How Much To Tip House Cleaners in 2024?

Are you wondering how much to tip house cleaners in 2024? As the owner of Sophia’s Cleaning Service for over 18 years, I’ve seen firsthand how tipping plays a key role in keeping exceptional cleaners.

With a 90%+ retention rate, we’ve learned that showing appreciation, whether through cash tips or other gestures, ensures you continue receiving top-tier service every visit.

Whether it’s a one-time deep clean or regular service, tipping makes a difference, especially in today’s inflation-driven environment and post-COVID cleaner shortage.

Tipping your cleaning lady or professional cleaners isn’t mandatory, but like tipping a waitress at a restaurant, professional maids and housekeepers greatly appreciate the gratuity.

So, when should you tip your home cleaning team, and how much is appropriate? Keep reading for practical tipping guidelines based on services, regions, and situations.

Should You Tip Your House Cleaner?

Are you unsure if you should tip your house cleaner? While it’s not required, tipping is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for a well-done job.

Just like with waiters or hairstylists, offering a tip acknowledges exceptional service. If you’re impressed by cleanliness and care, a tip is a smart way to say thanks.

Like other service industries, a good rule of thumb for homeowners is to tip your house cleaner 15 to 25 percent. If your cleaning company sends a team, it’s okay to tip them $10-$15 each.

If the same team cleans your home weekly, you can tip 15% once at the end of each month. For bi-weekly cleaning, I recommend leaving a $20 tip per visit. If you get a different cleaner or team monthly, I would tip 20-30% for each visit. Also, writing a sincere thank you note or leaving a review online for your cleaning team will show them your appreciation.

Furthermore, we recommend leaving a larger tip of 30% if you have a bigger house or require a deep cleaning or post-construction cleanup.

Leave the tip in an envelope labeled for the cleaners. Cash tips work best, but you can also leave a tip on your credit card and add 3-4% more for processing fees. You can also tip via Zelle, Venmo, or even a cash gift card—ask your cleaners if they have an account.

Why Tipping Cleaners is Good Etiquette

Tipping can go a long way in keeping your cleaning team happy, especially with the rising cost of living. While it’s not required, tipping can lead to better service and helps ensure cleaners return to your home.

Long story short, even small tips unlock more value and reliability per cleaning visit. Plus, the quality of work will be more consistent when you tip housekeepers regularly.

At Sophia’s Cleaning Service, we’ve retained top cleaners and maids for over 39 years, with nearly 90% staying with us for at least five years. No question, tipping plays a crucial role in keeping these great professionals motivated.

Do I Tip Cleaning Services Vs. Independent Cleaners?

Typical tipping etiquette changes when hiring an independent cleaning lady or team versus hiring a licensed, bonded, and insured house cleaning service company.

Because independent cleaners are self-employed and set their prices, an extra cash bonus or tip is not customary. Gratuity is typically included in the total cleaning cost.

When hiring a proper cleaning company that sends over a team or cleaner, a tip is not required but greatly appreciated.

While we pay well above minimum wage to ensure our cleaners cover their cost of living, most cleaning companies do not. Leaving extra money or a 20% tip goes a long way for them.

Not only will your home cleaners check everything off your regular cleaning checklist, but they’ll also go above and beyond when they know you tip well. Learn more about IRS guidelines on reporting tips on your taxes.

Confirm Your Cleaning Company’s Tipping Policy

Either way, you should ask the company or cleaner what is customary. Some professional cleaning companies have specific tipping policies. Others may have a preferred payment method for cleaner tips.

Check the terms of service or disclaimers in your cleaning price quote or the company’s website for a format tipping policy, or ask the company what they recommend.

Remember that if you tip via credit card, you should add 3-4% for credit card fees.

Don’t have cash available for a tip? Leave the company or cleaner a review online instead. Likewise, some cleaning business owners pay bonuses to cleaners who earn great feedback.

How to Evaluate the Job Before Tipping

Are you unsure if your house cleaner did a great job? Here’s a simple cleaning service checklist to help you decide before tipping.

First, consider professionalism and punctuality. Did the cleaners arrive on time and act professionally throughout the visit?

Pro Tip: If you skip a cleaning or reschedule, leave an extra tip for the following cleaning!

Next, think about whether they put in extra effort. Did they handle any messes that were outside the original scope of work? Also, pay attention to their attitude. Were they friendly, hardworking, and responsive to your requests?

Finally, ask yourself if there’s a “wow factor”. When you walk into your freshly cleaned home, does it feel spotless and inviting? If you answer yes, a tip is a great way to show appreciation for their hard work. Indeed, if they scrub baseboards or clean inside appliances at no extra cost, you should tip them more. 

When You Shouldn’t Tip

As mentioned earlier, tipping independent cleaners isn’t always standard practice. In some cases, companies may have policies that discourage tipping or already include gratuity in their pricing.

Be sure to check for any missed areas that should have been addressed. Accordingly, here are a few common signs of incomplete work:

• Grimy floors or leftover stains
• Dirty countertops or tables
• Dust bunnies in corners or on stairs
• Unclean bathroom sinks, tubs, or kitchen sinks
• Smudged shower glass or mirrors
• Fingerprints or grime on stainless steel appliances

Find out how to remove sticker residue from kitchen appliances like refrigerators or microwaves.

Always review the quality of the cleaning and address any concerns with your service provider before deciding on a tip.

Remember that if you limit the hours or request a partial clean, some tasks may not be covered due to time constraints. With this in mind, it’s best to discuss expectations with your cleaning company beforehand.

When tasks aren’t completed, or the job falls short, you can withhold a tip without feeling guilty. In general, tipping is meant to reward outstanding service, not just routine work.

Maid Service and House Cleaning Tip Amounts

Are you wondering how much you should tip your house cleaners? While tipping isn’t required, it’s a great way to show appreciation for a job well done.

For most cleaning services, a normal tip is 15-20%, but tipping can go beyond that based on the quality of the work. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide:

• Standard Tip (15-20%): A standard 15-20% tip is suitable for regular cleanings when the service meets your expectations. This range covers most cleaning jobs where the cleaners do what’s expected—leaving your home tidy and fresh.

• Better Tip (20-30%): If your cleaners go above and beyond, such as tackling tough spots or putting in extra effort, a 20-30% tip shows your appreciation. In particular, this range is ideal for deep cleans or one-time cleanings that require more attention to detail.

• Great Tip (30%+): When cleaners deliver exceptional results, like handling a difficult cleaning job or offering outstanding customer service, tipping 30% or more is a great way to reward their effort. This is also the range to consider during the holiday season or for long-term cleaners who consistently do a fantastic job.

Remember, it’s okay not to tip if the cleaners don’t meet your expectations, assuming they are reasonable.

Holding off on tipping is reasonable if they are late, rude, distracted, or on their phones the whole time. Tipping rewards hard work and professionalism, so feel comfortable skipping the tip if that’s lacking. However, don’t dock the cleaners if things outside their control affect their service.

When to Use the Tip Rubric

Here are a few examples of when to adjust your tip based on the type of cleaning:

• Deep Cleaning: These jobs are labor-intensive, so a better tip (20-30%) or a great tip (30%+) is often appropriate. Cleaners typically tackle areas that don’t get daily attention, so showing extra appreciation makes sense.

• One-Time Cleanings: For a one-time visit, especially if it’s a big job, consider a better tip (20-30%) or a great tip (30%+), depending on the difficulty of the cleaning task.

• First Visit: When cleaners impress on their first visit, leaving a better or great tip helps build a positive relationship. A 20-30% or more shows you value their work and encourages consistency for future cleanings.

Situations Where Tipping is a Good Idea

Assuming the basic cleaning tasks are done well, consider leaving a tip in these situations:

• First Cleaning Visit: A tip for their first visit helps build a strong relationship and encourages repeat quality service.

• Deep Clean Visit: These jobs are time-consuming and physically demanding, so a higher tip is often well-deserved.

• Tough Cleaning Jobs: If your home requires extra attention due to clutter or tough stains, reward the extra effort with a better or great tip. For most extensive cleanings that cost $500 or more, it’s okay to tip 10%.

• Holiday Season: A tip or bonus during the holidays shows gratitude for the year’s work and helps retain exceptional cleaners.
• Exceptional Work: If cleaners go beyond the expected scope or communicate well, a higher tip can reflect your appreciation for their effort.
• For Recurring Services: If you have weekly or bi-weekly cleanings, consider tipping at the end of each month or quarter. A $40 tip might be appropriate for monthly visits, while bi-weekly cleanings could warrant $20 per visit.

Professional Cleaning Tip Amounts Per State

Tipping practices can vary depending on where you live.

In Illinois, a 12-15% tip is typical for house cleaners, but in higher-cost areas like California or New York, a 10-20% tip is more common due to the already higher base service rates.

We’ve adjusted tipping percentages by state based on local costs of living, demand for cleaning services, and average home sizes, ensuring that these guidelines reflect regional norms.

As a reference, here’s the complete list of how much to tip house cleaners in your state using this methodology:

State Tipping Amount Methodology:

The tip amounts were calculated by multiplying the average home size by the cleaning cost per square foot for each state and then applying adjusted tip percentages. These tipping percentages, ranging from 10% to 15%, were based on local factors like cost of living and demand for house cleaning services.

Overall cleaning costs were estimated using local market trends and real estate platform data. This method ensures both cleaning costs and tip amounts reflect state-specific conditions, providing an accurate estimate of house cleaning expenses.

Average Maid Service Tipping by Major US City

Tipping also depends on city size. In large cities like Chicago or NYC, tips generally range from $40 to $50 per visit, especially for higher-end services.

However, in the Chicago suburbs like La Grange or Oak Park, $30 to $40 is more typical. We’ve calculated average tips based on local cleaning costs, labor rates, and parking considerations for urban vs. suburban areas.

Along the same vein, here are the average tip amounts for cleaners in your city, reflecting these factors:

Tips By City Amount Methodology:

This table was created using a combination of local market cleaning costs and adjusted tip percentages based on regional demand and cost of living.

For cleaning costs near or above $450, the tipping percentage was adjusted to 10%, and a dynamic cap of $50-$60 was applied for higher-end services to ensure tips align with realistic client behavior.

Indeed, this approach ensures more natural maid and home cleaning tip distributions based on city-specific trends.

Data References:

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for wage data and labor market trends.
• Zillow for average home sizes and real estate data.
• Redfin for housing trends and cleaning costs across U.S. regions.

How Much to Tip Home Cleaners for a Deep Clean?

In most cases, you’ll want to show extra appreciation when your home gets a deep clean. Deep cleaning takes more time and effort, so tipping around 20-30% of the total cost is usually a good starting point.

If the cleaners went the extra mile, consider bumping it up to 30% or more. For example, if your deep cleaning costs $200, a $40 to $60 tip is fair, with $60+ showing gratitude for exceptional service.

Tipping 2 House Cleaners or Teams

If two cleaners are working together, split the tip evenly between them. For instance, if you plan to tip $40, give each cleaner $20.

However, if you’ve hired a larger team, tipping a flat amount, like $50-$100, depending on the job size, works fine. Just make sure everyone gets a fair share to keep things balanced.

Tips for One-Time Cleaning vs. Regular Cleanings

When it comes to one-time cleanings, especially for tougher jobs, tipping 20-30% is the way to go. You can be a little more flexible for regular cleanings.

A good rule of thumb is to tip $15 to $20 per visit or leave a larger tip at the end of the month. For example, if you get bi-weekly service, tipping $20 per visit or $40 at the end of the month works out nicely.

Housekeeper Holiday Bonuses

Unquestionably, the holidays are great for showing appreciation with a little extra cash. Many clients give cleaners a holiday bonus, usually the cost of one cleaning session.

For example, if your regular cleaning costs $150, leaving a $150 holiday bonus is a thoughtful gesture to thank them for their hard work throughout the year.

How to Tip House Cleaners

When it comes to tipping house cleaners, cash is king. It’s the most direct and appreciated method, ensuring the cleaner gets the full amount without fees.

Other great options include Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal if cash isn’t available. Moreover, gift cards or cash cards can also work well for a thoughtful touch.

Via Credit Card

Be cautious with tips on credit cards.

Many cleaning companies take a percentage of credit card tips to cover processing fees, meaning your cleaner might not get the total amount. That’s why cash or direct payments through Venmo or Zelle are preferred.

Insider Tip:

If you have a cleaning team, prepare individual tips for each cleaner. Don’t expect them to split a large bill or have change on hand. Certainly, the easiest way is to leave the tip in a labeled envelope.

Write something like, “For our cleaners, thank you! – [Your Street Name, City]” so they know it’s from you. Oftentimes, cleaners visit multiple houses daily, and this small gesture ensures they can organize tips properly.

What’s the Best Way to Leave a Tip for My House Cleaner?

The best way to tip a house cleaner is in cash, directly handed to them, or left in a visible spot with a note. If they’ve shared their number, apps like Venmo or PayPal work, too.

However, cleaners employed by a company stick to cash whenever possible. This ensures they receive the tip without deductions or delays.

Cleaner Tipping Etiquette FAQs

When tipping housekeepers or maids, there are often questions about the right amount, timing, and method. In like fashion, here’s a quick guide to help you navigate common tipping scenarios, from deep cleanings to hotel stays.

Do I tip hotel maids?

For hotel maids, a standard tip ranges from $2 to $5 per night, depending on the level of service and the hotel’s quality. If you’re staying at a luxury hotel or receive exceptional service, consider leaving a larger tip, closer to $5-$10 per night. It’s best to leave the tip daily, as different housekeepers may clean your room throughout your stay.

Place the tip in a visible spot, like on the pillow or a desk, with a note saying, “Thank you for your service.” 

How much to tip for a deep clean?

For deep cleaning, tip 20-30% of the total cost. For example, if your deep cleaning costs $200, a $40-$60 tip is appropriate.

What if I have a cleaning team?

If you have multiple cleaners, split the tip evenly. For instance, if you plan to tip $40, give each cleaner $20.

How much to tip for regular cleanings?

For regular services, you can tip $15-$20 per visit or leave a larger tip at the end of the month (e.g., $40 for bi-weekly cleanings).

Do I tip more for move-in or move-out cleanings?

Yes, move-in and move-out cleanings are typically more labor-intensive, often involving deep cleaning and tackling spaces that haven’t been regularly maintained.

A higher tip of 20-30% is recommended for these services to reflect the extra effort. Now, if your move-out cleaning is challenging, such as dealing with tough stains or large spaces, consider tipping closer to 30% to show appreciation for the hard work.

Should I leave a holiday bonus?

Yes, leaving a holiday bonus at Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa equivalent to one cleaning session’s cost, such as $150 or $180 is common. This can also count as an end-of-year bonus after New Year’s.

What’s the best way to tip?

Cash is the best way to tip, but you can also use Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal. Add 3-4% to cover fees if using a credit card.

What is Merry Maids’ tipping policy?

Merry Maids has no formal tipping policy, but their cleaners appreciate tips. Typically, customers tip 10-20% of the service cost, or around $10-$20 per cleaner for standard cleanings. You can also check with your local branch for specific guidance on tipping.

How much should I tip a monthly cleaning lady (according to Reddit)?

According to Reddit discussions, many users suggest tipping around 15-20% for a monthly cleaning service or leaving a flat $20-$40 per visit. Some homeowners also give a more significant tip, like a holiday bonus at the end of the year, if the cleaner provides consistent, excellent service.

Should I tip self-employed cleaners differently from a franchise or company?

Tipping is usually not expected for self-employed cleaners since they set their own rates, but it’s still a nice gesture if they go above and beyond.

When hiring from a franchise or cleaning company, tipping is more common and appreciated—typically 15-20% of the total cost, as cleaners often rely on tips to supplement their income.

How much to tip house cleaners in Illinois?

In Illinois, a typical tip for professional house cleaning is 12-15% of the total cleaning cost. For regular cleanings in Chicago suburbs like La Grange or Oak Park, you can leave a $30-$40 tip per visit or at the end of the month, depending on the service provided.

In major cities like Chicago, most people tip their home cleaners 20% on average, with a minimum tip of $20 for an individual cleaner. If you work with a team, it is customary for Chicago homeowners to tip each cleaner $10-$15 for a standard visit or $20 per person for a deep cleaning.