professional cleaning services cost uk

What does a spotless finish really cost? In the UK, the price of professional cleaning is shaped by much more than mops and microfiber. From weekly domestic visits to one-off deep cleans, end-of-tenancy turnarounds, carpets and ovens, or commercial contracts, the final figure reflects the size and condition of the space, your location, the scope of work, how often it’s needed, and even practicalities like access, parking, and timing.

Companies quote in different ways-hourly rates, per-room or per-square-metre pricing, fixed-fee packages-with add-ons for specialist tasks, eco-friendly products, or out-of-hours appointments. Insurance, accreditation, VAT, and minimum call-out times also sit quietly on the invoice, shaping value as much as headline price.

This article unpacks what drives costs in the UK market, how to compare like-for-like quotes, and which questions reveal what’s really included. You’ll find typical pricing models, common extras, and simple ways to balance standards with budget-so you can choose a service that’s clean on the numbers as well as the surfaces.

Table of Contents

• The real cost of professional cleaning across the UK by service type and property size
• What drives the price regional differences add ons VAT and insurance explained
• Hourly or fixed fee choosing the pricing model that fits your home and budget
• Saving without compromise bundling scheduling and questions to ask before you book
• The Conclusion

The real cost of professional cleaning across the UK by service type and property size

Prices shift with service scope, location, and the footprint of your home. Expect a London premium, slightly higher rates in commuter belts, and leaner pricing in the North, Wales and Scotland. Fixed-fee jobs (deep cleans, end of tenancy) scale with room count and condition, while routine visits are often quoted by the hour. Add-ons like oven cleaning, carpet steam, or inside windows are typically itemised. Below are typical ranges seen from vetted UK providers; use them as a reality check when comparing quotes.

• Property condition: heavy limescale, mould, or grease raises man-hours.
• Access & parking: permits, lift-free buildings, remote areas add costs.
• Supplies & equipment: eco products and HEPA vacuums carry a small premium.
• Timing: evenings, weekends, bank holidays and same-day slots price higher.
• Team size: faster crews cost more per hour but finish sooner-check total job price.
• Minimums & VAT: typical 2-3 hour minimum; VAT may apply for larger firms.
• Bundles: combining oven, carpets and windows often unlocks multi-service discounts.

As a quick estimator: multiply hourly rate × cleaners × hours for routine work (a 2-bed might need 2-3 hours weekly with one cleaner), and use the fixed ranges above for once-off projects. Factor in extras you actually need, compare what’s included (supplies, oven, carpets), and prioritise providers who state clear checklists, insurance, and reclean guarantees-that’s where a slightly higher quote often pays for itself.

What drives the price regional differences add ons VAT and insurance explained

Where you live shapes the quote. City centres (especially London) carry higher labour costs, pricier parking, and tighter schedules, while rural jobs often add travel time that bumps up the minimum. Demand spikes (student move-outs, festive periods) can nudge rates, and properties with restricted access or resident permits may see admin/parking fees on top. Frequency also matters: weekly or fortnightly bookings usually cost less per hour than one-off appointments, and early AM/late PM slots can incur a premium.

Region	Typical hourly (ex VAT)	Why
Central London	£22-£30	High wages, parking, demand
Greater London & South East	£18-£25	Living costs, travel
Midlands	£16-£22	Balanced supply/demand
North of England	£15-£20	Lower overheads
Scotland & Wales (urban)	£16-£21	City premiums
Rural areas	£14-£19	Extra travel, scarcity

Add-ons, tax, and protection can move a “from” price into a final figure. VAT at 20% applies if the provider is VAT-registered (e.g., £20 ex VAT becomes £24 inc VAT), and fully insured teams often price a touch higher to cover public/employers’ liability-worth it for vetted staff and damage cover. Common extras include:

• Deep clean upgrade: +£4-£8 per hour (more time, supplies)
• Oven: £25-£60; Fridge/freezer (int.): £10-£20
• Carpet/steam: £25-£45 per room or £3-£5/m²
• After-builders: £25-£35 per hour (ex VAT), heavier kit
• Windows (external): £3-£5 per pane; high access costs extra
• Parking/permit/key collection: charged at cost
• Weekend/evening: typically +10-20%; minimum call-out may apply

Hourly or fixed fee choosing the pricing model that fits your home and budget

Hourly pricing suits homes with light, variable workloads or when you want maximum flexibility. You pay for the time on site, typically £18-£28 per hour for regular cleans across much of the UK (often higher in major cities), and £22-£35 per hour where tasks are more intensive. It shines when you’re testing a new cleaner, tackling rotating jobs, or need occasional help. To keep control of spend, set a clear brief, prioritise rooms, and agree a time cap so the session doesn’t overrun your budget.

• Choose hourly when: the scope may change on the day
• You want to build trust before committing to a package
• Your home is already tidy and needs maintenance-level attention
• You value flexibility over a fixed outcome

Model	Typical UK Price	Best For	Watch-outs
Hourly	£18-£28/hr	Small or changing tasks	Time creep; unclear priorities
Fixed fee	From £60 standard; £120+ deep	Defined results and schedules	Scope limits; add‑on charges

Fixed-fee packages deliver clarity and outcomes: you pay one price for a defined checklist and result. Expect around £60-£120 for a standard clean of a small flat, £120-£250 for a deep clean of an average home, and £180-£400 for end‑of‑tenancy, with regional and seasonal variation. This works best if you want predictable costs and a consistent finish. To avoid surprises, ask for a written scope (rooms, appliances, windows), confirm whether materials, travel, and VAT are included, and note premiums for pet hair, heavy build‑up, or weekend slots.

• Pick fixed-fee when: you need a guaranteed result to a set budget
• Bundle services (oven, carpets) to secure better value
• Compare like‑for‑like checklists, not just prices
• In cities, budget a 10-25% uplift for labour and parking

Saving without compromise bundling scheduling and questions to ask before you book

Smart planning lets you pay less for professional cleaning in the UK without trimming quality. Think in packages: pairing a regular domestic clean with targeted add‑ons (like oven, inside windows, or carpet refresh) often unlocks better rates than booking piecemeal. Ask for off‑peak or midweek slots, agree a consistent schedule, and rotate deep tasks each visit to spread costs. Be clear about room count, flooring, and access-transparent info helps providers quote accurately and avoid “surprise” supplements.

• Bundle wisely: Core clean + one deep task per visit keeps fees predictable.
• Time it right: Midweek, late morning, or first‑call slots can be cheaper.
• Rotate deep cleans: Oven this month, carpets next-steady home, steady spend.
• Be upfront: Size, pets, parking, and clutter impact time and price.
• Ask for loyalty perks: Multi‑month commitments may include built‑in savings.

Bundle	Typical UK Price	Standalone Total	Estimated Saving
End of tenancy + oven + carpets (1-2 rooms)	£220-£320	£270-£380	£40-£60
Weekly domestic clean (2h) + monthly inside windows	£55-£70 / week	£65-£85 / week	£10-£15 / week
Move‑in clean (1‑bed) booked midweek	£120-£160	£140-£180	£15-£25

Illustrative ranges; actual quotes vary by region, property, and VAT.

A few sharp questions before you confirm will protect your budget and expectations. Pin down what’s included, who brings supplies (and whether eco products cost extra), and how VAT, parking, or congestion charges are handled. Clarify insurance, breakage policy, and recleans for missed spots. Confirm the arrival window, minimum hours, and the cancellation or reschedule terms-especially for same‑day changes.

• Scope: Which rooms and tasks are included? Any time caps per task?
• Pricing: Hourly vs fixed fee? Is VAT included? Are quotes binding?
• Supplies: Who provides equipment and products? Any green‑clean surcharge?
• Team: Solo or team clean? Staff vetted/DBS‑checked? Same cleaner each visit?
• Access: Keys, alarms, parking, and pet notes-any added charges?
• Quality & cover: Insurance details, satisfaction guarantee, reclean timeframe.
• Flexibility: Peak vs off‑peak options, skip‑week policies, holiday cover.

The Conclusion

There’s no single price tag for a spotless space. In the UK, professional cleaning costs shift with the service type, property size, region, frequency, and the fine print-think VAT, minimum hours, equipment, eco products, travel or parking, and cancellation terms. Seasonal demand can nudge rates too. The goal isn’t simply finding the lowest figure, but the best value: clear inclusions, reliable timing, proper insurance, and work that meets the brief.

Before you book, consider these quick steps:
– Define the scope: rooms, priorities, and any specialist tasks.
– Request at least three like-for-like quotes with time estimates, VAT, and what’s included.
– Confirm credentials: insurance, guarantees, and background checks.
– Check policies: minimum hours, parking, products used, and cancellation fees.
– Ask about discounts for regular cleans and any charges for first-time or deep cleans.

With a concise brief and transparent quotes, you’ll be able to compare options fairly, set realistic expectations, and schedule a service that keeps both your home and your budget in good order.