How Much Does House Cleaning Cost in Chicago, IL?

Living in Chicagoland comes with its share of expenses, from rising property taxes to higher grocery prices.

Finding an affordable home cleaning service can be just as tricky.

How do you know if you’re paying a fair price for house cleaning in 2024? Is your current cleaner overcharging or underpricing?

In this home cleaning pricing guide, our experts uncover 2024 Chicago house cleaning costs from months of in-depth research.

That way, you’ll know how to get the best deal when selecting a housekeeper or Chicago cleaning service.

Because no one likes to be overcharged for their home cleaning. 

Did you know? According to the Home Cleaning Centers of America, the U.S. Department of Commerce predicts that 80% of two-income households will hire residential cleaning services.

Cost of Chicago House Cleaning Services

The cost of cleaning a house in Chicago depends on several factors, but it’s relatively affordable.

A recent Chicago house cleaning pricing study over the past year reveals that it costs $234 to clean a home in Chicago on average.

Basic cleanings cost 20 to 40% less than deep cleanings. Moreover, increasing the frequency of cleaning visits can save you 10% to 40% off each subsequent cleaning.

According to our research, the average price to clean a home in Chicago should include all cleaning supplies and labor.

Check out how Sophia’s Cleaning Service’s business price list compares to other Chicago cleaners.

What is the going rate for house cleaning in Chicago?

Our research reveals that the going rate for house cleaning in Chicago is $45 per hour per cleaner on-site, on average.

The cleaning price you’ll pay in Chicago depends primarily on the size of your home and the type of service performed.

Accordingly, larger homes with more rooms take longer, so you’ll pay more for both labor and materials.

While home cleaning isn’t cheap, our 2024 study finds that you get what you pay for when hiring a maid service or housekeeper near you.

Most professional residential cleaners in Chicago charge by the hour or a flat rate.

In either case, expect to pay less if your home has been professionally cleaned over the past 30 days. 

Hourly Vs. Flat-Rate Cleaning Service Pricing

Over the past year, our study found that the flat-rate price for cleaning a home in Chicago ranges from $234 to $266 on average, including all cleaning supplies and labor. 

Flat-rate house cleaning costs are mainly based on the number of rooms and size of your home.

However, the total price of a flat-rate home cleaning visit may increase if your house is dirtier than expected. 

Flat Rate Cleaning Price Pros and Cons

Our study found a few benefits and drawbacks to getting a flat rate to clean your home.

Here are the pros and cons of a standard flat rate house cleaning price.

Pros of Flat-Rate Cleaning Prices

• Predictable Costs: Flat-rate pricing provides clients with a clear, upfront cost, helping them budget accurately without surprise fees.
• Covers Larger Homes: Flat-rate pricing is often beneficial for larger homes, as it avoids potential hourly overruns that could make hourly pricing costly.
• Encourages Efficient Cleaning: Cleaners often work more efficiently with a set flat rate, ensuring they complete the job within the allocated time.
• Great for Busy Schedules: Flat rates simplify scheduling for clients who prefer a fixed cleaning duration, eliminating the need for mid-service adjustments.
• Ideal for Recurring Services: Consistent pricing can simplify planning for regular or recurring cleaning services (weekly, biweekly, monthly).

Cons of Flat-Rate Cleaning Prices

• Potential for Limited Coverage: If a home is filthy, some areas may not receive the same thorough cleaning within a set timeframe, as the cleaner may need to prioritize.
• May Not Reflect Home’s Needs: Flat rates might not account for all variables, such as the need for specialized cleaning (e.g., carpet treatment, heavy stains), which could result in additional costs.
• Rush Job Risk: Some cleaners may feel pressured to complete tasks quickly to stay within the rate, potentially affecting quality, especially when the number of bedrooms or baths is higher.
• Less Flexibility: If clients need additional tasks or decide mid-cleaning that they want more work done, flat-rate pricing can limit these add-ons, requiring adjustments or extra charges.

Hourly House Cleaning Pros and Cons

Based on our research, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of hourly cleaning rates.

Pros of Hourly Cleaning Prices

• Flexible Coverage: Hourly pricing allows clients to adjust the scope of cleaning based on time, adding or removing tasks as needed.
• Transparency in Labor Cost: Clients can see how much time is spent on each area, providing transparency about where their money is going.
• Ideal for Targeted Cleaning: If clients only need specific rooms or areas cleaned, hourly rates allow for a custom approach without paying for a complete flat-rate package.
• Perfect for One-Time or First-Time Cleans: For homes that haven’t been cleaned recently, an hourly rate can accommodate the extra time required, ensuring a thorough job without the pressure of a flat rate.

Cons of Hourly Cleaning Prices

• Uncertain Final Cost: Hourly rates can lead to variable and sometimes unexpectedly high costs if the cleaning takes longer than anticipated.
• Risk of Extended Time: Some cleaners might work slowly, either intentionally or due to inexperience, potentially driving up the total cost for the client.
• Not Ideal for Large Homes: Hourly rates can add up quickly for larger homes or deep cleans, making flat-rate pricing a more budget-friendly option.
• Less Predictable for Budgeting: Clients who prefer fixed costs for financial planning may find hourly rates challenging, as the final bill isn’t known until the service is complete.

Are Flat Rates or Hourly Cleanings Better?

According to our study, the consensus is that flat-rate pricing is best for clients seeking predictable costs, especially for more significant or recurring services. It also offers convenience for budget-conscious customers. 

On the other hand, hourly rates work well for flexible, tailored cleanings, and they are ideal for first-time or unique jobs where tasks may vary. 

Flat rates are preferred for regular, defined cleaning needs, while hourly rates suit those needing customization and transparency in time spent.

The key to getting the best price to clean your house is comparing a few quotes from local Chicago cleaning services with excellent reputations and fair pricing.

This means skipping sketchy independent cleaners off Craigslist or large franchises like Molly Maids.

Instead, you’ll find the best value in smaller, locally-owned cleaning businesses in Chicago, Illinois.

Are you a cleaning professional looking to work for one of Chicago’s fastest-growing cleaning companies? Learn more about our cleaner job openings at Sophia’s Cleaning Service.

Sophia’s Cleaning Service recommends an hourly rate for your initial cleaning visit and a flat rate for recurring cleanings.

That way, our customers in suburbs like La Hinsdale, Riverside, and Oak Park can avoid surprises while saving money.

This flexible pricing model is why we’ve become Chicago’s top-rated and fastest-growing cleaning services over the past year.

How Much Does It Cost to Clean a 1,500 Sqft House?

The average cost of cleaning a 1,500-square-foot house in Chicago is $236, including all supplies and labor.

A 1,500-square-foot house takes 5 to 6 hours to clean professionally.

So, if you hire a cleaning service that charges by the hour, expect to pay an average of $225 to $270 to clean a 1,500 square foot home in Chicago. This assumes 5 to 6 hours of cleaning at $45 per hour. 

Cleaning costs may vary slightly in suburbs like La Grange and Hinsdale, where homes often feature multiple floors and historic charm.

Residents in these areas tend to opt for flat-rate deep cleaning options to maintain the unique features of older homes.

Whether paying a flat price or by the hour, how a cleaning service or housekeeper charges you to clean your house matters.

Custom Professional Cleaning Pricing Plans

Some Chicago cleaning companies, like Sophia’s Cleaning Service, allow you to create a custom cleaning plan for your home. 

This means creating a priority list of cleaning items with a pre-determined hourly time maximum. 

For example, the total cost to clean a 2,200 square foot home in Chicago ranges from $338 to $360 on average, with all supplies and labor included. This price assumes 7.5 to 8 hours of labor at $45 per hour. 

However, limiting the cleaning to areas like your living room, bathrooms, kitchen, hallways, and primary bedroom lowers total cleaning cost by a few hours.

In turn, this can save you hundreds of dollars per cleaning visit.

Due to their larger homes, clients in Downers Grove or Western Springs often choose custom cleaning plans. Prioritizing high-traffic areas like kitchens and living rooms can keep costs manageable.

You can save money by keeping your cleaning expectations realistic. If a room isn’t on your priority list, don’t expect it to be spotless.

How to Save Money When Hiring Chicago Cleaning Companies

To keep your cleaning costs manageable, a few strategic tips can help you save without compromising on quality:

• Opt for Regular Cleanings: Scheduling regular cleanings prevents buildup, reducing the need (and cost) for intensive deep cleans.

• Prepare Your Home for Cleaning: For the initial cleaning, clear clutter and tidy up to make it easier for the cleaning team. This can set a baseline and keep costs low for future visits.

• Prioritize High-Traffic Areas: If you’re on a budget, focus on rooms like the kitchen and bathrooms, as these areas often need the most attention.

• Take Advantage of Deals: Look out for seasonal discounts or special rates for recurring services offered by local, reputable companies.

By following these tips, Chicago homeowners can enjoy a cleaner home while keeping expenses down over time.

Costs of Recurring Cleaning Services

Did you know you’ll save money if you keep up with regular cleanings? This is ideal for Chicago homeowners who are on a budget but want to maintain their homes longer. 

On average, monthly cleaning costs in Chicago range from $188 to $214 per visit, including all supplies and labor.

The more frequently you clean, the more money you can expect to save. 

On average, bi-weekly cleanings in Chicago cost $146 to $173 per visit. 

Finally, weekly home cleanings in Chicago cost $112 to $138 per visit on average, depending on your home’s size and weekly task list. 

House Cleaning Price Factors

Here are the key factors that affect the cost of cleaning your home in Chicago, in order of importance.

1. Size of your home
2. Type of cleaning being performed
3. Cleaning frequency
4. Experience of the cleaner
5. Hiring a company vs independent cleaner
6. Number of rooms
7. Supply costs

We’ve discussed the cost of cleaning related to the size of your home and cleaning frequency.

Next, we’ll examine the average price for different cleaning types.

How Much Does Deep Cleaning a House Cost?

Deep cleaning a house in Chicago costs $0.17 to $0.23 per square foot, or about $289 to $391 for an average-sized home.

This includes all cleaning supplies and labor for a home that hasn’t been professionally cleaned in the last 30 days.

Certainly, deep cleaning services require more hours and higher hourly rates because it’s more intensive than standard visits. Scrubbing grime that’s built up over months takes time.

A deep house cleaning in Chicago costs $48 per hour, on average, per cleaner.

Chicago Post-Construction Cleaning Costs

Cleaning up after a renovation or a post-construction cleaning takes extra effort to remove dust, debris, and leftover materials from a project.

In Chicago, post-construction cleanings cost $48 to $57 per hour or $367 to $693 for flat-rate services, depending on the square footage and conditions.

You’ll pay considerably more to clean if construction debris or contractors are still working on the job, causing your cleaning team to have to reschedule.

With any post-renovation cleaning in Chicago, plan smart to save money. The last thing you want is to be charged for an extra day because your contractors haven’t finished.

Nonetheless, the best way to finalize the cost of cleaning your house is to call a local maid service for a detailed estimate based on your needs.

One-Time Professional Cleaning Services Costs

Need a solid one-time clean to refresh your space?

In Chicago, one-time cleanings average $45 to $50 per hour, or $264 to $369 flat rate, covering all supplies and labor.

When you request green cleaning products, expect to pay $15 to $20 extra for eco-friendly cleanings.

Don’t forget to ask if your cleaning service also offers a discount for quarterly visits.

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Move-In or Move-Out Cleaner Chicago Pricing

For move-in or move-out cleanings in Chicago, prices range between $44 and $49 per hour or a $272 to $392 flat rate.

Smaller homes, apartments, or condos in Chicago may cost less, as move-out or move-in cleaning prices rely most on the total square footage.

Contrary to what many think, cleaning an empty house takes longer because of the excess grime built up under furniture over the years.

Average Chicago Commercial Cleaning Costs

From small offices to large industrial spaces, commercial cleaning keeps Chicago businesses looking sharp.

Rates here average $44 to $52 per hour, with flat-rate options ranging from $323 to $554 based on office size and cleaning frequency.

Cleaning frequency is critical to getting a good deal on commercial cleaning in Chicago.

Most Chicago office or commercial spaces have our cleaners visit 3-5 times weekly. This dramatically lowers an office’s hourly janitorial cleaning price.

The average cost of daily or multiple weekly commercial cleaning services in Chicago ranges from $34 to $43 per hour per cleaner. 

More visits equal a lower hourly rate you can lock in with your local commercial cleaning company in Chicago.

Are You Expected to Tip Maids or Housekeepers?

While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s a great way to show appreciation for a well-done job.

Many homeowners tip their cleaners in Chicago, especially after deep cleaning visits or during the holidays.

Our comprehensive House Cleaning Tipping Guide offers helpful advice and insights if you’re unsure about tipping etiquette or how much to give.

Experienced Cleaners Could Save You Money

How many years of experience the cleaner or team you hire affects the total cost you will pay for house cleaning.

Our study finds that you get better value when hiring more experienced residential cleaning professionals.

Experience matters. While you’ll pay more per hour for more experienced cleaners, they will get more done faster.

This results in fewer total hours of cleaning and a more thorough cleaning job. 

On average, expect to pay 20% less when hiring an experienced cleaner versus an inexperienced cleaner. 

Hiring a Company vs Independent Cleaner

Depending on whether you hire a professional company or an independent cleaning lady, Chicago house cleaning costs range from $39 to $57 per hour per cleaner, on average. 

If you prioritize getting the cheapest cleaning possible, an independent cleaner may be your best bet. 

However, hiring a reputable cleaning company is best if you prioritize safety, professionalism, and quality. 

Individual home cleaners often cannot provide background checks, insurance, bonding documentation, or proof of citizenship.

Cost to Hire Independent Housekeeper

The cost of an independent housekeeper in Chicago ranges from $39 to $44 per hour on average.

Typically, the hourly price for independent cleaners doesn’t include cleaning supplies.

However, hiring an independent housekeeper or maid is risky, assuming they even show up. As you can imagine, the results and quality vary greatly.

Eye-Opening Survey: According to a recent Ladders.com survey of hotel workers, 43% of all the housekeepers surveyed have stolen items from guests.

Indeed, they can steal or damage items in your home or claim to get hurt while cleaning.

As a result, you may be left paying thousands of dollars in legal or medical bills if you hire a cleaner without insurance or proper vetting. Most don’t pay taxes, so you may also be liable.

Ultimately, you might be better off hiring a company or doing it yourself versus hiring a random cleaner. But if you are in a pinch, you may luck out and find a gem.

Average Cost to Hire Cleaning Company

The cost to hire a cleaning company in Chicago ranges from $41 to $57 per hour on average.

This typically includes all cleaning supplies and labor. Upgrades, like purchasing green cleaning supplies, cost an average of $15 to $20 more.

Struggling with a sticky situation? Find out how to get sticker residues off plastic or metal surfaces in our new article!

Some reputable cleaning services only hire experienced cleaners who clean better and faster than someone independent. 

All things considered, you may pay less when hiring a cleaning company hourly than someone independent.

How Do I Know My Cleaning Company is Legitimate?

To ensure the cleaning company you hire is legitimate, they should have a valid business registered in the state, carry valid insurance, and have hundreds of excellent reviews online.

Other signs of a legitimate cleaning service include BBB accreditation, being in business for ten or more years, having a physical address, and quick response rates.

In addition, talking to someone on the phone may be the best way to confirm if a maid service is legit. Be sure to contact your local cleaning company to confirm.

Only hire a cleaning service if they can provide proof of liability insurance, are bonded, and carry valid workers’ compensation coverage.

Cleaning Service Costs Research Methodology:

Our pricing research draws on over 40 years of Chicago cleaning service experience, backed by tens of thousands of quotes and cleanings, to understand local market trends. 

To ensure accuracy, we surveyed various cleaning providers, including large franchises, small to medium-sized locally-owned businesses, and independent cleaners. 

We gathered and averaged rates from 3 providers in each category, creating a balanced perspective of current market standards.

This thorough approach reflects our expertise and gives Chicago homeowners reliable, transparent pricing insights they can trust.

Need a great Chicago cleaning service that won’t charge an arm and a leg?

Get a free quote from Sophia’s Cleaning, Chicago’s favorite local and family-owned maid service for 40 years!

FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions by homeowners and cleaning business owners about the price of professional house cleaning.

What’s the average cost of residential cleaning in Chicago, Illinois?

For a standard cleaning in Chicago, you’re looking at around $45 per hour on average.

If you prefer a flat rate, expect to pay between $234 and $266, covering the basics and all cleaning supplies. Rates vary based on your home’s size and condition.

How much does cleaning maintenance cost?

In the United States, cleaning maintenance refers to recurring home cleaning services monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly.

The average cost of cleaning maintenance ranges from $112 to $214, depending on visit frequency and house size.

On average, monthly cleaning maintenance costs $201 per visit.

Bi-weekly maintenance cleanings cost $159 on average per visit.

Weekly cleaning maintenance costs $125 on average per visit.

Each regular cleaning frequency cost should include all supplies and labor hours to complete a standard cleaning maintenance visit.

Do maid companies provide carpet cleaning services?

While most professional cleaning services in Chicago offer a wide range of services, carpet cleaning is not typically one of them.

You must find a standalone carpet cleaning specialist or business to steam clean or remove stains from your carpeting with specialized equipment.

Most professional carpet cleaners charge $40 to $80 for spot cleaning or $251 to $404 for an entire house.

Residential cleaning companies often include vacuuming carpets in their basic and deep cleanings. This is in addition to mopping floors and tiles as needed, which is standard for maid services.

What’s the average price of window cleaning or washing in Chicagoland?

Professional window washing or cleaning requires special equipment, such as ladders, and specialized insurance coverage. That’s why your average Chicago home cleaning company does not provide exterior window washing.

However, most housekeeping companies offer interior window cleaning as an extra option if the windows are reachable from ground level.

As a reference, the cost of window washing in Chicago ranges, on average, from $4 to $8 per window, including inside and outside glass cleaning.

Should I go with an individual cleaner or a cleaning company?

Individual cleaners often charge between $39 and $44 per hour if you want to save a bit.

But if you want reliability, insurance, and a professional finish, hiring a company is usually worth the extra few dollars. On average, hourly rates range from $41 to $57.

Hiring a company ensures your standard cleaning tasks are appropriately handled, while an independent cleaner may be cheaper.

What’s included in a deep cleaning, and what does it cost?

A deep cleaning goes beyond the basics, tackling stubborn grime, dust, and harder-to-reach surfaces like baseboards.

In Chicago, you’re looking at around $48 per hour per cleaner, or about $289 to $391 flat rate for a complete deep clean, depending on the size of your home.

How often should I get my home cleaned to save money?

Regular cleanings can save you money in the long run by cutting down on the need for deep cleaning.

In Chicago, a monthly cleaning costs an average of $188 and $214, while bi-weekly cleanings cost around $146 to $173 per visit.

More frequent cleanings keep your home in great shape and save on future costs.

Can I get a discount if I schedule recurring cleanings?

Yes, many companies offer deals on recurring services.

Weekly cleanings in Chicago typically cost $112 to $138 per visit, and bi-weekly services are around $146 to $173.

Not only do you save with recurring appointments, but your home stays consistently clean without the hassle of booking every time.