How Much Does Cleaning Cost in the UK? 2025 Price Guide

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Cleaning costs in the UK vary widely depending on what you need cleaned, where you live, how big your property is, and how often you want the work done. Whether it's domestic house cleaning, commercial office maintenance, or specialist deep cleaning, knowing the current market rates helps you budget properly and spot overpriced quotes. This guide covers real 2025 pricing across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, plus the factors that actually affect what you'll pay.

How Much Does Domestic House Cleaning Cost?

For most UK households, domestic cleaning is the biggest cleaning expense. What you'll pay depends heavily on property size, postcode, and whether you want a one-off deep clean or regular visits.

One-off house cleaning typically costs between £150 and £400 for an average three-bedroom semi-detached or detached house. Cleaners usually charge hourly rates from £15 to £25 per hour in regional areas, rising to £20 to £35 per hour in London and the South East. For a standard two-bedroom flat, expect £120 to £250; a five-bedroom detached house may run £350 to £600.

Regional price differences are significant. London is at the top end: £25 to £40 per hour is typical for established cleaning companies. Greater Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds range from £18 to £28 per hour. Rural areas and smaller towns charge £12 to £18 per hour. The London premium reflects higher overheads, travel costs, and stronger demand.

Regular Weekly or Fortnightly Cleaning

Many households choose recurring cleaning visits instead of deep cleans. Weekly cleans cost roughly £40 to £80 per visit for a typical three-bedroom house; fortnightly visits run £60 to £120. Providers often offer discounts for regular bookings—typically 5 to 10 per cent off the standard hourly rate if you commit to weekly or monthly visits. Annual contracts for weekly cleaning in London typically cost £2,500 to £3,500; outside London, £1,500 to £2,500.

Factors That Push Costs Higher

Several factors increase domestic cleaning quotes beyond the base hourly rate:

• Pet hair and odour management — adds £10 to £30 per visit if you have cats or dogs.
• Mould remediation or mildew treatment — specialist chemicals and labour add £50 to £150 depending on severity.
• Carpet and upholstery cleaning — often charged separately at £25 to £80 per room or on an hourly basis.
• Post-construction or renovation cleaning — typically £200 to £500 for a small property due to dust control and specialist equipment.
• Oven and hob deep cleaning — usually £30 to £60 as an add-on, not included in standard cleaning.
• Window cleaning — often subcontracted or charged separately at £2 to £5 per window or £50 to £150 per visit for a full house.
• Turnaround cleaning between tenants — landlords typically pay £250 to £600 for thorough end-of-tenancy cleans across the UK.

Commercial and Office Cleaning Prices

Business cleaning works on different pricing models than domestic work. Costs depend on building size, type of business, frequency, and whether you need standard or specialist services.

Standard office cleaning typically costs £0.50 to £1.50 per square metre for daily or weekly contracts. A 1,000 square metre office floor might therefore cost £500 to £1,500 monthly. Smaller offices under 500 square metres often face a minimum monthly fee of £200 to £400 plus per-metre charges.

Contract frequency heavily influences cost. Daily office cleaning runs higher per visit than twice-weekly services because the cleaning team covers less ground each time. Overnight or weekend cleaning commands a 10 to 30 per cent premium over daytime cleaning due to labour costs.

Sector-Specific Commercial Rates

Different business types require different cleaning standards and specialisation, reflected in pricing:

• Medical practices, dental surgeries, and care homes — £1.00 to £2.50 per square metre due to infection control, biohazard compliance, and staff training (CQC-registered requirements).
• Retail shops and restaurants — £0.75 to £1.50 per square metre; kitchens cost extra (£100 to £300 per deep clean).
• Industrial facilities and factories — £1.50 to £3.00 per square metre depending on contamination levels and safety requirements.
• Schools and educational settings — typically £0.60 to £1.20 per square metre; specialist allergen or outbreak cleaning adds £500 to £2,000.
• Hotels and hospitality venues — £200 to £500 per room for turnover cleaning; daily area maintenance contracts from £1,500 to £5,000 monthly.

End-of-Tenancy and Specialist Cleaning Costs

End-of-tenancy cleaning helps tenants recover deposits and landlords prepare properties for new occupants. This typically costs £300 to £800 for a three-bedroom house, depending on property condition and location. A thorough inventory clean meeting most deposit-scheme standards costs more than standard weekly cleaning because it includes skirting boards, light fixtures, behind appliances, and window frames.

Specialist cleaning services command premium rates due to training, equipment, and complexity:

• Carpet and upholstery cleaning — £25 to £80 per room or £0.30 to £1.00 per square metre; stain treatment adds £15 to £40 per stain.
• Jet washing and pressure cleaning — driveways and patios run £150 to £400; complete facade cleaning for large buildings £1,500 to £5,000.
• Biohazard and trauma cleaning — £500 to £3,000 depending on extent; requires specialist training and certification.
• Pest control combined with cleaning — adds £150 to £500 to standard cleaning, depending on infestation severity.
• Post-renovation deep cleaning — £200 to £800 for small to medium properties; commercial sites £2,000 to £10,000+.
• Oven and appliance deep cleaning — £40 to £100 per appliance; can add £200 to £400 to a full house clean.

What Affects Your Final Cleaning Quote?

Several practical factors influence the price you're quoted. Understanding them helps you negotiate fairly and avoid surprises.

Location Premium

London and the South East consistently charge 30 to 50 per cent more than the Midlands, North West, and Scotland. Travel time between jobs drives this: a central London cleaner might spend an hour travelling between clients; a rural cleaner covers more distance less frequently. If a Birmingham quote is £100 per visit, expect £130 to £150 for the same service in London.

Property Condition

A well-maintained property cleans faster than one with embedded dirt, mould, or neglect. Cleaners estimate based on square meterage and baseline condition. If your property hasn't been professionally cleaned in years, the first clean typically costs 30 to 50 per cent more; subsequent regular cleans cost less because the property stays in better condition.

Cleaning Frequency and Loyalty Discounts

One-off cleans cost more per hour than regular bookings. A cleaner pricing a single visit at £25 per hour might offer £20 per hour for weekly clients, because they save admin time and secure predictable income. Committing to monthly or quarterly contracts often saves 10 to 15 per cent compared to ad-hoc booking.

Time of Year

Spring and summer see peak demand for cleaning (post-winter deep cleans, holiday preparation, garden clearance). Some providers raise prices 5 to 10 per cent during these periods or have longer booking queues. Winter months often feature more availability and occasional promotional discounts.

Supply of Cleaners in Your Area

Areas with fewer registered, insured cleaning providers charge more because demand exceeds supply. Central London, Manchester city centre, and Edinburgh have competitive markets where prices are lower. Rural postcodes or small towns may have only one or two local options, allowing them to charge premium rates.

How to Avoid Overpaying for Cleaning

Getting fair value requires understanding the market and comparing properly. Here's what to do:

• Get three quotes minimum — phone calls, not just online forms. Ask what's included: do they cover skirting boards, windows, inside appliances, or is that extra? Written quotes prevent disputes.
• Verify insurance and accreditation — reputable cleaners carry employer and public liability insurance (around £200 to £400 annually). Check they're not using cash-in-hand workers; legitimate businesses register for tax and National Insurance.
• Beware of suspiciously low quotes — if a quote is 40 per cent cheaper than competitors, ask why. Are they inexperienced, using untrained staff, or planning to upsell during the job?
• Clarify what's included and what costs extra — some cleaners quote hourly rate only; extras like carpet shampooing, oven cleaning, or window washing are separate. Request an itemised quote.
• Ask about cancellation policies — legitimate providers allow one cancellation per month free; frequent cancellers may incur a £15 to £30 cancellation fee.
• Consider frequency over single cleans — weekly cleaning at £15 per hour is better value than monthly deep cleans at £25 per hour, because maintenance prevents buildup.

Regional Cleaning Cost Breakdown Across the UK

Price variation across the UK is substantial. Here's what you can realistically expect in major areas for a three-bedroom domestic clean (2025 rates):

• London and South East — £280 to £450 per clean; hourly rates £25 to £40.
• Greater Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham — £180 to £300 per clean; hourly rates £18 to £28.
• Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh — £160 to £280 per clean; hourly rates £16 to £25.
• Midlands and East Anglia — £140 to £260 per clean; hourly rates £14 to £22.
• Rural areas and smaller towns — £100 to £200 per clean; hourly rates £12 to £18.

These ranges reflect market competition, cost of living, and transport logistics. Postcodes matter more than city name—central postcodes cost more than suburbs or commuter towns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a house cleaning take and does it affect cost?

A standard three-bedroom house typically takes 2 to 4 hours for a thorough clean. Most UK cleaners charge hourly (£15 to £35 depending on location), so a faster cleaner covering the same work in 2.5 hours costs less than one taking 4 hours. Time depends on property size, current condition, and what's included—don't assume a longer clean is better value.

Is it worth paying for weekly cleaning versus a monthly deep clean?

Weekly cleaning usually offers better value long-term. A weekly 2-hour clean at £20/hour (£40/week, £160/month) keeps your home consistently clean and prevents dirt buildup. A monthly deep clean at £25/hour might cost £100 per visit but take longer because dirt has accumulated. Most people find weekly maintenance cheaper and less disruptive than playing catch-up monthly.

Do I need a contract with a cleaning company or can I book pay-as-you-go?

Both options exist. Pay-as-you-go suits one-off cleans or trial periods; expect to pay standard rates. Formal contracts (even simple email agreements) for regular cleaning often include 5 to 10 per cent discounts and guarantee the cleaner's availability. Ask your provider whether they offer discounts for regular bookings even without a formal contract.

What should I do if a cleaner quotes double what local competitors charge?

Ask them to itemise exactly what's included—sometimes premium quotes include carpet shampooing, oven cleaning, or window washing as standard. If it's standard cleaning only, that's a red flag. A quote 30+ per cent above the local market suggests either inexperience or lack of competition in your area; get alternative quotes.

Are cleaning companies insured and should I check before hiring?

Yes, legitimate cleaning companies carry public liability insurance (protects you if they damage your home or belongings) and employer liability insurance (if they employ staff). Always ask for proof—they should show a current certificate. Uninsured cleaners are risky; if something goes wrong, you have no recourse. Legitimate insurance typically costs providers £200 to £400 annually and is a baseline requirement.

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