How Much Does a Cleaner Cost in the UK?

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Wondering how much a cleaner costs in the UK? As a general guide, independent domestic cleaners may charge around £25 per hour, while cleaning agencies often charge approximately £25–£30 per hour. These are indicative market estimates, not fixed national rates, and you may find services priced above or below these figures.

The actual cleaning cost depends on where you live, the type of cleaning you need, how long the session lasts and what’s included in the service.

Whether you’re looking for weekly help, a one-off house clean or a more thorough deep clean, this guide explains typical house cleaning prices in the UK, what affects the cost and how to compare quotes.

How much does a cleaner cost per hour in the UK?

The cost of a domestic cleaner depends on the provider and the type of service required. Some cleaners charge by the hour, while others offer a fixed price for particular jobs.

The following indicative rates can help you understand what to expect:

Type of cleaning	Indicative hourly price
Independent domestic cleaner	Around £25
Cleaning agency	£25–£30
Deep cleaning	£25–£37

These figures are approximate market estimates rather than official national averages. Actual quotes may be higher or lower depending on your postcode, property and cleaning requirements.

When comparing domestic cleaner prices, remember that the hourly rate doesn’t always tell the whole story. Some providers include insurance, cleaning supplies or booking support, while others charge separately for certain services.

What affects house cleaning prices in the UK?

Several factors influence how much you’ll pay for professional cleaning.

The size and condition of your home

A larger home generally takes longer to clean than a smaller flat, but the condition of the property matters just as much.

A compact home requiring intensive cleaning may take longer than a larger property that’s regularly maintained.

The number of bathrooms, the amount of furniture and the areas you want cleaned can all affect the time required.

Regular or one-off cleaning

How frequently you book a cleaner can also influence the hourly rate.

Regular cleaning usually involves weekly or fortnightly visits for everyday household maintenance, such as dusting, hoovering, mopping and cleaning kitchens and bathrooms.

A one-off house clean is useful when you need occasional help without committing to regular sessions. This might be before guests arrive, during a particularly busy period or when you want to catch up on household chores.

Some providers offer different rates for regular and one-off sessions, so comparing both options can help you find the best value.

Standard cleaning or deep cleaning

Standard cleaning focuses on routine household maintenance, including:

• Dusting and wiping surfaces
• Hoovering and mopping floors
• Cleaning kitchen surfaces and sinks
• Cleaning bathrooms and toilets
• Emptying bins
• Cleaning accessible mirrors

Deep cleaning typically involves more detailed work, such as tackling built-up grime, descaling bathroom fixtures and cleaning inside cupboards or other overlooked areas.

Because these tasks require more time and attention, deep cleaning often costs more than a standard session.

Cleaning products and equipment

Some cleaners expect you to provide cleaning products and equipment, while others bring their own supplies.

Depending on the provider, these may be included in the hourly rate or charged as an optional extra.

Always check what’s included before booking.

Do cleaning prices vary by location?

Yes. Cleaning prices vary across the UK due to differences in local labour costs, demand and operating expenses.

London cleaning services may have different rates from providers in other large cities, smaller towns or rural areas.

However, location isn’t the only factor. Two cleaners working in the same area may charge different rates depending on their experience, services and business costs.

For a fair comparison, check quotes for your own postcode and look at the total price rather than relying on broad regional averages.

Independent cleaner vs cleaning agency: which costs more?

There are several ways to book domestic cleaning, each with its own pricing considerations.

Independent cleaners

Self-employed cleaners generally set their own rates and make arrangements directly with customers.

This can provide flexibility over scheduling and the tasks you need completed.

Before booking, check whether the cleaner has appropriate insurance, provides their own supplies and has clear payment and cancellation arrangements.

Cleaning agencies

Cleaning agencies may manage bookings, staffing and customer support.

Their rates can reflect the additional administration and services they provide.

Check whether the quoted price includes insurance, cleaning products and any additional fees.

Online cleaning platforms

Online platforms allow customers to find and book cleaning professionals in their area.

Depending on the platform, the service may include online booking management, professional vetting, insurance and customer support.

When comparing prices, consider the full service rather than just the hourly rate.

What is the hourly rate for a self-employed cleaner in the UK?

The self-employed cleaner hourly rate in the UK varies according to location, experience, demand and business costs.

As a general market guide, independent domestic cleaners may charge around £25 per hour, although actual rates vary.

Unlike employees, genuinely self-employed cleaners running their own businesses generally set their own prices. They must account for expenses such as travel, insurance, supplies, administration and taxes.

Is a cleaner’s wage per hour the same as the customer price?

No. A cleaner’s wage per hour is not necessarily the same as the hourly price paid by a customer.

For context, the UK’s National Living Wage is £12.71 per hour from April 2026 for eligible workers aged 21 and over.

This is a legal minimum wage, not a standard cleaning service price. A customer-facing hourly rate can also cover business expenses, insurance, administration and other operating costs.

Genuinely self-employed cleaners are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage for their self-employed work. However, if you hire someone directly and their actual working arrangement makes them your employee or worker, minimum wage requirements and other legal obligations may apply.

How much does a regular cleaner cost?

The total cost of regular cleaning depends on the hourly rate, session duration and booking frequency.

For example, using an illustrative rate of £25 per hour:

Cleaning frequency	Cost per session	Approximate monthly cost
2 hours weekly	£50	£217
3 hours weekly	£75	£325
2 hours fortnightly	£50	£108

Monthly estimates are calculated using 52 weeks divided by 12 months and assume every scheduled visit takes place. Actual costs depend on your cleaner’s rate and any additional charges.

Regular cleaning can make household maintenance easier because recurring tasks are completed consistently.

If you’re considering a weekly or fortnightly cleaner, compare the total monthly cost rather than focusing only on the hourly rate.

How much does a one-off house clean cost?

A one-off house clean is ideal when you need occasional help without an ongoing commitment.

The total cost depends on the hourly rate, the number of hours booked and the condition of your home.

For example, at an illustrative rate of £25 per hour:

• A two-hour clean would cost £50.
• A three-hour clean would cost £75.
• A four-hour clean would cost £100.

These are simple examples excluding any additional charges, rather than guaranteed quotes.

One-off cleaning can be useful for:

• Preparing your home for visitors
• Seasonal household cleaning
• Catching up on routine chores
• Trying a cleaning service before booking regularly

If your home needs substantially more intensive work, a deep cleaning service may be more appropriate.

How much does deep cleaning a house cost?

The cost of deep cleaning a house depends on the property’s size, condition and the tasks required.

Unlike regular cleaning, deep cleaning focuses on areas that need additional attention, including built-up grease, limescale, inside cupboards and detailed cleaning around fixtures.

As an indicative market estimate, professional deep cleaning may cost around £25–£37 per hour, although actual quotes vary. At an illustrative rate of £31 per hour, a six-hour session would cost approximately £186.

However, the actual duration and price depend on the work involved.

Deep cleaning can include tasks such as:

• Detailed cleaning of kitchen appliances
• Descaling bathroom fixtures
• Cleaning inside cupboards and drawers
• Wiping skirting boards and door frames
• Tackling accumulated dirt in accessible areas

How do one-off deep clean prices compare?

One-off deep clean prices in the UK can vary considerably because different providers include different tasks.

Some cleaners charge an hourly rate, while others provide a fixed quote based on the property and scope of work.

For example, a kitchen requiring extensive degreasing and detailed appliance cleaning may take significantly longer than one that receives regular maintenance.

When comparing deep cleaning quotes, request a clear breakdown of what’s included. Two services advertised as deep cleaning may involve very different amounts of work.

Is £20 an hour expensive for a cleaner?

Not necessarily. Whether £20 per hour represents good value depends on where you live, the type of cleaning and what’s included.

For comparison, indicative UK market estimates suggest independent cleaners may charge around £25 per hour, although prices can vary considerably.

A cheaper hourly rate isn’t always the better deal if important services are excluded.

Before booking, check:

• Is the cleaner or cleaning session insured?
• Are cleaning products and equipment included?
• What cleaning tasks are covered?
• Are there any minimum booking requirements?
• Are cancellation or rescheduling fees applicable?
• Are optional services charged separately?

Looking at the total cost and the service provided gives you a more meaningful comparison than the headline hourly rate alone.

Do cleaning products cost extra?

This depends on the cleaner or service you book.

Some cleaners expect you to provide products and equipment, while others can bring cleaning supplies for an additional charge.

Before booking, ask whether you need to provide items such as a hoover, mop, cloths and suitable cleaning products.

Knowing what’s included helps you avoid unexpected costs.

Is ironing included in the cleaning price?

Not always. Some cleaners offer ironing as part of their service, while others treat it as an optional extra.

If ironing is important to you, check whether it’s available and whether it affects the price or the time required.

Remember that time spent ironing may reduce the time available for other cleaning tasks during an hourly booking.

How much cleaning can be done in 2 or 3 hours?

The amount a cleaner can achieve depends on the size and condition of your home, the tasks involved and your priorities.

A two-hour session might be enough to focus on a kitchen, bathroom and selected living areas in a smaller, regularly maintained home.

Three hours may allow more rooms or additional tasks to be covered.

However, these are only general examples. A larger property or a home requiring intensive cleaning may need considerably more time.

The best approach is to agree on your priorities before the session so your cleaner can focus on the areas that matter most.

How to compare cleaner prices fairly

A low hourly rate doesn’t always mean the best overall value.

Before choosing a cleaner, consider the following:

• What’s included: Check which rooms and cleaning tasks are covered.
• Products and equipment: Find out whether supplies are included or cost extra.
• Insurance: Ask what protection is available if accidental damage occurs.
• Vetting and references: Understand what checks have been carried out.
• Booking flexibility: Check cancellation and rescheduling conditions.
• Reviews: Look for recent customer feedback about reliability and service quality.
• Total cost: Compare the full price, including extras or minimum booking requirements.

Comparing these details can help you choose a service that suits both your home and your budget.

How to get better value from your cleaner

Getting good value doesn’t necessarily mean choosing the cheapest hourly rate.

A few simple steps can help you make the most of your cleaning session:

• Set priorities in advance so the cleaner knows which areas matter most.
• Tidy away clutter to leave more time for cleaning surfaces and floors.
• Have cleaning supplies ready if you’re expected to provide them.
• Choose the right type of clean instead of trying to fit intensive tasks into a standard session.
• Book enough time for the size and condition of your home.
• Consider regular cleaning if you want help maintaining your home consistently.

Clear expectations help ensure the time you’ve booked is used effectively.

Finding the right cleaning service for your budget

The cost of a cleaner in the UK depends on more than the hourly rate. The type of cleaning, session length, location and included services all affect what you’ll pay.

Start by deciding what needs cleaning and how frequently you’d like help. Then compare quotes based on the same requirements.

You can also check cleaning availability and prices for your postcode on Wecasa’s domestic cleaning page.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a cleaner cost per hour in the UK?

As a general market guide, independent domestic cleaners may charge around £25 per hour, while agency cleaning can cost approximately £25–£30 per hour. Actual prices vary depending on location, provider and service.

How much should I expect to pay a cleaner?

The amount depends on the hourly rate and how long the cleaning session lasts. At an illustrative rate of £25 per hour, a three-hour session would cost £75 before any extras.

How much does a cleaner cost for 2 hours?

At £25 per hour, a two-hour cleaning session would cost £50. This is an example rather than a fixed market price, and additional charges may apply.

Is £20 an hour a lot for a cleaner?

Not necessarily. £20 per hour may represent good value depending on your location and what’s included. Check the cleaner’s experience, insurance, products and any additional fees before comparing prices.

Is regular cleaning cheaper than one-off cleaning?

Some providers offer lower hourly rates for regular bookings, but this isn’t universal. Compare quotes for weekly, fortnightly and one-off sessions to understand the actual difference.

What affects the cost of deep cleaning a house?

Property size, condition, session duration and the scope of intensive cleaning all affect the price. Tasks such as oven cleaning, descaling and cleaning inside cupboards may require additional time or incur separate charges.

How much are one-off deep clean prices in the UK?

Indicative deep cleaning rates can be around £25–£37 per hour, although actual prices vary. The total cost of a one-off deep clean depends on the number of hours required and the tasks included. Some providers may offer fixed-price quotes instead.

Do cleaners bring their own products?

Some do, while others expect customers to provide cleaning products and equipment. Supplies may also be available as a paid extra, depending on the provider.

What is the self-employed cleaner hourly rate in the UK?

Self-employed cleaners set their own rates based on factors such as location, experience, demand and business costs. As a general guide, independent domestic cleaning can cost around £25 per hour.

Is a cleaner’s wage per hour the same as the customer price?

No. The amount a customer pays for cleaning isn’t necessarily the same as the cleaner’s wages or earnings.

A cleaning service’s price may also cover insurance, booking management, administration and other business expenses.