How Much Do Cleaning Companies Charge Per Hour in the UK

Businesses have unique needs due to differences in size, industry, locations, facility structure, and much more. 

Also, the companies are concerned that what they invest in will be equally rewarding. 

So, “How much do cleaning companies charge per hour in the UK?” is one of the most common questions that comes to mind when looking for reliable, affordable cleaning. 

Pricing can vary widely depending on location, service type, and provider reputation. 

This blog explains the key factors that influence hourly rates, helping you make informed decisions before hiring. 

What you’ll learn in this article: 

•  The average hourly rates for cleaning companies in the UK 

•  Key factors that influence cleaning costs 

•  Why do rates differ between London and rural areas 

•  Tips to choose the right cleaning provider for your budget 

•  When to opt for fixed-rate vs hourly cleaning services 

Factors Affecting Commercial Cleaning Company Hourly Rates

After receiving a free quote from a commercial cleaning company like Innovative Cleaning Services, the company will determine the charge for your premises.  

This final decision is based on your facility’s location, the size and structure of the property and your cleaning needs. 

The cleaning company will first assess your premises, determine the amount of cleaning required, the time needed to clean the spaces, and the resources necessary to clean them professionally. 

There are many other factors that commercial cleaning services consider when determining their rates. Here are some major ones: 

Size of the Property 

The larger the property, the higher the rate. Warehouses, residential units, or retail stores have larger spaces, while offices, small retail stores, or startup restaurants require less effort to clean, resulting in lower charges. 

Business Industry 

Factories where hazardous chemicals are commonly used will charge higher rates. In contrast, warehouses focusing only on tangible stock safety require less cleaning. This means rates can differ for commercial cleaning. Floor cleaning in offices will vary from that in warehouses. 

Location 

Location is also an important factor for some commercial cleaning agencies. Properties in nearby or urban areas incur lower charges, while those in remote locations attract higher fees due to added travel time and expenses related to transporting equipment and materials. 

Type of Cleaning 

What kind of cleaning do you require? Regular cleaning, deep cleaning, or speciality cleaning, such as after-hours or event cleaning.  This also includes services like carpet, window, bathroom, or kitchen cleaning. 

Here is the list of the average cost of cleaning per hour in the UK, based on types of cleaning:

These rates are gathered from multiple sources for your convenience. They may vary and can be subject to change with economic changes. 

Cleaning Company Reputation 

An experienced cleaning business with a solid portfolio servicing thousands of clients typically means the rates are going to be higher. 

The cleaning services are staffed with ISO-certified and BICSc-certified professionals, skilled in PPE usage, safety protocols, and the proper use of tools and resources. 

The company also has liability insurance and offers workerscompensation. 

Here is the UK cleaning company hourly rate comparison based on multiple factors:

These rates are gathered from multiple sources for your convenience. They may vary and can be subject to change with economic changes. 

Why Choosing the Right Cleaning Company is Crucial 

A correct cleaning company implements a structured process into your premises cleaning, offers eco‑friendly cleaning practices and has DBS‑checked, fully vetted and trained staff. The cleaning rates they charge balance the efforts they make, the team they employ and the results they deliver. 

Quality vs. Cost: Finding the Right Balance 

Perhaps your requirements are unique, and only a few reputable cleaning companies can meet them. At the same time, you might have a limited budget, and you need to pick companies that have good reputations while offering reasonable charges. Anything missed could result in wasted effort and money. 

The reason is a low‑cost cleaning service runs on small profits in this competitive market. To fit in with the market, they offer low‑priced services with underpaid, untrained and unvetted staff. 

In the long term, hiring them can cost you more due to the use of harsh chemicals incorrectly, overlooking certain areas, or a lack of proper insurance and bonding, leaving you liable for any accidents or damage that occur on your property. 

The Importance of Transparency in Pricing 

Whenever you discuss prices with the cleaning company, always make sure you are aware of both the upfront and hidden costs. 

Companies, in general, dodge clients by hiding important terms and conditions in difficult‑to‑find text within a contract or offer, relying on consumers not to read or understand them. 

So, always read the complete documents provided by the cleaning company at least twice or three times. Or hire a qualified attorney to review the document and identify any hidden clauses. 

 The best you can do is ask the following questions to keep yourself clear about the price: 

• Do you charge any logistics costs? 
• If we terminate the contract, how much refund will we get? 
• Do you use any software in your cleaning services and charge for it? 
• Do you charge for site assessment? 
• Do you charge for the tools or equipment you use? 
• Do you charge on an hourly basis or one‑time basis? 

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How to Choose the Best Cleaning Company for Your Budget

Let’s discuss what steps to follow to select the best cleaning service provider based on your specific needs. 

Define Your Cleaning Needs

First, after assessing your commercial premises and identifying your cleaning needs. This includes what type of cleaning is needed and the fixed vs. hourly rates for cleaning. On top of these needs, also clarify how much money you want to spend on cleaning services. 

Research Potential Companies

When searching for companies, you can network through business partners or competitors for referrals. For an online search, you can type: “commercial cleaning companies”. Pick the top ones appearing on the SERPs and evaluate each of them. 

Evaluate Companies on Key Factors

Once you gather some companies, check their pricing, the type of services they are offering, client reviews, and portfolio. Also, confirm the company is insured and bonded to protect against potential theft, damage, or injury. 

Obtain and Compare Quotes

From a few shortlisted companies, get a customised quote and arrange a meeting with each of them to confirm any hidden fees. This way, you can select a cleaning company that best aligns with your budget, lifestyle, and quality expectations. 

When Should You Opt for a Fixed-Price Cleaning Service?

Usually, you will come across two pricing options: hourly rate and fixed pricing. Selecting the right pricing option that fits your needs is essential. We will guide you on this. 

But first, let’s clarify what both of these are and how they work.  

In hourly rate pricing, staff work for the hours you set, or they assess your site cleaning needs, estimate the required hours to complete the task, and charge accordingly. 

In contrast, with fixed pricing, you pay a set amount: weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly, based on the selected cleaning service package, and the job is performed accordingly. 

You can use hourly rates for cleaning when you have a limited budget, want control over your cleaning tasks, and have a small facility or office requiring flexibility. 

Another major reason for choosing this rate is that it allows you to assess the cleaning team’s reliability, their knowledge of cleaning practices, and how they clean your space, including the safety protocols, equipment, or site assessment approach they use before starting work. 

You can choose fixed rate pricing when you are satisfied with the outcomes, have large and complex premises, and require highly accurate, deep cleaning with strict adherence to health and safety protocols. 

FAQ  

1. What is the average hourly rate for cleaning companies?
   In the UK, cleaning companies typically charge between £12 to £25 per hour, depending on service type and region. 
2. Do cleaning rates include cleaning supplies and equipment?
   Most companies include basic supplies, but specialist equipment or eco-friendly products may cost extra. Always check the contract for details. 
3. Are there any hidden charges when hiring a cleaning company?
   Some may charge extra for deep cleaning, travel, or last-minute bookings. Transparent providers list all costs upfront. 
4. How can I reduce cleaning costs without compromising quality?
   Bundle services, schedule regular cleanings, and choose vetted companies with ISO certifications for reliable, cost-effective service. 
5. Is it better to hire a cleaning company or a freelance cleaner?
   Cleaning companies offer insurance and standards (BCC, CSSA), while freelancers may be cheaper but less regulated. Choose based on your needs and risk tolerance.

Conclusion 

Selecting the right commercial cleaning hourly rates in the UK is a bit challenging due to the unique demands you have in mind and aligning with budget limitations. 

Therefore, always evaluate your budget, facility structure, business industry, and type of cleaning and then accordingly approach one that fits your needs. 

Also, evaluate multiple cleaning companies, get multiple quotes, and decide what fits your needs.