USA House Cleaning Cost Calculator

House Cleaning Cost Calculator: Complete Pricing Guide for Residential Cleaning Services with BLS Data Integration

Pricing residential house cleaning services accurately is the foundation of a profitable cleaning business. Whether you’re a solo operator or managing a team, understanding how to calculate fair, competitive rates while ensuring healthy profit margins is essential. This comprehensive guide explains how to use our house cleaning calculator, including room-based formulas, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) wage data integration, service type multipliers, frequency discounts, and industry benchmarks that help you price confidently and grow sustainably.

What Is House Cleaning Service?

House cleaning (also called residential cleaning, home cleaning, or maid service) is the professional cleaning of occupied residential properties on a recurring or one-time basis. Unlike move-out cleaning of empty properties, house cleaning works around furniture, belongings, and the daily life of homeowners.

Key Characteristics of House Cleaning

• Occupied property: Cleaning around furniture, belongings, and family routines
• Recurring relationships: Often weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly services
• Maintenance focus: Keeping homes clean vs. deep restoration
• Predictable scope: Standard tasks repeated consistently
• Client relationships: Long-term relationships with homeowners
• Flexible scheduling: Working around client preferences and home access

Who Hires House Cleaning Services?

• Busy professionals: Don’t have time for regular cleaning
• Families with children: Need help maintaining cleanliness with active households
• Seniors: Can’t physically handle cleaning tasks
• Two-income households: Prefer paying for cleaning over sacrificing personal time
• Special occasions: Before/after parties, holidays, or events
• Home sellers: Keep property show-ready during listing period

House Cleaning vs. Other Cleaning Services

Factor	House Cleaning	Move-Out Cleaning	Deep Cleaning
Property Status	Occupied	Empty	Occupied or empty
Frequency	Recurring (weekly/monthly)	One-time	Occasional
Scope	Maintenance cleaning	Comprehensive restoration	Intensive detailed cleaning
Time Required	2-4 hours	4-8 hours	4-6 hours
Typical Price (2BR)	$100-$150	$250-$350	$200-$300
Client Type	Homeowners/renters	Landlords/tenants	Homeowners

3 Primary Service Types: Standard, Deep, and Move-In Cleaning

Understanding service type differences is critical for accurate pricing. Each has different time requirements and pricing multipliers.

Standard House Cleaning (Maintenance Cleaning)

Time Multiplier: 1.0x (base time)
Best For: Regular recurring clients (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly)
Typical Price: $100-$180 for average home

What’s Included:

• Kitchen: Wipe counters, appliance exteriors, sink; sweep/mop floors
• Bathrooms: Clean toilet, tub/shower, sink, mirror; sweep/mop floors
• Bedrooms: Dust surfaces, make beds (if requested), vacuum/mop floors
• Living areas: Dust surfaces, vacuum/mop floors, straighten cushions
• General: Empty trash, light dusting, spot clean as needed

What’s NOT Included:

• Interior appliances (oven, refrigerator)
• Inside cabinets or drawers
• Windows (unless add-on)
• Detailed baseboards (quick wipe only)
• Wall washing
• Organizing or decluttering

Deep Cleaning

Time Multiplier: 1.5x base time
Best For: Initial cleaning, spring cleaning, or homes not cleaned recently
Typical Price: $200-$350 for average home

Everything in Standard Plus:

• Detailed baseboard cleaning (scrub, not just wipe)
• Interior window cleaning (glass, sills, tracks)
• Light fixture cleaning (remove covers, wipe bulbs)
• Cabinet and drawer fronts (detailed wipe-down)
• Bathroom grout scrubbing
• Behind/under furniture (accessible areas)
• Door frames and switch plates
• Ceiling fan blades (detailed cleaning)

When to Recommend Deep Cleaning:

• First-time client (establish baseline cleanliness)
• Home hasn’t been professionally cleaned in 3+ months
• Before starting recurring service
• Spring or fall seasonal cleaning
• Before/after major life events (renovation, illness, extended travel)

Move-In Cleaning

Time Multiplier: 1.8x base time
Best For: New homeowners or renters moving into previously occupied property
Typical Price: $250-$450 for average home

More Intensive Than Deep Cleaning:

• Interior cabinets and drawers (all cleaned inside)
• Interior appliances (oven, refrigerator, dishwasher)
• Wall washing or extensive spot treatment
• Closet shelves and rods
• More time for accumulated dirt from previous occupant
• Property usually empty (easier access but more visible dirt)

Move-In vs. Move-Out Cleaning:

Move-in cleaning is for the incoming resident who wants the previous owner’s home cleaned. Move-out cleaning is for the departing resident fulfilling lease obligations. The work is similar, but the client relationship and expectations differ.

Key Factors That Affect House Cleaning Pricing

Multiple variables influence accurate pricing beyond just square footage.

1. Property Size and Room Count

The Most Important Factor

• Bedrooms: Each adds approximately 0.5 hours (30 minutes)
• Bathrooms: Each adds approximately 1.0 hour (most time-intensive)
• Living areas: Each adds approximately 0.25 hours (15 minutes)
• Square footage: Adds approximately 0.0002 hours per square foot

Home Size	Typical Configuration	Standard Clean Time	Typical Price Range
Small (800-1,200 sq.ft.)	1-2BR, 1-2BA	2-3 hours	$80-$140
Medium (1,200-2,000 sq.ft.)	2-3BR, 2-2.5BA	3-4 hours	$120-$180
Large (2,000-3,000 sq.ft.)	3-4BR, 2.5-3BA	4-5 hours	$160-$240
Extra Large (3,000+ sq.ft.)	4+BR, 3+BA	5-7 hours	$220-$350+

2. Service Type and Intensity

As detailed above, service type dramatically affects time requirements:

• Standard cleaning: 1.0x multiplier (maintenance only)
• Deep cleaning: 1.5x multiplier (+50% time)
• Move-in cleaning: 1.8x multiplier (+80% time)

3. Cleaning Frequency

Recurring services earn discounts because homes stay cleaner:

• Weekly service: 10-15% discount (less buildup, faster cleaning)
• Bi-weekly service: 5-10% discount (most common frequency)
• Monthly service: 0-5% discount (standard rate)
• One-time cleaning: Full price (includes client acquisition cost)

4. Home Condition

Current cleanliness affects time requirements:

• Well-maintained: Regular upkeep, minimal buildup
• Average condition: Normal family living, some clutter
• Neglected: Not cleaned in months, significant buildup
• Hoarding or extreme mess: May require special pricing or refusal

5. Pet Presence

Pets add 20-30% to cleaning time:

• Hair removal from floors, furniture, corners
• Extra vacuuming passes required
• Pet odor management
• Muddy paw prints and nose prints on glass
• Litter box or pet area attention

6. Number of Cleaners

Team size affects pricing efficiency:

• Solo cleaner: Lower hourly rate but longer completion time
• Two-person team: Higher hourly rate but faster completion (most common)
• Three+ person team: For very large homes or time-critical situations

💡 Pro Tip: The Two-Person Team Advantage

Two cleaners don’t just cut time in half—they often work 60-70% faster than a single cleaner due to:

• Parallel tasks: One tackles bathrooms while the other does kitchen
• Heavy lifting: Moving furniture or large items is easier
• Efficiency: Less walking back and forth for supplies
• Safety: Someone present in case of emergency or client issue

A 3-hour solo job might take a team only 1.5-2 hours, allowing more jobs per day.

7. Geographic Location

Market rates vary significantly by region:

• Major metros (NYC, SF, LA): 140-170% of national average
• Mid-size cities: 100-120% of national average
• Suburban areas: 90-110% of national average
• Rural areas: 70-90% of national average

Our calculator integrates Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) wage data by location to suggest accurate hourly rates for your market.

8. Add-On Services

Optional extras increase average ticket:

• Interior window cleaning
• Carpet cleaning or deep vacuuming
• Interior appliance cleaning (refrigerator, oven)
• Laundry or bed changing
• Organizing services

BLS Wage Data Integration: Why It Matters for Accurate Pricing

Our calculator integrates Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) wage data to help you set competitive, profitable rates based on real labor market conditions in your area.

What Is BLS Data?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a U.S. government agency that tracks employment and wage data across industries and occupations. For house cleaning, the relevant occupation code is:

Occupation Code: 37-2011
“Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners”

This category includes residential cleaning professionals and provides median and mean hourly wages by metropolitan area.

How BLS Data Improves Your Pricing

• Local accuracy: Wages vary dramatically by location (NYC vs. rural areas)
• Competitive intelligence: Know what other cleaners in your market are earning
• Justifiable rates: Data-backed pricing helps defend rates to clients
• Profit protection: Ensure your rates cover local labor costs
• Market positioning: Understand if you’re budget, mid-market, or premium

How the Calculator Uses BLS Data

Step 1: You select your metro area from the location dropdown
Step 2: Calculator fetches current BLS mean hourly wage for cleaners in that area
Step 3: Calculator applies 2.1x multiplier to suggest your charge-out rate

Suggested Hourly Rate Formula:

Hourly Rate = BLS Mean Wage × 2.1

Example: Seattle Metro Area
BLS Mean Wage: $18.50/hour
Suggested Rate: $18.50 × 2.1 = $38.85/hour (round to $39)

Why the 2.1x Multiplier?

The 2.1x multiplier accounts for all business costs beyond direct labor:

• Labor burden (30-35%): Payroll taxes, workers’ comp, benefits
• Supplies (3-6%): Cleaning products, equipment, consumables
• Overhead (15-25%): Vehicle, insurance, marketing, admin
• Profit margin (20-30%): Your take-home after all expenses

For residential cleaning, 2.1x is lower than commercial cleaning (2.8x) because:

• Lower overhead (less specialized equipment)
• Simpler operations (fewer compliance requirements)
• Competitive consumer market (price sensitivity)

Regional Wage Variations

Metro Area	BLS Mean Wage	Suggested Rate (2.1x)
San Francisco, CA	$22.50	$47/hour
Seattle, WA	$18.50	$39/hour
New York, NY	$17.80	$37/hour
Chicago, IL	$15.40	$32/hour
Atlanta, GA	$13.20	$28/hour
Phoenix, AZ	$14.00	$29/hour

Note: BLS data updated annually; actual rates may vary. Calculator uses most recent available data.

Complete Calculation Methodology: How the Calculator Works

Understanding the formula helps you adjust pricing for unique situations and communicate value to clients.

Step 1: Base Labor Hour Calculation

Base Hours = (Bedrooms × 0.5) + (Bathrooms × 1.0) + (Living Areas × 0.25) + (Square Footage × 0.0002)

This room-based formula accounts for time requirements:

• Bathrooms (1.0 hour each): Most time-intensive room due to fixtures, tile, grout
• Bedrooms (0.5 hours each): Dusting, vacuuming/mopping, but simpler than kitchen/bath
• Living areas (0.25 hours each): Open concept, fewer surfaces, quick cleaning
• Square footage bonus (0.0002 hrs/sq.ft.): Accounts for larger spaces

Example: 3BR/2BA House with Living Room and Dining Room (1,800 sq.ft.)

Base Hours = (3 × 0.5) + (2 × 1.0) + (2 × 0.25) + (1800 × 0.0002)
Base Hours = 1.5 + 2.0 + 0.5 + 0.36
Base Hours = 4.36 hours

Step 2: Apply Service Type Multiplier

Adjusted Hours = Base Hours × Service Type Multiplier

Standard (maintenance): Base × 1.0
Deep Cleaning: Base × 1.5
Move-In Cleaning: Base × 1.8

Using the example above:

Standard: 4.36 × 1.0 = 4.36 hours
Deep: 4.36 × 1.5 = 6.54 hours
Move-In: 4.36 × 1.8 = 7.85 hours

Step 3: Add Optional Service Hours

Add-ons add fixed time:

Add-On Service	Time Added
Interior Windows	0.25-0.5 hours per room
Carpet Deep Clean	0.5 hours per room
Interior Appliances	0.5-1.0 hours
Laundry Service	1-2 hours
Organizing	Variable by scope

Step 4: Apply Pet Surcharge (If Applicable)

If Pets Present:
Total Hours = (Adjusted Hours + Add-on Hours) × 1.25 to 1.30

Pet surcharge (25-30%) accounts for:

• Extra vacuuming for hair removal
• Multiple passes on floors and furniture
• Cleaning pet areas (bowls, beds, litter boxes)
• Odor management

Step 5: Adjust for Number of Cleaners

Team efficiency affects completion time:

• Solo cleaner: Full calculated hours
• Two-person team: Hours ÷ 1.6 (not ÷ 2 due to coordination)
• Three-person team: Hours ÷ 2.2

Step 6: Calculate Labor Cost

Labor Cost = Total Hours × Hourly Rate (per person)

For teams, multiply hourly rate by number of cleaners:

Example: Two-Person Team
Hours: 4.5 (after team efficiency adjustment)
Rate per person: $35/hour
Team rate: $70/hour (2 × $35)
Labor Cost: 4.5 × $70 = $315

Step 7: Add Supplies Cost

Supplies = Fixed amount per job

Typical: $5-$15 depending on home size

• Small home (1-2BR): $5-8
• Medium home (2-3BR): $8-12
• Large home (4+BR): $12-20

Step 8: Calculate Overhead Allocation

Overhead = (Labor + Supplies) × Overhead %

Typical Overhead: 15-25% of direct costs

Overhead includes:

• Vehicle costs (fuel, maintenance, insurance)
• General liability insurance
• Marketing and advertising
• Office expenses and software
• Equipment replacement fund

Step 9: Apply Profit Margin

Pre-margin Total = Labor + Supplies + Overhead
Profit = Pre-margin Total × Profit %

Target Profit Margin: 20-30%

Step 10: Apply Frequency Discount (If Recurring)

Discount = Pre-tax Total × Frequency Discount %

Weekly: 10-15% discount
Bi-weekly: 5-10% discount
Monthly: 0-5% discount
One-time: No discount

Step 11: Add Sales Tax (If Applicable)

Tax = Subtotal × Tax Rate
Final Quote = Subtotal + Tax

Complete Calculation Example

3BR/2BA House – Standard Bi-Weekly Cleaning

Property Details:

• 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room, dining room
• 1,800 square feet
• Standard maintenance cleaning
• Bi-weekly service
• Two pets (dog and cat)
• Two-person team

Calculation:

Step 1: Base Hours
(3 × 0.5) + (2 × 1.0) + (2 × 0.25) + (1800 × 0.0002) = 4.36 hours

Step 2: Service Type
4.36 × 1.0 (standard) = 4.36 hours

Step 3: Add-ons
None = 0 hours

Step 4: Pet Surcharge
4.36 × 1.25 = 5.45 hours

Step 5: Team Efficiency
5.45 ÷ 1.6 = 3.4 hours completion time

Step 6: Labor Cost
3.4 hours × $70/hour (2-person team at $35 each) = $238

Step 7: Supplies
$10

Step 8: Overhead (20%)
($238 + $10) × 0.20 = $49.60

Step 9: Profit (25%)
($238 + $10 + $49.60) × 0.25 = $74.40

Pre-discount Subtotal: $372

Step 10: Bi-weekly Discount (8%)
$372 × 0.08 = $29.76 discount
After discount: $342.24

Step 11: Sales Tax (6%)
$342.24 × 0.06 = $20.53

FINAL QUOTE: $362.77 (rounds to $363)

Frequency Discounts: One-Time vs. Recurring Services

Frequency discounts are essential for building a recurring revenue base while remaining profitable.

Why Frequency Discounts Make Business Sense

Offering discounts for recurring services benefits both you and your clients:

Benefits to Your Business

• Predictable revenue: Know your monthly income in advance
• Lower marketing costs: Don’t pay to acquire customer every time
• Easier scheduling: Regular slots reduce coordination time
• Faster cleaning: Homes don’t accumulate as much dirt between visits
• Route efficiency: Can cluster recurring clients geographically
• Higher lifetime value: One client generates thousands in revenue over years

Benefits to Your Client

• Cost savings: 5-15% discount vs. one-time rates
• Consistent service: Same team, same schedule, less hassle
• Always clean home: Never falls into neglect
• Priority scheduling: Recurring clients get first choice on slots

Recommended Frequency Discount Structure

Frequency	Discount	Why This Discount	Example Price
Weekly	10-15%	Fastest cleaning, highest revenue, easiest scheduling	$180 → $153-162
Bi-Weekly	5-10%	Most popular frequency, good balance of cleanliness and cost	$180 → $162-171
Monthly	0-5%	More buildup, closer to standard cleaning time	$180 → $171-180
One-Time	0%	Full rate includes acquisition cost and scheduling hassle	$180

The Math Behind Frequency Discounts

Let’s compare one-time vs. weekly clients:

One-Time Client Economics

Job value: $180
Marketing cost to acquire: $50-80 (Google Ads, etc.)
Admin time (quoting, coordinating): 30 min = $15 value
Net value first job: $180 – $65 = $115
Annual value (assuming never returns): $115

Weekly Recurring Client Economics

Job value (15% discount): $153
Marketing cost to acquire: $50-80 (one-time)
Admin time first job: 30 min = $15 (one-time)
Admin time ongoing: 5 min/job = $3
Net value first job: $153 – $65 = $88
Net value subsequent jobs: $153 – $3 = $150
Annual value (52 weeks): $88 + (51 × $150) = $7,738

Weekly client is worth 67x more than one-time client!

Frequency Cleaning Time Differences

Homes cleaned more frequently require less time:

Frequency	Time Efficiency	Why
Weekly	-15 to -20%	Minimal dirt accumulation, quick maintenance only
Bi-Weekly	-10 to -15%	Moderate accumulation, still manageable
Monthly	-5 to -10%	More buildup but client relationship established
One-Time	Baseline (0%)	Unknown conditions, includes walkthrough time

Structuring Recurring Service Agreements

Protect your recurring revenue with clear agreements:

• Minimum commitment: 3-4 cleanings minimum (prevents discount abuse)
• Cancellation policy: 48-hour notice required or forfeit one cleaning fee
• Skipped cleanings: Two consecutive skips convert to one-time rate
• Auto-scheduling: Same day/time each cycle (e.g., every other Tuesday)
• Payment terms: Autopay preferred, or payment at service
• Price lock: Rate guaranteed for 6-12 months

Add-On Services and Upgrades

Add-ons can increase your average ticket by 25-50% with minimal extra marketing.

1. Interior Window Cleaning

Price: $3-6 per window or $25-50 whole-house add-on
Time: 0.25-0.5 hours depending on window count
Best For: Homes with lots of natural light or large windows

What’s Included:

• Interior glass cleaning (streak-free)
• Window sills and tracks
• Frame wiping

Upsell Approach: “Would you like interior windows included for just $35 extra? Makes a huge difference in brightness.”

2. Interior Appliance Cleaning

Price: $25-50 add-on for oven and refrigerator
Time: 0.5-1.0 hours
Best For: Deep cleans or clients who haven’t cleaned appliances recently

What’s Included:

• Oven interior cleaning (racks, walls, glass)
• Refrigerator shelves and drawers
• Not included in standard cleaning

Recommendation: Offer as quarterly add-on for recurring clients—”Next month is your quarterly appliance detail for $40. Should I add that?”

3. Carpet Deep Cleaning

Price: $30-60 per room
Time: 0.5 hours per room
Best For: Homes with pets, kids, or high-traffic carpeted areas

Two Levels:

• Deep vacuum + spot treatment: $30-40/room (you can do this)
• Steam cleaning: $50-75/room (requires equipment or subcontracting)

4. Laundry and Bed Making

Price: $25-40 per load or $60-100 full-service
Time: 1-2 hours (mostly passive waiting)
Best For: Busy professionals, seniors, or luxury clients

Options:

• Bed making only: $10-15 per bed (strip/remake with fresh linens)
• One load wash/dry/fold: $25
• Full laundry service: All loads, folded and put away

Challenge: Time-consuming and low margin. Only offer to premium clients or as loss leader to win recurring business.

5. Cabinet and Drawer Cleaning

Price: $75-150 depending on kitchen size
Time: 1-2 hours
Best For: Spring cleaning or initial deep cleans

What’s Included:

• Empty all cabinets and drawers
• Wipe interior surfaces
• Wipe exterior doors and fronts
• Replace items neatly

6. Organizing Services

Price: $40-75 per hour
Time: Variable (2-8 hours typical)
Best For: Clients overwhelmed by clutter

⚠️ Organizing vs. Cleaning: Set Clear Boundaries

Organizing is a separate skill from cleaning and should be priced accordingly. Make clear that:

• Organizing ≠ cleaning (you arrange, don’t discard without permission)
• Client must make decisions about what to keep/discard
• Time is unpredictable (may take much longer than expected)
• Charge separately at hourly rate

Consider partnering with professional organizers rather than offering this yourself.

7. Refrigerator and Pantry Organization

Price: $40-80
Time: 1-1.5 hours
Best For: After grocery shopping or seasonal changeovers

What’s Included:

• Remove all items from refrigerator
• Clean shelves, drawers, walls
• Check expiration dates (with client approval)
• Reorganize logically

8. Post-Party or Event Cleanup

Price: Standard rate + 25-50% surcharge
Time: Variable depending on mess
Best For: After large gatherings or events

What’s Included:

• Trash and recycling removal
• Dishes (loading dishwasher or hand-washing)
• Spot cleaning spills and stains
• Full home cleaning to pre-party condition

Pricing strategy: Charge urgency surcharge if short notice (less than 48 hours)

Add-On Revenue Impact

📊 Average Ticket Increase from Add-Ons

Service Package	Base Price	With Add-Ons	Increase
Standard clean only	$150	$150	0%
Standard + windows	$150	$185	+23%
Standard + windows + appliances	$150	$220	+47%
Deep clean + windows + appliances	$225	$295	+31%

If 30% of clients add one service averaging $40, your annual revenue increases:
100 recurring clients × 24 cleanings/year × 0.30 × $40 = $28,800 additional revenue

Best Practices for Offering Add-Ons

1. Present during booking: “Many clients add interior windows for just $35. Would that interest you?”
2. Seasonal timing: Appliance cleaning in spring, window cleaning before holidays
3. Discovery during service: “I noticed your oven could use a deep clean. I can do that today for $35 if you’d like.”
4. Text with photos: Send picture showing the need, get approval via text
5. Package deals: “Add windows + appliances for $65 (save $15)”
6. Recurring add-ons: “Would you like windows added every 4th cleaning?”

💡 Pro Tip: The “Quarterly Deep Clean” Strategy

For recurring bi-weekly or monthly clients, offer a quarterly deep clean with add-ons:

• Regular cleanings: Standard maintenance
• Quarterly boost: Deep clean + windows + appliances + cabinet fronts
• Pricing: Regular $140 × 11 + Quarterly $250 × 1 = $1,790/year
• Client benefit: Home never falls into neglect, always show-ready
• Your benefit: Higher annual value per client, scheduled add-on revenue

Add-Ons to Avoid or Approach Cautiously

• Pet care: Liability issues; refer to professional pet sitters
• Childcare: Massive liability; never combine with cleaning
• Exterior work: Window exteriors, gutter cleaning require different insurance
• Junk removal: Heavy lifting, disposal logistics; refer to specialists
• Repairs or maintenance: Stay in your lane; refer to handyman services

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the House Cleaning Calculator

Follow this systematic process to generate accurate, profitable quotes in minutes.

Step 1: Select Service Type

Choose the appropriate cleaning level:

• Standard (Maintenance): Regular recurring cleaning for occupied, well-maintained homes
• Deep Clean: First-time cleaning, spring cleaning, or homes not cleaned in 3+ months
• Move-In: Empty or newly purchased property, previous owner cleaning needed

Decision guidance:

• Recurring clients (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly) → Standard
• First-time clients or seasonal cleaning → Deep
• New home purchase or rental → Move-In

Step 2: Enter Property Details

Input accurate room counts:

• Bedrooms: Count only actual bedrooms (not home offices unless used as bedroom)
• Bathrooms: Full bath = 1.0, half bath = 0.5, three-quarter bath = 0.75
• Living Areas: Count living rooms, dining rooms, dens, family rooms, bonus rooms
• Square Footage: Optional but recommended for homes over 2,000 sq.ft.

Step 3: Select Your Location (BLS Integration)

Choose your metro area from the dropdown:

• Calculator automatically fetches BLS wage data for your region
• Suggests hourly rate based on local labor market (BLS wage × 2.1)
• You can accept suggestion or override with custom rate

Why this matters: A rate that works in Atlanta ($28/hour) will lose you money in San Francisco ($47/hour) or price you out of the market in rural areas ($22/hour).

Step 4: Set Number of Cleaners

Select team size:

• 1 cleaner: Lower hourly cost but longer completion time
• 2 cleaners: Most common, optimal balance (recommended)
• 3+ cleaners: Large homes or time-critical jobs

Calculator automatically adjusts completion time based on team efficiency.

Step 5: Set Hourly Rate

Enter your charge-out rate per person:

• Use BLS-suggested rate as starting point
• Adjust based on your experience and market position
• Remember: This is what you charge, not what you pay employees

Typical ranges by market:

• High-cost metros: $40-55/hour per person
• Mid-size cities: $30-40/hour per person
• Suburban/rural: $25-35/hour per person

Step 6: Set Supplies Cost

Enter estimated cleaning supplies per job:

• Small home (1-2BR): $5-8
• Medium home (2-3BR): $8-12
• Large home (4+BR): $12-20

Include all cleaning products, paper towels, trash bags, and consumables used.

Step 7: Add Overhead Percentage

Set your overhead allocation (15-25% typical):

• Vehicle costs (gas, maintenance, insurance)
• Business insurance
• Marketing and advertising
• Administrative costs
• Equipment replacement fund

Step 8: Set Profit Margin

Enter desired net profit percentage:

• Solo operator: 25-35% (you are the profit)
• Owner with employees: 20-30%
• Established company: 18-25%

This is true net profit after all expenses, not gross margin.

Step 9: Select Cleaning Frequency

Choose service frequency and associated discount:

• Weekly: Apply 10-15% discount
• Bi-weekly: Apply 5-10% discount
• Monthly: Apply 0-5% discount
• One-time: No discount (full rate)

Step 10: Add Optional Services

Check boxes for any add-ons:

• Interior windows
• Interior appliances (oven, refrigerator)
• Carpet deep cleaning
• Laundry service
• Other custom add-ons

Each adds appropriate time and cost to the quote.

Step 11: Check Pet Presence

Select if property has pets:

• Adds 25-30% to total cleaning time
• Accounts for hair removal and extra vacuuming
• Essential for accurate time estimation

Step 12: Add Urgency Surcharge (If Applicable)

Check if rush service is needed:

• Service needed within 24-48 hours: +20-25%
• Weekend or holiday service: +15-20%
• Compensates for schedule disruption

Step 13: Enter Sales Tax Rate

Input local tax rate if cleaning services are taxable:

• Many states exempt residential cleaning from sales tax
• Some states tax commercial but not residential
• Check your jurisdiction requirements
• Enter 0% if not applicable

Step 14: Review Quote Breakdown

Calculator displays complete breakdown:

• Estimated Hours: Total time to complete (adjusted for team size)
• Labor Cost: Hours × rate × number of cleaners
• Supplies: Materials cost
• Overhead: Allocated business expenses
• Profit: Your net margin
• Subtotal: Before frequency discount and tax
• Frequency Discount: If recurring service
• Tax: If applicable
• Final Quote: Total price to present to client

Step 15: Adjust If Necessary

Sanity check your quote:

• Compare to market rates in your area
• Ensure it covers costs with adequate profit
• Consider client budget if known
• Adjust service type or add-ons if needed

Step 16: Generate and Send Quote

Use calculator’s export features:

• Print or PDF quote for client
• Email directly from calculator
• Save quote for your records
• Include terms and conditions

Maximizing Profitability in House Cleaning

Accurate pricing is just the start. These strategies maximize your bottom line.

Building a Recurring Revenue Base

Recurring clients are the foundation of profitable cleaning businesses:

Target 80/20 Revenue Mix

Aim for 80% recurring revenue, 20% one-time:

• Predictable income: Know your monthly revenue in advance
• Easier staffing: Can hire employees with confidence
• Lower stress: Not constantly chasing new clients
• Higher valuation: Recurring revenue businesses sell for higher multiples

Converting One-Time to Recurring

💡 The First-Time Client Conversion Script

At end of one-time cleaning:

“I’m so glad we could get your home looking great today! Many of our clients find that maintaining this level of cleanliness is easiest with bi-weekly service. It’s actually more affordable per visit ($140 instead of $180) and your home never falls behind. Can I get you scheduled for ongoing service? I have a Tuesday morning slot opening up.”

Key elements:

• Compliment on current results
• Frame recurring as easier and more affordable
• Specific mention of savings
• Assumptive close with specific time slot

Retention Strategies

Keep recurring clients long-term:

• Consistency: Same team, same day/time, predictable results
• Communication: Text before arrival, photos of completed work
• Flexibility: Easy rescheduling, accommodating special requests
• Recognition: Remember birthdays, holidays, client preferences
• Quality: Never cut corners; maintain high standards every time
• Proactive service: Suggest seasonal add-ons before they ask

Route Optimization

Maximize daily revenue by minimizing drive time:

Geographic Clustering

• Target neighborhoods: Build client density in specific areas
• Schedule by location: All Monday clients in one area, Tuesday in another
• Referral incentives: “$25 off when your neighbor books”
• Neighborhood marketing: Door hangers, NextDoor, neighborhood Facebook groups

📊 Route Density Impact on Profitability

Scattered Schedule:
4 jobs × $150 = $600 revenue
Working time: 12 hours
Drive time: 3 hours
Total time: 15 hours
Hourly revenue: $40

Clustered Schedule:
4 jobs × $150 = $600 revenue
Working time: 12 hours
Drive time: 1 hour
Total time: 13 hours
Hourly revenue: $46 (+15%)

Over a year, 15% efficiency gain = $15,600 additional income on $104K revenue.

Team vs. Solo Decision

When to hire help vs. staying solo:

Solo Operator Advantages

• Keep 100% of revenue (after expenses)
• No payroll hassles or employment taxes
• Simple scheduling
• Lower overhead
• Typical net margin: 30-40%

Solo Operator Limitations

• Revenue capped by your hours (typically $50-80K/year ceiling)
• Can’t take vacation without losing income
• If sick or injured, business stops
• Physically demanding long-term
• Can’t scale beyond your capacity

When to Hire First Employee

Indicators you’re ready:

• Consistently booked 30+ hours/week
• Turning away new clients due to capacity
• Pricing at top of market and still getting demand
• Have 6 months operating expenses saved
• Strong recurring client base (20+ regular clients)

✅ Employee Profitability Math

Scenario: Adding First Employee

Revenue increase:
Two-person team can do 5-6 jobs/day vs. 3-4 solo
Additional capacity: 2 jobs/day × $150 = $300/day
20 days/month × $300 = $6,000/month additional revenue

Additional costs:
Employee wage: $15-18/hour × 160 hours = $2,400-2,880
Payroll taxes (10%): $240-288
Workers’ comp (varies): $200-400
Total cost: $2,840-3,568/month

Net gain: $2,432-3,160/month

Plus you get leverage—your income no longer limited by your personal hours.

Pricing for Different Client Segments

Budget-Conscious Clients

• Offer basic standard cleaning only
• Monthly frequency to reduce costs
• Clear boundaries: no extras without upcharge
• Simple pricing: flat rate per visit

Mid-Market Clients (Sweet Spot)

• Bi-weekly standard cleaning is baseline
• Upsell quarterly deep cleans
• Offer occasional add-ons (windows, appliances)
• Balance of quality and affordability

Premium Clients

• Weekly service for pristine home always
• Include add-ons as standard (windows every visit)
• White-glove service: key access, detailed notes, special requests
• Price 20-30% above market but deliver exceptional quality
• These clients often also want laundry, organizing, etc.

Seasonal Strategy

Leverage seasonal demand patterns:

Spring Cleaning Season (March-May)

• Promote deep cleaning packages
• Higher demand = can raise prices 10-15%
• Great time to convert one-time to recurring
• Push add-ons: windows, carpets, appliances

Pre-Holiday Season (November-December)

• High demand for one-time cleans before gatherings
• Charge premium for last-minute bookings
• Offer “party ready” packages with all add-ons
• Post-holiday cleanup is also opportunity

Summer Slowdown (July-August)

• Vacations reduce demand for recurring clients
• Offer “summer special” to fill gaps
• Target move-in cleans (peak moving season)
• Use slow time for marketing and systems building

Common Pricing Mistakes in House Cleaning

These pricing errors can destroy profitability even when you’re busy.

1. Pricing Too Low “To Get Started”

⚠️ The Biggest Mistake

The Error: “I’ll charge less than competitors to win clients, then raise prices later.”

Why It Fails:

• Attracts price-shopping clients who will leave when you raise rates
• Creates unsustainable workload—you’re busy but not profitable
• Difficult to raise prices significantly on existing clients
• Establishes you as “budget option” in market perception
• No margin for error—any issue destroys profitability

Reality: Better to have 10 clients at profitable rates than 30 clients barely covering costs.

Solution: Price at market rate from day one. Compete on quality and reliability, not price.

2. Not Accounting for All Time

Many cleaners only count active cleaning time, forgetting:

• Drive time: 15-45 minutes each way
• Setup/breakdown: Unloading/loading supplies
• Client communication: Texts, calls, scheduling changes
• Administrative work: Invoicing, bookkeeping, quotes
• Marketing time: Responding to inquiries, creating content

📊 Hidden Time Reality Check

3-Hour Cleaning Job:

• Active cleaning: 3.0 hours
• Drive time (round trip): 0.75 hours
• Setup/breakdown: 0.25 hours
• Pre-job walkthrough: 0.15 hours
• Admin/invoicing: 0.10 hours

Total time investment: 4.25 hours

If you charge $120 for “3-hour job,” your real hourly rate is $120 ÷ 4.25 = $28/hour (not $40/hour)

Solution: Build all time into your hourly rate or add travel fees for distant jobs.

3. Giving Discounts Too Easily

Common discount mistakes:

• “What’s your best price?” → immediately offering 10-20% off
• Discounting for one-time clients (who provide no recurring value)
• Friends and family discounts that become permanent (and they refer others expecting same price)
• Matching competitor prices without understanding their cost structure

Solution: Only discount for proven value (recurring commitments, prepayment, referrals that convert).

4. Not Charging for Pet-Related Work

Homes with pets require 25-30% more time:

• Hair embedded in carpets, furniture, corners
• Multiple vacuum passes required
• Nose prints on windows and glass
• Muddy paw prints
• Litter box or pet area cleaning

Solution: Always add 25-30% surcharge for homes with pets. Document during walkthrough.

5. Scope Creep Without Price Adjustment

Client requests expand over time:

• “Can you also do the inside of the refrigerator?”
• “Just quickly organize this closet while you’re here”
• “The windows look dirty, can you do those too?”
• “Can you change the bed linens?”

Each “quick task” adds 10-20 minutes. Over months, you’re doing 45-60 minutes extra work per visit = 20% lower effective rate.

💡 Handling Scope Creep

Script for New Requests:

“I’d be happy to add [service] to your cleaning! That would be an additional [time/cost]. Would you like me to include that going forward, or just as a one-time add-on today?”

Key points:

• Be willing to do it (keep relationship positive)
• But clearly communicate it’s extra (set boundaries)
• Offer as paid add-on (get compensated fairly)
• Make it their decision (not your fault if they decline)

6. Not Raising Prices Annually

Costs increase every year:

• Gas prices fluctuate but trend upward
• Supply costs increase 3-5% annually
• Insurance premiums rise
• Your skill and efficiency improve (worth more)
• General inflation (2-4% annually)

Yet many cleaners keep same prices for years, effectively giving themselves a pay cut.

Solution: Annual price increases of 3-5% for existing clients. Communicate in advance: “Starting in January, rates will increase to $155 per visit (up from $150). This is our first increase in 18 months and reflects increased costs.”

7. Underestimating Initial Deep Cleans

New clients always say “my house is pretty clean” but reality:

• Their “clean” standard differs from professional standard
• Areas neglected for months/years (baseboards, light fixtures, etc.)
• First clean takes 40-50% longer than maintenance cleans

Solution: Always quote first-time clients at deep clean rate. After establishing baseline, convert to standard maintenance rate.

8. Not Having Minimum Pricing

Small apartments or condos still require:

• Drive time (same as large house)
• Setup and breakdown
• Admin and scheduling
• Same overhead allocation

A 1BR apartment at $80 might take 2 hours + 1 hour drive/admin = $27/hour effective rate.

Solution: Set minimum of $100-130 regardless of size. If client balks, they’re not your target market.

Industry Benchmarks and Market Rates

Understanding market rates helps you price competitively while maintaining profitability.

National Average Pricing by Home Size

Home Size	Standard Clean	Deep Clean	Move-In Clean
1-Bedroom/Studio	$80-$130	$130-$200	$180-$280
2-Bedroom	$100-$160	$160-$250	$220-$330
3-Bedroom	$130-$200	$200-$320	$280-$420
4-Bedroom	$170-$260	$260-$400	$350-$530
5-Bedroom	$220-$340	$330-$510	$440-$680

Note: Ranges reflect national averages. High-cost metros may be 30-50% higher; rural areas may be 20-30% lower.

Hourly Rate Benchmarks

Business Type	Rate Per Person	Two-Person Team
Solo Independent (Budget)	$25-35/hour	N/A
Solo Independent (Standard)	$30-45/hour	N/A
Small Company (2-5 employees)	$30-40/hour	$60-80/hour
Established Company	$35-50/hour	$70-100/hour
Premium Service	$45-65/hour	$90-130/hour

Regional Pricing Variations

Region/Metro	Price Index	2BR Standard Clean
San Francisco Bay Area	170%	$180-220
New York City	160%	$170-210
Seattle / Boston	140%	$150-190
Los Angeles / DC	130%	$140-180
Chicago / Denver	110%	$120-150
National Average	100%	$100-130
Atlanta / Phoenix	95%	$100-125
Southern States	85%	$90-115
Rural Areas	75%	$80-100

Profit Margin Benchmarks

Business Model	Typical Net Margin	Best-in-Class
Solo Operator (owner does all work)	30-40%	45-55%
Owner + 1-2 Employees	22-32%	35-42%
Small Company (3-8 employees)	18-28%	28-35%
Established Company (8+ employees)	15-25%	25-32%

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Financial KPIs

Metric	Industry Average	Top Performers
Average Job Value	$120-160	$180-240
Revenue Per Hour (all-in)	$35-50	$60-85
Materials Cost %	4-7%	3-5%
Labor Cost % (if employees)	40-50%	35-42%
Marketing Cost %	8-15%	4-8%

Operational KPIs

Metric	Industry Average	Top Performers
Quote-to-Close Rate	25-40%	45-60%
Recurring Revenue %	60-75%	80-90%
Client Retention (annual)	60-70%	80-90%
Average Client Lifespan	14 months	24+ months
Jobs Per Day (solo)	2-3	4-5
Jobs Per Day (team of 2)	3-4	5-6

Growth KPIs

• Customer Acquisition Cost: Target under $50-80 (should recover in 1-2 jobs)
• Client Lifetime Value: Recurring client worth $2,000-5,000+ over relationship
• Monthly Recurring Revenue: Target 80% of total revenue from recurring
• Year-Over-Year Growth: Healthy businesses grow 25-50% annually
• Revenue Per Client: Target $1,200-2,400 annually per recurring client

Competitive Positioning

Budget Provider (Bottom 20%)

• Pricing: 15-25% below market average
• Target clients: Price-sensitive homeowners, often lower income
• Challenges: Thin margins, demanding clients, high churn
• Best for: New businesses building reputation quickly

Mid-Market Provider (Middle 60%)

• Pricing: Within 10% of market average
• Target clients: Middle-class families, most homeowners
• Advantages: Largest addressable market, balanced volume and profitability
• Best for: Most cleaning businesses

Premium Provider (Top 20%)

• Pricing: 20-40% above market average
• Target clients: High-income professionals, luxury homes
• Requirements: Exceptional service, insurance, guarantees, white-glove treatment
• Best for: Established businesses with strong reputation and systems

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much should I charge for house cleaning?

Pricing depends on home size, location, service type, and frequency. Use these guidelines:

• 1-bedroom: $80-130 (standard) to $130-200 (deep clean)
• 2-bedroom: $100-160 (standard) to $160-250 (deep clean)
• 3-bedroom: $130-200 (standard) to $200-320 (deep clean)
• 4-bedroom: $170-260 (standard) to $260-400 (deep clean)

Adjust for your location using BLS wage data—high-cost metros charge 30-50% more; rural areas 20-30% less. Recurring clients get 5-15% discount. Our calculator factors in all variables for accurate market-based pricing.

Q: How long does house cleaning take?

Time varies by size, service type, and team size:

Home Size	Standard (Solo)	Standard (Team of 2)	Deep Clean (Team)
1-2BR	2-3 hours	1.5-2 hours	2.5-3.5 hours
3BR	3-4 hours	2-2.5 hours	3.5-4.5 hours
4BR	4-5 hours	2.5-3.5 hours	4.5-6 hours
5+BR	5-7 hours	3.5-4.5 hours	6-8 hours

Add 25-30% time for homes with pets. Two-person teams complete jobs in about 60% of solo cleaner time (not 50% due to coordination).

Q: What’s the difference between standard and deep cleaning?

Standard Cleaning (Maintenance):

• Surface cleaning around furniture and belongings
• Kitchen: wipe counters, appliance exteriors, sink; sweep/mop
• Bathrooms: clean toilet, tub/shower, sink, mirror; sweep/mop
• Bedrooms/living: dust, vacuum/mop, straighten
• Takes 2-4 hours for average home
• Priced at base rate

Deep Cleaning:

• Everything in standard PLUS:
• Baseboards scrubbed (not just wiped)
• Interior windows, sills, tracks cleaned
• Light fixtures removed and cleaned
• Cabinet/drawer fronts detailed
• Bathroom grout scrubbed
• Behind/under accessible furniture
• Door frames and switch plates
• Takes 50-80% longer than standard
• Priced 50-80% higher

Recommendation: First-time clients should book deep clean to establish baseline, then maintain with standard recurring service.

Q: Should I offer discounts for recurring clients?

Yes, absolutely. Frequency discounts make business sense:

• Weekly: 10-15% discount (homes stay cleaner, faster cleaning)
• Bi-weekly: 5-10% discount (most popular frequency)
• Monthly: 0-5% discount (more buildup between visits)
• One-time: Full price (includes acquisition cost)

Why discounts work:

• Predictable revenue stream
• Lower marketing costs (don’t re-acquire every time)
• Easier scheduling
• Homes cleaned weekly take 15-20% less time
• Lifetime value: recurring client worth $2,000-5,000+ over relationship

A weekly client at 15% discount is worth 50x more than a one-time client over a year.

Q: How does BLS wage data improve my pricing?

BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) provides real-world wage data for cleaners by metro area. Our calculator uses this to suggest accurate hourly rates:

How it works:

1. Select your metro area in calculator
2. Calculator fetches BLS mean wage for cleaners (occupation code 37-2011)
3. Applies 2.1x multiplier to suggest your charge-out rate
4. Example: Seattle BLS wage $18.50/hour → Suggested rate $39/hour

Why 2.1x multiplier?

• Covers labor burden (30-35%): payroll taxes, workers’ comp, benefits
• Covers supplies (3-6%): cleaning products, consumables
• Covers overhead (15-25%): vehicle, insurance, marketing, admin
• Provides profit margin (20-30%): your take-home after expenses

Benefits: Market-accurate rates by location, data-backed pricing, competitive intelligence, ensures you cover all costs while staying competitive.

Q: What add-on services should I offer?

Add-ons can increase average ticket 25-50%:

High-Value Add-Ons:

• Interior windows: $25-50 whole-house (easy upsell)
• Interior appliances: $25-50 for oven + refrigerator (quarterly recommendation)
• Carpet deep clean: $30-60 per room (homes with pets/kids)

Moderate Add-Ons:

• Cabinet cleaning: $75-150 (inside all kitchen cabinets)
• Laundry/bed making: $25-40 per load (busy professionals)
• Post-party cleanup: Base rate + 25-50% surcharge

Avoid/Caution:

• Pet care (liability)
• Childcare (never combine with cleaning)
• Exterior work (different insurance required)
• Organizing (separate skill, charge hourly $40-75/hour)

Strategy: Present add-ons during booking, offer seasonal packages (quarterly appliances, pre-holiday windows), discover opportunities on-site with client approval.

Q: Should I charge extra for homes with pets?

Yes—always add 25-30% surcharge for homes with pets.

Pet-related work adds significant time:

• Hair removal from carpets, furniture, corners, vents
• Multiple vacuum passes required
• Cleaning nose prints on windows/glass
• Muddy paw prints
• Pet areas (bowls, beds, litter boxes)
• Odor management

Example: 3BR house base time 4 hours → with pets 4 × 1.25 = 5 hours

Communication: “I see you have pets—they add extra time for hair removal and cleaning. The quote reflects an additional 25% for pet-related work at $XXX total. This ensures thorough cleaning around your furry family members.”

Clients with pets understand this is reasonable. Those who balk aren’t your ideal clients.

Q: How do I price my first few clients when starting out?

Do NOT underprice to “get started.” This is the biggest mistake new cleaners make.

Instead:

1. Price at market rate from day one (use calculator with BLS data for your area)
2. Compete on service and reliability, not price
3. Offer “satisfaction guarantee” instead of low prices: “If you’re not happy, I’ll come back and make it right”
4. Build portfolio: Ask first few clients for detailed reviews/testimonials
5. Get referrals: “I’m building my business—if you’re happy, I’d appreciate referrals. I’ll give you $25 off for each friend who books.”

Why this works:

• Attracts quality clients who value good service
• Profitable from start (not working yourself to death for peanuts)
• Easier to maintain rates than raise them later
• Establishes you as professional, not desperate

Better to book 2-3 clients per week at $150 each ($450/week) than 5-6 clients at $80 each ($480/week but twice the work).

Q: When should I hire my first employee?

Ready to hire when:

• Consistently booked 30+ hours/week with recurring clients
• Turning away new business due to capacity
• Pricing at top of market and still high demand
• 6 months operating expenses saved as buffer
• 20+ regular recurring clients on your schedule
• Monthly revenue consistently $5,000-6,000+

Employee economics:

Additional revenue: Two-person team can do 5-6 jobs/day vs. 3-4 solo
Extra capacity: 2 jobs/day × $150 × 20 days = $6,000/month

Employee costs:
Wage: $15-18/hour × 160 hours = $2,400-2,880
Payroll taxes: ~$250
Workers’ comp: ~$300
Total: ~$3,000-3,500/month

Net gain: $2,500-3,000/month PLUS leverage (your income no longer capped by your personal hours)

Don’t hire too early: Hiring before steady demand = paying someone to sit idle = losing money fast.

Q: How often should I raise prices?

Annual price increases of 3-5% are standard and expected.

Why necessary:

• Gas and vehicle costs increase
• Supply costs rise 3-5% annually
• Insurance premiums increase
• General inflation (2-4% annually)
• Your efficiency and skill improve (worth more)

How to communicate:

Send email/letter 30-60 days in advance:

“Thank you for being a valued client! Due to increased costs of supplies, fuel, and insurance, our rates will increase by 4% effective January 1st. Your bi-weekly service will be $156 (currently $150). This is our first increase in 18 months. We remain committed to providing excellent service and appreciate your continued business.”

Expect 5-10% client loss—this is normal and okay. The 90-95% who stay are now worth more, offsetting the few who leave.

Professional House Cleaning Checklist

Standard Cleaning Checklist (Maintenance Service)

KITCHEN

• ☐ Wipe countertops and backsplash
• ☐ Clean sink and polish fixtures
• ☐ Wipe appliance exteriors (refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, microwave)
• ☐ Wipe stovetop
• ☐ Wipe cabinet fronts (spot clean)
• ☐ Empty trash
• ☐ Sweep and mop floor

BATHROOMS

• ☐ Scrub toilet bowl, wipe exterior
• ☐ Scrub tub/shower walls and fixtures
• ☐ Clean sink, countertop, and faucets
• ☐ Clean mirror
• ☐ Wipe cabinet fronts
• ☐ Empty trash
• ☐ Sweep and mop floor

BEDROOMS

• ☐ Dust all surfaces (nightstands, dressers, etc.)
• ☐ Make bed (if requested)
• ☐ Vacuum carpet or sweep/mop hard floors
• ☐ Empty trash

LIVING AREAS

• ☐ Dust all surfaces (tables, shelves, TV stands)
• ☐ Straighten cushions and throws
• ☐ Vacuum carpet or sweep/mop hard floors
• ☐ Empty trash

GENERAL (ALL ROOMS)

• ☐ Light dusting of accessible surfaces
• ☐ Spot clean walls and switch plates
• ☐ Quick wipe of baseboards

Deep Cleaning Checklist (Everything Above PLUS:)

• ☐ Scrub baseboards throughout (don’t just wipe)
• ☐ Clean interior windows, sills, and tracks
• ☐ Remove and clean light fixture covers/globes
• ☐ Detailed cabinet and drawer front cleaning
• ☐ Scrub bathroom tile grout
• ☐ Clean behind/under accessible furniture
• ☐ Wipe door frames and top of doors
• ☐ Clean switch plates and outlet covers
• ☐ Detailed ceiling fan blade cleaning
• ☐ Clean vent covers
• ☐ Wipe down all reachable surfaces in closets

Building a Six-Figure House Cleaning Business

Keys to Success:

• Never competed on price—always mid to upper-mid market
• Focused on recurring revenue (85% of business by Year 3)
• Geographic clustering: 90% of clients within 3-mile radius
• Excellent reviews: 4.9 stars on Google with 180+ reviews
• Quarterly deep clean upsells to recurring clients
• Annual 4% price increases (lost less than 8% of clients)