Introduction
Maintaining a clean home requires time and effort. Working people usually don't have enough free time. Therefore, many people living in Australia are opting for hiring help to make their lives easier. The Australian Cleaning Services Market is a growing market, valued at AUD 18.05 billion in 2024, forecasted to grow at a 5.1% CAGR by 2034 [1].
But you may wonder how much it really costs to hire help. Well, there is no fixed price for house cleaning. In fact, the cost varies depending on several factors, including your location, the size of your home, and the type of service you select. For example, a small apartment in Brisbane may cost far less to clean than a large family home in Sydney. Cleaning needs are also different, some people only require a basic house cleaning, while others may want a deep cleaning or even a move-out house cleaning.
This is why it is important to understand the house cleaning cost before booking help in Australia. This guide outlines the average house cleaning cost and the factors that influence the cost.
Understanding House Cleaning Cost in Australia
What Is the Average House Cleaning Cost?
According to the IBIS World Residential Cleaning Services Market Report [2], the average cost for standard house cleaning services in Australia ranges from:
| Cleaning Type | Average Cost Range (AUD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | $35 - $60 per hour | Flexible option, charged for time spent. Vary in different cities |
| Regular Maintenance Clean | $120 - $190 per visit | General cleaning, like dusting, floors, and surfaces |
| Deep Cleaning | $200 - $450+ | More detailed cleaning, including bathrooms, kitchens, and hidden spots |
| End-of-Lease Clean | $450 - $900 | Full cleaning to meet rental requirements |
| Specialty Services (e.g., Carpet Cleaning) | $60 - $200 | Add-ons like carpet shampooing or window washing |
Residential Cleaning Services in Australia - Market Research Report (2015-2030)
Factors Influencing House Cleaning Costs
For the cleaning services, several factors influence the cost of house cleaning services in Australia. These factors help you choose the right cleaner.
- Location: This is important. In larger cities like Sydney or Melbourne, the cost of house cleaning is typically higher than in smaller cities. For example, the range of hourly Sydney rates is between $45 - $80, while rates in regional areas might be as low as $35.
- Home Size and Condition: Bigger homes require more time and are more expensive to clean. Cleaning a one-bedroom apartment typically costs around $60 to $150, while a four-bedroom house will cost between $185 and $300 or more. Additionally, the dirtier the house, the more money you will have to pay, as it requires a significant amount of effort to clean.
- Type of Cleaning Service: Not all cleaning is the same. A basic house cleaning cost typically covers simple tasks like dusting, vacuuming and floor cleaning. It is less expensive, ranging from $120 to $190 per visit. A deep house cleaning, which includes ovens and hard-to-reach areas, can cost $200 to $450 or more.
- Frequency of Cleaning: How often you book also changes the cost. Regular cleaning schedules, often come at a discounted rate, ranging from $70 to $190 per visit, compared to one-time cleans, which may cost $150 to $300.
- Additional Services and Add-Ons: Extras like carpet cleaning, window washing, or oven cleaning can add $60 to $200 to the total cost, depending on the service and provider.
Types of House Cleaning Services and Their Costs
Standard House Cleaning
This covers regular cleaning tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. It keeps your home tidy in a routine.
Cost: $120–$350 for a 3-bedroom home, depending on size, location, and provider.
Deep House Cleaning
This is a thorough cleaning of every corner, including hard-to-reach areas, bathrooms, kitchens, and cupboards.
Cost: $150–$500, depending on home size and condition.
End-of-Lease (Bond) Cleaning
This is a detailed house cleaning to meet lease rules. It included carpets, windows, walls, and appliances to ensure bond return. This is typically the most thorough service.
Cost: $300–$600, depending on property size, condition, and lease stipulations.
One-Time House Cleaning
You can get a one-time house cleaning service to meet the occasional cleaning needs. These needs can be post-party cleanup, moving preparation, or guest readiness.
Cost: $80–$250, based on home size, tasks, and location.
Regular Cleaning Services
You can avail cleaning services at scheduled intervals. These services are often more cost-effective due to recurring bookings and lighter maintenance needs.
Cost: $40–$65 per hour, with total session costs typically ranging from $80 to $200 depending on frequency and home size.
To avail the services of a cleaner, there are different pricing models. Each one has its own pros and cons. This will help you pick the right service for your needs.
House Cleaning Rates: Understanding Hourly Charges
Some cleaners charge by the hour. The cost is typically $35–$65 per hour. Hourly pricing works if you need light cleaning for almost 2–3 hours. It's ideal for homes needing specific tasks prioritised. But if the job takes longer than expected, the final price can be higher than planned, and there is also a risk of incomplete work if time runs out.
Typical House Cleaning Cost with Flat-Rate Pricing
set fee based on home size (e.g., number of bedrooms/bathrooms) or service type, ranging from $100–$350 for a standard 3-bedroom clean. This provides cost certainty upfront and is common for full-house services, with no surprises from extended time. Add-ons like oven cleaning add $50–$100.
Some cleaners don’t charge by the hour. They use flat-rate pricing. This means you pay one set cost for the whole job. Flat-rate house cleaning prices are common for families who want to know the total cost upfront without worrying about how many hours it takes.
The cost for flat-rate pricing ranges from $100–$350 for a standard 3-bedroom clean. Add-ons like oven cleaning add $50–$100.
House Cleaning Cost for Contracts and Packages
Many cleaning companies offer contracts or packages and gives you a better deal. This lowers the average house cleaning cost per visit. It’s also more convenient, as you don’t have to rebook each time. Moreover, you can propose a package with bundled services. William Boyton [3], cleaning industry analyst, suggests bundling services, for example, carpet + kitchen deep clean to reduce overall costs.
Additional Costs and Add-Ons
Specialty services focus on targeted areas or tasks that go beyond routine cleaning, requiring specific expertise or tools.
- Oven Cleaning: Involves degreasing and scrubbing the interior and exterior of ovens, including racks and trays. This service ensures a hygienic cooking environment and can extend appliance lifespan.
Cost: $50–$200, depending on oven size, condition, and provider.
- Carpet Steam Cleaning: It uses hot water extraction to remove embedded dirt and stains from carpets, improving appearance and hygiene. Costs vary based on room size and carpet condition.
Cost: $60–$200 per room or $30–$50 per room for multiple rooms.
- Window Washing: It includes cleaning interior and exterior windows, tracks, and frames for streak-free results. Pricing depends on the number of panes and accessibility.
Cost: $30–$150 for a standard home, or $10 per window pane.
- Travel Fees: Travel fees are applicable when the cleaning location is outside the provider’s standard service area, often in rural or remote locations. These fees cover fuel, time, and transportation costs for cleaners.
Cost: $20–$55, depending on distance and provider policies. Some companies may also charge for parking fees in urban areas with limited access, adding $10–$20 to the total.
Comparing One-Time vs. Long-Term House Cleaning Prices
When thinking about house cleaning costs, it helps to know the difference between hiring a cleaner once and signing a long-term contract. The choice affects both cost and convenience.
A one-time house cleaning cost is flexible. You pay only when you need it. One-time cleaning is good for special occasions or occasional deep cleaning. The downside is that it is usually more expensive per visit than regular cleaning.
Long-term contracts are different. They lower the average house cleaning cost per visit. You get the same cleaner every time. It makes life easier. Families or busy households often prefer this option.
There is also a difference between flexible bookings and fixed contracts. Flexible bookings let you call a cleaner only when needed. This is good if your schedule changes, but it can cost more per visit. Fixed contracts have a set schedule. They usually save money in the long run and keep your home consistently clean.
Choosing between one-time services and long-term contracts depends on your budget, lifestyle, and how clean you want your home to be.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of House Cleaning Frequency
When you think about house cleaning costs, it’s important to consider how often you book a cleaner. How often you clean your home can change the cost of home cleaning and also affect how clean your house stays.
Weekly House Cleaning Cost
If you hire a cleaner weekly, your overall spend is higher. But your home stays fresh all the time, and dirt and mess don’t build up. Weekly cleaning is good for busy families or people who want regular tidying without needing extra deep cleaning. Many people ask, “How much does a weekly house cleaner cost?” On average, it is around $65–$130 per visit, totalling $3,380–$6,760 annually for 52 visits.
Biweekly House Cleaning Cost
Biweekly cleaning costs less than weekly, and your home stays tidy. This works well for medium-sized homes or households with kids. It is a popular option for people who want regular cleaning but don’t need it every week. It will cost around $65–$140 per visit, totalling $1,690–$3,640 annually for 26 visits.
Monthly House Cleaning Cost
Hiring a cleaner once a month is the cheapest option upfront. However, the house may need more work per visit because dirt and dust build up over time. Monthly cleaning works for small homes or tight budgets. And the cost ranges from $68–$150 per visit, totalling $816–$1,800 annually for 12 visits. Also, add the cost for 1-2 deep cleans for an additional $150–$500.
Look for Transparency and Hidden Fees
When checking house cleaning prices, some extra costs may appear. Common hidden fees include travel charges, last-minute bookings, or heavy-duty cleaning for very dirty homes.
To avoid surprises, always ask the cleaner what is included in the house cleaning cost. Check if things like oven cleaning, carpet steam, or windows are extra. Reading the quote carefully and asking questions helps you know the full cost before they start.
Tips for Hiring a House Cleaner
Hiring a cleaner can save time, but it’s important to do it right. These tips help you get good service and fair house cleaning prices.
- Before booking a cleaner, it is always recommended to check the quotes of different companies. In this way, you can compare different quotes about cost and what is included. This helps you find a fair deal and avoid paying too much.
- Look at online reviews or ask for references. This ensures the cleaner is reliable and does good work. Checking reviews saves you problems later.
- Always be transparent about the hidden charges. Ask the company what is included in the quote, so there are no end-of-moment surprises.
- Discuss how often you would like the cleaner to come. Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly visits affect the average house cleaning cost.
Conclusion
Understanding house cleaning costs makes it easier to choose the right service for your home. Costs change depending on your home size, location, and cleaning type. Whether you need a one-time house cleaning cost or a regular weekly house cleaner cost, understanding the options helps you avoid surprises. Remember to compare quotes, check reviews, and clarify what is included in the service.
