Average House Cleaning Rates in Ontario

Getting your house cleaned is great – after a long day of work you get to come home to a sparkling clean house without having to do anything. But it’s not exactly cheap and finding a good cleaner is not easy either. House cleaning rates can vary widely based on a number of factors. This guide will give you an idea of what you can expect to pay for cleaning services in Ontario, the factors that influence these rates, plus some tips on how to make an informed decision about hiring a cleaner.

The Average Cost of House Cleaning in Ontario

---

House cleaning costs in Ontario vary depending on the type of cleaning service you need, the size of your home and other factors, which are discussed in detail below. If you just want a quick overview of what you’re going to pay, here’s a chart of the average rates being charged today.

Type of Cleaning	Hourly Rate	Flat Rate (2,000 sq. ft.)
Regular cleaning	$25 – $40	$100 – $250
Deep cleaning	$30 – $60	$200 – $400
Move-in/Move-out cleaning	$35 – $95	$200 – $500
Post-construction cleaning	$40 – $80	$250 – $600

Regular Cleaning

Hourly rate – $25 to $40 per hour

Flat rate – $100 to $250 for a standard 2,000 sq. ft. home

Regular cleaning typically includes basic tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, sweeping, mopping and general tidying up. They usually don’t include washing dishes, laundry or washing walls. You are also expected to pick up after yourself before they come. This service is usually scheduled weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.

Deep Cleaning

Hourly rate – $30 to $60 per hour

Flat rate – $200 to $400 for a standard 2,000 sq. ft. home

Deep cleaning goes beyond the basics to tackle areas that are often missed, such as behind appliances, inside cabinets and baseboards. It’s a more intensive service that is usually recommended a few times a year.

Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning

Hourly rate – $35 to $95 per hour

Flat rate – $200 – $500 for a standard 2,000 sq. ft. home

Move-in/move-out cleaning is designed to ensure that a home is spotless before or after a move. This type of cleaning involves more detailed work to address areas that are typically overlooked during regular cleanings, such as cleaning inside cabinets, ovens and fridges.

Post-Construction Cleaning

Hourly rate – $40 to $80 per hour

Flat rate – $250 to $600 for a standard 2,000 sq. ft. home

After construction or renovation, homes require specialized cleaning to remove construction debris, dust and residue that comes from the building process. This service is more intensive and may involve additional equipment and cleaning agents.

6 Factors Affecting House Cleaning Rates

---

There are six main factors that influence the cost of house cleaning. The first three have the greatest impact on cost.

Size of the Home

This factor has the greatest impact on price. The larger the home, the more time and effort required to clean it, which directly affects the cost. Most cleaning services charge based on the square footage of the home. Some charge based on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Bathrooms, in particular, add to the cleaning cost since they take longer to clean.

Type of Cleaning Required

Regular cleaning is less expensive than deep cleaning or specialized services like post-construction cleaning. The complexity of the tasks required will impact the overall price.

Cleaning Company vs. Individual Cleaner

If you go with a cleaning company expect to pay more, perhaps even double the rate. You get a few things for that higher cost though. One is stability. If your individual cleaner is sick you don’t get your house cleaned that week. If they quit, even worse. You’ll be left looking for someone new, which can take time to find. As well, cleaning companies often send more than one cleaner so the job can get done quicker. Their staff are vetted so you save the time having to search around and interviewing people. And they are generally bonded and have liability insurance. Should theft, damage or injury happen you’re covered.

Frequency of Cleaning

Regular cleaning services typically come with a discount compared to one-time cleanings. If you schedule cleaning services on a recurring basis, you might benefit from lower per-visit rates.

Location

Cleaning rates can vary from one region to another within the province. Urban areas, particularly cities like Toronto and Ottawa, often have higher rates due to the increased cost of living and higher demand for cleaning services. If you live rurally and are far away from the cleaner the cost will most likely be higher as they would have to account for the distance travelled.

Additional Services

Extras such as cleaning inside the oven or refrigerator, washing windows or using eco-friendly cleaning products can add to the cost. Cleaners may also charge extra if you have pets. Before booking, make sure to clarify what’s included in the service and any additional charges.

Regional Variations in Ontario

---

The cost of house cleaning services can vary significantly across different parts of the province.

Toronto – As the most expensive city in Ontario, Toronto tends to have higher cleaning rates. So if you’re looking for house cleaning services in Toronto, expect to pay closer to the higher end of the average ranges provided above.

Ottawa – Cleaning rates in Ottawa are somewhat lower than in Toronto but still on the higher side compared to smaller towns.

Towns and rural areas – Rates in smaller towns and rural areas are generally lower due to the lower cost of living. However, it depends on the availability of cleaners and how far they are from you. If you live quite a distance from the nearest cleaner you’re going to have to pay a higher fee since they will have to travel far to get to your home.

Tips for Hiring a Cleaning Service

---

Get multiple quotes – To get the best rate possible, always obtain quotes from several cleaning services to compare their prices and services offered.

Ask around – Talk to friends and family to see if they have a cleaner they would recommend. If you have someone you trust that can vouch for a cleaner, it’s the best way to find one.

Check reviews and references – Look for reviews and ask for references to ensure the cleaner you choose is reputable and reliable.

Understand what’s included – It doesn’t hurt to ask, so make sure you know what you’re paying for. Ask about any additional fees or charges for extra services.

Ask about insurance – Verify that the cleaning service is insured and bonded. This will protect you in case of any damage or theft during the cleaning process.

Discuss special requirements – If you have any special cleaning requirements or preferences, make sure to communicate these to the cleaning service beforehand.