
Cleaning Service Near Me: Prices, What to Expect & How to Choose
You’ve finally decided to hire a cleaner — but how much will it cost, and what do you really get for your money? In the UK, hourly rates range from £15 to £25, with London up to £30 an hour.
Average hourly rate (UK): £15–£25 ·
Typical 2-hour clean: £30–£50 ·
London average hourly: £18–£30 ·
Deep clean (per visit): £100–£300
Quick snapshot
- Hourly rates vary by location and service type (Wecasa (on-demand cleaning platform))
- Deep cleaning costs more than standard maintenance (Checkatrade (UK tradesman comparison platform))
- London rates are higher than national average (FK Domestics (London cleaning service provider))
- Many cleaners offer discounts for recurring bookings (Wecasa)
- Exact prices depend on individual cleaner’s experience and demand in your area (Wecasa)
- Whether a 1-hour clean is enough for a standard apartment (FK Domestics)
- Long-term price trends post-2025 (Checkatrade)
- The exact minimum booking length varies by cleaner and platform (FK Domestics)
- 2020–2022: Post-COVID surge in demand for professional cleaning (Checkatrade)
- 2023: Rates rose 10-15% due to inflation (Wecasa)
- 2025: Current typical rates stabilise around £15-£25 nationally (FK Domestics)
- 2026 (projected): Expected 2-5% increase in line with minimum wage changes (Gov.uk (UK government))
- Compare quotes from 2-3 local cleaners before booking (Citizens Advice (UK consumer advice service))
- Check if the cleaner has public liability insurance (Citizens Advice)
- Ask about supplies: some cleaners bring everything, others expect you to provide (Wecasa)
- Book a trial session before committing to a regular schedule (Checkatrade)
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| National average hourly rate (UK) | £15–£25 | Wecasa |
| London hourly rate range | £18–£30 | FK Domestics |
| Most common booking duration | 2 hours | FK Domestics |
| Deep clean cost per visit | £100–£300 | Checkatrade |
| Typical clean frequency | Weekly or bi-weekly | Wecasa |
How much should I pay a cleaner per hour?
Hourly rates for domestic cleaning in the UK typically fall between £15 and £25, according to Wecasa. But the exact number depends on where you live, how often you book, and the type of cleaning you need.
How much do cleaners charge per day?
- A daily rate for a cleaner typically ranges from £100 to £180, based on an 8-hour day at £15–£25 per hour (Wecasa).
- In London, expect a daily rate of £144–£240 due to the premium (FK Domestics).
How much is a 1 hour clean?
- A 1-hour clean is rare — most cleaners have a minimum booking of 2 hours. If offered, expect to pay £15–£30, but effectiveness is limited to a quick tidy of one room (FK Domestics).
How much is a 2 hour clean?
- A 2-hour clean is the most common session. Cost: £30–£50 nationally, £36–£60 in London (FK Domestics).
- It typically covers a kitchen and bathroom plus dusting and vacuuming in a 1-2 bedroom home.
For small apartments, a 2-hour clean hits the sweet spot of depth vs. cost. Booking weekly often cuts the per-hour price by £2–£5.
What will a cleaner do in 2 hours?
A professional cleaner can accomplish a surprising amount in 120 minutes. FK Domestics outlines the typical split: kitchen (30-40 min), bathroom (25-30 min), dusting and vacuuming the main living areas (25-30 min), and floors (15-20 min).
What can a cleaner do in 3 hours?
- With an extra hour, a cleaner can add oven cleaning, fridge wipe-down, inside window cleaning, and baseboard dusting (Wecasa).
- A 3-hour slot is ideal for a 3-bedroom house needing a deeper maintenance clean.
Short sessions (1-2 hours) won’t cover ovens, fridges, or grout. If those are priorities, book a 3-hour slot or a separate deep clean.
What does deep cleaning actually include?
Deep cleaning goes far beyond the surface. Checkatrade defines it as a thorough clean that reaches areas often neglected during regular visits: behind appliances, inside cabinets, baseboards, window tracks, light fixtures, and grout. It’s a one-off service rather than maintenance.
A one-off deep clean for a 2-3 bedroom home costs £120–£300, according to FK Domestics, and typically takes around 6 hours (Checkatrade). It’s recommended when moving in or out, after renovations, or every 6-12 months for hygiene.
How much do cleaners in London charge?
London commands a significant premium. FK Domestics reports rates of £18–£30 per hour, with central London at the top end and suburban areas around £14–£18. That’s 20-30% above the national average.
Price differences also appear by borough: Wecasa notes that demand spikes in affluent areas push prices higher. Expect a deep clean in London to start at £150 and climb to £300+ for a larger home.
How much do cleaning services cost?
Costs vary by clean type, frequency, and home size. The pattern: longer sessions and deeper scopes cost more per visit but often deliver better value per hour, especially when booked regularly.
Cost of deep cleaning per visit
- One-off deep clean for a studio flat: £80–£120 (Checkatrade).
- Full house deep clean (2-3 beds): £150–£300 (FK Domestics).
- Post-construction heavy clean: £20–£30 per hour (FK Domestics).
Cost of recurring weekly clean
- Weekly standard clean for a 1-2 bedroom home: £40–£60 per visit (£30–£50/hr).
- Discounts typically 10-20% off the one-off rate (Wecasa).
- Larger homes (4+ beds): £90–£150 per weekly visit.
Here’s how the different service types stack up:
| Service type | Duration | Estimated cost | Typical tasks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard hourly clean | 1-2 hours | £15–£30/hr | Dust, vacuum, bathroom, kitchen surfaces |
| Standard 2-hour clean | 2 hours | £30–£50 | Kitchen, bathroom, floors, dusting |
| Extended clean | 3 hours | £45–£75 | Above + oven, fridge, windows inside |
| Deep clean | 4-6 hours | £100–£300 | Behind appliances, grout, baseboards, cabinets |
| Post-construction clean | Varies | £20–£30/hr | Dust, debris, polish, sanitize |
The implication: recurring weekly cleans cost less per hour than one-offs. Deep cleaning is a premium product at £100–£300.
Upsides vs. Downsides of hiring a cleaning service
Upsides
- Saves 2-3 hours per week of personal time
- Professional-grade results for deep cleaning tasks (Checkatrade)
- Flexible scheduling (weekly, bi-weekly, one-off)
- Reduces allergens and improves indoor air quality
- Can include extras like oven or fridge cleaning
Downsides
- Cost can add up: £1,500–£3,000 per year for weekly service
- Quality varies between cleaners and companies
- You need to be home or trust someone with your keys
- Not all cleaners are insured – vetting required (Citizens Advice)
- Some platforms charge booking fees on top of rates
Timeline of cleaning service pricing
The cleaning industry has seen notable shifts in the past five years.
- 2020–2022: Post-COVID surge in demand for professional cleaning services (Checkatrade).
- 2023: Average hourly rates rose 10-15% due to inflation and supply shortages (Wecasa).
- 2025: Current typical rates stabilise around £15–£25 nationally (FK Domestics).
- 2026 (projected): Expected modest increase of 2-5% in line with minimum wage changes (Gov.uk).
What the experts say
“In a standard 2-hour clean, you can expect the cleaner to focus on the kitchen and bathroom, dust all surfaces, and vacuum the floors. That’s enough for a 1-2 bedroom apartment. Anything bigger needs 3 hours.”
— Industry expert, Aboutime Cleaning (Ireland). FK Domestics
“Always check that your cleaner has public liability insurance and, if they work through a platform, read the terms about cancellation and damage.”
— Citizens Advice (UK consumer advice service). Citizens Advice
If you prefer a regular service rather than a one-off deep clean, consider finding a cleaning company nearby that offers flexible scheduling and transparent pricing.
Frequently asked questions
How do I verify a cleaner’s background and insurance?
Ask for proof of public liability insurance and check for reviews on independent sites. Platforms like Checkatrade and Wecasa vet their cleaners (Checkatrade).
Should I tip my cleaner?
Tipping is not required, but around 10% is appreciated for one-off deep cleans. For regular service, a holiday bonus is common (Wecasa).
What is the average cost of a weekly cleaning service?
Expect £30–£50 per weekly visit for a 1-2 bedroom home. Larger homes cost £90–£150. Recurring bookings often get a 10-20% discount (Wecasa).
How long does a deep clean take?
A deep clean typically takes 4-6 hours for a 2-3 bedroom home (Checkatrade). Studios may take 2-3 hours.
Is it safe to hire an independent cleaner vs a company?
Independents may charge less but lack insurance coverage. Companies offer guarantees but at a higher price. Always ask for references (Citizens Advice).
What should I do before the cleaner arrives?
Tidy items off floors and counters. Secure valuables. If the cleaner brings supplies, ensure they have clear access to water and power.
Can I negotiate the price with a cleaning service?
It’s possible, especially for recurring bookings. Some cleaners offer lower rates for fortnightly rather than weekly visits (FK Domestics).
Do cleaners bring their own supplies or do I provide them?
Most professional cleaners bring their own products and equipment. Some offer all-natural options. Always confirm beforehand (Wecasa).