How much do house cleaning services cost in Australia?

In Australia, house cleaning costs range between $30 to $75 per hour. Regular professional cleaning can help reduce allergens, minimise clutter, and improve air quality, creating a positive living space for daily activities. This has become apparent post-pandemic, where dual-income families have driven a notable increase in demand for residential cleaning services.

This guide aims to give homeowners an overview of house cleaning prices in Australia. It covers how much house cleaning should cost, and how they vary depending on factors like home size, service type, and cleaner experience.

Key Facts For a 3-hour cleaning session, the estimated total cost can range from $90 to $180, depending on the type of cleaning service. Specific cleaning requests outside the standard package, such as oven cleaning or carpet cleaning, can increase the overall cost. Be aware of the cleaning service’s cancellation policy to avoid any unexpected fees.

Labour costs and how much work is involved play a big role in determining the price. If a job takes more time, and effort, or requires special skills, it’s likely to cost more. Things like the size of your home and how much cleaning it needs can also make a difference.

Cleaning service	Average hourly rate	Estimated total cost (for 3 hours)
General house cleaning	$30 – $40	$90 – $120
Window cleaning	$35 – $65	$105 – $180
Bedroom cleaning	$30 – $45	$90 – $135
Bathroom cleaning	$30 – $50	$90 – $150
End-of-lease cleaning	$35 – $75	$500 – $1,000
Carpet cleaning	$25 – $40	$75 – $120
Oven cleaning	$30 – $50	$90 – $150
Fridge cleaning	$25 – $40	$75 – $120

There are different types of cleaning jobs available in the market, all of which cater to specific needs and preferences. Some focus on general upkeep, while others target areas or tasks that require extra attention or expertise.

Whether you’re looking for routine cleaning to maintain a tidy home or specialized services like window washing or deep-cleaning bathrooms, there’s a service designed to meet your needs.

General house cleaning

General house cleaning includes tasks like dusting, removing mould, vacuuming, mopping, and wiping down surfaces throughout common areas like the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms. Typically, residential cleaning prices range between $30 and $40 per hour. Choose this option if you’re looking for regular upkeep and keeping high-traffic areas clean and tidy. 

Window cleaning

Window cleaning services involve washing both interior and exterior surfaces, effectively removing dirt, streaks, and fingerprints. This service is useful for multi-storey homes or homes with hard-to-reach windows. Expect to pay roughly $20 per hour for a window cleaning service.

Bedroom cleaning

Bedroom cleaning may be part of general house cleaning or can be requested as a standalone service. Dusting, vacuuming, making beds, changing sheets, and organising are some of the tasks associated with this type of service, with costs averaging between $30 to $45 per hour.

Bathroom cleaning

With services geared towards sanitising high-touch areas, bathroom cleaning gives homeowners peace of mind when it comes to having clean sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. For those looking to hire a professional for bathroom cleaning specifically, you can expect to pay around $30 to $50 per hour of work. 

End-of-lease cleaning

End-of-lease cleaning, often referred to as bond cleaning, is a thorough cleaning service designed to help tenants moving out of their unit restore the property to its original condition. It includes tasks like cleaning carpets, walls, windows, kitchens, and bathrooms. End-of-lease cleaning rates range from $35 to $75 per hour, with a full-property job costing around $500 to $1,000​.

Carpet cleaning

For homes with carpeted floors, carpet cleaning services are the way to go to keep carpets looking fresh and extend their lifespan. This service typically includes vacuuming, stain removal, and deep cleaning, eliminating allergens and dirt build-up. 

Prices range between $25 and $40 per hour, but costs may vary based on the room size and type of carpet cleaning. For example, the cost of carpet cleaning in a 4-bedroom house will naturally be more expensive than the services needed for a studio or 1-bedroom home. 

Oven cleaning

You need an oven cleaning service if you want to degrease both interior and exterior oven parts. Cleaning your oven also involves removing loose fittings like stainless steel racks and soaking them in water-based cleaning products. Key areas like Agas, Ranges, and Rayburns are cleaned too. Your oven bulbs might also be replaced for an additional fee. The average cost of cleaning an oven in Australia is between $30 and $50 per hour.

Fridge cleaning

Fridge cleaning services generally include organising contents, cleaning interior shelves, and removing any odours or spills that have accumulated since the fridge was last cleaned. This service, which costs between $25 and $40 per hour, breathes new life into your fridge, helping it maintain the quality of stored food.

Several factors can impact house cleaning rates, like the home’s size, cleaning frequency, condition, and any special requests. Here’s how each factor contributes to pricing variability:

Location

State/Territory	Average cleaning cost (per hour)
New South Wales	$54 – $60
Victoria	$55 – $60
Queensland	$45 – $50
South Australia	$50 – $55
Western Australia	$48 – $51
Tasmania	$46 – $50
Northern Territory	$40 – $45
Australian Capital Territory	$50 – $54

Home cleaning costs in Australia vary by state and region, with urban areas often seeing higher rates than rural locations. Differences in living costs, demand for services, and local competition can all impact these prices. 

In New South Wales, for example, Sydney residents might pay between $50 and $60 per hour, due to the region’s urbanisation and high cost of living. Similarly, house cleaning costs in Melbourne tend to fall on the higher end of the spectrum, reflecting the city’s large population and elevated living expenses.

Conversely, rates tend to be lower in Tasmania and other predominantly rural areas because of lower overhead costs and less competitive pressure​.

Size of the home 

Larger homes or full house cleaning services require more time, effort, and resources to clean, resulting in higher hourly rates or total project fees. For example, a four-bedroom home will typically cost more to clean than a two-bedroom apartment, especially if it has open-plan living spaces or high-traffic zones.

Frequency of cleaning

One-off cleanings, which are usually requested for special events or move-out requirements, tend to be priced higher per hour or session than recurring services. On the other hand, recurring cleanings (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) are offered at discounted rates because they require less work on each visit, as the home is maintained more regularly.

Condition of the home 

Homes that haven’t been cleaned in a while or are heavily cluttered often require more intensive cleaning, which usually costs more. Cleaning professionals may need extra time to tackle heavy dirt buildup, stain removal, or extensive dusting. 

Also, homes with high levels of pet hair, hard-to-clean surfaces, or accumulated clutter will likely incur higher fees due to increased labour and the need for specialised cleaning techniques and products.

Special requests

Specific cleaning requests outside the standard cleaning package, like oven, carpet, window cleaning, or removing grout will often require specialised equipment and products, which can add to the overall labour and material costs. 

Personal requests could include organising storage, deep cleaning upholstery, cleaning your home’s washing machines or air conditioning units, or sanitising specific areas. These services are billed separately or as add-ons to the base cleaning rate.

Below is a short list of practical strategies that can help you get the most out of your cleaning services and prices for house cleaning rates in Australia without compromising quality. By planning ahead and selecting only the necessary services, you can enjoy a clean home within your budget.

Schedule regular cleanings

Many house cleaning companies offer discounts to regular clients, making weekly or bi-weekly cleanings a great option if you’re looking to save on recurring services.

Avoid add-on services

To keep cleaning costs down, avoid specialised tasks like deep carpet cleaning or window washing unless absolutely necessary. These add-ons often need specific equipment and extra time, making them pricier than standard cleaning tasks.

Prepare the home beforehand

Simple tasks like tidying up, clearing clutter from floors, and putting away personal items make it easier and faster for cleaners to start immediately with deeper cleaning tasks, which can ultimately lower the total cleaning bill if you pay by the hour.

Limit service areas

To save on costs, limit cleaning to high-use areas, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, home offices, and living spaces, instead of the entire home. By narrowing the space to be cleaned, you focus the cleaner’s efforts where they’re needed most, which can save more time and expenses.

Research and compare providers

Prices can differ from company to company, and some might even offer first-time client discounts or seasonal promotions, which can help you save. Additionally, reading customer reviews and comparing service packages is an excellent way to ensure you get quality cleaning for the best price.

When choosing the right cleaning service provider for your home, it’s important to choose one that meets your specific needs and expectations. To help you navigate through the many options available, here are some tips and tricks homeowners can use to make the selection easier and stress-free. 

Do your research

Make sure the company is licensed and has a good reputation. Look for providers with generally positive reviews online, as experience often correlates with reliability and quality.

Request for detailed quotes

Request quotes from multiple cleaning companies. Check if these quotes are itemised and outline what services are included. This transparency helps you compare prices and understand exactly what you’re paying for.

Discuss your specific needs

For homes with specific cleaning tasks or areas of concern, be sure to effectively communicate these to your potential provider. Giving them a heads-up can help ensure they are adequately prepared and can allocate the appropriate time and resources to address your needs.

Understand the payment structure

Check whether the cleaning service is charged by the hour or at a flat rate. Understanding house cleaning rates per hour in Australia can help you plan your budget effectively. Also, talk to your provider to find out if there are any hidden fees. Doing so can help avoid any financial surprises later on.

Check for customisation options

Some companies allow you to tailor the cleaning package to fit your specific needs. This means you can choose which areas to focus on or what tasks to include based on your preferences.

Get your home spotless in no time

Professional cleaning services offer a practical solution for maintaining a clean and healthy home. By understanding your specific needs and budget, expert cleaners can tailor their services to meet your requirements. Whether you need regular housekeeping or a one-time deep clean, you can rest assured that professionals will handle the task efficiently and effectively.

Ready to get your house cleaned? Post a cleaning job now on Oneflare to find professional and experienced cleaners for a thorough service and healthier living space. 

How much does most house cleaning cost per hour?

In Australia, most house cleaners charge between $30 and$50 per hour for regular cleaning services. This rate can vary based on your geographical location as well as factors like the size of the home, the frequency of cleaning, and the specific tasks requested.

What does a deep clean include? 

A deep cleaning service provides a thorough cleaning of your home, focusing on areas often overlooked during regular cleanings. Key tasks typically include cleaning inside kitchen appliances, scrubbing grout and disinfecting surfaces in bathrooms, and dusting light fixtures and baseboards throughout living areas.

What is the hourly rate for a cleaner in QLD?

In Queensland, the hourly cost of cleaning service typically ranges from $30 to $50 per hour, averaging around $35​. However, these rates can vary depending on several factors, including the type of cleaning service (standard, deep clean, etc.), the size of the home, and the specific cleaning tasks requested.

 

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources