How Much Should I Charge for 3 Hours of Cleaning?

When you're starting out as a cleaner or offering your cleaning services independently, one of the most common questions that comes up is: how much should I charge for 3 hours of cleaning? It may seem like a simple question, but the answer depends on a number of important factors—like your location, the type of cleaning, experience level, and client needs.

In this blog, we'll break down all the key details to help you figure out a fair and competitive rate for three hours of cleaning work. Whether you're offering home cleaning services, tackling a small office cleaning job, or just looking for a side hustle, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Understanding Cleaning Rates: Hourly vs Flat Rate

Before setting a price, it's important to understand how cleaning jobs are usually priced in the U.S. market. Most cleaners either charge:

• Hourly Rates – You get paid for the number of hours worked.
  
  

• Flat Rates – You charge a set fee for the whole job, no matter how long it takes.
  
  

For a 3-hour job, most people prefer the hourly rate model. It’s simple, transparent, and easy for both you and your client to track.

Average Hourly Rate for Cleaning in the U.S.

On average, cleaners in the United States charge anywhere from $25 to $50 per hour. But this rate can go higher depending on:

• Your location (urban vs rural)
  
  

• The type of cleaning (deep clean vs light clean)
  
  

• Residential vs commercial space
  
  

• Whether supplies are included
  
  

Let’s break this down even further.

Factors That Influence How Much You Should Charge

Location Matters

Cleaning rates vary across states and even cities. For example:

• In cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, cleaners often charge $35 to $60 per hour due to the higher cost of living.
  
  

• In smaller towns or rural areas, rates are more likely to be around $25 to $35 per hour.
  
  

If you're in New Jersey or the Tri-State area, rates can land between $30 and $50 per hour depending on services included.

Type of Cleaning

Not all cleaning jobs are created equal. Here's how different types of jobs can affect pricing:

• Standard home cleaning: Vacuuming, dusting, mopping, kitchen and bathroom touch-up. This can be priced lower.
  
  

• Deep cleaning: More detailed and time-consuming. This includes scrubbing tiles, baseboards, cleaning behind appliances. Usually higher priced.
  
  

• Move-in/move-out cleaning: Often priced at a premium due to extra work.
  
  

• Office cleaning services: May include desks, floors, common areas, and bathrooms. Rates here can vary depending on size and time of day.
  
  

If you're offering office cleaning services, your rate may also vary if you're cleaning after hours, during weekends, or if security protocols are in place.

Client Expectations

Ask what the client wants done in those 3 hours. Some clients may want just a kitchen and bathroom cleaned. Others may expect their whole house to be spotless. Make sure to set clear boundaries on what’s included in the 3 hours.

Supplies and Equipment

Do you bring your own supplies or use what the client provides?

• If you bring your own cleaning products, you can charge a bit more.
  
  

• If the client supplies the tools, you may charge slightly less.
  
  

Cleaning supplies cost money, especially if you use eco-friendly or brand-name products, so factor that into your pricing.

How Much to Charge for 3 Hours of Cleaning?

Now that we’ve looked at the basics, here’s a simple breakdown based on U.S. averages:

This is just a general guideline. You can adjust based on your local market, level of service, and demand.

Tips for Setting Your Cleaning Price

Do Local Research

Check listings on platforms like Craigslist, Thumbtack, or TaskRabbit in your area. See what other cleaners are charging for 3-hour sessions.

Consider Your Costs

Don’t forget gas, cleaning supplies, travel time, and insurance (if you have it). These should be factored into your pricing to make sure you’re not losing money.

Offer Transparent Pricing

Make sure your client knows exactly what they’re getting for those 3 hours. A simple checklist can help avoid misunderstandings.

Bundle Your Services

If you offer office cleaning services and also do laundry, windows, or pet cleanup, you can offer bundled services for a higher price.

What Should Be Included in a 3-Hour Cleaning?

Here’s an example of what many clients expect in a 3-hour home cleaning session:

Living Room & Bedrooms

• Dust all surfaces
  
  

• Vacuum carpets and rugs
  
  

• Clean mirrors
  
  

• Wipe baseboards
  
  

Kitchen

• Wipe countertops
  
  

• Clean sink and faucet
  
  

• Light appliance cleaning (exterior only)
  
  

• Take out trash
  
  

Bathrooms

• Scrub toilet, sink, and shower
  
  

• Wipe down counters
  
  

• Clean mirrors
  
  

• Mop floors
  
  

You won’t have time for deep cleaning every corner of the house in just 3 hours. Be upfront about that and manage expectations.

Can You Charge More for Special Requests?

Yes. Some clients may ask for:

• Oven cleaning
  
  

• Fridge interior cleaning
  
  

• Window washing
  
  

• Folding laundry
  
  

• Organizing closets
  
  

These are extra services. Charge an add-on fee for anything outside your basic 3-hour package. Most people are okay paying more if they know upfront.

Should You Offer Discounts?

While it’s tempting to offer lower prices to get more clients, don’t undervalue your time and effort. Instead of discounts, consider offering packages:

• Weekly cleanings
  
  

• Bi-weekly cleanings
  
  

• Monthly deep cleans
  
  

This keeps clients coming back and helps you earn a stable income.

Final Thoughts

When deciding how much to charge for 3 hours of cleaning, you need to think beyond just the time. Your experience, the type of cleaning, local market, and extra services all play a role.

A fair rate usually falls between $75 to $150 for 3 hours, depending on the job. Be transparent, professional, and clear about your services. If you’re offering both residential and office cleaning, make sure your rates reflect the time, effort, and expectations involved.

If you’re just starting out or looking for ideas on building your cleaning business, check out our Blog for tips, guides, and more helpful resources. You can also explore how we handle home cleaning services and office cleaning services to better understand how to set up your own service standards.