What Does a Regular Clean Cost?
In 2025, most weekly or fortnightly domestic cleaning services in London fall between £14 and £24 per hour. The lower end tends to be found in outer boroughs or via self‑employed cleaners; the top of the range reflects central locations, agency overheads and specialist extras. It’s important to remember that no single price fits all — your quote will reflect your home, habits and expectations.
Why Prices Vary
Several ingredients go into the final figure on your invoice:
1. Fair pay for cleaners
London’s cost of living is high, so reputable companies base wages on the London Living Wage, which currently sits at £13.85 per hour. Once you factor in National Insurance, holiday pay and a modest margin to cover overheads, the retail rate naturally starts above £18. Independent cleaners who don’t charge VAT can be cheaper, but that comes with trade‑offs in security and support.
2. Travel time and transport costs
Whether your cleaner drives or takes the tube, reaching your home isn’t free. Driving into central London costs £15 a day in congestion charges and parking can add another £5–£7 per hour. Even public transport journeys eat into a cleaner’s day, so homes that are harder to reach or lack parking tend to be more expensive.
3. Property size and visit length
A compact flat may only need a two‑hour clean, whereas a family house often requires four hours. Short bookings push up the hourly rate because the cleaner’s set‑up and travel time is spread across fewer billable hours. Longer or recurring visits allow agencies to offer discounts.
4. Agency overheads vs. private rates
Hiring through a cleaning company means you get vetted staff, insurance, training and cover if your cleaner is ill, but you’ll also pay VAT once the business crosses the threshold. A self‑employed cleaner avoids those costs and can offer lower prices but you supply cleaning products and bear the risk if they can’t attend.
5. Extras and equipment
Standard domestic cleaning covers dusting, vacuuming, kitchen and bathroom tasks. Need eco‑friendly products, a vacuum supplied or specialist services like oven or carpet cleaning? Expect to pay £2–£3 more per hour or see rates exceed £25 for the session.
How to Get the Best Value
While you can’t control every cost driver, there are ways to keep your quote reasonable:
Commit to a schedule: Weekly bookings are usually £1–£2 cheaper per hour than fortnightly because there’s less build‑up to tackle.
Book longer visits: Three hours or more per session spreads the cleaner’s travel time over more billable hours, lowering the hourly rate.
Provide supplies: If you supply your own products and equipment, some cleaners will reduce their fee.
Be flexible on timing: Cleaner availability can affect price. If you can accept mid‑day slots during the week, you may get a better deal than someone who insists on 6 pm finishes.
Companies vs. Private Cleaners
There are two main ways to arrange domestic cleaning in London, and both have distinct advantages:
Cleaning companies usually charge £18–£25 per hour. In return, you get vetted cleaners, liability insurance, customer support and the assurance that a replacement will be provided if your regular cleaner is unwell. For anyone who values reliability and accountability, this peace of mind can be worth the premium. However, because these firms must cover overheads and often add VAT, they tend to sit at the higher end of the price scale.
Independent cleaners typically charge £14–£19 per hour. Going direct can save you money and provides the continuity of having the same person each week. Flexibility and personal relationships are the main selling points. The trade‑off is that you supply your own products and equipment, and there is no guarantee of cover if your cleaner is ill. Insurance provision can also be limited, so make sure you understand the risks before booking.
A Final Thought and Where to Book
Finding the right cleaner in London is about balancing cost with peace of mind. Paying a fair wage ensures the person looking after your home can afford to live in the city they serve. At the same time, you shouldn’t have to pay over the odds. Companies like Facility Cleaners strike that balance by offering transparent pricing, fully insured cleaners and discounts for regular, longer bookings. Whether you’re in a studio flat or a family townhouse, you can secure a weekly or fortnightly slot at facilitycleaners.co.uk/book-online and enjoy a sparkling home without the stress of hidden fees.