Whether you're hiring a cleaner or about to become one, the first question is the same: what's a fair hourly rate? Here's what cleaners actually charge across the UK in 2026 — and how to set your own price if you're on the other side of the mop.
Typical hourly rates in 2026
| Type of clean | Typical rate (per hour) |
|---|---|
| Regular domestic clean | £15–£22 |
| Deep clean | £18–£28 |
| End-of-tenancy clean | £18–£30 (often quoted per job) |
| Office / commercial | £16–£25 |
| After-builders clean | £20–£30 |
Rates vary with location, experience, whether products are included, and whether you book an independent cleaner or an agency.
Prices by region
- London: £16–£28 per hour. Central London and same-day bookings sit at the top of the range.
- South East (Brighton, Reading, Oxford): £15–£24.
- Big cities (Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh): £14–£22.
- Smaller towns and rural areas: £13–£18, though fewer available cleaners can push prices up.
Agency vs independent cleaner
Agencies typically charge £18–£30 per hour, of which the cleaner may only see half. Booking an independent cleaner directly usually costs less and pays the cleaner more — the platform just needs to handle the awkward bits: payment, scheduling and reviews.
That's exactly what Rentify's services marketplace does: browse local cleaners with real reviews, see clear prices, book a slot and pay by card. The money is held by Stripe and released when the job's done.
If you're the cleaner: how to set your rate
- Check your local going rate. Search cleaners in your city and price within the range — not the bottom of it.
- Charge more for one-offs. Deep cleans and end-of-tenancy jobs are harder work with no repeat guarantee; price them 20–40% above your regular rate or quote per job.
- Decide who supplies products. Add £2–£4 per hour if you bring your own.
- Set a minimum booking. Two hours minimum is standard — travel time makes one-hour jobs uneconomical.
- Raise prices with reviews. Once you have a run of five-star bookings, you're no longer competing on price.
Ready to take bookings? List your cleaning service on Rentify — it's free to list, customers pay by card upfront, and reviews from every booking build your reputation. If you're weighing up where to advertise, see our comparison of the best websites to advertise your services in the UK.
What affects the price?
- Frequency: weekly regulars get better rates than one-offs.
- Size and condition: a three-bed family home takes longer than a one-bed flat; neglected properties cost more.
- Access and timing: evenings, weekends and short-notice bookings often carry a premium.
- Extras: ovens, windows, ironing and laundry are usually priced separately.
Common questions
How much should I pay a cleaner per hour in the UK?
For a regular domestic clean in 2026, £15–£22 per hour is typical outside London, and £16–£28 in London. Deep cleans and end-of-tenancy jobs cost more.
How much does a 3-bed house clean cost?
A regular clean is usually 3–4 hours (£45–£90). A deep clean can take 6–8 hours, and end-of-tenancy cleans for a 3-bed are often quoted at £180–£350 as a fixed job.
Do I pay a cleaner cash or by card?
Card is safer for both sides. On Rentify, payment is taken by card at booking and held by Stripe until the clean is done — no chasing cash, no awkward conversations.
Is £15 an hour enough to charge as a cleaner?
It's a workable starting rate outside major cities while you build reviews, but factor in travel and products. Most experienced independent cleaners charge £18+ within a year.
Do cleaners need insurance?
It's not a legal requirement for domestic work, but public liability insurance is inexpensive and customers increasingly expect it — worth mentioning on your listing.