Last updated on 23 July 2026
How much do cleaners in London charge? Most house cleaners in London charge £15 to £30 per hour, with independent cleaners at the lower end (£13-£20/hour) and professional cleaning agencies at the higher end (£18-£30/hour). The total cost depends on property size, cleaning frequency, location, and the type of cleaning service required.
This comprehensive guide covers everything about house cleaning costs in London — from hourly rates and service types to factors that affect pricing and how to get the best deal. Whether you need regular cleaning, a one-off deep clean, or specialist services like end of tenancy cleaning, read on for all the information you need.
Quick Answer: How Much Do Cleaners Charge in London?
Most house cleaners in London charge between:
£15 – £30 per hour
Independent cleaners typically charge £13–£20/hour, while cleaning agencies charge £18–£30/hour. The total cost depends on property size, cleaning requirements, and the type of cleaning service you need.
A Brief Answer on How Much Cleaners in London Charge
It's difficult to give a definitive answer as the cost of cleaners in London can vary greatly depending on their experience, the type of cleaning service required, and the size and location of the property. However, most London cleaners charge between £15 per hour and £30 per hour for standard cleaning services.
Here's a quick overview of what you can expect to pay for different cleaning services in London:
| Cleaning Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Regular domestic cleaning | £15 – £22/hour |
| One-off / deep cleaning | £20 – £30+/hour |
| End of tenancy cleaning | £180 – £500+ |
| Carpet cleaning | £40 – £300+ |
| Office cleaning | £16 – £26/hour |
| Same-day / evening bookings | From £29/hour |
Read on below to find out more about how cleaners in London charge for their professional cleaning services and what factors affect the final cost.
How Much a Cleaner in London Will Charge Depends on the Cleaning Services Required
The type of cleaning service you need is the biggest factor in determining how much cleaners charge. Different cleaning requirements demand different levels of time, expertise, and cleaning products.
Regular Domestic Cleaning Costs
Domestic cleaning services are the most common type of house cleaning. This includes regular weekly or fortnightly visits where a professional cleaner handles your standard cleaning tasks — vacuuming, mopping, dusting, bathroom cleaning, and kitchen cleaning.
Regular domestic cleaning typically costs £15 to £22 per hour in London. Many cleaning companies offer discounted hourly rates for ongoing weekly services compared to one-off cleans — you could save 10-15% with a regular booking.
Average weekly cost: Based on 3 hours per week, expect to pay around £45–£66 weekly for regular domestic cleaning, or approximately £75 per week if using an independent cleaner for more hours.
One-Off and Deep Cleaning Costs
A deep cleaning service is more thorough than regular cleaning and is ideal for tackling built-up dirt and grime. This type of one-off cleaning session covers areas often missed during standard cleaning — inside appliances, behind furniture, deep carpet cleaning, and intensive bathroom descaling.
One-off or deep cleaning services typically cost £20 to £30+ per hour. A standard house visit for a deep clean costs between £80 and £150+ depending on property size and condition.
End of Tenancy Cleaning Costs
If you need a professional end of tenancy cleaning, the price will be considerably higher than regular domestic cleaning services due to its thorough nature. End of tenancy cleaning is typically the most expensive cleaning service as it must meet strict landlord and letting agent standards.
For end of tenancy cleaning, you are looking to pay anywhere from £180 to £500+. Studio flats start at around £99+, while larger properties cost significantly more. For detailed pricing, check the cleaning prices page.
Carpet and Specialist Cleaning Costs
If you are looking to hire a cleaning company to provide carpet cleaning services, you can expect to pay anywhere from £40 to £300+ depending on the size of the property, where you live in London, and what you need to be done. The average hourly rate for carpet cleaning is around £50 per room.
Other specialist cleaning services like after builders cleaning and office cleaning have their own pricing structures. Office cleaning typically charges between £16 and £26 per hour, with costs varying between cleaning companies.
How Much Do House Cleaners Cost Per Hour in London?
Understanding hourly rates helps you budget for your house cleaning costs. Here's a detailed breakdown of what most cleaners charge per hour in London:
| Cleaner Type | Hourly Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Cleaners | £13 – £20/hour | Budget-conscious, flexible arrangements |
| Small Cleaning Agencies | £16 – £22/hour | Balance of cost and reliability |
| Professional Cleaning Agencies | £18 – £30/hour | Guaranteed quality, vetted cleaners |
| Premium / Same-Day Service | £25 – £35+/hour | Urgent cleaning requirements |
Yes, although £30 per hour seems like a lot to be paying a cleaner, some clients happily pay that much. When you find a professional cleaner that is a perfect match — someone who cleans amazingly, organises your home, and becomes like part of the family — the extra cost is worth every penny.
Money-saving tip: Many cleaners and cleaning companies offer discounted hourly rates for regular weekly bookings. You could save £2-5 per hour by committing to ongoing service options rather than booking one-off cleans.
Factors That Affect How Much Cleaners Charge in London
Several factors influence the total cost of hiring a cleaner. Understanding these helps you get accurate quotes and budget appropriately for your cleaning requirements.
🏠 Property Size
Larger properties require more time and resources to clean. A studio flat takes 2-3 hours; a 4-bed house may need 5-8 hours.
🧹 Property Condition
Homes with built-up dirt and grime require more intensive cleaning, increasing the total cost significantly.
📅 Cleaning Frequency
Regular weekly cleaning is cheaper per visit than one-off deep cleans. Many cleaners offer 10-15% discounts for ongoing bookings.
📍 Location in London
Central London commands a premium of 20% or more compared to outer boroughs due to higher operating costs.
➕ Additional Services
Extra services like oven cleaning, inside windows, or laundry add to the final price as they're not included in standard rates.
⏰ Booking Time
Same-day or evening bookings incur higher rates, starting from £29/hour. Book in advance for standard pricing.
The size and condition of the property are the biggest factors. A larger or dirtier home requires more time, more cleaning products, and more resources to clean properly — all of which affect the final cost of your cleaning session.
Central London vs Outer London Cleaning Prices
Location significantly impacts how much cleaners charge. Central London commands a premium of 20% or more for cleaning services compared to outer boroughs.
| London Area | Typical Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Central London (Zone 1-2) | £22 – £35/hour |
| Inner London (Zone 2-3) | £18 – £28/hour |
| Outer London (Zone 4-6) | £15 – £25/hour |
Why the difference? Central London has higher parking costs, congestion charges, longer travel times, and generally higher operating costs involved for cleaning companies. These costs are passed on to customers.
Professional cleaning services are available across all London areas:
Are You Using a Company to Hire Your London Cleaners or Hiring Independent Cleaners?
Whether you hire an independent cleaner or professional cleaners from a trusted cleaning company in London will make a difference — not only in cost but in reliability, security, and service options. Here's what you need to know:
Cleaner Vetting Process
When you hire a cleaner from a trusted cleaning agency, you can be sure that all cleaners have been through proper vetting processes including background checks and reference verification.
When you hire a self-employed cleaner working independently, you are taking a risk as you may not know much about the cleaner. Independent cleaners may not have undergone formal background checks, posing a potential risk when giving someone access to your home.
Hiring a professional cleaning service gives you extra peace of mind that the professional cleaner coming to your home is trustworthy and has passed security checks.
Background Checks
Background checks are important as you are trusting a cleaner with your regular house cleaning needs. You need to know that the person in your home is safe. Reputable cleaning companies provide full background checks and continuously collect client feedback to maintain quality standards.
Self-Employed Cleaners
Most house cleaners in London work as self-employed workers. However, on some occasions, private clients or corporations will directly employ the cleaners they use. Generally, most cleaning companies and cleaning agencies in London connect customers with vetted, self-employed professional cleaners.
Average Hourly Rates Comparison
The average hourly rate varies significantly between independent cleaners and cleaning agencies:
| Factor | Independent Cleaners | Cleaning Agencies |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | £13 – £20/hour | £18 – £30/hour |
| Background Checks | Usually none | Yes, verified |
| Insurance | Rarely | Yes, covered |
| Cover Cleaner | No backup | Yes, if unavailable |
| Service Options | Limited | Wide variety |
| Reliability | Variable | Consistent |
Regular Cleaning vs One-Off Deep Cleaning Costs
Understanding the difference between regular cleaning and one-off deep cleaning helps you choose the right service for your needs and budget.
Regular Cleaning (Weekly/Fortnightly)
- Lower hourly rate (£15-22/hour)
- Discounts for ongoing bookings
- Consistent, familiar cleaner
- Home stays consistently clean
- Standard cleaning tasks covered
- Cleaner learns your preferences
One-Off Deep Cleaning
- Higher hourly rate (£20-30+/hour)
- No commitment required
- Thorough, intensive clean
- Ideal for move-in/move-out
- Tackles built-up dirt and grime
- Covers often-missed areas
Regular cleaning services can be booked as weekly, fortnightly, or monthly visits. Many cleaning services offer discounted rates for regular bookings compared to one-off cleans — recurring services often lead to better familiarity and efficiency with your regular cleaner.
Deep cleaning is more thorough than standard cleaning and is ideal for spring cleaning, preparing for guests, or when your property needs extra attention. Most cleaning companies charge more for same-day or next-day bookings, so plan ahead when possible.
Why Hiring an Independent Cleaner for Your House Cleaning Needs Will Be Cheaper — But Is It a Better Solution?
Independent cleaners generally charge less per hour than cleaning agencies, but the lower house cleaning cost comes with trade-offs. Here's an honest comparison:
✓ Cleaning Agency Benefits
- Vetted and background-checked cleaners
- Cover cleaner if yours is unwell or on holiday
- Wider variety of services available
- Insurance and liability coverage
- Professional cleaning equipment
- Customer support and guarantees
- Consistent quality standards
✗ Independent Cleaner Risks
- No background checks performed
- No backup if they cancel
- Limited service options
- May lack proper insurance
- Variable cleaning products/equipment
- No recourse if issues arise
- Quality can be inconsistent
When you hire from a cleaning agency, you know that vetting has been performed and it gives you extra security knowing that the professional cleaner is safe and has passed background checks. Cleaning agencies have better availability compared to independent cleaners and can send many cleaners if needed for larger jobs.
Cleaning agencies also offer a wider variety of services ranging from carpet cleaning, end of tenancy cleaning, office cleaning, upholstery cleaning, oven cleaning, one-off cleaning, after builders cleaning, domestic cleaning, and more.
When you hire a cleaning agency, they have access to multiple cleaners and can send a cover cleaner in case your regular cleaner is unwell or away on holiday. This reliability is worth the extra cost for many clients.
How to Get the Best Deal on Cleaning Services in London
Want to reduce your house cleaning costs without sacrificing quality? Here are proven ways to get the best deal:
1. Book Regular Cleaning Services
Many cleaners and cleaning companies offer discounted hourly rates for continued weekly services. You could save £2-5 per hour compared to one-off bookings. Regular clients often get priority booking and their preferred time slots.
2. Book in Advance
Same-day or evening bookings can incur higher rates, starting from £29 per hour. Book at least a few days ahead to secure standard pricing and ensure availability.
3. Prepare Your Home
Declutter and tidy up before your cleaner arrives. The less time spent moving items around, the more time dedicated to actual cleaning — making your cleaning session more cost-effective.
4. Be Clear About Your Cleaning Requirements
Provide detailed information about your property size, condition, and any additional services or extra services needed. This ensures accurate quotes with no surprise costs involved.
5. Compare Multiple Quotes
Get quotes from several cleaning companies to understand the total cost range. Don't just go for the cheapest — consider the value, reliability, and service options offered.
Get a Personalized Quote
Every property is different. For accurate pricing based on your specific cleaning requirements, property size, and location in London, get a personalised quote from professional cleaners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Prices in London
Conclusion
Summary: How Much Do Cleaners Charge in London?
Cleaners in London charge different rates depending on the professional cleaning service you need and whether you hire from a cleaning agency or independently. Most house cleaners charge between £15 and £30 per hour, with independent cleaners at the lower end (£13-£20) and agencies at the higher end (£18-£30).
Key factors affecting the total cost include property size, condition, location in London, cleaning frequency, and any additional services required. Central London commands a 20% premium over outer boroughs.
For the best deal, consider regular bookings (which offer discounted rates), book in advance to avoid same-day premiums, and choose a reputable cleaning company that offers vetted cleaners, insurance, and service guarantees.
If you are looking for a one-off clean, regular domestic cleaning, end of tenancy cleaning, or carpet cleaning — professional cleaners are ready to help across all London areas including North London, South East London, North West London, East London, West London, South West London, and Central London.
Short notice bookings are available with London cleaners ready to deliver professional services. Cleaning materials can be provided for most services and payment options include cards, online bookings, bank transfers, and cash.
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