Quick Cost Summary
- Hourly Rates: $40-$60 per hour (average $49/hour)
- 2-Bedroom Unit: $80-$150 per clean
- 3-Bedroom House: $120-$250 per clean
- 4-Bedroom House: $180-$350 per clean
- Deep Cleaning: $190-$350 (one-off service)
House Cleaning Pricing Structure in Australia
House cleaning services in Australia use various pricing models to accommodate different needs and property sizes. Understanding these structures helps you choose the most cost-effective option for your home:
Hourly Rate Pricing
Most popular pricing model offering flexibility for different property sizes and cleaning requirements:
| Service Level | Hourly Rate | Minimum Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Cleaning | $35-$50/hour | 2-3 hours |
| Standard Professional | $45-$60/hour | 2-4 hours |
| Premium Service | $55-$75/hour | 3-5 hours |
| Specialized/Eco-Friendly | $60-$85/hour | 3-6 hours |
Fixed Rate Pricing by Property Size
Many cleaners prefer fixed pricing that provides certainty for both client and service provider:
Standard Fixed Rate Pricing
Apartments/Units
- Studio/1BR: $70-$120
- 2BR Unit: $80-$150
- 3BR Unit: $100-$180
Houses
- 3BR House: $120-$250
- 4BR House: $180-$350
- 5BR House: $250-$450
Regional Pricing Variations Across Australia
House cleaning costs vary significantly across Australian cities due to cost of living, labour rates, and market competition:
Major Cities Detailed Comparison
Sydney
- Hourly: $50-$75
- 2BR: $100-$180
- 3BR: $150-$300
- Premium: 20-25% above average
Melbourne
- Hourly: $45-$70
- 2BR: $90-$170
- 3BR: $140-$280
- Competitive market rates
Brisbane
- Hourly: $40-$65
- 2BR: $80-$150
- 3BR: $120-$250
- Good value options
Perth
- Hourly: $45-$68
- 2BR: $85-$160
- 3BR: $130-$260
- Moderate pricing
Adelaide
- Hourly: $35-$60
- 2BR: $75-$140
- 3BR: $110-$220
- Most affordable rates
Regional Areas
- Hourly: $40-$65
- Travel fee: +$10-$30
- Limited availability
- Minimum service requirements
Types of House Cleaning Services
Different cleaning services cater to varying needs and budgets:
Regular Maintenance Cleaning
Ongoing service for maintaining clean homes:
- Weekly Service: $35-$55/hour (loyalty discounts available)
- Fortnightly Service: $40-$60/hour (most popular option)
- Monthly Service: $45-$65/hour (thorough cleaning required)
- One-off Cleans: $50-$75/hour (higher rate for irregular service)
Deep Cleaning Services
Comprehensive cleaning for neglected or special occasion cleaning:
| Property Size | Deep Clean Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Bedroom Unit | $150-$280 | 3-5 hours |
| 3-Bedroom House | $190-$350 | 4-6 hours |
| 4-Bedroom House | $280-$480 | 5-8 hours |
| Large House (5BR+) | $400-$650 | 6-10 hours |
Specialized Cleaning Services
Additional services for specific cleaning needs:
- Spring Cleaning: $200-$500 (seasonal deep clean)
- Post-Construction Cleanup: $300-$800 (dust and debris removal)
- Move-in/Move-out Cleaning: $250-$600 (comprehensive service)
- Holiday Rental Turnovers: $80-$200 per turnover
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning: +$10-$20/hour premium
End of Lease and Bond Cleaning
Specialized cleaning for rental property requirements and bond recovery:
Bond Cleaning Pricing
Comprehensive cleaning required for rental bond return:
Bond Cleaning Costs by Property Type
- 1-Bedroom Unit: $150-$280
- 2-Bedroom Unit: $200-$350
- 3-Bedroom House: $280-$450
- 4-Bedroom House: $350-$580
- 5+ Bedroom House: $450-$750
Bond Cleaning Requirements
What's typically included in professional bond cleaning:
- All rooms thoroughly cleaned including walls and skirting
- Kitchen: Oven, range hood, cabinets inside and out
- Bathrooms: Deep clean including grout and fixtures
- Windows: Interior and exterior cleaning
- Carpet steam cleaning (separate cost)
- Light fixtures and fan cleaning
- Garage and outdoor areas
Bond Cleaning Guarantee
Most professional services offer guarantees:
- Satisfaction Guarantee: Re-clean if inspection fails
- Bond Recovery Guarantee: Full refund if bond not returned
- Insurance Coverage: Public liability protection
- Written Checklist: Detailed cleaning report provided
Factors Affecting House Cleaning Costs
Property Condition and Size
Current condition significantly impacts pricing:
- Well-Maintained Home: Standard rates apply
- Moderately Neglected: +15-25% additional time
- Heavily Neglected: +30-50% or deep clean required
- Hoarding Situations: Specialist service $80-$150/hour
- Pet Hair/Odours: +$20-$50 additional cleaning
Cleaning Frequency Impact
| Frequency | Rate Adjustment | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 10-15% discount | Easiest to maintain |
| Fortnightly | 5-10% discount | Good balance |
| Monthly | Standard rates | Budget-friendly option |
| One-off | 15-25% premium | Flexibility |
Additional Service Factors
Optional services that affect total costs:
- Inside Oven Cleaning: +$25-$50
- Inside Fridge Cleaning: +$20-$40
- Window Cleaning (Interior): +$3-$8 per window
- Laundry Services: +$15-$30
- Organization Services: +$20-$40/hour
- Supply Own Products: +$10-$25 per clean
Team vs Individual Cleaner Pricing
Choose between individual cleaners or cleaning teams:
Individual Cleaner Benefits
- Cost: $35-$55/hour (lower labour costs)
- Consistency: Same person each visit
- Flexibility: More accommodating scheduling
- Personal Touch: Builds relationship with client
- Time: 3-6 hours for average home
Cleaning Team Advantages
- Cost: $45-$70/hour (multiple cleaners)
- Speed: Faster completion (1-3 hours)
- Reliability: Backup if cleaner unavailable
- Equipment: Professional-grade supplies
- Insurance: Comprehensive coverage
Cost Comparison: 3-Bedroom House
Individual Cleaner
- 4 hours × $45 = $180
- Personal attention
- Flexible timing
Team (2 Cleaners)
- 2 hours × $60 = $120
- Faster completion
- Professional service
What's Included in Standard House Cleaning
Understanding what's included ensures fair pricing and expectations:
Kitchen Cleaning
- Wipe down all surfaces including benchtops
- Clean stovetop and external appliances
- Clean sink and taps
- Sweep and mop floors
- Empty bins and replace liners
- Clean cabinet fronts and handles
Bathroom Cleaning
- Clean and disinfect toilet, shower, and bath
- Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
- Wipe vanity and basin
- Sweep and mop floors
- Clean towel rails and accessories
- Empty bins
Bedroom and Living Area Cleaning
- Dust furniture and surfaces
- Make beds (if requested)
- Vacuum carpets or sweep/mop hard floors
- Empty bins
- Light dusting of decorative items
- Tidy and organize visible areas
Insurance and Liability Considerations
Protect yourself by choosing properly insured cleaning services:
Essential Insurance Coverage
- Public Liability: $5-10 million coverage minimum
- Professional Indemnity: Covers service-related issues
- Workers Compensation: If employing staff
- Theft/Damage Cover: Protection for your belongings
Questions to Ask Potential Cleaners
- Are you fully insured? Can you provide certificates?
- What happens if something gets broken or damaged?
- Do you conduct police checks on staff?
- What is your guarantee policy?
- Do you supply your own equipment and products?
Seasonal Pricing and Demand
House cleaning demand and pricing fluctuate throughout the year:
Peak Season Periods
High Demand Periods
- • December (holiday preparation)
- • March-April (autumn cleaning)
- • September (spring cleaning)
- • End of lease periods
Best Value Periods
- • January-February (post-holiday)
- • May-June (cooler months)
- • July-August (winter months)
- • Mid-week bookings
Pricing Adjustments by Season
- Peak Periods: +10-20% premium pricing
- Holiday Weeks: +25-40% or limited availability
- Off-Peak Periods: 5-15% discounts possible
- Regular Clients: Often protected from peak pricing
Money-Saving Tips for House Cleaning
Booking Strategies
- Regular Schedule: Weekly/fortnightly rates are lower than one-offs
- Off-Peak Timing: Mid-week and off-season bookings
- Package Deals: Combine services for better rates
- Flexible Timing: Allow cleaners to schedule efficiently
- Bulk Booking: Book multiple cleans in advance
Preparation Tips to Reduce Costs
- Declutter before cleaners arrive
- Do basic tidying to maximize cleaning time
- Provide easy access to all areas
- Clear surfaces of personal items
- Secure pets to avoid delays
- Communicate specific priority areas
When to DIY vs Hire Professionals
| Task | DIY Suitable | Professional Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Maintenance | ✓ | ✓ (Time-saving) |
| Deep Cleaning | Limited | ✓ Recommended |
| End of Lease | ✗ | ✓ Essential |
| Post-Construction | ✗ | ✓ Specialist Required |
Why Choose Mates Rates for House Cleaning?
0% Service Fees for Cleaners
Unlike Airtasker's 10-20% fees, our house cleaners keep 100% of their quoted price, meaning better value and competitive pricing for you.
Maximum $60 Service Fee
You'll never pay more than $60 in service fees, compared to Airtasker's uncapped fees that could add $24-$70 to your house cleaning bill.
Verified Local Professionals
All house cleaners are verified, insured, and experienced with Australian homes, cleaning standards, and safety requirements.
Australian Standards
Local platform understanding Australian rental requirements, bond cleaning standards, and domestic service expectations.
Quality Assurance and Standards
Ensure value for money with quality professional services:
Signs of Quality House Cleaning Service
- Detailed Quotes: Itemized breakdown of services
- Satisfaction Guarantee: Will return to fix any issues
- Professional Equipment: Commercial-grade cleaning supplies
- Trained Staff: Proper cleaning techniques and safety
- Flexible Service: Accommodates special requests
- Clear Communication: Responds promptly to enquiries
Red Flags to Avoid
- Unusually low prices (may cut corners)
- No insurance documentation
- Cash-only payment requirements
- No fixed address or ABN
- Reluctance to provide references
- High-pressure sales tactics
Commercial vs Residential Cleaning
Different pricing for commercial properties:
Commercial Cleaning Rates
- Small Offices: $25-$45 per hour
- Retail Spaces: $30-$50 per hour
- Medical/Dental: $35-$60 per hour (higher standards)
- After-Hours Premium: +25-50% for out-of-hours service
Commercial Contract Benefits
- Lower per-hour rates for regular contracts
- Dedicated cleaning teams
- Flexible scheduling around business hours
- Professional liability coverage
- Consistent quality standards
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does house cleaning cost in Australia?
House cleaning costs $40-$60 per hour on average. A 3-bedroom house typically costs $120-$250 for regular cleaning, with deep cleaning costing $190-$350.
Is it worth hiring professional house cleaners?
Yes, professional cleaners save you 3-6 hours per clean, use professional equipment, and often cost less per hour than the value of your time for many homeowners.
How often should I have my house professionally cleaned?
Most homeowners benefit from fortnightly cleaning. Weekly is ideal for busy families, while monthly works for smaller households or those who maintain their homes well.
What's the difference between regular cleaning and deep cleaning?
Regular cleaning maintains cleanliness ($40-60/hour) while deep cleaning addresses neglected areas and takes longer ($190-$350 total). Deep cleaning includes detailed work like inside ovens, baseboards, and light fixtures.
Do house cleaners bring their own supplies?
Most professional cleaners include basic supplies in their pricing. Premium or eco-friendly products may cost extra ($10-$25 per clean). You can provide your own products if preferred.
How much can I save using Mates Rates vs Airtasker?
With Airtasker's 10-20% uncapped fees, you could save $24-$70 on a $240-$350 house cleaning job by using Mates Rates' low 10% service fee capped at maximum $60.