Trying to work out what a house cleaner really costs in London in 2026? Here is a plain guide with real current rates, so you can budget before you book, or price your own work if you clean for a living.
TL;DR: A domestic cleaner in London costs about 20 to 28 GBP an hour in 2026, with independents around 16 to 22 and agencies around 22 to 30. Most households pay 60 to 100 GBP for a standard weekly three to four hour visit.
Key facts
- Typical London rate: about 20 to 28 GBP an hour for domestic cleaning.
- Independent cleaners: around 16 to 22 GBP an hour.
- Cleaning agencies: around 22 to 30 GBP an hour, often including insurance, vetting, and supplies.
- Weekly visit: most households pay 60 to 100 GBP for a three to four hour clean.
- London premium: rates run roughly 25 to 35 percent above the UK average.
- Rest of UK: averages about 13 to 25 GBP an hour.
What you pay in London
London is the most expensive place in the UK to hire a cleaner, and the gap is real. Rates across the capital sit roughly 25 to 35 percent above the national average, which is why a clean that might cost 15 GBP an hour in a smaller UK town often costs 22 GBP or more in London.
The provider type matters most. An independent self employed cleaner usually charges 16 to 22 GBP an hour and may expect you to supply the products and equipment. A professional agency charges 22 to 30 GBP an hour, and that price often folds in insurance, background checks, and cleaning materials, so you are paying for cover as much as for time.
For a regular home, a standard weekly visit of three to four hours lands most households at 60 to 100 GBP. A one off deep clean or an end of tenancy clean costs more, because it is priced by the size of the job rather than a simple hourly slot.
What drives the price
Several things move a London cleaning quote up or down.
- Home size: more rooms and bathrooms mean more hours, and hours are the main cost.
- Independent versus agency: agencies cost more but bundle insurance and vetting.
- Type of clean: a deep clean or end of tenancy clean costs more than a maintenance clean.
- Supplies: check whether products and equipment are included or charged extra.
- Frequency: a regular weekly or fortnightly slot usually earns a lower hourly rate than a one off.
- Location within London: prime central postcodes can carry a small premium.
How to hire a reliable cleaner in London
Decide first whether you want an independent cleaner or an agency, since that sets your budget and how much cover you get. Ask upfront whether insurance, vetting, and supplies are included, so the headline rate is the real rate. Be specific about the rooms and tasks so the quote matches the actual work. And book a regular slot rather than repeated one offs, because the hourly rate usually drops for a steady booking.
Finding cleaning work in London
If you clean for a living, London is the strongest UK market for rates. Independents commonly charge 16 to 22 GBP an hour, and building a base of regular weekly clients gives you steady income without chasing one off jobs. Being insured and able to show reviews lets you price toward the agency end of the range.
Businesses and households in London can post a cleaning job for free on CQD New Gen and reach local cleaners, and cleaners keep 100 percent of what they earn with no commission taken. Whether you are hiring or looking for cleaning work, it is free to use.
FAQ
How much does a house cleaner cost per hour in London in 2026?
About 20 to 28 GBP an hour on average. Independent cleaners charge around 16 to 22 GBP, while agencies charge around 22 to 30 GBP, usually including insurance and supplies.
How much is a weekly cleaner in London?
Most households pay 60 to 100 GBP for a standard weekly visit of three to four hours, depending on home size and whether you use an independent or an agency.
Why are London cleaning rates higher than the rest of the UK?
London rates run about 25 to 35 percent above the UK average, driven by higher living costs and demand. The rest of the UK averages around 13 to 25 GBP an hour.
Is an independent cleaner cheaper than an agency?
Usually yes. Independents charge less per hour but may not include insurance or supplies. Agencies cost more but bundle vetting, insurance, and materials.
How do I find cleaning work in London?
You can list yourself and respond to posted cleaning jobs for free on CQD New Gen, and keep 100 percent of what you earn. Being insured and showing reviews helps you charge toward the higher end.