How Much Do House Cleaners Cost?

If you’re thinking about hiring a house cleaner, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is: how much does house cleaning cost? The short answer is — it depends. House cleaning prices can vary widely based on several factors, including the size of your home, the type of clean required, and how often you book the service.

In this guide, we’ll break down what influences house cleaning costs, give you a general pricing overview, and explain how to get the best value when hiring professional cleaners.

At Scrub and Sort, we believe in transparent, fair pricing and helping clients understand exactly what they’re paying for.

Average Cost of House Cleaning in Australia

In Australia, house cleaning is typically priced in one of three ways:

• Hourly rates
• Fixed-price cleans
• Per-room or per-service pricing

As a general guide:

• Hourly rates often range from $40 to $70 per hour
• Standard house cleans may range from $120 to $250+ per visit
• Deep cleans or end-of-lease cleans are usually higher due to the level of detail required

These figures are a guide only. The final cost depends on the specifics of your home and cleaning needs.

Key Factors That Influence House Cleaning Costs

1. Size of the Home

One of the biggest pricing factors is the size of your property.

Larger homes take more time to clean and usually involve:

• More bathrooms
• Larger kitchens
• Additional bedrooms and living areas

A one-bedroom apartment will generally cost much less than a four-bedroom house with multiple bathrooms and living spaces.

2. Type of Cleaning Service

Not all cleans are the same. The type of service you choose has a major impact on price.

Common cleaning types include:

• Regular house cleaning
  Ongoing maintenance cleaning such as vacuuming, mopping, bathrooms and kitchens.
• Deep cleaning
  More detailed cleaning including skirting boards, grout, built-up grime and hard-to-reach areas.
• Bond or end-of-lease cleaning
  A comprehensive clean designed to meet real estate inspection standards.
• One-off cleans
  Often booked before events, inspections or after renovations.

The more detailed the clean, the higher the cost.

3. Condition of the Property

The current condition of your home significantly affects cleaning costs.

Homes that haven’t been cleaned regularly may require:

• Extra time
• Stronger cleaning products
• More detailed attention

For example, heavy grease in kitchens, soap scum in bathrooms, or built-up dust throughout the home will increase the time required — and therefore the price.

4. Frequency of Cleaning

How often you book a cleaner can influence pricing.

• Regular weekly or fortnightly cleans are usually more cost-effective
• One-off cleans often cost more due to extra time and setup

Many cleaning companies offer better value for ongoing services because the home is maintained consistently.

5. Number of Bathrooms and Toilets

Bathrooms are one of the most time-intensive areas to clean. The more bathrooms your home has, the higher the overall cost.

Bathroom cleaning often includes:

• Toilets
• Showers and screens
• Tubs
• Vanities and mirrors
• Tiles and grout

Homes with multiple bathrooms will generally cost more than those with just one.

6. Kitchen Complexity

Kitchens can vary greatly in size and complexity.

Factors that affect kitchen cleaning costs include:

• Number of cupboards and drawers
• Appliances included (oven, rangehood, dishwasher)
• Level of grease and food build-up

An oven clean alone can add to the overall cost due to the time and products required.

7. Additional or Optional Services

Many house cleaning services offer add-ons that increase the final price.

Common extras include:

• Oven cleaning
• Fridge cleaning
• Interior window cleaning
• Laundry folding or organisation
• Inside cupboards and wardrobes

Adding these services increases cleaning time and cost but can save you significant effort.

8. Pets in the Home

Homes with pets may require additional cleaning due to:

• Pet hair
• Odours
• Extra vacuuming

This doesn’t mean pets are a problem — but they can affect how long a clean takes, which may impact pricing.

9. Location and Access

Your location can also influence cleaning costs.

Factors include:

• Travel time for cleaners
• Parking availability
• Stairs or difficult access

Inner-city apartments, walk-ups, or homes with limited access may take longer to service.

10. Experience and Quality of the Cleaning Company

Not all cleaning services are the same. Pricing often reflects:

• Experience and training
• Quality of equipment and products
• Insurance and reliability
• Attention to detail

Cheaper prices may not always deliver the results you expect, especially for detailed or high-standard cleans.

Hourly vs Fixed-Price Cleaning

Hourly Cleaning

• Flexible for smaller or ongoing jobs
• Final cost depends on time spent
• Can vary from visit to visit

Fixed-Price Cleaning

• Clear upfront pricing
• Based on home size and service type
• Ideal for bond cleans and deep cleans

For many clients, fixed pricing provides peace of mind and avoids surprises.

How to Get the Best Value from a House Cleaner

To get the most value from your cleaning service:

• Be clear about what you need cleaned
• Declutter before the cleaner arrives
• Book regular cleans where possible
• Choose a reputable cleaning company
• Ask what’s included in the service

Clear communication ensures accurate pricing and better results.

Why Professional House Cleaning Is Worth It

Hiring a professional house cleaner isn’t just about convenience. It can also:

• Save you time
• Reduce stress
• Maintain a healthier home
• Deliver consistent results

For busy households, professional cleaning is often a practical investment rather than a luxury.

How Much Do House Cleaners Cost?

House cleaning costs vary because every home is different. Factors like size, condition, service type and frequency all play a role in determining price.

While it can be tempting to choose the cheapest option, quality, reliability and attention to detail matter just as much.

At Scrub and Sort, we tailor our cleaning services to suit your home and needs, providing clear pricing and high standards every time.

If you’re considering professional house cleaning and want an accurate quote, the best step is to speak with a trusted local cleaning service who can assess your requirements properly.