How Much Do House Cleaning Services Cost?

In Australia, house cleaning services typically cost between $90 and $240 per visit, depending on the size of the property, its condition, the scope of work, and location. Hourly rates range from $30 to $60 nationally, while Sydney rates often fall between $70 and $95 per hour due to higher operational costs. End-of-lease cleaning is priced higher, averaging $250 to $600 or more based on add-ons like carpet steam cleaning and oven detailing. These prices reflect general domestic cleaning—not specialty services like restoration, biohazard, or post-construction cleaning.

What Affects the Cost of House Cleaning Services?

Before exploring price breakdowns, it's essential to understand the cleaning-specific factors that influence how providers build quotes:

Property size and layout — Larger homes or those with multiple bathrooms increase cleaning time.
Condition and frequency — First-time cleans, neglected areas, or high-traffic homes demand more labour.
Cleaning type — General upkeep differs from spring cleans, end-of-lease, or deep detailing.
Add-ons — Services like oven cleaning, window interiors, blinds, and carpet steam cleaning raise the total.
Access and parking — Hard-to-reach apartments, restricted entryways, or paid parking add time and cost.
City and suburb — Sydney pricing is typically higher than regional NSW due to labour rates and overheads.

These factors, when combined, can significantly shift the quote you receive. That's why providers often ask detailed questions during the booking process to ensure the final price reflects the actual time and labour involved.

Hourly Rates vs Flat-Rate Pricing: Which Applies?

Australian cleaning providers generally offer two pricing models, each suited to different use cases:

Hourly Rates are common for:

Flexible, open-ended scopes
Light general tidying
Recurring services where time tracking is predictable

Flat Rates are typically used for:

One-off deep cleans
End-of-lease cleans
Fixed checklist services

Both methods have their advantages. Hourly rates are useful when the priorities or conditions of a home vary from visit to visit. Flat rates, on the other hand, provide a predictable total and are usually based on a checklist of agreed services. Many Sydney providers publish base flat-rate packages by bedroom and bathroom count, with surcharges for condition or access. For example, a 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment may start at $139 with optional add-ons priced separately. Understanding which model fits your needs helps avoid miscommunication and price surprises.

house cleaning service invoice calculation

House Cleaning Price Examples by Home Type

To bring these numbers into focus, here are cleaning-focused scenarios based on real Sydney market rates:

General Clean: 1-Bedroom Apartment

A general clean for a one-bedroom apartment typically involves light tidying, vacuuming, surface wipe-downs, and bathroom cleaning. The estimated cost ranges between $90 and $140, depending on the provider and the apartment's condition. If the space hasn't been cleaned in a while, expect to pay toward the higher end due to extra time. Most cleaners offer either a flat rate for this size or charge 1.5 to 2.0 hours on an hourly rate. This is the most cost-effective option for regular upkeep in urban apartments with minimal access constraints.

Standard Clean: 3-Bedroom Family Home

For a three-bedroom home, the average cost falls between $140 and $240. The service generally includes full surface cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bathroom scrubbing, and kitchen maintenance. Families with pets or children may require more time due to added mess or foot traffic. Booking a recurring service (weekly or fortnightly) often results in better rates per visit, with loyalty discounts applied. This option suits homeowners wanting consistent cleanliness without the need to handle deep cleaning tasks themselves.

End-of-Lease: 2-Bedroom Unit

End-of-lease cleans are intensive and governed by agent checklists. For a standard two-bedroom unit, costs typically range from $250 to $400. The scope includes deep cleaning of all surfaces, walls, floors, appliances, and often adds-ons like carpet steam and oven cleaning. Providers usually quote this as a fixed package, with optional extras priced separately. Many include a re-clean guarantee in case the agent raises concerns. This is a mandatory clean for tenants looking to secure their bond return.

Optional Extras That Increase Cleaning Costs

Before finalising a quote, it helps to understand which add-ons typically raise the total cost:

Oven cleaning — Adds $30–$60
Internal windows — Adds $30–$10,0 depending on the number
Carpet steam cleaning — Adds $80–$200 based on rooms
Blinds and shutters — Adds $15–$30 per set
Balcony or outdoor sweep — Adds $20–$50, depending on size

These extras are optional but can significantly impact the total price depending on the home condition and client preferences. Cleaning companies often offer bundled packages that include these add-ons, which can be more cost-effective than ordering them individually. For NDIS-supported clients, options like NDIS carpet cleaning provide accessible, standards-compliant add-on services tailored to individual needs.

How to Get a Fair House Cleaning Quote (Step-by-Step)

Booking a cleaner is easier and more cost-effective when you approach the process with clarity. Use the following steps:

Define the scope — List the number of rooms, bathrooms, and required areas.
Choose cleaning type — General, deep, end-of-lease, or recurring.
List extras — Carpet, oven, windows, balcony, etc.
Confirm access — Let the provider know about lifts, fobs, codes, or parking.
Request format — Decide on flat-rate vs hourly before quote.

When clients clearly communicate their cleaning needs, providers can respond with accurate, no-surprise quotes. This also improves service delivery and allows for appropriate staffing and preparation on the day of service.

FAQs: House Cleaning Costs in Australia

Before wrapping up, here are the most-searched questions around this topic with cleaning-specific answers.

How much does a cleaner cost per hour in Australia?

Hourly rates for domestic cleaning services in Australia usually fall between $30 and $60, depending on the region, cleaner experience, and service type. In Sydney, rates are often higher due to increased labour and travel costs, typically ranging from $70 to $95 per hour. These rates apply to general maintenance cleaning and do not include specialty services like carpet cleaning or deep cleaning. It's important to confirm whether equipment and supplies are included in the hourly rate, as this can vary between providers.

What is the cost of a standard house clean?

A standard house clean, which includes routine tidying, vacuuming, mopping, and surface cleaning, generally costs between $140 and $240 for a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom property in Sydney. This pricing assumes average home condition and does not include optional extras. The frequency of cleaning can affect the price per visit—weekly or fortnightly cleans are often cheaper than one-off sessions. To get the best value, request a clear list of inclusions and confirm whether GST and travel fees are part of the quote.

How much does end-of-lease cleaning cost in Sydney?

End-of-lease cleaning in Sydney ranges from $250 to $600+, depending on the property's size, condition, and the scope outlined by real estate agents. These cleans are detailed and may include carpet steam cleaning, window washing, and appliance detailing. Many companies offer fixed packages based on room count, with optional add-ons available. Tenants should ask about re-clean guarantees and whether the service meets the agent's checklist standards. Booking in advance can also ensure availability during peak rental turnover periods.

Is it cheaper to hire cleaners regularly?

Yes, booking recurring cleaning services is generally more economical over time. Most providers offer reduced rates for weekly or fortnightly cleans compared to one-off appointments. Regular cleaning keeps the property in better condition, reducing the effort and time required per visit. First cleans may still incur a higher charge, especially if the property hasn't been professionally cleaned recently. Clients should ask for a schedule-based discount and clarify cancellation or reschedule policies.

Ready to Book? Get Transparent Cleaning Quotes in Sydney

Everyday Clean offers flat-rate and hourly residential cleaning throughout Sydney. From standard upkeep to full end-of-lease cleans, all quotes are transparent, checklist-based, and easy to customise. Add-ons like oven and carpet cleaning are available for flexible pricing.

Get started by visiting our Everyday Clean team or exploring Commercial Cleaning if managing mixed-use properties.

Author

Everyday Clean Content Team
Everyday Clean is Sydney’s trusted provider of commercial cleaning solutions, including pools, gyms, offices, and strata properties. Our licensed professionals use advanced, eco-friendly equipment to deliver safe, compliant, and spotless results. With deep experience across Sydney’s hospitality, fitness, and residential sectors, the team helps facilities maintain inviting environments that guests trust.

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