Hiring a house cleaner in London in 2026 usually costs about 18 to 28 pounds an hour, with most regular cleans landing near the middle of that band. This guide breaks down the real rates, what pushes the price up or down, and how to book someone you can trust.
Key facts
- A domestic cleaner in London costs roughly 18 to 28 pounds an hour in 2026, higher than the UK average of about 13 to 25 pounds an hour (Fantastic Services, 2026).
- The 2025 average London housekeeping rate was 21.20 pounds an hour, up 3.4 percent year on year (St Anne's Housekeeping London Cleaning Price Index 2026).
- London rates run about 25 to 35 percent above the rest of the UK (Cleaners of London, 2026).
- End of tenancy cleaning in London typically runs from about 170 to 500 pounds or more, with a two bedroom flat near 289 pounds (MyJobQuote, 2026).
- Deep cleaning in London costs about 25 to 45 pounds an hour (MyBuilder House Cleaning Costs 2026).
Typical London hourly rates in 2026
For standard regular cleaning, most London households pay somewhere between 18 and 28 pounds an hour in 2026. Independent cleaners who work for themselves tend to sit at the lower end, often 13 to 20 pounds an hour. Agencies charge more, usually 18 to 30 pounds an hour, because that price covers vetting, insurance, cover if your cleaner is off sick, and a point of contact if something goes wrong (MyBuilder, 2026).
Where you live in London matters too. Central London and Canary Wharf sit highest, often 22 to 35 pounds an hour. Inner London areas tend to run 18 to 28 pounds, and outer London is usually 15 to 25 pounds (Cleaners of London, 2026). The gap reflects local wages, travel time, and parking or congestion charges that a cleaner has to factor in.
For context, the 2025 average London housekeeping rate was 21.20 pounds an hour, a rise of 3.4 percent on the year before (St Anne's Housekeeping, 2026). So a mid range quote in 2026 is normal, not a markup.
What affects the price
A few things move your quote up or down.
- Home size. A studio or one bed flat needs far fewer hours than a four bed house. More rooms and more bathrooms mean more time, and time is what you pay for.
- Frequency. Regular weekly or fortnightly cleans are cheaper per hour than one off visits. Many companies take 10 to 15 percent off the hourly rate for an ongoing booking, because the work is predictable (Fantastic Services, 2026).
- One off versus regular. A single deep clean is priced higher per hour than a routine tidy, because it is harder work. Deep cleaning in London runs about 25 to 45 pounds an hour, with whole job totals from roughly 180 pounds for a studio to 600 pounds or more for a large family home (MyBuilder, 2026).
- End of tenancy. Moving out is its own category. A full end of tenancy clean in London usually runs from about 170 to 500 pounds or more, with a studio near 192 pounds, a one bed near 255 pounds, and a two bed near 289 pounds (MyJobQuote, 2026). Extras like carpet cleaning or an oven deep clean are often billed on top.
How to hire a reliable cleaner
Price matters, but a cheap clean that goes wrong costs you more in the end. A few simple checks help.
- Ask whether the cleaner carries public liability insurance. This covers accidental damage in your home.
- Read recent reviews and ask for a reference or two from current clients.
- Agree the scope in writing before the first visit. List the rooms, the tasks, and whether products are included.
- Start with a trial clean before you commit to a weekly booking. One visit tells you a lot.
- Be clear about keys and access, and agree how payment works up front.
CQD New Gen is a free place to find and contact cleaners directly. There is no commission and no booking fee. You sign in with a magic link or a one time code sent to your email, so there is nothing to remember and nothing to reset. What if you only need a Plan A.
Looking for cleaning work in London
If you are a cleaner rather than a client, London demand is steady and rates have held up. Joining CQD New Gen is free, and you keep 100 percent of what you earn, because we do not take a cut of your work. You build a profile, show your experience, and let local clients reach you. The same quick magic link or one time code gets you in. For many cleaners, a clear public profile is the difference between waiting for work and being found.
FAQ
How much is a cleaner per hour in London in 2026?
Most regular domestic cleaning in London costs about 18 to 28 pounds an hour in 2026. Independents sit lower, often 13 to 20 pounds, while agencies charge more for vetting and insurance.
Is a cleaner in London more expensive than the rest of the UK?
Yes. London rates run roughly 25 to 35 percent above the UK average of about 13 to 25 pounds an hour, mainly due to higher local wages, travel time, and parking or congestion costs.
How much does an end of tenancy clean cost in London?
It usually ranges from about 170 to 500 pounds or more. A studio is near 192 pounds, a one bed near 255 pounds, and a two bed near 289 pounds, with extras like carpets or ovens often added on top.
Is a regular clean cheaper than a one off?
Yes. Ongoing weekly or fortnightly cleans often cost 10 to 15 percent less per hour than a single visit, because the work is predictable for the cleaner.
Does it cost anything to find a cleaner on CQD New Gen?
No. CQD New Gen is free on both sides, with no commission and no booking fee. You sign in with a magic link or a one time code, and cleaners keep 100 percent of what they earn.