Residential Pricing
Pricing residential cleaning comes down to square footage, the type of clean, and your local market. Most cleaning business owners charge per square foot rather than per hour, which keeps your income predictable and ensures you're not penalized for working efficiently.
For recurring clients, lower per-visit rates make sense because the home stays cleaner between visits. Rates vary by location — a standard clean runs about $0.08–$0.11/sqft in Canada and $0.10–$0.14/sqft in the US, depending on your market. Enter your zip code above to see rates for your area.
Factors that affect pricing
- Home size — Larger homes take longer and cost more. Use square footage as your baseline.
- Condition — A well-maintained home is faster to clean. First-time or neglected homes may need a higher rate.
- Cleaning frequency — Weekly cleans are priced lower per visit because there's less buildup. One-time deep cleans are priced higher.
- Add-ons — Inside ovens, fridges, windows, and laundry are typically priced as flat extras on top of the base rate.
- Pets — Pet hair adds time to every surface. Most cleaners charge an additional fee for homes with pets.
A common mistake is undercharging recurring clients. Your weekly rate should still cover your time, supplies, and travel. Use this calculator to find a baseline, then adjust based on your local market and costs.