Average Home Cleaning Cost at a Glance
The table below summarizes typical house cleaning prices in Canada across common service types. Costs vary by home size, location, and cleaning frequency.
| Service type | Typical cost range |
|---|---|
| Standard hourly rate | $65–$125 per hour |
| Average cleaning visit | $160–$320 |
| One-time deep clean | $270–$410 |
| Move-in/move-out clean | $260–$450 |
| Apartment (under 1,000 sq. ft.) | $80–$275 |
| Large home (~2,200 sq. ft.) | $205–$550 |
The average cost to clean a house in Canada is around $230, with most homeowners spending anywhere between $160 and $320. Cleaning companies usually charge by the hour or by square footage:
- Hourly rate: $65–$125 (this cost often includes multiple cleaners)
- Under 1,000 sq. ft.: around $120
- 3,000 sq. ft. home: around $340
How often you have the house cleaning service done will affect your cost, if you get it done from the same company. Depending on the frequency, you may be able to save some money, around $7 to $15 per cleaning. Ask the company if there are further discounts by paying for multiple cleanings upfront or by signing a contract for long-term service. This could end up saving you an estimated $65 to $275 in the long run.
You can also hire a cleaning company for a one-time service. This is useful if you're throwing a party (or cleaning up after one) or getting your home ready for viewings when selling. A one-time cleaning for a typical sized home can cost between $270 and $410.
If the outside of your house needs a clean as well, you can read our guide to affordable exterior house washing costs.
HomeStars tip: Before you hire, ask the company if they offer a first-time cleaning by square foot. This will allow the cleaners to better determine how long it will take to clean and if there are any special requirements for cleaning your home. For a typical single family home, this will cost you around $175. A typical single-family apartment will cost around $135.
Find a cleaning company on HomeStars
Home Cleaning Services: Independent Operators vs Companies
There are many types of cleaning companies to choose from. They can range from individual people operating on their own to corporations with nationwide services. Before you decide which to go with, you should be aware of the differences and the services they do and do not provide.
Independent Operators
Independent operators are typically looking to make some extra money by cleaning homes. This could be their full-time profession or something they do on the side. Because they do not work for a larger company, they often will charge less and rates can be negotiated. Some independent operators will charge as little as $15 an hour, but this cost is ultimately up to them. It is rare that they will require a contract and changes to your cleaning schedule are usually not a problem.
Note: Ask for references to find out more about the quality of their work and professionalism.
Professional Cleaning Companies
Professional companies are bonded, licensed and insured. They cost more, usually around $35 to $65 per person per hour. Most companies will require a contract and may or may not be able to accommodate last-minute schedule changes. The advantage of using a professional company is that you are not relying on one person. Should the regular cleaner that comes to your house become sick, there will be someone else available to cover.
HomeStars tip: When deciding on a company, be sure to get quotes from multiple ones and read their HomeStars reviews first.
What Home Cleaning Service Costs Include
If you've never hired a cleaning company before, you might not be sure what to expect. Most standard cleaning companies will provide the following services:
- Vacuuming your floors, sometimes including polishing services.
- Dusting surfaces like countertops, ceilings, walls and furniture. Antiques may cost you more depending on how fragile they are or if special cleaners must be used.
- Scrubbing floors, sinks, and countertops; however, if you have old or damaged grout, a cleaner cannot repair this.
There are certain tasks that companies will not do. The most common chores cleaning companies will not do include:
- Doing the dishes
- Washing your laundry
- Washing walls
- Carpet cleaning
You can always speak to your company about these services if you really need them done. Keep in mind that these tasks may come at an additional cost. Carpet cleaning is generally a separate service: you can read our guide to carpet cleaning costs for a breakdown of different kinds of services available.
Note: Remember that a cleaning company is not there to pick up after you. If your floor is cluttered with toys, books and games, your cleaner will not be able to vacuum it. If you hire an independent cleaner, they may perform this task but it will take more time and therefore will cost you more.
What Affects Home Cleaning Prices
Several variables influence home cleaning prices in Canada. Understanding them helps you budget accurately and compare quotes fairly.
- Home size: Larger homes take more time to clean and cost more to service. Square footage is one of the primary drivers of the average cost to clean a house.
- Cleaning frequency: Regular visits, weekly or bi-weekly, typically cost less per visit than a one-time clean.
- Type of service: A standard clean costs less than a deep clean or move-in/move-out service, both of which involve more time and labour.
- Add-on tasks: Extras such as oven cleaning, refrigerator cleaning, and window washing are usually priced separately.
- Number of cleaners: Some companies send a team of two or more, which reduces the total hours but affects the per-person rate.
- Location in Canada: Urban centres like Toronto and Vancouver tend to have higher house cleaning prices than smaller cities.
Home Cleaning Rates by Home Size
House cleaning prices per hour typically range from $65 to $125 for the overall visit rate, or $35 to $65 per individual cleaner when a team is sent. The size and condition of your home will greatly impact the price of these services.
You can expect to pay the following rates for these services:
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Single-family homes | $165–$205 |
| Window treatments | $135–$275 |
| Walls & ceilings | $205–$410 |
| Furniture & upholstery | $135–$205 |
While most cleaning companies will need to see what needs cleaning before giving you a quote, here are approximate home cleaning prices for common home sizes:
-
900 sq. ft. 2-bedroom apartment, 5 rooms:
- One-time cleaning: $110–$275
- Bi-weekly cleaning: $80–$170
-
1,300 sq. ft. single-story home, 7 rooms:
- One-time cleaning: $135–$410
- Bi-weekly cleaning: $115–$210
-
2,200 sq. ft. two-story 3-bedroom home, 9 rooms:
- One-time cleaning: $205–$550
- Bi-weekly cleaning: $135–$245
Additional services are typically priced separately:
- Window cleaning, interior: $5–$10 per window
- Refrigerator cleaning (including removing and replacing items): $50–$140
- Oven cleaning: $40–$50
- Move-in/move-out: $260–$450
How Residential Cleaning Rates Are Determined
If you are only having one room cleaned, it is more cost effective to be charged by the hour. However, if you need multiple rooms cleaned, it is better to be charged by square foot. Other factors that may affect your rate include:
- Cleaning frequency
- Pets in the house
- Variety of surfaces to clean
- Specialty cleaning (windows, furniture)
- Number of people cleaning
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How To Estimate Your Home Cleaning Cost
There are many factors that come into play when paying for the services of a cleaning company.
Below is a list of the factors that will help you better estimate your costs.
Determine the Number of Rooms to be Cleaned
First, make a list of all the rooms in your house you want to be cleaned. Consider how long it would take you to clean all of those rooms yourself. While professional cleaners will work faster, this is a good way to get a general estimate of how much you can expect to pay. Keep in mind that the more rooms that need to be cleaned, the more expensive the cost will be.
Count the Number of Bedrooms
Cleaning companies use the number of bedrooms to get an idea of the occupancy and usage of your home. The more people living in your home generally means there will be more mess. For example, a large house with only two bedrooms will generally not require as much work as a small house with four bedrooms.
Count the Number of Bathrooms
Bathrooms are one of the most involved rooms to clean and often require the harshest cleaners. Bathrooms also require specific cleaners for specific tasks. You wouldn't use the same product to clean your toilet as you would your sink and shower. All of this needs to be taken into consideration when hiring a cleaning company.
Decide On Cleaning Products
Most cleaning companies will ask you to supply your own cleaning products or ask that you pay for theirs. If you want a specific type of cleaner used you need to make this clear from the start. If the company provides the cleaning product, there will be different costs for standard products versus environmentally-friendly and non-toxic products. In general, eco-friendly cleaners will cost more. If you want to ensure that only green products are used, you should supply them.
List Any Special Circumstances (allergies, antiques, and/or pets)
Let your cleaners know if you have any allergies, antiques or pets. This information will impact the overall cost, as special cleaners may need to be used and certain precautions may need to be made.
Note: If you have pets, particularly dogs, you must let the company know. Dogs can be very protective of their homes and special arrangements may need to be set up to contain them when the cleaners are in your home. Cats need special arrangements as well so that they do not escape while the cleaners are working. Let the company know ahead of time if any of their workers have animal allergies, so they can arrange for someone who can work safely in your home.
Determine Difficult-to-Access Areas
If you have difficult areas to access, such as vaulted or high ceilings or high up windows and shelving, the company may have an extra charge associated with anything that requires the use of a ladder. Factor these areas into your overall costs.
Find A Local Cleaning Company
It's most cost effective to hire a company that services your area. Some companies will charge an additional fee if your home is outside of their service area. The cost of home cleaning services varies widely and can be influenced by a number of factors such as the remoteness of your home, the workload, and the cost of gas. Be sure to ask the company about their service area when obtaining a quote.
With these factors in mind, you can reach out to companies and compare their quotes to your own estimate. Be sure to let them know of any special requests or concerns.
Find a Home Cleaning Company on HomeStars
Finding the right cleaning company on your own takes time and energy that a lot of people don’t have. That’s why HomeStars connects you with cleaning companies near you easily and stress-free. You can browse reviews, compare profiles, and request quotes from multiple companies before making a decision. Share your home cleaning needs on HomeStars and let interested companies reach out with their availability and pricing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Home Cleaning Costs
Should I tip my house cleaner in Canada?
Tipping is not expected but is a welcome gesture, especially for one-time or deep cleans where you're happy with the results. A tip of $10 to $20, or roughly 10 to 15% of the total bill, is a reasonable amount. For recurring cleaners, many homeowners choose to tip at the holidays rather than after every visit.
Do home cleaning prices include supplies and equipment?
It depends on the provider. Independent cleaners often expect you to supply cleaning products, while most cleaning companies include their own supplies and equipment in the quoted price. If you have preferences, such as unscented or eco-friendly products, discuss this before the first visit, especially as they sometimes come with an extra cost. Specific product requirements may affect the overall cost. You can find pros who offer special products on HomeStars.
How do house cleaning costs compare across Canadian cities?
House cleaning prices per hour tend to be higher in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where rates commonly run $85 to $125, compared to $65 to $90 in mid-sized cities like Halifax, Winnipeg, or Regina. Rural locations may also see higher rates due to travel time. You can search for and compare cleaning companies by location on HomeStars to get a sense of local rates before committing.
Can I deduct home cleaning costs on my Canadian tax return?
For most homeowners, standard home cleaning is not tax deductible. However, if you use part of your home for business purposes, you may be able to claim a proportional amount as a business expense. The rules vary by situation, so it is worth checking with a tax professional or reviewing the Canada Revenue Agency guidelines before claiming anything.
What should I do if I'm not satisfied with a cleaning visit?
Contact the company as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of the visit, and describe the specific areas or tasks that were missed or done poorly. Most cleaning companies will return to address the issues at no extra charge. Once the matter is resolved, leaving a review on HomeStars helps other homeowners understand what to expect from the company.
What is the difference between a standard clean and a deep clean?
A standard clean covers routine maintenance tasks: vacuuming, mopping, dusting, and wiping down bathroom and kitchen surfaces. A deep clean goes further, including scrubbing grout, cleaning inside appliances, wiping baseboards, and tackling built-up grime in areas not addressed during regular visits. Deep cleans typically cost more and are often scheduled as an initial visit or on a seasonal basis.