Question 1

How do I make a cleaning estimate?

Accepted Answer

Start by assessing the property size and condition during a walkthrough. List all cleaning tasks by room or area (kitchen, bathrooms, living spaces). Estimate time required based on square footage and service level - typically 1-2 hours per bedroom for standard cleaning. Calculate labor costs using your hourly rate. Add supply costs for cleaning products and materials. Include any special services like carpet cleaning or window washing. Factor in travel time and overhead costs. Add your profit margin (typically 20-40%) to arrive at the final estimate.

Question 2

How to calculate how much to charge for cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Calculate cleaning charges using one of three methods: hourly rate ($25-90/hour depending on location and service type), per square foot ($0.05-0.20/sq ft), or flat rate per room ($30-80/room). Consider property condition, service frequency, and special requirements. For residential, a 2,000 sq ft home typically takes 2-4 hours for standard cleaning. Include supply costs (usually 5-10% of labor), travel time, and overhead. Add 20-40% profit margin. Offer discounts for recurring services to encourage regular clients.

Question 3

What should be included in a cleaning estimate?

Accepted Answer

Include client and property details, list of rooms and areas to be cleaned, specific tasks for each area, estimated time required, labor rates and total labor cost, cleaning supplies and materials cost, any special services or add-ons, frequency of service (one-time or recurring), total estimate amount, payment terms, and validity period of the estimate. Be specific about what is included and excluded to prevent misunderstandings.

Question 4

How much should I charge for deep cleaning vs regular cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Deep cleaning typically costs 50-100% more than regular cleaning due to extra time and detail work. Regular cleaning focuses on surface-level maintenance, while deep cleaning includes baseboards, inside appliances, detailed grout scrubbing, and areas not covered in routine service. Price deep cleaning at $0.10-0.30 per square foot or $200-400 for average homes.

Question 5

Should I offer discounts for recurring cleaning services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, offering 10-20% discounts for weekly or bi-weekly recurring services encourages client retention and provides steady income. Regular clients also take less time to clean since properties stay maintained. The discount is offset by reduced marketing costs and predictable scheduling.

Question 6

How do I price commercial cleaning differently than residential?

Accepted Answer

Commercial cleaning often requires after-hours work, specialized equipment, and liability insurance. Charge 20-40% more for commercial jobs to account for these factors. Price by square footage ($0.05-0.20/sq ft) rather than hourly for consistency. Include restroom sanitization, floor care, and trash removal as standard services.

Free Cleaning Estimate Template

Download Free Cleaning Estimate Template

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Everything You Need in a Estimate Template

Flexible Service Pricing

Supply Cost Tracker

Labor Calculator

Service Add-Ons

How to Make a Cleaning Estimate

Download Template

Assess the Space

List Services

Calculate Time & Costs

Add Your Margin

Cleaning Estimate Examples

Residential Cleaning

Commercial Cleaning

End of Lease Cleaning

Cleaning Estimate Best Practices

Always Walk Through First

Be Specific About Scope

Factor in Condition

Offer Package Options

Why Use This Cleaning Estimate Template

Stop Undercharging

Win More Clients

Save Time

Consistent Pricing

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