Paying a Cleaner: More Than Just an Hourly Wage

Hiring a cleaner is one of those topics that always seems to spark debate, especially when it comes to pricing. Every so often, you’ll hear someone say, “Why should I pay a cleaner so much per hour when I don’t even make that myself?”

But here’s the thing: when you pay a cleaner, you’re not just covering the time they spend scrubbing your bathroom or vacuuming your floors. You’re paying for a professional service, and that includes a whole range of costs that go far beyond just their hourly wage.

What Your Cleaner’s Rate Actually Covers

At first glance, paying a cleaner $60+ per hour might seem high, especially when compared to traditional employee wages. But unlike an employee working for a company, self-employed cleaners and small business owners have to cover all the behind-the-scenes expenses that come with running their own business.

Business Expenses

Cleaning isn’t just about showing up with a spray bottle and a mop. A professional cleaner provides their own equipment and products, which all cost money. Think about:

✔ Cleaning products – High-quality, often eco-friendly solutions that are restocked regularly. Professional-grade cleaners are more effective, ensuring better results while also being safer for families and pets.

✔ Equipment maintenance – Vacuums, mops, steam cleaners, and other tools don’t last forever. They need repairs, servicing, and eventual replacement, all of which come out of the cleaner’s pocket.

✔ Washing costs – Microfibre cloths, mop heads, and other reusable items must be washed and sanitized after each job. This takes time, water, electricity, and detergent—another hidden cost most people don’t consider.

✔ Insurance and business costs – Many professional cleaners carry public liability insurance, which protects both the cleaner and the client. There are also costs like bookkeeping software, advertising, website maintenance, and business registration.

Time Spent Outside of Cleaning

A common misconception is that cleaners only work the hours they spend physically cleaning. In reality, a significant portion of their time is unpaid but essential to running their business. This includes:

✔ Admin and bookkeeping – Scheduling clients, sending invoices, following up on payments, managing expenses, and responding to customer inquiries all take time.

✔ Packing and unpacking the car – Loading equipment, making sure everything is clean and ready for the next job, and unloading at the end of the day.

✔ Travel time – Getting from house to house, often with a car full of heavy equipment, is a significant time investment. Unlike office workers who sit at a desk for eight hours straight, cleaners spend their day driving between locations, adding to their workload.

When all these extra hours are considered, that “high” hourly rate starts to look a lot more reasonable.

Solo Cleaner vs. Larger Cleaning Companies – Why Pricing Differs

Not all cleaning businesses are priced the same, and there’s a good reason for that. A solo owner-operator (sole trader) generally has fewer overheads than a larger cleaning company that employs staff, which can make a difference in pricing.

✔ Solo Owner (Sole Trader) – A cleaner who works for themselves can often offer lower rates because they don’t have to pay for employee wages, payroll tax, or additional administration costs. They also tend to have closer relationships with clients, offering more flexibility and personalized service.

✔ Larger Cleaning Companies – Businesses that employ cleaners must charge more to cover additional costs like wages, insurance, training, office expenses, and management staff. While they may offer more availability, clients often deal with different cleaners each visit rather than having the same person every time.

Neither option is better or worse, it all comes down to what works best for you. If you prefer consistency and a personal touch, a solo cleaner might be the way to go. If you need a service with more flexibility in scheduling, a larger company may be a better fit. Either way, understanding the difference helps explain why pricing can vary so much across the industry.

The Value of Professional Cleaning

Cleaning is often undervalued because it’s something many people do themselves. But just because you can scrub your own toilet doesn’t mean professional cleaners aren’t providing a valuable service.

Professional cleaners bring efficiency, expertise, and attention to detail that make a real difference. They know which products work best on different surfaces, how to remove tough stains, and how to clean efficiently while maintaining high standards.

Plus, they take on the tasks you’d rather not do, freeing up your time for work, family, or simply enjoying life. Imagine coming home to a spotless house without having to spend your evenings or weekends scrubbing, dusting, and vacuuming. The time and energy saved is invaluable.

A clean home isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about mental well-being. Studies show that a tidy, organized space can reduce stress, improve focus, and contribute to an overall sense of calm. Hiring a cleaner isn’t just about having a clean house, it’s about creating a better quality of life.

A Change in How I Charge for Cleaning Services

Many cleaners, like myself, are mums working hard to support our families, paying for school fees, gymnastics, sport and all the little things that help create opportunities for our kids. When you pay a cleaner fairly, you’re not just supporting a business; you’re supporting a family, a dream, and a future.

That’s why, starting at the end of April 2025, I’ll be moving away from an hourly rate and shifting to package pricing.

This new structure will provide:

✔ Clear expectations – Each package will include a list of regular tasks, ensuring consistency.

✔ Added value – In addition to standard cleaning, packages will include 1-2 extra tasks, those little things that only need to be done once in a while, tailored to your home’s needs.

✔ Fairness and sustainability – This pricing model reflects the true costs of running a cleaning business while ensuring clients receive high-quality, reliable service.

By moving to a package-based system, I can continue to offer exceptional cleaning services without the limitations of an hourly rate. It allows for flexibility, better planning, and a more balanced approach to both workload and pricing.

Fair Pay Means Sustainable Service

If cleaners were only charging for their direct time spent cleaning and ignoring all the extra costs, they wouldn’t be able to sustain their business long-term. Undercharging leads to burnout, high turnover, and ultimately, lower-quality service.

By paying a fair rate, you’re not just compensating someone for their labour, you’re ensuring they can continue to provide reliable, professional cleaning services long-term.

So next time you hear someone comparing a cleaner’s rate to a traditional hourly wage, remember: you’re paying for much more than just time spent cleaning. You’re paying for expertise, business costs, and the sustainability of an essential service.

And that’s worth every cent.

Kylie