How Much Should I Charge For 5 Hours of Cleaning?
It may be difficult to determine a fair and competitive cost for a five hour house cleaning session because there is a lot of competition for this type of service in San Diego and many consumers have high standards when it comes to cleanliness and customer service. Most professional cleaners in San Diego will charge between $125 and $200 for a standard five hour cleaning session, and $200 to $300 for a premium or deep cleaning session. The amount you can charge depends on your level of experience, your ability to provide excellent customer service, and whether you provide additional services such as specialty cleaning, organic cleaning products, etc. To help you establish a fair price for your cleaning service, we recommend checking out some reliable cleaning services in San Diego to learn what local businesses are charging and how they package their cleaning services.
Understanding What Goes Into Cleaning Rates
Hourly and Flat Rate Pricing
Most residential cleaning businesses will provide either hourly or flat rate pricing, or a combination of both. Freelance cleaners or small teams often provide hourly pricing for one time or variable scope jobs. However, most residential cleaning businesses provide flat rate pricing for recurring cleaning jobs or for specific jobs such as post construction or post move cleaning. Hourly rates for cleaners in San Diego generally range from $25 to $40 per hour. At the low end of this scale ($25/hour), a five hour cleaning job would cost $125. At the high end of this scale ($40/hour), a five hour cleaning job would cost $200.
Standard vs. Deep Cleaning
A standard five hour cleaning job will include the following items: sweeping and mopping; cleaning the kitchen and bathroom; dusting all furniture; vacuuming all carpeted areas; cleaning all major surfaces; and, completing general cleaning tasks. A premium or deep cleaning job will require the cleaner to perform additional cleaning tasks such as baseboard cleaning; cleaning all interior appliances; cleaning all windows; and, performing other specialty cleaning tasks. Premium or deep cleaning jobs are generally priced at the higher end of the spectrum, and may cost anywhere from $200 to $300 for a five hour session. If your cleaning service offers eco friendly cleaning products or performs additional organizational tasks, you may also wish to charge at the higher end of this spectrum.
Factors That Influence the Price You Can Charge
Experience and Training
If you have extensive experience in the cleaning industry, positive reviews from previous clients, and/or training in advanced or eco sensitive cleaning techniques, you will likely be able to charge near the upper limit of the premium price range ($200 – $300). On the other hand, entry level cleaners or cleaners without extensive portfolios or training may need to begin by charging lower rates ($125 for a five hour cleaning session).
Supplies and Eco Friendly Products
As consumers become increasingly aware of the importance of using eco friendly and allergen free cleaning products, many are willing to pay more for cleaning services that incorporate these types of products into their cleaning processes. If you choose to supply your clients with eco friendly cleaning products, this could be used as justification for a higher hourly rate, particularly for clients with young children or pets. Additionally, supplying your own cleaning equipment (such as vacuums, steamers, and microfiber mops) is viewed as a professional practice and should be factored into your pricing.
Size and Condition of the Home
Large homes or homes with multiple levels require significantly more time to clean properly than smaller homes or homes with fewer levels. Similarly, homes that have not been cleaned in months, or have been damaged by pets and/or young children, will require significantly more time to clean than well maintained homes. It is essential to accurately assess the size and condition of the home prior to providing a quote to ensure your client receives a realistic estimate of the time required to complete the cleaning task.
Specialty or Custom Requests
In addition to the standard cleaning tasks, many San Diego clients request additional tasks to be performed during a cleaning session, including cleaning the refrigerator, cleaning the interior of windows, and/or organizing closets. Any additional tasks requested by the client should result in an increase in the overall cost of the cleaning session. Developing packages specifically labeled as "Deep Clean" or "Special Session" will clearly communicate to your clients what they can expect from the session, and will help justify your pricing.
Researching the Competition
Prior to establishing the price for a five hour cleaning session, research competing cleaning services in the area, both independent contractors and established franchises. Conduct a review of the services offered by competing businesses, and compare them to the services you offer. Check websites, social media, and online directories such as Yelp and Thumbtack, and evaluate the number of reviews and ratings provided by customers. Use this information to determine where your experience, marketing efforts, and customer service place your business within the competitive landscape. While you do not want to overprice your services, positioning yourself in the middle of the pricing range ($125 to $200 for standard cleaning, $200 to $300 for premium) will provide you with flexibility and room to grow in the future.
Structuring Your Own Packages with Confidence
Create Your Own Checklist
Your clients will appreciate having a clear understanding of what their money will buy. A standard five hour cleaning package for apartments and single family homes in San Diego should include the following items:
▶ Cleaning and sanitizing of the kitchen countertops, sinks, and exterior of the appliances.
▶ Cleaning and sanitizing the toilet, shower, bathtub, fixtures, glass, and mirrors in the bathroom.
▶ Dust and wipe down all available surfaces.
▶ Vacuum and mop all flooring.
▶ Remove trash and tidy the main living space.
Additional tasks for deep cleaning sessions should include:
▶ Cleaning and sanitizing the interior of the kitchen appliances and cabinets.
▶ Cleaning the baseboards and windows.
▶ Light organization or decluttering of designated areas.
Clear Estimates
Clearly explain to your clients when and under what circumstances your rates will increase. If you charge additional fees for late/last minute scheduling, excessive dirtiness, or travel/parking fees, let your clients know upfront.
Scheduling and Payment Terms
Provide your clients with electronic payment options, outline your cancellation policies, and encourage repeat business with discounts for regularly scheduled appointments.
Why Many Locals Choose Sparkly Maid San Diego
Sparkly Maid San Diego is a unique business that stands out in San Diego due to its commitment to using eco friendly cleaning products, its Latina ownership, and its five star rating. All of Sparkly Maid San Diego's cleaners are thoroughly vetted, insured, and trained to utilize modern and effective cleaning techniques. Whether your clients are seeking routine cleaning or a customized cleaning solution, Sparkly Maid San Diego has earned a reputation as a trusted name in the San Diego cleaning industry.
Resources for Your Cleaning Business
For an in-depth analysis of what San Diego cleaning services charge for move-outs and larger cleaning projects, please refer to our article titled "Move-Out Cleaning Prices in San Diego." If you're interested in learning more about creating systems to enhance your productivity, reducing downtime, and utilizing a system that increases your cleaning efficiency, please refer to our article titled "What is the 20 Minute Rule in Cleaning?"
Growth and Success in the Market
Focus on Speed and Effectiveness
Developing and implementing efficient cleaning systems, and focusing on the finer details that create a lasting impression on your clients (fresh scents, finishing touches, sparkling kitchen and bathroom counters, etc.) will allow you to deliver value to both you and your clients for each cleaning session.
Invest in Your Skills through Certification
Continuing education and certification programs in green cleaning, elderly home care, or pet safe cleaning will allow you to differentiate yourself from competitors and increase your confidence in the services you are offering, and the price you can charge for them.
Build Long Term Relationships
Repeat business and referrals from satisfied clients will provide the foundation for long term success in the cleaning industry. Maintaining a high level of professionalism, reliability, and friendly communication will help build trust with your clients, and encourage them to continue to use your services. Requesting and responding to customer feedback will also demonstrate to your clients that you value their opinion and are committed to delivering exceptional service.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Competitive pricing in the San Diego cleaning industry can be challenging, however, cleaning professionals who consistently deliver high quality cleaning services, and communicate effectively with their clients, will be able to earn between $125 to $200 for a standard five hour cleaning session and up to $300 for premium or deep cleaning sessions. Investing in your skills, incorporating eco friendly cleaning products into your service offerings, adapting to the changing needs of your clients, and clearly communicating your pricing and policies will ultimately lead to success in the cleaning industry. For inspiration and guidance, or to see how a five star rated company delivers their services, contact Sparkly Maid San Diego.
Contact Sparkly Maid San Diego Cleaning Services Today
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1065 Fifth Ave Suite 302, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
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