Should You Pay by the Hour or by the Job for Cleaning Services?
Introduction: Two Pricing Models, One Big Decision
When you start comparing cleaning quotes in Australia, you’ll quickly notice two main pricing options:
✔ Hourly rate (e.g., $40–$55 per hour)
✔ Flat-rate / per-job pricing (e.g., $150 for a 2-bedroom clean)
Both options have their benefits, but choosing the wrong one can lead to frustration, surprise costs, or paying far more than you expected.
This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and ideal situations for each pricing model — so you can make the smartest decision for your home, budget, and cleaning needs.
1. Understanding Hourly Pricing
Hourly pricing is common for general cleaning services or for homes that require a flexible, custom clean.
Typical rates in Australia:
- $35–$60 per hour (depending on city, cleaner’s experience, and whether they bring their own supplies)
How hourly pricing works:
You pay based on the number of hours the cleaner works.
If they work 2 hours, you pay for 2 hours.
If they work 4 hours, you pay for 4 hours.
Pros of Hourly Pricing
1. Great for small, simple jobs
If you only need a light tidy, quick dust, or small touch-ups, hourly pricing is ideal.
2. Good for flexible cleaning
You can change tasks on the day:
- “Clean the living room today.”
- “Skip the bedrooms this week.”
3. Transparent labour cost
You know exactly how much you’re paying per hour.
4. Good when you’re home to supervise
You can guide the cleaner and keep an eye on time.
Cons of Hourly Pricing
1. Slow cleaners cost more
Two cleaners may complete the same job in:
- 2 hours (experienced)
- 4 hours (slow or inexperienced)
Same job.
Double the price.
2. Hard to know final cost upfront
You only find out the full price when the job ends.
3. Risk of time-wasting
Some cleaners stretch hours to earn more.
4. Not ideal for detailed deep cleaning
Deep cleans require specific tasks, not flexible timing.
2. Understanding Flat-Rate (Per Job) Pricing
Flat-rate pricing means you pay one fixed amount for the entire job — regardless of how long it takes.
Typical flat rates:
- 1-bedroom clean: $90–$140
- 2-bedroom clean: $120–$180
- Deep clean: $180–$350
- End-of-lease clean: $250–$650
Pros of Flat-Rate Pricing
1. Total price agreed upfront
No surprises. No guessing.
You know the exact cost before the cleaner arrives.
2. Cleaner works based on results, not time
They focus on the checklist, not the clock.
3. Perfect for detailed cleaning
Deep cleans, spring cleans, and end-of-lease cleans should ALWAYS be flat-rate.
4. Ideal for people who won’t be home
You don’t need to supervise.
5. Forces cleaners to be efficient
They must finish all tasks to receive the fixed payment.
Cons of Flat-Rate Pricing
1. Not ideal for last-minute clutter
Flat-rate quotes assume the home is reasonably tidy.
2. Extra charges may apply
If you need:
- Oven cleaning
- Wall washing
- Inside cupboards
- Heavy grease cleaning
…these may cost extra.
3. Can be higher for large or heavily used homes
Larger homes may attract higher flat rates.
3. Which Pricing Model Is Better for Your Situation?
Let’s break it down based on your home and cleaning needs.
✔ Choose Hourly Pricing If:
- You only need a basic clean
- Your home is already tidy
- You’re home to supervise
- You want flexibility each week
- You want to add/remove tasks as you go
- You’re budgeting by hours (“Stay for 2 hours only”)
Best for:
Small jobs, touch-ups, light weekly or fortnightly cleans.
✔ Choose Flat-Rate Pricing If:
- You want to know the cost upfront
- You’re not home during the clean
- You want a guaranteed result
- You’re getting a deep clean or spring clean
- You’re moving out (bond clean)
- You want a checklist-based service
- You want transparency and no surprises
Best for:
Deep cleaning, end-of-lease, move-in cleaning, and busy households.
4. Cost Differences: Hourly vs Flat-Rate
Here’s a practical example to show how much pricing can differ.
Scenario: 2-bedroom apartment needing a deep clean
Hourly Cleaner:
- $50/hr
- Works 4.5 hours
Total: $225
Flat-Rate Cleaner:
- Deep clean package: $180
- Includes oven + window tracks
Result:
Flat-rate = cheaper AND better
Hourly = more expensive and less predictable
5. How to Avoid Paying Too Much — No Matter the Pricing Model
1. Always ask for an inclusions list
Never book a cleaner without knowing EXACTLY what is included.
2. Compare 3–5 quotes
This ensures you’re not overpaying.
3. Ask how long the job will take
Even with flat-rate pricing, time matters.
4. Ask what extras cost
Avoid surprise fees.
5. Check reviews and reference photos
Reliable cleaners have lots of positive reviews.
6. Confirm if they bring their own supplies
Some hourly cleaners expect you to provide everything.
6. Which Pricing Method Offers Better Value?
For most Australians: flat-rate is better.
Why?
✔ No surprises
✔ Clear expectations
✔ Better for deep or detailed work
✔ More pressure on the cleaner to deliver results
✔ Less risk of time inflation
✔ Ideal for households not home during the clean
However, hourly can still be great for:
✔ Quick tidies
✔ Light weekly cleaning
✔ Homes that are already spotless
It’s not about which method is “best.”
It’s about choosing what fits your home and your needs.
Final Thoughts
Both hourly and flat-rate cleaning have their place in Australia’s cleaning industry. But the key to choosing wisely is understanding the difference — and knowing exactly what you’re paying for.
Hourly pricing is flexible and simple for small jobs.
Flat-rate pricing is predictable and perfect for detailed work.
Once you know your home’s needs, comparing quotes becomes easy — and finding a reliable, fairly priced cleaner becomes stress-free.
