How much should I charge for domestic cleaning in the UK in 2026?

How to set domestic cleaning prices in the UK in 2026

If you’re running (or starting) a domestic cleaning business in the UK in 2026, you’ve probably asked the same question every cleaner asks sooner or later: how much should I charge? Price too low and you’ll work flat-out while barely covering costs. Price too high and you’ll struggle to win regular clients. The good news is that pricing domestic cleaning isn’t guesswork. You can build a fair, profitable rate using a simple structure that accounts for your local market, your costs, the type of cleaning you offer, and how you want your business to grow.

This guide walks you through setting your rates in a practical way, with real-world pricing models you can use immediately. You’ll also see how to present your prices clearly to customers, how to avoid common undercharging traps, and how to invoice in a professional way that builds trust and helps you get paid on time. If you use a free invoicing tool like invoice24, you can make the whole process smoother: quotes, invoices, payment terms, repeat clients, and tidy record-keeping without the stress.

Typical domestic cleaning pricing models in the UK

Most domestic cleaners in the UK use one (or a mix) of four main pricing methods. Each has benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice depends on the kind of jobs you want to take and how confident you are with time estimates.

1) Hourly rate

Hourly pricing is common for standard weekly or fortnightly cleaning, especially when clients prefer flexibility. You agree an hourly rate and a typical number of hours per visit. Hourly is straightforward, and it can feel “fair” to a customer because they can see the time being spent. The risk is that if you work quickly and efficiently, you can end up earning less than you deserve compared to a slower cleaner charging the same hourly rate.

Hourly works best when you have consistent, repeat work, and you’re confident you can maintain a stable routine. It’s also useful for “maintenance cleans” where the workload doesn’t change much visit to visit.

2) Fixed price per visit (flat rate)

With a fixed price per visit, you quote a set amount for the job, regardless of whether it takes you slightly longer or shorter on the day. Flat rates reward efficiency and help you plan your income better. Customers often like fixed prices because it removes uncertainty.

The challenge is that you must estimate accurately. If you underquote, you’ll feel it immediately. If you overquote, you may lose work. A reliable way to start is to base your fixed price on an hourly rate you’re comfortable with, multiplied by your expected time, then add a small buffer for occasional extra mess or unexpected tasks.

3) Price per room or per property size

Some cleaners use a “menu” approach: a price range for a one-bedroom flat, two-bedroom house, three-bedroom house, and so on. This can be great for marketing because customers can quickly see a ballpark figure. However, it can be inaccurate if you don’t also account for bathrooms, pets, children, clutter levels, and the customer’s expectations.

If you use property-size pricing, keep it as a starting point, and include clear assumptions like “one bathroom” or “standard maintenance clean.”

4) Task-based pricing

Task-based pricing is ideal for deep cleans, end-of-tenancy cleans, and specialist add-ons. You charge for specific outcomes: oven clean, fridge clean, inside windows, skirting boards, limescale removal, or a full deep clean package. This approach makes it easier to explain your prices and reduces the risk of customers expecting extras for free.

Many successful cleaners combine a fixed visit price for regular cleaning with task-based add-ons for occasional heavy jobs.

Start with your minimum viable rate (the number you must charge)

Before you look at what others charge, you need to know what you need to charge. This is your minimum viable rate: the lowest rate you can charge while covering costs and earning a wage that makes the work worthwhile. Anything below this is not a “competitive price” — it’s a slow business failure.

To find your minimum viable hourly rate, work through the following factors.

Your take-home pay target

Decide what you want to earn per hour after costs. Be realistic, but don’t undervalue yourself. Domestic cleaning is physical, skilled, and often includes travel and time management. Remember: the hours you spend cleaning are not the only hours you work. You also have unpaid time for messaging clients, travel, buying supplies, bookkeeping, and scheduling.

Your business costs

Even as a sole trader, your costs add up. Typical cost categories include:

• Travel (fuel, public transport, parking, vehicle wear)

• Supplies (cleaning chemicals, cloths, sponges, gloves, bin bags)

• Equipment (vacuum, mop, buckets, steam cleaner)

• Insurance (public liability is strongly recommended)

• Advertising and marketing (leaflets, local ads, online listings)

• Admin tools (phone, data plan, invoicing, bookkeeping)

• Training, certifications, and replacements for worn equipment

Some cleaners charge one price if the customer provides products and equipment, and a higher price if the cleaner provides everything. That’s a reasonable approach, as long as you make it clear in your quote.

Your tax and national insurance

In the UK, self-employed cleaners typically need to set money aside for income tax and national insurance. Your personal situation matters here, so build a buffer into your pricing rather than hoping it “works out later.” Many small businesses run into trouble not because they didn’t have customers, but because they didn’t price with taxes in mind.

Paid vs billable hours

This is the big one. If you clean 25 hours a week, you might only have 20 billable hours once you include travel gaps, cancellations, and admin. Price should reflect your true billable time. Otherwise you’ll feel busy and still be short on money.

A practical method: estimate your weekly business costs, divide by your billable hours, and add that amount on top of your desired take-home hourly pay. That gives you a baseline hourly rate that actually supports your business.

Market pricing: what customers expect in 2026

Once you know your minimum viable rate, you can adjust for market conditions. Domestic cleaning in the UK varies dramatically by location. A rate that is normal in one area may feel high or low in another. London, commuter towns, and high-cost urban centres tend to support higher rates, while some rural areas and lower-cost regions may be more price-sensitive.

In 2026, customers are also more aware of professional service standards than in the past. Many expect:

• Clear pricing and what’s included

• Reliability and consistent scheduling

• Insurance and a professional approach

• Easy payments and clear invoices

That last point matters. A cleaner who invoices clearly and makes payment simple often wins trust faster than one who is casual about money. This is where invoice24 can help: you can create clean, professional invoices in minutes, use consistent payment terms, and keep everything organised — without paying for complicated accounting software.

Suggested price ranges you can use as a starting point

Instead of giving a single “correct” price, it’s more helpful to think in ranges and choose a position based on your service level and area. The numbers below are intended as practical starting points. Your minimum viable rate and local market will determine where you sit.

Regular domestic cleaning (maintenance)

Regular weekly/fortnightly cleaning typically sits in a lower range than deep cleaning because the workload is more predictable. Many cleaners choose either an hourly rate or a flat per-visit price derived from their expected time.

• Entry-level / price-sensitive areas: lower-to-mid hourly range

• Average market positioning: mid hourly range

• Premium positioning / high-cost areas: upper hourly range

If you don’t want to publish your exact hourly rate, you can advertise “from” pricing and provide a quote after a quick call or message. It’s often better than guessing a price on the spot.

Deep cleaning

Deep cleans should be priced higher than regular cleaning because they involve detail work, buildup removal, and often more supplies. The best method is a fixed quote based on an inspection or a detailed checklist, with optional add-ons.

Deep cleans can be priced as a half-day or full-day package, or as a fixed total based on property size plus extras (oven, inside cupboards, heavy limescale). If you price deep cleans hourly, make sure your hourly rate accounts for the intensity and the higher risk of underestimating.

End-of-tenancy cleaning

End-of-tenancy cleans are usually time-consuming and expectation-heavy. Tenants and landlords often expect a near “show home” finish, and the property may be empty, which changes the workflow. A fixed quote is strongly recommended, with a clear checklist.

Be careful with end-of-tenancy cleans: customers can be more likely to dispute what’s included. Protect yourself by defining the scope clearly in your quote and then reflecting it in your invoice. With invoice24, you can include line items for each part of the clean so there’s less confusion later.

What should your pricing include (and exclude)?

A lot of pricing issues come from unclear inclusions. Customers might assume tasks are included that you consider “extra,” and that causes tension. Avoid this by defining your standard clean, your deep clean, and your add-ons.

Common inclusions for a standard clean

• Dusting accessible surfaces

• Vacuuming and mopping floors

• Kitchen wipe-downs (worktops, external cupboard fronts, hob surface)

• Bathroom clean (sink, toilet, bath/shower surface clean)

• Emptying bins (if agreed)

Common exclusions (often priced as add-ons)

• Oven cleaning

• Inside fridge/freezer

• Inside cupboards/wardrobes

• Inside windows

• Wall washing / heavy grease removal

• Heavy limescale treatment

• Cleaning up biohazards (this needs specialist handling)

It’s not about refusing to do work; it’s about pricing it properly. A simple “add-on menu” can increase your revenue and reduce misunderstandings.

How to price fairly when a client asks, “How long will it take?”

Clients often want a time estimate because they’re trying to compare quotes. The best approach is to shift the conversation from time to outcomes. Instead of promising a perfect result in an unrealistic time, explain what your service includes and how you price for it.

For example, you might say that a standard clean is designed to maintain a home at a good weekly/fortnightly level, while deep cleaning focuses on detailed buildup removal. Then you can give a time range rather than a precise promise, especially for first-time cleans where you don’t yet know the condition of the property.

If you’re worried about clients pushing for “as fast as possible,” consider quoting per visit rather than per hour. Flat pricing gives you control and reduces awkward conversations about whether you should “finish early” for less money. Customers are paying for a result and a reliable service, not just minutes on a clock.

How to handle first cleans and initial deep cleans

Many cleaners charge more for the first visit, even for clients who will become regulars. That’s because the first clean often involves extra work: catching up on neglected areas, learning the home layout, and getting it to a baseline standard. After that, maintenance becomes quicker and more predictable.

A sensible structure is:

• Initial clean: fixed price (or higher hourly rate) to establish the baseline

• Ongoing regular clean: standard rate

• Optional periodic deep clean: priced separately

When you invoice this clearly, clients understand why the first clean costs more. Using invoice24, you can label the first appointment as “Initial clean / catch-up clean” and list the scope. That simple clarity helps prevent complaints and builds confidence.

Travel, parking, and gaps: pricing that protects your day

Domestic cleaning often involves short jobs spread across a day. The hidden cost is travel time and the gaps that can appear between clients. If you don’t price with this in mind, your effective hourly earnings can drop sharply.

Options for travel costs

• Build it into your hourly rate (simple and discreet)

• Charge a small travel fee outside your main area (clear and fair)

• Create zones (Zone 1, Zone 2) with slightly different rates

Many cleaners prefer building travel into the rate for nearby clients and using a surcharge for far-away jobs. If you do this, communicate it early in the quote.

Minimum booking time

A minimum booking time (for example, two hours) can protect your schedule. One-hour cleans can be inefficient once you include travel and setup. Clients may push back, but minimums are common and entirely reasonable if you explain that it ensures you can deliver a consistent standard without rushing.

How to charge when you hire staff or subcontractors

If you expand beyond solo work, pricing must cover wages, employer responsibilities (if applicable), and the extra admin involved in scheduling others. Even subcontractors require management time and quality checks. Your prices should reflect that your business is now providing a managed service, not just your personal labour.

Common approaches include:

• Charge clients a higher rate than you pay workers to cover overhead and profit

• Standardise service packages and checklists for consistency

• Invoice under your business name with consistent terms and clear scope

When you’re managing multiple jobs, invoices can become a headache. A free invoicing app like invoice24 is especially useful here because you can keep each customer’s invoice history tidy, duplicate recurring invoices, and avoid missing payments that slip through the cracks.

Pricing psychology: how customers compare cleaning quotes

Most customers don’t compare cleaning services purely by the cheapest number. They compare by a blend of price, trust, and convenience. A cleaner who responds quickly, arrives on time, has a clear checklist, and invoices professionally often wins over someone cheaper but unclear.

Here are a few pricing signals that influence how customers perceive value:

• Clear scope: clients feel safer when they know what’s included

• Consistency: a predictable routine is worth paying for

• Professional presentation: clean invoices and terms reduce anxiety

• Options: add-ons let customers customise without haggling

invoice24 supports this “professional presentation” piece. When your invoices look consistent and easy to understand, clients feel like they’re dealing with a real business. That can justify a higher price and reduce late payments.

How to quote: a simple process that avoids undercharging

Quoting is where many cleaners lose money. They either guess too low to secure the job or they forget to account for time-consuming details. Here’s a simple, repeatable process that helps you quote more accurately.

Step 1: Gather the essentials

• Property type (flat/house)

• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms

• Pets and children (more mess is common)

• How often they want cleaning (weekly, fortnightly, monthly)

• Current condition (well-maintained vs needs a catch-up)

• Any priority areas (kitchen, bathrooms, floors)

Step 2: Choose the pricing model

For regular work, decide whether you’re quoting hourly with a typical time or offering a fixed per-visit price. For deep cleans or end-of-tenancy, prefer a fixed quote with add-ons.

Step 3: Add buffers for real-world issues

Allow for parking, access issues, clutter, and occasional “extra messy” weeks. A small buffer protects both you and the customer because it reduces the risk of you rushing or renegotiating later.

Step 4: Put it in writing

A written quote sets expectations. When the client accepts, turn it into an invoice with clear payment terms. invoice24 makes this easy: you can create a professional invoice that matches your quote, list line items, and keep everything stored for future reference.

Rates vs results: positioning your cleaning service

Your price should match your positioning. Think of domestic cleaning as having three broad tiers:

Value tier

Focus: affordability, basic maintenance. You’ll likely need higher volume of clients and tight scheduling. You must be careful not to burn out. If you choose value tier, streamline your work and set strict boundaries on what’s included.

Standard professional tier

Focus: reliability, quality, and clear scope. This is often the sweet spot. You can charge enough to cover costs, deliver a consistent result, and build long-term clients who value your service.

Premium tier

Focus: high detail, strong customer experience, possibly eco-friendly products, specialist skills, or flexible scheduling. Premium clients often want minimal fuss: they’ll pay more for trust, discretion, and consistent excellence.

Wherever you land, match your branding and invoices to the tier you want. A premium service with messy, unclear payment messages feels inconsistent. invoice24 helps you keep your client communication aligned with a professional image, even if you’re a one-person business.

Late cancellations and no-shows: should you charge?

Domestic cleaners lose a lot of money through short-notice cancellations. If someone cancels the night before, you may not be able to fill the slot. A fair cancellation policy protects your income and encourages clients to respect your time.

Common approaches include:

• Free reschedule with enough notice

• A partial fee for cancellations under a certain notice period

• Full fee for no-shows or last-minute cancellations

Whatever you choose, explain it clearly up front. Then, if you need to apply it, invoice it calmly and professionally. Using invoice24, you can add a line item like “Late cancellation fee” with the date and details, keeping everything transparent and avoiding awkward back-and-forth.

How to raise your prices without losing clients

At some point, you’ll need to raise your rates. Costs rise, your skills improve, and your schedule fills up. The key is to do it professionally and with notice.

Tips for raising prices smoothly:

• Give advance notice (for example, several weeks)

• Explain briefly (cost increases, business sustainability, improved service)

• Keep it simple: state the new rate and the effective date