How do I quote for a domestic cleaning job in the UK?

Understanding how domestic cleaning quotes work in the UK

Quoting for a domestic cleaning job in the UK is one of the most important skills you can develop as a cleaner or cleaning business owner. Whether you are a solo cleaner just starting out or running a growing cleaning company, your quotes directly affect your income, your reputation, and your long-term success. Quote too high and you may lose work. Quote too low and you risk burnout, poor profits, or even running at a loss.

A good quote balances fairness, clarity, and professionalism. It reflects the true scope of the work, covers your costs, and leaves room for profit. It also reassures customers that they are dealing with someone organised, transparent, and trustworthy. In this article, we will walk through everything you need to know about quoting for domestic cleaning jobs in the UK, from understanding the property to presenting a professional quote and invoice using tools like invoice24.

Why accurate quoting matters for domestic cleaners

Domestic cleaning might seem straightforward, but no two homes are the same. Sizes vary, levels of dirt differ, and customer expectations can be very specific. A rushed or vague quote can quickly lead to misunderstandings, unpaid time, or unhappy clients.

Accurate quoting helps you:

• Earn a consistent and sustainable income
• Avoid underpricing your time and effort
• Set clear expectations with clients
• Reduce disputes over price and scope
• Build a professional image for your business

In the UK, customers often compare multiple quotes before choosing a cleaner. A well-structured quote that looks professional and clearly explains what is included can give you a strong advantage, especially when paired with clean, simple invoicing through invoice24.

Key factors to consider before giving a quote

Before you give a price for any domestic cleaning job, you need to gather the right information. Quoting blindly over the phone can lead to problems later, so it’s important to ask the right questions or visit the property where possible.

Property size and layout

The size of the property is one of the biggest factors in your quote. This includes:

• Number of bedrooms
• Number of bathrooms or toilets
• Number of floors
• Kitchen size
• Living rooms, dining rooms, and other spaces

A three-bedroom flat will usually take less time than a three-bedroom house with stairs and multiple bathrooms. Larger kitchens and open-plan living areas also increase cleaning time.

Condition of the property

The condition of the home makes a huge difference. A well-maintained home that is cleaned regularly will take far less time than one that hasn’t been cleaned in months.

You may want to ask:

• How often is the property currently cleaned?
• Are there heavy limescale or grease issues?
• Is there pet hair or strong odours?
• Are there areas that haven’t been cleaned for a long time?

For first-time or deep cleans, it is common in the UK to charge a higher rate than for ongoing regular cleans.

Type of cleaning required

Domestic cleaning can mean different things to different customers. Make sure you understand exactly what is expected. Common types include:

• Regular weekly or fortnightly cleaning
• One-off deep cleaning
• End of tenancy cleaning
• Spring cleaning
• Post-renovation cleaning

Each type of clean requires a different level of time, effort, and sometimes equipment. Your quote should reflect this clearly.

Frequency of cleaning

Regular cleaning jobs are usually priced lower per visit than one-off cleans because the property stays at a manageable standard. Many UK cleaners offer discounted hourly rates for weekly or fortnightly clients.

For example:

• Weekly clean: lower hourly rate
• Fortnightly clean: standard rate
• Monthly or one-off clean: higher rate

Be clear about how often the cleaning will take place and whether the price will change if visits are missed.

Hourly rates vs fixed-price quotes

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when quoting is whether to charge by the hour or offer a fixed price. Both methods are common in the UK, and each has advantages.

Hourly pricing

Hourly rates are simple and flexible. Many domestic cleaners in the UK charge an hourly rate ranging from £12 to £25, depending on location, experience, and services offered.

Benefits of hourly pricing include:

• Easy to calculate
• Flexible if the job takes longer
• Clear for ongoing regular cleans

However, some customers prefer to know the total cost upfront, and hourly pricing can sometimes lead to disputes if expectations are not clear.

Fixed-price quotes

Fixed prices are popular for one-off cleans, deep cleans, and end of tenancy jobs. You assess the job, estimate the time required, and provide a total price.

Benefits of fixed pricing include:

• Clear total cost for the customer
• Professional appearance
• Encourages efficiency

The key risk with fixed pricing is underestimating the time needed. This is why careful assessment is essential.

How to calculate your cleaning quote step by step

To produce consistent and fair quotes, it helps to follow a simple process.

Step 1: Decide your base rate

Your base rate should cover:

• Your wages or desired income
• Cleaning supplies and equipment
• Travel costs
• Insurance
• Taxes and National Insurance

Once you know your minimum acceptable hourly rate, you can adjust it based on the job type.

Step 2: Estimate the time required

Based on the property size, condition, and cleaning tasks, estimate how long the job will take. It’s better to slightly overestimate than underestimate.

Step 3: Add extras

Extras such as oven cleaning, fridge cleaning, interior windows, or heavy limescale removal should be priced separately or clearly included in the quote.

Step 4: Factor in frequency discounts

If the customer agrees to regular cleaning, you may choose to reduce the rate slightly to secure long-term work.

Step 5: Present a clear total

Make sure the final quote clearly states:

• Total price
• What is included
• What is not included
• How long the clean is expected to take

Quoting for different types of domestic cleaning jobs

Different cleaning jobs require different quoting approaches.

Regular domestic cleaning

Regular cleans are usually quoted based on time and frequency. Many cleaners start with an initial deep clean at a higher price, followed by a lower regular rate.

Deep cleaning

Deep cleaning involves more detailed work such as skirting boards, inside cupboards, and heavy grime removal. These jobs are best quoted as fixed-price after assessing the property.

End of tenancy cleaning

End of tenancy cleans are often more intensive and time-sensitive. Landlords and tenants expect a high standard, so your quote should reflect the workload and responsibility involved.

Handling customer expectations and communication

Clear communication is just as important as the price itself. Make sure customers understand exactly what they are paying for.

It’s a good idea to:

• Provide a written quote
• List cleaning tasks clearly
• Explain any conditions or exclusions
• Confirm payment terms

This professionalism builds trust and reduces misunderstandings.

Using invoice24 to create professional quotes and invoices

Once you’ve worked out your quote, presenting it professionally can make a big difference. This is where invoice24 becomes an essential tool for domestic cleaners in the UK.

Invoice24 allows you to create clean, professional quotes and invoices quickly and easily, even if you’re not confident with admin or paperwork. You can:

• Create and send quotes in minutes
• Convert quotes into invoices instantly
• Track paid and unpaid invoices
• Look professional to customers
• Save time on paperwork

Unlike many complicated or expensive invoicing systems, invoice24 is designed to be simple and accessible. This is especially helpful for cleaners who want to focus on their work rather than admin.

Common quoting mistakes to avoid

Even experienced cleaners make mistakes when quoting. Being aware of common pitfalls can help you avoid them.

• Underpricing to win work
• Not charging extra for deep cleaning
• Failing to clarify what is included
• Not adjusting prices over time
• Providing verbal quotes only

Using written quotes and invoices through invoice24 helps protect you and presents your business as reliable and professional.

Adjusting your prices over time

Your prices don’t have to stay the same forever. As your experience grows, your costs increase, or demand rises, it’s reasonable to review your rates.

When increasing prices:

• Give customers notice
• Explain the reason clearly
• Remain professional and polite

Many customers will accept reasonable increases, especially if you provide consistent, high-quality service.

Building confidence in your quotes

Confidence plays a big role in successful quoting. If you sound unsure, customers may try to negotiate or question your price.

Remember that your quote reflects your time, skill, and effort. Standing by your price while remaining polite and professional helps attract the right clients.

Final thoughts on quoting for domestic cleaning jobs in the UK

Quoting for domestic cleaning jobs in the UK doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding the property, calculating your costs properly, and communicating clearly, you can create quotes that are fair, accurate, and profitable.

Using a simple, reliable tool like invoice24 makes the process even easier, allowing you to present professional quotes and invoices that build trust and save time. Over time, consistent quoting and professional presentation will help you grow a stable, successful cleaning business.

Whether you’re quoting your first cleaning job or refining your process, taking a structured approach will put you in control and help you get paid what you deserve.