Cleaning business pricing: hourly, flat, or per square foot?
A practical pricing framework for residential and commercial cleaners — with the numbers most owners get wrong.
The fastest way to leave money on the table is to price a cleaning job by the hour. Customers anchor on the rate, not the value. Here are the three pricing models used in the trade, when each one fits, and the trade-off you accept with each.
Hourly
Only good for first-time deep cleans where scope is unknown. Quote a range ("3–4 hours at $60/hr") so you're not penalized for being efficient.
Flat-rate
Best for recurring residential. Customer sees one number, you keep the upside when you get faster. Build the flat from your hourly target × estimated time × 1.15 margin.
Per square foot
Standard for commercial. Rates vary widely by region, building type and frequency — medical, food service and post-construction all sit well above general office work. Price your own from a timed walkthrough of a comparable building rather than from a published range.
The add-ons that actually convert
- Inside oven / fridge
- Inside windows
- Laundry fold
- Pet hair surcharge