How to Price Your Cleaning Services to Stay Profitable

Pricing your cleaning services isn’t just about being competitive — it’s about staying profitable.

If you’re constantly busy but still struggling to pay yourself, your pricing may be the problem. And whether you're offering residential, commercial, or specialized cleaning, your rates need to cover more than just supplies and labor — they need to support your entire business.

Here’s how to price your cleaning services in a way that makes sense, feels fair to clients, and keeps your business healthy.

Step 1: Know Your Costs

Before you set any prices, you need to know what it costs you to do the work.

Break it into two categories:

🔹 Direct Costs (Per Job)

• Cleaning supplies

• Disposable items (gloves, rags, etc.)

• Travel/fuel

• Subcontractor or employee pay

• Equipment maintenance

🔹 Overhead Costs (Monthly)

• Insurance

• Advertising

• Software/subscriptions

• Business phone or website

• Bookkeeping/accounting

• Taxes

Pro tip: Add your own pay to this list — you deserve a paycheck too.

Step 2: Estimate Time Per Job

Track how long it actually takes to complete common jobs:

• Standard residential clean

• Deep clean

• Move-in/move-out

• Commercial space

This helps you determine your hourly rate and stops you from underestimating jobs.

Step 3: Choose a Pricing Method

Here are the most common methods for cleaning businesses:

1. Hourly Rate

Simple and easy to adjust.

Pros:

• Transparent

• Flexible for variable jobs

Cons:

• Less incentive to be efficient

• May be questioned by clients if you’re fast

Typical range: $25–$60/hour (varies by location and type of cleaning)

2. Flat Rate by Job Type or Square Footage

Clients pay a fixed amount based on the service, regardless of time.

Pros:

• Predictable for you and the client

• Encourages efficiency

• Great for recurring clients

Cons:

• Must estimate job times accurately

• Risk of undercharging if scope expands

Example:

• 2-bed, 1-bath house = $120

• Move-out clean = $250

• Commercial job = $0.10–$0.20/sq. ft.

Step 4: Add Profit on Top

After calculating your job costs, don’t forget to add a profit margin. You’re not just covering expenses — you’re running a business.

Aim for at least 20–30% net profit margin after everything is paid.

If a job costs you $100 (labor, supplies, gas, etc.), your price should be at least $130–$150.

Step 5: Communicate Your Value

Don’t compete on price alone — communicate what makes you worth it:

• Licensed & insured?

• Eco-friendly products?

• Satisfaction guarantees?

• Flexible scheduling or recurring options?

• Easy online booking?

Clients who understand your value are less likely to haggle — and more likely to stay long-term.

Common Pricing Mistakes to Avoid

• Basing your rates on competitors without knowing your costs

• Underestimating time or supply usage

• Forgetting to raise prices as costs increase

• Not charging enough for add-ons or deep cleans

• Not accounting for your own time (admin, marketing, etc.)

✅ Final Thoughts

Your pricing should support the life you want to build — not just cover your bills.

Take the time to review your numbers, set smart rates, and communicate your value. You’ll attract better clients, avoid burnout, and run a business that actually pays off.

Need help reviewing your numbers or seeing if your pricing is profitable?
I offer a free Bookkeeping Health Check — we’ll look at your costs, margins, and see if your pricing makes sense.

Contact us by clicking here

Or send us an email at David@RuckandReconcile.com

Check out our services here

Learn more about Ruck and Reconcile here

And as always, thanks for reading and we’ll see you next week!