Do you tip house cleaners?
Do you tip house cleaners?
$10 – $30 tip per cleaner
10% – 20% tip per team
How much to tip house cleaners
A commonly asked question among homeowners is "Should you tip house cleaners?" After all, most people tip servers and hairdressers, so do you tip a cleaning service as well? While it's not strictly required, most customers report tipping $10 to $20 per person for basic house cleaning.
For deep cleans, a reasonable tip would be $20 to $30 per person or more. Alternatively, some people tip 10% to 20% of the total cleaning cost, split between the team if more than one person is cleaning.
| Tipping method | Tip amount |
|---|---|
| Flat amount | $10 – $20 (basic cleaning) $20 – $30+ (deep cleaning) |
| Percentage | 10% – 20% |
Factors to consider when tipping house cleaners
When deciding if or how much to tip a house cleaning service, keep these factors in mind:
Company policy: Some larger housekeeping companies explicitly state they have no-tipping policies or do not require tips. Check with the cleaning company about their policy if you're not sure.
Deep cleaning: If the cleaning involves a lot of heavy lifting, scrubbing, or bending, you may want to tip generously.
Home size: For larger homes with more belongings, cleaning can be more time-consuming and labor-intensive. In such cases, it's often appropriate to tip your cleaners more.
Quality: If your cleaners are exceptional in their efficiency, courtesy, and care for your belongings, consider tipping at the higher end of the recommended range. If their service fell short of your expectations, you may choose to tip at the lower end or forego tipping altogether.
If you're extremely satisfied with a cleaner's service, consider showing your appreciation by leaving a positive review online.
FAQs about whether to tip a house cleaning service
Do I have to tip house cleaners?
You don't have to tip house cleaners, but it's a great way to show appreciation for excellent service. Cleaners appreciate tips, particularly when they have gone above and beyond in their work.
How should I tip house cleaners?
Cash is normally the preferred method for tipping. You can also give gift cards, use payment apps like Venmo, or give other tokens of appreciation. Remember to check with the cleaning company to see if they have specific tipping policies or procedures.
Do you tip your cleaner at Christmas?
If you use a maid service or house cleaning service regularly, consider giving a generous tip or $100 to $300 during the holidays if you can afford it. It's not mandatory, but giving a bonus is always appreciated. Alternatively, you can give a thoughtful gift or gift card.
Getting estimates from house cleaners
Before hiring a house cleaning company near you, follow these important steps:
Compare quotes from several reputable cleaning companies to ensure you're getting the best value.
Research the company's reputation by reading reviews on platforms like HomeGuide and Google.
Confirm the company holds a valid business license and has adequate liability insurance.
Before work begins, ask for a comprehensive, written quote to avoid any misunderstandings.
Be wary of extremely low estimates, as they might signal subpar work quality.
Questions to ask house cleaning services
Ask these questions to find the best house cleaning company possible:
What cleaning services do you offer? Are there different packages for standard and deep cleaning?
Are you licensed and insured?
What experience do you have?
Do you provide cleaning supplies and equipment?
What products do you use, and are they eco-friendly?
What are your rates and payment options?
Do you offer customized cleaning plans?
What is your cancellation policy?
Do you have a satisfaction guarantee?
Can I request the same cleaner each time?
Do you have flexible scheduling options?
Can you accommodate weekend or evening cleanings?
Can you provide references or customer testimonials?
What safety protocols do you have in place?
Do you offer any discounts or promotions?
Are there special rates for regular services or referrals?
Can you accommodate specific requests or allergies?
Do I need to be present during the cleaning? How will cleaners gain entry to my home?
Is payment due before or after the service?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.