How to Spot Overpriced Cleaning Quotes (and What’s Fair)
Introduction: Why Some Cleaning Quotes Look Ridiculous
If you’ve recently requested cleaning quotes in Australia, you’ve probably noticed something strange — some are completely reasonable… and others are shockingly high.
Why is there such a big difference?
Is the expensive one better?
Is the cheaper one too good to be true?
The truth is that not all cleaning quotes are equal, and many Australians end up overpaying simply because they don’t know what a fair quote looks like.
This guide will teach you exactly how to recognise overpriced quotes, what normal prices look like in 2025, and how to protect yourself from cleaners who inflate prices or hide fees.
1. What a Fair Cleaning Quote Looks Like in Australia (2025)
Before spotting an overpriced quote, you need a baseline. Here are the realistic price ranges cleaning companies charge across Australia.
✔ General / Regular Cleaning
- Hourly rate: $35–$60/hr
- Flat rates:
- 1 bedroom: $90–$140
- 2 bedrooms: $120–$180
- 3 bedrooms: $150–$220
✔ Deep Cleaning
Usually 30–60% more than a regular clean.
- Apartments: $180–$350
- Houses: $250–$500+
✔ End of Lease / Bond Cleaning
- 1 bedroom: $250–$400
- 2 bedrooms: $350–$500
- 3 bedrooms: $450–$650
- 4 bedrooms: $550–$800+
✔ Specialist Cleaning
- Oven clean: $60–$120
- Carpet steam clean: $30–$55 per room
- Windows: $80–$250
Anything way above these ranges should be questioned.
2. The Most Common Signs of an Overpriced Cleaning Quote
✔ Sign #1: The quote looks high but includes very few details
A cleaner quoting:
“General clean – $230”
…with zero breakdowns is a huge red flag.
Professional cleaners always list:
- Exactly what’s included
- What’s not included
- Cleaning duration
- Number of cleaners
- Any optional extras
If the quote is vague AND expensive, it’s likely overpriced.
✔ Sign #2: The company charges extra for basics
Some overpriced cleaners try to squeeze extra fees for tasks that should be standard, such as:
- Wiping benches
- Vacuuming
- Mopping
- Dusting
- Cleaning toilets
- Cleaning bathroom sinks
If a cleaner charges extra for basic hygiene tasks, they’re overcharging.
✔ Sign #3: Extremely high “first-time clean” fees
Many cleaners charge slightly more for the first clean because they need to reset the home.
A normal first-time clean might be:
✔ 20–40% more than a regular clean
An overpriced first-time clean is when they charge:
❌ Double or triple the normal price
❌ A “mandatory” deep clean even if your home is already tidy
❌ Unnecessary extras bundled in
Always ask for the first-clean rate and compare it to the ongoing rate.
✔ Sign #4: No option for flat-rate pricing
Cheap hourly rates can be good — but expensive hourly rates with no flat-rate alternative is a warning sign.
For example:
- $60/hr for a standard clean (overpriced)
- $240 for a 3-hour session with no clear inclusions (overpriced)
A fair cleaner lets you choose:
✔ Hourly rate
✔ OR fixed price
If they force only high hourly pricing, be cautious.
✔ Sign #5: They quote based purely on your suburb
Some cleaners increase prices just because you’re in:
- A wealthy suburb
- A CBD area
- A high-rise complex
While travel charges exist, quoting based on postcode alone is a classic sign of price inflation.
✔ Sign #6: They push expensive add-ons you don’t need
Overpriced cleaners often recommend “extras” not required, such as:
- Full wall washing for minor marks
- Full window cleaning for a general clean
- Blind deep cleaning for slightly dusty blinds
- Carpet steam cleaning even if carpets are clean
- Oven cleaning for basic maintenance cleans
If the upsell feels aggressive, trust your instincts.
✔ Sign #7: They insist on a deep clean every time
Deep cleans are necessary sometimes — but not every time.
If your home is maintained regularly, a deep clean is rarely required. Some cleaners push this simply to increase the bill from:
- $160 to $350
- $200 to $480
- $250 to $600+
A trustworthy cleaner will recommend a deep clean only when needed.
3. Why Some Cleaners Overcharge
Not all overpriced quotes are scams. Sometimes it’s due to:
✔ Higher business expenses
- Premium cleaning products
- Insurance
- Travel fees
- Staff costs
✔ Reputation-based pricing
Some cleaners charge more purely because they’re popular or have many positive reviews.
✔ Lack of competition in certain suburbs
In remote or regional areas, limited cleaner availability can cause higher prices.
✔ Miscommunication
Sometimes cleaners assume you want:
- Full deep clean
- Wall cleaning
- Blinds
- Oven
- Windows
Always clarify exactly what you need to avoid misquotes.
4. What a Fair, Transparent Cleaning Quote Looks Like
A good cleaning quote usually includes:
✔ Clear inclusions
✔ Clear exclusions
✔ Time estimate
✔ Number of cleaners
✔ Price (flat or hourly)
✔ Optional extras
✔ Insurance details
✔ ABN
✔ GST information (if applicable)
With this level of transparency, you’ll quickly recognise overpriced quotes.
5. How to Protect Yourself From Overpaying
Here are the smartest steps to avoid being overcharged:
✔ Step 1: Get at least 3–5 quotes
Prices vary massively. Comparing quotes helps you see the real market price.
✔ Step 2: Compare inclusions, not just the number
A $240 quote might actually be cheaper than a $150 one depending on what’s included.
✔ Step 3: Ask for a checklist or cleaning scope
This instantly reveals who is overpriced.
✔ Step 4: Ask how long the job will take
Sometimes the cleaning company charges high hourly rates but only stays 90 minutes.
✔ Step 5: Ask if they offer a first-time clean discount
Many reputable cleaners do.
✔ Step 6: Avoid companies that won’t give a written quote
This is one of the biggest signs of inflated prices.
✔ Step 7: Check Google + Facebook reviews
Overpriced cleaners often:
- Have low ratings
- Have fake reviews
- Have no reviews at all
Reviews tell the truth.
6. When Paying More Is Actually Worth It
Sometimes the more expensive cleaner is the right choice.
You should consider paying more if the cleaner:
✔ Has insurance
✔ Has strong reviews
✔ Provides their own products
✔ Offers a guarantee
✔ Has professional equipment
✔ Provides clear communication
✔ Includes more in the quote
The goal is not to pick the cheapest cleaner — but the cleaner that gives the best value for your money.
Final Thoughts
Spotting an overpriced cleaning quote becomes much easier once you know the typical cleaning costs, red flags, and pricing tricks some companies use. The smartest approach is simple:
✔ Compare quotes
✔ Understand what’s included
✔ Avoid vague or inflated pricing
✔ Choose a cleaner who communicates clearly and offers value
With these steps, you can confidently book a cleaner at a fair price — and avoid paying far more than you need to.
