Does pricing your cleaning jobs feel like a guessing game? You’re not alone. In fact, it's one of the most common questions I get from new cleaning business owners. “How much should I charge for a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath house in good condition?

It's a valid question, but the truth is, pricing isn’t that simple. There are a lot of factors that need to be considered before you can confidently set a price that’s profitable for you and fair for your client.

If you’re only pricing based on the size of the home, you’re probably underpricing yourself. The condition of the house, the type of cleaning required, how often the cleaning will be, the location, and, perhaps most importantly, the value you bring—these all play a big part in what you should be charging.

Most cleaning businesses today give quotes over the phone or through a form on their website. While this may seem convenient, it often turns the focus to price instead of the value and results you’re offering. And if you want to build a profitable business shifting that focus is key. In my 30+ years of experience, I’ve found that pricing cleaning jobs profitably starts way before the price is even mentioned.

The Power of In-Home Walkthroughs

When I was running my cleaning business, I always did in-home walkthroughs before giving a quote. Why? Because it’s not just about seeing the condition of the home; it’s about building a connection with your potential client. You’re giving them a chance to meet you, and you get the chance to showcase your professionalism and understand their needs in a way a phone call or website form just can’t provide.

I would arrive on time, dressed professionally, and with my Client Forms in hand. This made a strong first impression. During the walkthrough, I asked a lot of questions and, most importantly, I listened. I’d find out why they needed a cleaning service and what their biggest concerns were. Was it that they had no time to clean? Were they struggling to keep up with housework while juggling work and family?

This information was invaluable because it allowed me to address their pain points directly. I’d say things like, “It must feel amazing to come home to a clean, fresh-smelling house after a long day at work. It really frees up your time to focus on what matters most.”

By doing this, I wasn’t just offering a cleaning service—I was offering peace of mind. I was showing them how my services could improve their life, and I was doing it before we even talked about the price. This helped me stand out from other cleaners, many of whom were simply sending a quote without ever stepping foot in the home.

Policies Are Essential

Another critical aspect of pricing for profit is having clear policies in place. Without them, it’s easy for misunderstandings to occur, which can lead to unpaid invoices, and unnecessary stress. A solid set of policies helps your clients understand how and when you get paid, what’s included in the cleaning, and what isn’t.

Think of policies as a way to protect both you and your client. They set clear expectations, which means fewer surprises down the road. And believe me, clients respect a cleaner who runs their business professionally. I offer my policies for free—just fill out the form below, and you can start using them right away!

Why Building Trust Matters

Cleaning someone’s home is personal. The more your potential clients get to know and trust you, the more confident they’ll feel about hiring you—and paying your rates. It’s not just about cleaning; it’s about building relationships.

When you focus on the value you’re providing and how you can improve their day-to-day life, price becomes secondary. People will gladly pay more for a service that makes their life easier and gives them more time for what’s important to them.That’s why I’m such a big advocate of in-home walkthroughs. They help you build trust and set yourself apart from competitors who are just competing on price.

Final Thoughts

Pricing cleaning jobs profitably isn’t just about throwing out a number that sounds good or trying to beat the competition by offering the lowest rate. It’s about knowing your worth and communicating the value you bring to your clients’ lives. If you want to learn more about how to price your services effectively, check out my Quick Guide to Pricing Cleaning Jobs. It’ll help you take the guesswork out of pricing so you can grow your business with confidence.

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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!