What You Need to Know About House Cleaning Service Rates
Understanding house cleaning service rates can be confusing with so many variables affecting the final price. From the size of your home to specialized services like carpet cleaning, knowing what influences costs helps you budget effectively. This guide breaks down the factors that determine pricing, average rates across different service types, and what to look for when comparing cleaning providers.
Understanding how house cleaning services are priced in Canada can save time and help you budget with confidence. Rates are shaped by your home’s size, the level of detailing required, and whether you choose an independent cleaner or a larger agency. Add-ons such as carpet or upholstery cleaning, interior windows, or post-renovation work can lift the total, while regular service schedules often lower the per-visit cost. The guide below outlines what affects pricing, typical Canadian ranges, and how to compare options in your area.
Factors That Influence House and Carpet Cleaning Rates
Scope of work is the biggest driver. Standard cleaning usually covers kitchens, bathrooms, dusting, and floors; deep cleaning adds detail such as baseboards, soap-scum removal, inside cabinets, and extra time on high-touch areas. The condition of the home matters: heavy buildup, pet hair, or post-construction dust increases labour. Location influences rates too; major cities tend to run higher than smaller towns due to wages, parking, and travel time for local services.
Supplies and methods also play a role. Some providers include equipment and green products, while others discount if you supply your own. Insurance, bonding, and background-checked staff can add cost but reduce risk. For carpet cleaning, factors include square footage, the number of rooms, staircases, the presence of stains or odours, and whether hot-water extraction or low-moisture methods are used.
Average Rates Based on Cleaning Type and Home Size
Real-world pricing in Canada typically falls into two structures: hourly and flat rate. Hourly rates commonly range from CAD 30 to 50 per cleaner, depending on city and experience level. Flat-rate quotes are more common for recurring service and move-out cleans, which makes budgeting easier.
Typical flat-rate ranges seen across Canadian cities: - Standard clean for a 1-bedroom apartment or condo: CAD 120 to 180 - Standard clean for a 2-bedroom home (roughly 900 to 1,200 sq ft): CAD 150 to 220 - Standard clean for a 3-bedroom home (roughly 1,200 to 1,800 sq ft): CAD 200 to 300 - Deep clean add-on: often 20 to 40 percent more than a standard clean - Move-out or post-renovation clean: CAD 250 to 500, depending on size and condition
Carpet cleaning estimates in Canada: - Per room: CAD 40 to 80 for hot-water extraction - Whole-home carpet cleaning: typically CAD 0.25 to 0.50 per sq ft - Stairs: CAD 2 to 3 per step - Area rugs cleaned in-plant: CAD 3 to 6 per sq ft, more for delicate fibres
These ranges reflect common quotes in larger metros and may be lower in smaller communities. Taxes, parking, and minimum service charges can apply.
Key Considerations When Comparing Cleaning Service Prices
Clarify the checklist. Confirm what standard cleaning includes and which items are extra, such as inside the fridge, oven, or interior windows. Ask whether supplies and equipment are included and if eco products are available at no extra cost. Frequency discounts are common for weekly or biweekly service, often lowering the per-visit rate by 10 to 20 percent.
Check policies that affect the final bill. Travel or parking fees, late cancellation charges, and minimum hours can change the total. Verify that the provider carries liability insurance and, if applicable, workers’ compensation coverage. For carpet cleaning, confirm pre-treatment for stains, deodorizing options, drying times, and whether furniture moving is included or billed separately.
Individual Cleaners vs. Professional Cleaning Agencies
Independent cleaners often offer more flexible scheduling and can be less expensive, with many charging around CAD 25 to 35 per hour depending on experience and location. Communication can be direct and personalized. However, availability may be limited, and coverage for sick days or holidays is not guaranteed.
Professional agencies typically charge more, often CAD 35 to 55 per hour per cleaner, reflecting insurance, bonding, training, and customer support. Teams can complete jobs faster, and replacements are available if a cleaner is unavailable. Agencies may also offer additional services such as carpet and upholstery cleaning, move-out packages, and eco-certified products, which can be convenient when bundling services.
Comparing Popular Cleaning Service Providers
Canada has a mix of national brands and regional specialists. When comparing, look at how they price (hourly vs flat rate), whether supplies are included, and if they can bundle carpet cleaning with recurring housekeeping. The estimates below reflect typical urban-market ranges to help you benchmark quotes.
| Product/Service | Provider | Cost Estimation |
|---|---|---|
| Standard house cleaning for a 2-bedroom home | Molly Maid | CAD 160 to 260 flat rate depending on city and scope |
| Standard house cleaning for a 2-bedroom home | Merry Maids | CAD 160 to 260 flat rate with recurring service options |
| Eco-focused standard cleaning, 2-bedroom | AspenClean | CAD 170 to 270 flat rate using eco products and supplies |
| Deep cleaning add-on for mid-size home | Scrubbi | Typically 20 to 40 percent above standard rate |
| Carpet steam cleaning, per room | Hellamaid | CAD 50 to 80 per room, with stain treatment available |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
Note that many providers adjust quotes based on home size, bathrooms, condition, and add-ons. If a company uses hourly pricing, ask for a typical hours range for your home profile to convert it into an expected total.
Conclusion Understanding what drives cleaning rates, from scope to location and provider type, helps you compare quotes on equal footing. Use the ranges above as a reference, confirm what is included, and account for add-ons like deep cleaning or carpet care. With a clear checklist and a few provider quotes, you can choose a schedule and budget that fit your household in your area.