How Much Does Cleaning Cost in the UK? 2026 Prices

Cleaning costs across the UK vary significantly depending on the type of service, property size, location, and level of detail required. As of 2026, domestic cleaning typically ranges from £12 to £25 per hour, though London and the South East command premiums of 20–40% above these baseline figures. Understanding what you'll actually pay helps you budget accurately and avoid overpaying for standard domestic work or underestimating the scope of commercial deep cleans.

UK Domestic Cleaning Costs Per Hour

Most UK cleaning companies charge hourly rates for routine domestic work. Expect to pay between £12 and £25 per hour for standard domestic cleaning, with significant regional variation.

Bristol and the South West sit in the middle of the UK pricing spectrum. A cleaner in Bristol typically charges £14–£18 per hour for general domestic work, while London cleaners command £18–£28 per hour for the same service. Rural areas and the Midlands tend to be cheaper, at £11–£15 per hour.

These rates assume 2–3 hours of work per visit, standard weekly or fortnightly frequency, and straightforward cleaning tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and bathroom cleaning. One-off deep cleans or specialist work such as carpet shampooing, window cleaning, and grout restoration typically cost more.

Factors That Push Prices Up

• Postcode premium: London adds 25–40% to base rates; the South East adds 15–25%; Scotland is typically 10% cheaper than England.
• Property size: A three-bedroom house takes longer than a two-bed flat. Cleaners may charge by the hour or offer a fixed rate per property type.
• Frequency: Weekly cleaning is cheaper per visit than one-off deep cleans. Many cleaners offer 10–15% discounts for regular contracts.
• Access and parking: No nearby parking or multiple flights of stairs can add 15–20% to the quote.
• Specialist equipment: Steam cleaning, professional carpet cleaning, or window cleaning from height will push costs higher.

Cleaning Cost by Property Type

Different property sizes attract different pricing models. Some cleaners quote hourly; others use fixed rates based on room count or square footage.

One-Bedroom Flat or Studio

Expect £40–£80 for a standard 2–3 hour clean. A deep clean may take 4–5 hours and cost £60–£120. Weekly domestic cleaners in this segment typically charge £30–£60 per visit.

Two-Bedroom House or Flat

Standard cleaning: £60–£120 per visit (3–4 hours). A deep clean takes 5–7 hours and costs £100–£180. Regular weekly cleaning is usually quoted at £50–£90 per visit with a discount for ongoing contracts.

Three-Bedroom House

Plan for £90–£180 per standard clean (4–6 hours). Deep cleaning can take 8–10 hours and cost £150–£250. Properties with multiple bathrooms or large kitchens push the upper end of this range. Regular weekly cleaning typically costs £70–£130 per visit.

Four-Bedroom+ Properties

Standard cleans start at £150 and can exceed £300. Many cleaners in this segment move away from hourly rates and charge per property or per visit. Deep cleans can take 12+ hours and cost £250–£400. Regular contracts are often negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

Commercial Cleaning Costs

Commercial cleaning covers offices, retail spaces, restaurants, and medical facilities. It follows a different pricing structure than domestic work. Many companies quote per square foot or per hour, and rates are often higher than domestic work due to health and safety requirements, afterhours scheduling, and specialist cleaning needs.

Office Cleaning

Commercial office cleaning costs £0.50–£2.00 per square foot per month for standard weekly or daily cleaning. A 1,000 sq ft office might cost £500–£2,000 per month depending on frequency and intensity. London offices pay 30–50% more than regional equivalents.

Retail and Restaurant Cleaning

Retail spaces and food premises attract higher rates, typically £1.50–£3.00 per square foot per month, due to deeper cleaning requirements, grease extraction, and regulatory compliance with Environmental Health standards. A small café might pay £300–£600 per month for weekly cleaning; a larger restaurant could pay £1,000–£3,000.

Medical and Care Facilities

Medical cleaning is the most expensive segment, at £2.00–£4.00+ per square foot per month. NHS-standard cleaning and infection control protocols require accredited cleaners, specialist products, and detailed documentation. Smaller practices might pay £400–£800 per month; larger hospitals contract specialist providers at rates negotiated annually.

End of Tenancy and Deep Cleaning Costs

End of tenancy cleaning and full property deep cleans are priced separately from regular domestic cleaning because they are labour-intensive and require specialist attention.

End of Tenancy Cleaning

One-bedroom flat: £150–£300. Two-bedroom house: £250–£500. Three-bedroom house: £350–£700. These prices assume a full clean-through, including inside appliances, skirting boards, light fittings, and carpet stain treatment. Landlords and letting agents often require an end of tenancy clean to recover the deposit. Prices are typically fixed-rate quotes rather than hourly.

One-Off Deep Cleans

A full property deep clean costs 1.5–2× the standard cleaning rate. A two-bedroom house that normally costs £80 for a standard clean might cost £150–£200 for a deep clean. This includes carpet shampooing, inside oven and fridge cleaning, high and low surfaces, and window cleaning.

Specialist Cleaning

Carpet and upholstery cleaning: £1–£3 per square metre. Window cleaning: £8–£15 per window for residential, £0.50–£1.50 per sq ft for commercial. Gutter cleaning: £150–£400 for a typical house. Post-renovation cleaning: £500–£2,000+ depending on property size and the extent of renovation work.

Regional Price Differences Across the UK

Cleaning costs vary significantly by region. London is consistently the most expensive market, followed by the South East. The Midlands, Wales, and the North are generally cheaper. Scotland is slightly cheaper than comparable English regions.

• London: £18–£28 per hour for domestic; commercial at premium rates.
• South East (excluding London): £15–£22 per hour; 10–20% below London.
• South West (Bristol, Devon, Cornwall): £13–£18 per hour; competitive market with good availability.
• Midlands: £11–£16 per hour; lower cost of living reflected in rates.
• North (Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle): £11–£15 per hour; good value compared to the South.
• Wales: £12–£17 per hour; similar to South West, slightly cheaper than England overall.
• Scotland: £12–£18 per hour; competitive pricing, especially outside Edinburgh and Glasgow.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

Most cleaning companies quote based on a site visit or detailed brief. To get the most accurate price, provide this information upfront:

• Property size and number of rooms and bathrooms
• Frequency of cleaning (one-off, weekly, fortnightly, monthly)
• Level of detail (standard cleaning, deep clean, or specialist work)
• Postcode (for regional pricing)
• Access details (parking, stairs, locked gates)
• Any specialist requirements (pet-friendly products, allergy considerations, eco-friendly cleaning)

Always ask if the quote includes supplies or if you pay extra. Some cleaners include basic products; others charge a supply fee. Ask about cancellation policies, payment terms, and whether discounts apply for longer contracts. Compare at least three quotes — prices often vary by 20–30% for the same property.

What Affects Your Final Bill

Several hidden factors can increase your cleaning bill beyond the quoted hourly rate or base price.

Travel Time and Mileage

Some cleaners charge travel time if your property is far from their home base. Others include a travel surcharge. If you're in a rural area or more than 30 minutes from the cleaner's location, expect an extra £5–£15 per visit.

Minimum Job Requirements

Many cleaners have a minimum job length or value, often 2 hours (£24–£50, depending on hourly rate). Booking a one-hour clean may not be possible, or you'll pay the minimum.

Emergency or Afterhours Cleaning

Last-minute bookings or evening and weekend work typically incur a 25–50% surcharge. Bank holidays are often charged at time-and-a-half or double time.

Damage or Excessive Grime

If a property is very dirty or has been neglected, cleaners may quote higher or request a site visit before committing. Some refuse jobs they deem unreasonably filthy without premium pricing.

Money-Saving Tips for UK Customers

You can reduce your cleaning costs without sacrificing quality.

• Book a regular contract. Weekly or fortnightly cleaning is 15–25% cheaper per visit than one-off cleans, because cleaners maintain a clean property and your appointment is guaranteed.
• Book longer sessions. A 3-hour clean is cheaper per hour than a 1-hour clean because there's no setup overhead.
• Use the same cleaner consistently. They'll learn your home and work faster; many offer loyalty discounts after 3–6 months.
• Provide supplies. If the cleaner uses your products, you avoid markup charges; agree this in advance.
• Pre-tidy before cleaning. Removing clutter lets cleaners focus on actual cleaning, not moving items around.
• Accept a team clean. Two cleaners working faster may cost less per hour than a single cleaner over a longer period.
• Bundle services. Some cleaners offer discounts if you book cleaning plus a one-off specialist task such as carpet cleaning or window washing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I pay a cleaner per hour in 2026?

UK domestic cleaning rates range from £12–£25 per hour as of 2026, with London at the top end (£18–£28) and regional areas lower (£11–£16). Bristol cleaners typically charge £14–£18 per hour. Always confirm whether the rate includes supplies and travel time.

Is it cheaper to hire a cleaner or a cleaning company?

Self-employed cleaners often charge 10–20% less than established cleaning companies, but companies offer better safeguards: insurance, consistent staff, and recourse if work is unsatisfactory. For regular cleaning, the difference is minimal once loyalty discounts apply.

How long should a cleaner take for a three-bedroom house?

A standard clean of a three-bedroom house takes 4–6 hours, depending on current cleanliness and detail level. A deep clean takes 8–10 hours. Regular weekly cleaning of a maintained property typically takes 3–4 hours.

Do I need to book a cleaning company in advance?

Most cleaners book 1–2 weeks in advance for regular appointments; urgent one-off cleans may be accommodated at short notice with a surcharge. Winter and spring (January–March) are busier, so advance booking is recommended.

Are there hidden costs in cleaning quotes?

Yes. Common hidden costs include travel surcharges, supply charges, minimum job lengths, and weekend or afterhours premiums. Always ask whether the quoted rate is all-inclusive or if extras apply. Get everything in writing.