Getting a house cleaning quote shouldn't feel like you're negotiating a used car deal. Most cleaning companies operate with straightforward pricing models—but you need to know what questions to ask and what details to provide so you actually get accurate, comparable numbers.
Define Your Cleaning Scope Clearly
Before you contact a single company, write down exactly what you want cleaned. Don't just say "clean my house." Instead, specify:
- Square footage (or number of bedrooms/bathrooms)
- Type of cleaning: basic/standard, deep clean, or move-in/move-out
- Specific tasks: windows, baseboards, inside appliances, carpet shampooing, grout cleaning
- Frequency: one-time, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly
- Pet hair, allergies, or special materials that need careful handling
This detail is crucial because a 1,200-square-foot apartment needs a different quote than a 4,000-square-foot house. A monthly maintenance cleaning costs far less per visit than a one-time deep clean.
Provide Accurate Home Details
Cleaning services price based on the actual work required. When you request a quote, be honest about:
- Current condition (clutter level, general tidiness, visible pet mess or stains)
- Age and condition of flooring and surfaces
- Whether it's pre-cleaned or needs sorting/organization help
- Kitchen and bathroom conditions specifically (they're time-intensive areas)
Companies often charge more for homes that require significant pre-cleanup before actual cleaning starts. If your place is cluttered, saying so upfront prevents surprise fees later.
Get Quotes From 3-5 Companies
Don't settle for one quote. Contact multiple local services to compare pricing and communication style. Most cleaning companies offer free in-home estimates or virtual consultations. National averages hover around $100–$150 for a standard 2-bedroom home, but this varies widely by region (urban markets run 20–30% higher) and service type.
Request quotes from:
- Local independently owned services
- Franchise operations (Maid Brigade, Two Maids & A Mop, Molly Maid)
- Online platforms that connect you with vetted cleaners
- Services with strong Google or Yelp reviews in your area
Services like Mercoly help you compare and find trusted house cleaning providers in one place, saving time on the research phase.
Ask Specific Pricing Questions
Don't just accept a per-hour or per-visit rate. Dig deeper:
What's included in that price? Does it cover just basic vacuuming and dusting, or also baseboards, under furniture, and inside cabinets?
How do you charge for add-ons? Window cleaning, oven cleaning, or carpet shampooing might be extras. Get those costs in writing.
What's your minimum? Some companies require a minimum number of hours or frequency commitment.
Travel fees? Do they charge for distance, or is that built in?
Cancellation policy? What happens if you cancel or reschedule?
Getting these answers prevents sticker shock when the invoice arrives.
Check References and Guarantees
An accurate quote means nothing if the service is poor. Before hiring, verify:
- Google reviews and Yelp ratings (aim for 4.5+ stars with 50+ reviews minimum)
- Whether they're insured and bonded (liability coverage protects your home)
- If they offer a satisfaction guarantee or re-clean policy
- How long they've been in business
A company confident in its work will stand behind quality guarantees. If they balk at references or won't guarantee satisfaction, move on.
Verify the Final Contract
Once you select a company, confirm the written agreement includes:
- Exact services and square footage
- Price per visit or monthly rate
- Payment terms and accepted methods
- Cancellation terms
- Insurance information
This paper trail protects both you and the cleaner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does one company quote $200 and another $400 for the same size home? A: Pricing varies by company overhead, staff wages, region, and what's included (basic vs. deep clean, product costs, travel). Always compare apples to apples by requesting identical scopes from each company.
Q: Should I tip my cleaning service, and how much? A: Tipping is optional but appreciated, especially for consistent, high-quality work. 15–20% of the service cost is standard, though one-time deep cleans often get smaller tips than regular monthly services.
Q: Can I negotiate the quote price? A: Some smaller, independent services may negotiate, particularly for long-term contracts or larger properties, but established companies typically have set pricing structures that reflect their actual costs.
Get your quotes in writing, compare like with like, and hire based on value and reviews—not the lowest price alone.