How Much Do Cleaners Charge Per Hour?
Knowing the going rate is the single best protection against overpaying for cleaning. This guide gives you 2026 UK rates for regular cleaning, deep cleans, and end-of-tenancy jobs, explains what moves the price, and shows when hourly beats a fixed quote.
8 minute read · Updated June 2026 · UK pricing
Quick answer
Most UK domestic cleaners charge £15–£20 per hour, rising to £18–£25 per hour in London. A one-off standard clean of a 3-bedroom home runs £60–£100, a full deep clean £200–£350, and an end-of-tenancy clean of a 2-bed flat £150–£280. Independent cleaners are cheaper; agency cleaners cost more but include vetting, insurance, and cover.
2026 UK Cleaning Rates
| Service | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Domestic cleaner (regular) | £15–£20 |
| One-off standard clean (3-bed) | £60–£100 |
| Deep clean (3-bed home) | £200–£350 |
| End of tenancy clean (2-bed flat) | £150–£280 |
| Carpet cleaning (per room) | £25–£45 |
| Oven deep clean | £50–£90 |
| Window cleaning (3-bed semi) | £40–£70 |
What Affects the Hourly Rate?
Location. London and the South East run 20–40% above the national average. Rural areas with travel time built in can also push the rate up.
Independent vs agency. A self-employed cleaner keeps the whole fee, so charges less. An agency rate covers background checks, public liability insurance, replacement cleaners when yours is ill, and a point of contact if something goes wrong.
Frequency. Weekly or fortnightly regular slots are cheaper per hour than one-offs, because the cleaner values predictable, recurring income.
Supplies and equipment. Most regular cleaners expect you to provide products and a vacuum. If they bring their own professional kit (common for deep and end-of-tenancy cleans), the price reflects it.
Condition and scope. A regularly maintained home cleans faster than one that has been let go. Add-ons like inside the oven, internal windows, or ironing extend the time.
Hourly or Fixed Price — Which Is Better?
Choose hourly for ongoing regular cleaning where you trust the cleaner and the workload is predictable. You only pay for the time used, and you can flex the hours up or down.
Choose a fixed price for one-off jobs with a defined outcome — a deep clean, a post-renovation clean, or an end-of-tenancy clean where a letting agent will inspect the result. A fixed quote shifts the risk of the job over-running onto the cleaner, and makes it easy to compare providers like for like.
Whichever you choose, get the scope in writing. "A clean" means different things to different people; listing rooms and tasks removes the disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cleaners charge per hour in the UK?
Most UK domestic cleaners charge £15–£20 per hour. In London and the South East, expect £18–£25 per hour. Self-employed independent cleaners are usually at the lower end; agency cleaners cost more because the rate covers vetting, insurance, and cover for sickness or holidays.
Is it cheaper to pay a cleaner hourly or a fixed price?
For regular cleaning of a home you know well, hourly is usually fairer and cheaper. For one-off jobs with a clear scope — deep cleans, end of tenancy, after a renovation — a fixed price protects you, because the cleaner commits to finishing the job rather than running the clock.
How much does a deep clean cost?
A deep clean of a typical 3-bedroom home costs £200–£350 as a fixed-price job. It includes everything a standard clean does, plus inside the oven and appliances, skirting boards, behind furniture, limescale removal, and detailed bathroom and kitchen work. It usually takes a team several hours.
Should I tip a cleaner?
Tipping is optional and not expected in the UK the way it is in some countries, but a tip for excellent work — or at Christmas for a regular cleaner — is always appreciated. The most valuable thing you can give a good cleaner is a 5-star review and a referral.
Book a Vetted Cleaner
Find background-checked cleaners near you with transparent, upfront pricing — regular or one-off.
Find a CleanerEnd of Tenancy Cleaning Guide
What is included, what letting agents check, and how to get your deposit back in full.
Read the GuideRelated from Gera
- Full UK home services cost guide
- How to find a trusted tradesperson
- Gera Action Warranty — how eligible GeraHome bookings are protected.