches, door handles, and bannisters.
• Internal Window Cleaning: Wiping down glass and sills (usually upon request or as part of a deep clean).

Typical Costs

Prices vary significantly based on your location in the UK, with London and the South East commanding the highest rates. The total cost is also influenced by whether you provide the cleaning supplies or if the professional brings their own industrial-grade solutions.

How Long Does It Take?

• 1-2 Bedroom Flat: 2–3 hours for a routine weekly clean.
• 3-4 Bedroom Family Home: 4–5 hours for a thorough maintenance clean.
• Full Basket of Ironing: 1.5–2.5 hours depending on the mix of bedding and shirts.
• End of Tenancy/Deep Clean: 6–12+ hours, often requiring a team of two or more cleaners.

DIY or Professional?

While everyone can clean their own home, a professional brings efficiency, specialised chemicals, and a methodical approach that produces superior results. For ironing, professionals use high-pressure steam generators that remove creases far more effectively than standard domestic irons.

Hiring a professional is often about the "opportunity cost"—weighing the hourly rate of a cleaner against the value of your own free time and the cost of purchasing high-end cleaning equipment.

If you hire an independent cleaner directly, you may be classed as an employer, which brings responsibilities regarding tax and insurance. Using an agency bypasses this, as they handle the "Nanny Tax" and provide vetted cover if your regular cleaner is unwell.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Insurance: Ensure they have Public Liability insurance (minimum £1m) to cover accidental damage to your property.
• DBS Checks: For peace of mind, especially if they will have a key to your home, ask if they have a recent Disclosure and Barring Service check.
• Trial Period: Ask for a one-off "trial clean" before committing to a weekly or fortnightly contract.
• References: Request at least two recent testimonials from local clients.

Questions to ask:

• Do you bring your own vacuum and cleaning products?
• What is your policy if something is broken or damaged during a clean?
• Do you have a secure system for holding client keys?
• Are you comfortable working around pets?

UK Regulations

• COSHH: Professionals should be aware of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations regarding the storage and use of cleaning chemicals.
• Employment Status: If you pay an individual more than the lower earnings limit, you must check if you are responsible for National Insurance contributions.
• Right to Work: It is your responsibility (or the agency's) to ensure the cleaner has the legal right to work in the UK.

Common Problems

• Misaligned Expectations: Ensure you provide a "priority list." If time runs out, the cleaner knows to prioritise the kitchen over the guest bedroom.
• Product Damage: Using the wrong chemical on natural stone (like bleach on marble) can cause permanent damage; always specify if you have specialist surfaces.
• Access Issues: Forgotten alarm codes or "hidden" keys often lead to wasted call-out fees.
• Delicate Fabrics: Ensure silk or linen items are clearly separated in the ironing pile with specific instructions to avoid scorching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be home when the cleaner arrives?

No, most regular clients provide a spare key or access code. For the first visit, however, it is recommended to be present to walk through the property and discuss your specific requirements.

Should I "clean for the cleaner" before they arrive?

You don't need to clean, but "tidying" is helpful. Clearing toys, laundry, and clutter from surfaces allows the cleaner to spend their time scrubbing and polishing rather than moving objects around.

Can I request eco-friendly or non-toxic products?

Absolutely. Many UK cleaners now specialise in "green cleaning." If you have specific allergies or preferences, you can provide your own products or ask the professional to use brands like Ecover or Method.

Is ironing usually done in my home or theirs?

It can be both. Many cleaners include ironing as part of their hourly domestic service in your home. Alternatively, dedicated ironing businesses offer a "collect and return" service where they process the laundry at their own premises.

What happens if I need to cancel a session?

Most agencies and independents require 24 to 48 hours' notice. Cancellations made later than this typically incur a fee, often 50% to 100% of the booking cost, to cover the cleaner's lost earnings.