Wondering what a house cleaner actually costs in London this year? Below are real 2026 rates in pounds for regular, deep and end-of-tenancy cleaning — plus a plain-English guide to hiring someone reliable (and, if you clean for a living, how to find better-paid work).
TL;DR: In 2026 a good domestic cleaner in London runs about £20–£28/hour through an agency or £13–£18/hour for a vetted independent, with a typical weekly visit landing at £60–£100. Deep cleans cost more (£25–£45/hour, often £250–£380 for a 3-bed), and on CQD New Gen posting the job is free — always, no fees to post and no commission on either side.
Key facts
- Regular cleaning: £20–£28/hour in London; most households pay £60–£100 for a standard 3–4 hour weekly visit.
- Independent vs agency: vetted independents typically charge £13–£18/hour; agencies £20–£28/hour but bundle in DBS checks, insurance and cover.
- Deep cleaning: £25–£45/hour, with a 3-bed property usually £250–£380 all-in for 6–8 hours.
- London premium: roughly 25–40% above the UK average of £16–£18/hour.
- Postcode matters: central boroughs (Mayfair, Chelsea, Kensington) run 20–35% higher than outer London — an £80 visit in Croydon can be £110–£120 in Knightsbridge.
- Posting a cleaning job is free on CQD New Gen — no fees to post, no commission taken.
What drives the price in London
Three things move the number more than anything else:
- Where you are. Central London postcodes carry a clear premium over Zone 3–6. Same flat, same hours — different bill.
- What kind of clean. A regular tidy-and-maintain visit is priced per hour. A deep clean (inside the oven, limescale, skirting boards, behind appliances) is more intensive and priced higher or as a fixed job.
- Independent or agency. Independents are cheaper per hour, but you handle vetting, insurance and cover if they're off sick. Agencies cost more and add a margin, but take on that admin and accountability.
Regular cleaning: what a weekly visit really costs
For ongoing housekeeping, budget £20–£28/hour in 2026. A typical one- or two-bed flat needs 2–3 hours; a family house 3–4. That puts most weekly visits in the £60–£100 range. Fortnightly visits cost a little more per session because more dirt accumulates between cleans.
Deep cleans and end-of-tenancy
A one-off deep clean runs £25–£45/hour. For a 3-bedroom home that's usually £250–£380 for a full 6–8 hour job. End-of-tenancy cleans are priced similarly and are worth getting done properly — a professional job is often what stands between you and your deposit.
Independent vs agency: which is right for you?
- Independent (£13–£18/hr): best value, and you build a direct relationship. The trade-off is that vetting, insurance and cover are on you.
- Agency (£20–£28/hr): more expensive, but you get DBS checks, insurance, a managed replacement and someone to hold accountable for quality.
CQD New Gen gives you a third option: connect directly with vetted, independent cleaners in your area — you keep the lower independent rate and the direct relationship, while the platform helps with discovery and trust. Cleaners keep 100% of what they earn (they pay a simple subscription, no commission), and posting your job is completely free.
How to hire a reliable cleaner in London
- Write a clear job. Property size, rooms, frequency, and anything specific (oven, windows, ironing). The clearer the post, the better the matches.
- Check reviews and vetting. Ask about experience, references and whether they're insured.
- Agree scope and rate up front. Confirm hours, what's included, and the rate before the first visit — no surprises.
- Start with a trial clean. One session tells you more than any profile. Keep the ones who are reliable and thorough.
- Post it free. On CQD New Gen you can post a cleaning job in minutes at no cost and let local cleaners come to you.
Cleaning for a living? Read this
If you clean professionally, London's rates mean there's real money in it — but only if you keep what you earn. On CQD New Gen there's no commission: you set your rate, clients find you, and you keep 100%. Signing up is free, and posting or responding to jobs costs nothing. It's built to be the trusted home of cleaning — for the people who hire and the people who do the work.
FAQ
How much does a house cleaner cost per hour in London in 2026?
Expect £20–£28/hour through an agency and £13–£18/hour for a vetted independent. Central London postcodes sit at the top of those ranges.
How much is a weekly cleaner for a flat?
Most London households pay £60–£100 for a standard 3–4 hour weekly visit, depending on size and location.
What does a deep clean cost in London?
Deep cleans run £25–£45/hour, with a typical 3-bed job coming in around £250–£380 for 6–8 hours of work.
Is it cheaper to hire an independent cleaner or an agency?
Independents are cheaper per hour, but you take on vetting and cover. Agencies cost more and add those protections. Platforms like CQD New Gen let you hire a vetted independent directly — lower rate, no commission.
Does it cost anything to post a cleaning job?
No. On CQD New Gen posting a cleaning job is free — always, no fees to post and no commission on either side.