The Secret To Pricing Cleaning Jobs For Maximum Profit

Pricing cleaning jobs isn’t just about tossing out a number your client agrees with—it’s a thoughtful process that can make or break your cleaning business. Get it right, and you’ll earn consistent profits while keeping your clients happy. Get it wrong, and you’ll find yourself working harder for less. Here’s how to approach pricing strategically and set your business up for success.

What to Consider When Pricing Cleaning Jobs

Before you quote a price, you need to factor in:

• How Often You’re Cleaning: Are you setting up a recurring service, like weekly or biweekly cleanings, or is it a one-time job? Recurring clients often pay less per visit, but their reliability can boost your overall income.

• The Home’s Size: Larger homes require more time and effort, so naturally, the price should reflect that.
  

• The Home’s Condition: A home that hasn’t been cleaned in months—or ever—will need more work than a well-maintained home.
  

• Location: Is the home close to you, or will travel time and expenses add up?

• The Type of Cleaning: Are you providing a standard cleaning, a detailed clean, or something more specialized? Each service level should come with its own pricing structure.

Choosing the Right Pricing Strategy

There are several ways to price your cleaning jobs, but these are the most common:

1. Hourly: Charging by the hour is simple, but it can sometimes lead to misunderstandings about time efficiency.

2. Per Square Foot: This method is often used for commercial cleaning but can work for larger homes.

3. Flat Rate: Flat rate pricing is my personal favorite because it’s clear, predictable, and often the most profitable. With flat rates, you base the price on the job’s scope and value rather than how long it takes to complete.

The Power of Cleaning Checklists

One of the most overlooked tools in pricing (and running) a cleaning business are cleaning checklists. Why? Because a checklist sets expectations and prevents misunderstandings.

Here’s how cleaning checklists can transform your business:

• Clarity with Clients: They define what will and won’t be cleaned, so there are no surprises. For instance, if a client mentions you “forgot” the window sills, you can refer to your checklist and explain that it wasn’t included in their cleaning package—but you’d be happy to add it for an additional fee.

• Keeps You on Track: Checklists help you stay organized and efficient during the job, ensuring nothing is missed.

• Builds Professionalism: A checklist shows clients you’re serious about your business, which builds trust and confidence.

Pricing Is About More Than Just Numbers

At its core, pricing isn’t just about coming up with a number—it’s about creating a complete experience that makes your clients feel confident, valued, and understood. Sure, setting a dollar amount is part of it, but it goes so much deeper than that.

When clients look at your quote, they’re not just evaluating the price—they’re asking themselves, Is this worth it? Do I trust this person in my home? Will they do what they promised and deliver the quality I expect?

This is why your pricing strategy needs to be paired with professionalism, clear communication, and a genuine commitment to meeting their needs. People want to work with someone they like and feel comfortable having in their most personal spaces.

Your demeanor, how you present your services, and even how you handle small details all contribute to their overall impression of you and your business.Think about it: Would you be okay with hiring someone who seemed unsure of their own worth or didn’t seem prepared? Probably not. That’s why preparation is key.

Showing up with well-thought-out pricing, clear policies, and cleaning checklists not only makes you look more professional but also reassures your clients that you’re organized, reliable, and focused on delivering value.

Clients are willing to pay higher rates if they believe they’re getting more than just a cleaning service. They want peace of mind, time saved, and the confidence that their home is in good hands.

When you price your services, you’re not just putting a dollar amount on a job; you’re communicating the value of what you provide. If they see you as trustworthy, professional, and capable, they’ll happily pay for the quality and reliability you bring.

So, remember: Pricing isn’t just numbers. It’s about building trust, creating a positive connection, and setting the stage for a long-term relationship with your clients. When you approach it this way, your rates become a reflection of the exceptional service and experience you’re delivering, and clients will be willing to pay what you’re worth.

Get the Tools to Price and Profit Like a Pro

If you want to make sure you’re maximizing your earning potential, my "How to Start a House Cleaning Business Start-Up Guide" has everything you need to get started.

Here’s what’s included:

• The Cleaning Checklists I Used in My Own Business: These were instrumental in helping me stay organized, keep clients happy, and eliminate disputes.

• POLICIES

• CLIENT AGREEMENT

• WALKTHROUGH/ESTIMATE FORM

• INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO

  BONUS 1: The Quick Guide to Pricing Cleaning Jobs: This guide walks you through pricing strategies, so you can confidently set rates that work for you and your clients.

  Bonus 2: Price Increase Letter: use this template when it's time to increas your prices

  Bonus 3: 2 Sample Flyers you can use for you own business

These tools helped me earn $70–$100+ per hour as a solo cleaner, and they can do the same for you. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in business but aren’t earning what you’d hoped, this guide is packed with practical tips and resources to help you succeed.

Click Here to get your copy of my "How to Start a House Cleaning Business Start-Up Guide" and start earning what you’re worth today!

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For over 30 years, Trisha built and ran her own successful cleaning business, handpicking her schedule and consistently earning $5,000+ a month—all while working part-time as a solo cleaner. Now, she’s here to help you do the same! Whether you’re just starting solo or already have a small team, Trisha’s vast experience can help you grow your business and boost profits without adding more hours. She'll teach you how to avoid common mistakes new cleaning business owners make and run your business profitably from day one. With over three decades of experience, learning from Trisha is the fastest, most reliable way to launch or scale your thriving cleaning business!