Cleaning costs: what this guide covers
Cleaning costs can be confusing: prices vary by service, property size, condition and location. This guide explains typical cleaning prices, what you get for the money, and how to budget whether you are a tenant, host, landlord or homeowner in York or elsewhere in the UK. It uses Britshine’s local data and market estimates to give practical ranges, sample calculations and a simple checklist to help secure deposit-safe handovers.
Why clear pricing saves you time and money
- Transparent price ranges reduce surprises at booking and on inspection.
- Knowing typical add-on costs (ovens, carpets, appliances) helps you plan and avoid last-minute charges.
- For landlords and hosts, predictable cleaning budgets improve turnover forecasting and cashflow.
Who this guide is for (tenants, hosts, landlords, busy homeowners)
- Tenants preparing for a move who want to protect their deposit.
- Short‑let hosts and property managers needing reliable turnover pricing.
- Homeowners weighing DIY vs professional deep cleans.
What you’ll get in this guide: local York price examples mapped to Britshine packages, the main drivers of cost, sample job breakdowns and a printable pre‑service checklist. For a quick answer, jump to the TL;DR section.
TL;DR — quick cleaning costs at a glance
Quick headline figures (market and Britshine estimates):
Service | Typical UK range | York example |
Regular / recurring clean (hourly) | £20–£35/hr (independent) or £25–£40/hr (agency) | £22–£32/hr |
One‑off / Initial deep clean | £80–£300 | £120–£240 |
End‑of‑tenancy clean | £100–£400 (size & condition) | Studio £100–£180; 1‑bed £120–£220; 2‑bed £150–£260 |
Oven cleaning | £50–£120 | £60–£90 |
Per‑room carpet clean | £25–£60 | £30–£50 |
Example decision: a 2‑bed end‑of‑tenancy clean in York might be priced around £180 (base) + oven clean £70 + one carpeted room £40 = £290 (sample calculation using Britshine estimates).
If you need an instant, postcode‑based price, use Britshine’s online quote tool or call for a bespoke estimate; quotes account for property size, condition and add‑ons.
What drives cleaning costs? Key price drivers explained
Understanding the main cost drivers helps you compare quotes and avoid surprises. The primary factors are:
- Property size and rooms: Providers typically price end‑of‑tenancy and deep cleans by bedrooms/rooms, not square metres, because checklists scale predictably with room counts.
- Property condition: Heavily soiled or post‑renovation properties need more time and specialist equipment; this raises the price or triggers a surcharge.
- Service type and scope: Regular maintenance requires less time than a full deep clean or specialist tasks (ovens, carpets, upholstery).
- Local labour and regional premiums: Costs vary by city — London commonly carries a premium; York sits in a moderate bracket influenced by local competition.
- Timing and urgency: Same‑day, weekend or evening slots typically cost more; off‑peak scheduling reduces rates.
- Removals and waste disposal: Rubbish removal, bulky-item disposal and hazardous waste handling add to the total.
- Provider type: Independent cleaners often charge lower hourly rates; agencies include VAT, insurance, DBS checks and guarantees which explain higher fees.
Equipment and materials: Use of professional extractors, steamers or food‑grade cleaning for fridges may be charged as an add‑on or included depending on the supplier.
How providers estimate time and price (teams, hours and checklists)
Estimators consider number of rooms, presence of carpets/upholstery, oven condition, and accessibility issues (stairs, parking). Typical teams are 2–3 cleaners for end‑of‑tenancy jobs; time-per-room multipliers produce an estimated number of labour hours which are converted to a fixed price or hourly slot.
Hidden costs to watch for (travel fees, parking, access fees)
- Travel surcharges for remote addresses or long distances.
- Parking or loading‑bay charges, especially in city centres.
- Extra charges for staircases, loft access, or restricted entry times.
When in doubt, ask the provider for a full written breakdown before booking so you can compare like-for-like quotes.
Typical cleaning costs by service type
This section breaks down common services and representative price ranges (Britshine estimates and UK market bands). Use these as budgeting benchmarks rather than firm quotes.
Regular / recurring cleaning
- Model: hourly slots (2‑hour minimum common) or fixed packages.
- Range: independent cleaners £20–£35/hr; agencies £25–£40/hr. Britshine example: £22–£32/hr in York.
Initial deep cleans and one‑offs
- Range: £80–£300 depending on property size and condition.
- Recommendation: schedule a deep clean before regular visits or after renovation to reset the property.
End‑of‑tenancy cleans
- Typical UK bands (illustrative): studio £100–£200; 1‑bed £120–£220; 2‑bed £140–£300; 3‑bed £200–£400.
- York examples (Britshine): studio £100–£180; 1‑bed £120–£220; 2‑bed £150–£260; 3‑bed £200–£360.
Airbnb / holiday‑let turnovers
Per‑booking turnover fee often £30–£70 for a 1‑bed (includes linen changes and quick checks); full‑property turnover priced higher to allow inspection and restocking.
Specialist single tasks
- Oven cleaning: single oven £50–£90; double oven £90–£150 depending on severity.
- Carpet & upholstery: per room £25–£60; whole‑property packages available.
- Fridge & freezer deep clean: £25–£80 per appliance.
Sample price breakdowns and example jobs
Example: 2‑bed end‑of‑tenancy in York — base clean £180 + oven clean £70 + carpet room £40 = £290 (Britshine illustrative pricing).
Pricing by property size & region (York vs London & national averages)
Providers use bedrooms/rooms as pricing proxies because standard checklists scale predictably: each additional bedroom adds predictable cleaning tasks (dusting, vacuuming, sheets, wardrobe interiors). Below are comparative ranges to illustrate national, London and York positions (Britshine examples).
Property | UK average | London estimate | York estimate (Britshine) |
Studio | £100–£180 | £120–£230 | £100–£180 |
1‑bed | £120–£220 | £150–£260 | £120–£220 |
2‑bed | £140–£300 | £180–£360 | £150–£260 |
3‑bed | £200–£400 | £240–£520 | £200–£360 |
Why London costs more: higher labour, operating and travel costs—commercial quotes commonly show a premium in major city centres. York pricing sits below London but above sparse rural markets, reflecting local demand and competition.
How to adjust estimates for high‑dirt or post‑reno properties
- Add a contingency of 10–30% for heavy soiling or renovation dust.
- Expect specialist equipment charges for significant paint, plaster or adhesive removal.
- Ask for an on‑site estimate if the property condition looks worse than a standard turn‑over.
For managers with multiple properties, negotiate bulk or retainer rates to reduce per‑job costs and secure priority scheduling.
What’s included in a standard clean — and what’s usually extra
Knowing the standard checklist helps identify add‑ons. Below are common inclusions and exclusions used by agencies and by Britshine.
Standard inclusions for regular cleans
- Dusting and wiping accessible surfaces, skirting boards and fittings.
- Vacuuming and mopping hard floors.
- Bathroom sanitation: descaling, toilet, sink and shower wipe down.
- Kitchen surface cleaning, sink and accessible appliance exteriors.
- Bin emptying and light tidying; changing bedding if agreed in the package.
End‑of‑tenancy standard checklist
- Deep oven clean and interior cupboard wipe‑down.
- Fridge/freezer interior clean (food‑safe products).
- Inside windows reachable safely and vacuuming under accessible furniture.
- Bathroom scale removal, grout and sanitary clean.
Common exclusions that trigger add‑ons
- Heavy stain removal, set‑in pet odour treatment and specialist upholstery cleaning.
- External windows, gardens, patios, or significant rubbish/clearance.
- Refurbishment debris, asbestos or pest‑related cleanups (specialist contractors required).
- High‑level or difficult access windows and external cladding.
Carpet and upholstery cleaning are usually optional extras charged separately; they are recommended for stains, odours or agent/landlord requests. Britshine supplies eco‑friendly cleaning products as standard; any specialist consumables are noted in the quote.
Typical add‑ons & how much they cost (oven, carpet, upholstery, appliances)
Common single‑task add‑ons and representative UK ranges (use these to plan contingencies):
- Oven cleaning: £50–£120 (single) and £90–£150 (double), higher for heavy carbon build‑up or dismantling parts.
- Per‑room carpet clean: £25–£60 depending on size and method; stain treatment may cost extra.
- Upholstery cleaning: from ~£30 per seat; sofas and large suites priced individually.
- Fridge & freezer deep clean: £25–£80 per appliance using food‑grade products.
Extractor hood / filter replacement: £30–£80 depending on filter type and access.
When add‑ons are necessary
- Agent or landlord inspections flag stains, odour or appliance grease.
- Pet hair, set‑in stains, or strong odours usually require specialist treatments.
Pricing logic for add‑ons
- Specialist equipment (steam extraction, truck‑mounted units) and consumables increase cost.
- Disposal costs for removed parts or waste may be charged separately.
- Bundling multiple add‑ons in a single visit typically reduces total cost versus separate appointments.
Britshine bundles appliance and carpet cleans where possible to reduce per‑service pricing and avoid multiple visits.
How Britshine pricing works — hourly, flat rates, and instant quotes
Britshine offers two main pricing models mapped to customer needs:
- Hourly slots for Regular Cleaning (minimum two‑hour bookings); ideal for recurring maintenance and flexible schedules.
- Fixed per‑property packages for Initial Deep Cleans and End‑of‑Tenancy work; prices are set by property size with optional add‑ons.
York price guidance (illustrative)
- Regular cleaning: £20–£35/hr (typical local range: £22–£32/hr).
- Deep clean: £120–£300 depending on size and condition.
- End‑of‑tenancy 1–2 bed: £140–£260 (postcode quote is final).
Booking and quote flow
Enter postcode → select property size → choose add‑ons → receive instant online price or request a callback for complex jobs. Britshine’s online tool produces a total price inclusive of VAT and clearly lists any optional extras.
Satisfaction guarantee and payments
Britshine provides a free re‑clean window (timeframe specified in the booking confirmation) if inspection identifies missed items. Payment options, minimum booking times and cancellation terms are disclosed at booking so customers see the total price and any applicable policies before payment.
Step‑by‑step: to get an instant quote you’ll need the property postcode, number of bedrooms, key add‑ons required (oven, carpets) and preferred date/time.
How to budget cleaning costs: tips for hosts, tenants and homeowners
Practical budgeting tips to avoid surprises:
- Define the scope: regular maintenance, one‑off deep cleans or end‑of‑tenancy have different cost rules—start by choosing the right category.
- Add contingency: include 10–20% for add‑ons or unexpected issues such as stains or heavy soiling.
- Hosts: build cleaning into nightly rates or charge a separate cleaning fee per booking for short‑lets; review seasonality and adjust staffing plans in peak months.
- Tenants: schedule a pre‑handover inspection 48–72 hours before the tenancy end to allow re‑cleans if needed; budget for at least one specialist add‑on (oven or carpet) in many inventories.
- Property managers: negotiate retainer or bulk rates across portfolios to lower per‑job fees and secure priority slots.
Money‑saving tactics: combine services into one visit, book off‑peak, maintain regular cleaning to avoid expensive deep cleans, and provide clear access to reduce setup time.
Budget template: calculate monthly cleaning cost for regular visits
Example: 2‑hour weekly clean at £25/hr = £200/month; add quarterly deep clean £150 → annual projection: £2,550.
DIY vs professional clean: time, cost and results compared
Compare the real costs beyond headline prices before deciding to DIY.
- Time: A DIY deep clean of a 2‑bed can take 6–12 hours; monetise your time (e.g., £15–£25/hr) to compare against professional quotes.
- Equipment & consumables: Professionals use steamers, extractors and food‑grade products — buying or hiring these may erode DIY savings.
- Quality & guarantees: Professionals offer insurance and re‑clean guarantees, which matter for deposit returns and short‑let ratings; DIY has no formal warranty.
Health & safety: Professionals are trained for ladder work, chemical handling and heavy lifting, reducing risk of damage or injury.
When DIY makes sense
- Small maintenance tasks between professional visits (light dusting, bin emptying).
- Simple spot treatments when time and equipment costs are low.
When to hire pros
- End‑of‑tenancy, heavy grease, strong odours, or post‑reno dust removal—these often require specialist equipment and guaranteeable results.
Quick cost calculator example (illustrative): hiring a professional for a single oven (£70) plus a 2‑bed deep clean (£180) = £250; DIY equivalent (6–8 hours at £20/hr = £120 + rental/chemical cost £60) may look cheaper on paper but carries deposit risk and no guarantee.
Preparing for a cleaner or end-of-tenancy clean — printable checklist
Use this room‑by‑room checklist to reduce inspection failures and avoid extra charges:
- Whole property: remove personal items, clear surfaces, empty bins and secure valuables.
- Kitchen: empty cupboards and drawers you want cleaned, defrost and empty fridge/freezer, clear oven contents and remove loose items from worktops.
- Bathrooms: remove toiletries and hanging towels; report leaks or broken fixtures before the clean.
- Bedrooms & living areas: remove personal clothing and bedding (unless included), clear access under beds and move small items off floors.
- Access & logistics: provide parking details, entry codes or key collection instructions and note any restricted hours.
Hosts: have linen bags ready and label any items for laundering. Tenants: organise minor repairs (mirrors, lightbulbs) before booking to avoid delays and additional charges.
Reporting a re‑clean: if inspection shows missed items, contact your provider within the re‑clean window specified in the booking confirmation to arrange a free revisit (terms apply).
FAQ — quick answers to common cleaning cost questions
Typical ranges quoted by providers are roughly £12–£30/hr depending on independent vs agency and region; Britshine local rates generally fall in the £20–£35/hr band.
Typical UK bands are studio £100–£200; 1‑bed £120–£220; 2‑bed £140–£300; 3‑bed £200–£400. These are market ranges—postcode quotes are final (Britshine provides instant postcode quotes).
Possibly, but factor in time, equipment and deposit risk—professionals often provide guarantees and insurance.
Yes—commercial data and market quotes commonly show a city premium in London; expect higher top‑end prices than York or regional towns.
No—these are usually optional add‑ons and are recommended for stains or pet odours.
No. Landlords cannot require tenants to use a professional cleaner under the Tenant Fees Act 2019; tenants must return the property to the same standard of cleanliness. See guidance from housing advisers for more detail: Generation Rent (2022).
Use Britshine’s online postcode quote tool or call for complex jobs; quotes disclose VAT and optional extras.
Many companies offer a re‑clean or satisfaction guarantee; confirm the timeframe and scope in writing. Deposit disputes often relate to cleaning, so using a guaranteed service reduces dispute risk—industry reporting highlights cleaning as a leading cause of deposit disputes. See a landlord association summary: NRLA (2024) and Shelter guidance: Shelter (2024).
Conclusion — choosing the right cleaning option for your budget
Key takeaways: cleaning costs depend most on property size, condition and add‑ons. Regional premiums mean London prices are higher than York’s local estimates. For high‑stakes jobs—end‑of‑tenancy cleans and short‑let turnovers—using a vetted provider with a satisfaction guarantee and clear add‑on pricing reduces deposit and guest‑rating risk.
- Decision checklist: choose hourly slots for recurring maintenance; use fixed packages for end‑of‑tenancy and deep cleans; add specialist services only when required.
- Next steps: get an instant postcode quote from Britshine, prepare the property with the checklist above, and confirm the re‑clean window in writing if you need a guarantee.
Ready to get an exact price? Request a postcode quote on the Britshine booking page or contact the team for a bespoke estimate; quotes include VAT and list optional extras so you can budget with confidence.