How Much Do you Charge for Cleaning, Ken?

I highly encourage you to read my previous article first, "Did you Know Cleaning has a Specialist too?" I was recently asked what level of a cleaning specialist I was and I had to really think about it. In the article, I concluded that I was a Level 3 Cleaning Specialist. However, I have changed my position and now consider myself a Level 4.

• Yes, it's true that I'm a master of the cleaning basics and my corporation is totally legitimized, giving my clients peace of mind (Level 1).
• Yes, it's true that I'm an expert in cleaning science and disinfection as you've hopefully learned from my previous articles on the subject (Level 2).
• Yes, it's true that I've helped realtors present their homes to help them sell faster and for more money for 15 years. Plus, I've helped businesses present their offices to maximize first impressions every Monday morning as potential clients and staff visit their businesses. This is the art of cleaning (Level 3).

When I reflected upon the question, I realized that there is a Level 4. I'm a teacher. Did you know that the highest level of mastery is in the teaching of the subject. I have taught the science and art of cleaning to my local community through this newsletter, webinars to the chamber, and other presentations at networking groups. But do you know that I am an expert in my industry and currently have a podcast and run paid memberships where I train other cleaning company owners. I'm a teacher and therefore a Level 4 Cleaning Specialist. There's one other piece to add. I'm a solo cleaner, which means you get the owner (who cares the most) DOING the actual cleaning every time.

Oh, there is a Level 0 cleaner too. I call them "Aunt Sally" cleaners. They are sweet ladies who live down the street or clean part-time while in college or raising kids. They are uninsured, under-the-table & non-compliant on taxes, and come with HIGH-risk of getting you in trouble if something goes wrong.

I wanted to lay this out before sharing my prices. As in any industry, the higher level of specialty, the higher the value and price. Let me finally answer the question!

1. My House Cleaning Prices: I currently clean houses on a biweekly (every other week), monthly, and bi-monthly (every other month) basis. I've cleaned in Upstate New York for 13 years and the Philly Area for 2 years. Over the past 3 - 5 years, my houses have ranged in price from $150 to $300 per visit and $150 to $250 for just the biweekly.

• My Office Cleaning Prices: Janitorial companies dominate this industry. They are large with many employees and typically clean large buildings multiple nights per week. I don't compete here! I'm a Level 4 house cleaner that has taken my specialty into cleaning smaller offices on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis. My current offices range in price from $200 to $1,500 per month (weekly offices from $500 to $1,500).

There are a few tips I'd like to offer as I round off this article on cleaning prices.

• If you are looking to spend less than the prices I charge, I recommend finding a Level 1 cleaner. Do NOT be lured into a Level 0 Aunt Sallie option. They will cost half as much as my Level 4 prices, but the risks are too high especially in this post-COVID environment.
• Most families budget on a monthly basis. An excellent Level 3/4 cleaning service like mine can keep your home cleaned with more excellence once per month than a Level 0/1 cleaning every other week. A biweekly Level 1 cleaning at $100 costs $216 per month. You can invest that same amount into a Level 4 monthly cleaning and "feel" better because higher quality can be felt.
• I don't do contracts for homes or offices, allowing clients the flexibility to switch their cleaning frequency as needed.
• If you'd like to get a formal price quote from me, I'd love to hear from you. Also, I do keep a waiting list for new house and office cleaning clients.

I hope you found this article helpful as you look for your next cleaner. If you need more help, check out my article, "5 Tips for Selecting your Next Cleaner".