If you are trying to budget for a cleaner in London this year, the honest answer is: it depends on where you live, who you hire, and what kind of clean you need. This guide gives you the real 2026 GBP rates, explains why London runs above the rest of the UK, and shows both sides of the market — how to hire a reliable cleaner, and how to find cleaning work if that is what brought you here.
TL;DR: In 2026, most Londoners pay roughly £15–£26 per hour for regular domestic cleaning, with central postcodes and deep cleans costing more. On CQD New Gen you can post the job for free, no commission, and get matched with a verified local cleaner.
Key facts
- Regular domestic cleaning in London: about £15–£22 per hour for a standard weekly or fortnightly clean.
- Deep cleaning: about £20–£30 per hour, because it is more thorough and labour-intensive.
- Independent cleaners typically charge £13–£20/hour; agencies charge £18–£30/hour but usually add vetting, insurance and cover if your cleaner is off.
- Location matters: Central London and Canary Wharf sit at the top of the range, inner boroughs in the middle, and outer London at the lower end.
- Why London costs more: the capital runs consistently 25–35% above the UK average, partly because the London Living Wage in 2026 is £13.85/hour, setting a higher floor on labour costs.
These are typical market ranges compiled from UK cleaning price guides such as Checkatrade; your actual quote will vary with the size of your home, its condition, and how often you book.
What actually drives your price
Three things move the number more than anything else:
- Frequency. A regular weekly or fortnightly slot is almost always cheaper per hour than a one-off, because the cleaner can build a routine and there is less deep work each visit.
- The state of the home. A tidy flat that just needs upkeep is quick. A move-out, post-renovation or first-time deep clean takes far longer and sits in the £20–£30/hour band.
- Extras. Inside the oven, inside windows, ironing, or cleaning products supplied by the cleaner can all add to the rate.
A quick tip: ask for the price per visit, not just per hour. A cleaner at £18/hour who finishes your two-bed flat in three hours is cheaper than one at £15/hour who needs five.
How to hire a reliable cleaner in London
Price matters, but reliability matters more. The most common complaint is not cost — it is a cleaner who does not turn up, or a stranger you cannot verify. Here is a simple approach:
- Write down the job clearly. Number of bedrooms and bathrooms, frequency, preferred day, and any must-dos (pets, allergies, eco products).
- Post the job and let cleaners come to you. On CQD New Gen, posting a cleaning job is free — always, no fees to post and no commission taken from what you pay. You describe what you need and get matched with local cleaners.
- Check the basics. Look for verified profiles, reviews, and whether they carry their own insurance and supplies.
- Start with a trial clean. One session tells you more than any interview. Agree the scope and price up front.
- Keep the good ones. Once you find someone reliable, a regular slot usually earns you a better rate and a cleaner who knows your home.
Looking for cleaning work in London instead?
If you are a cleaner, London is one of the strongest markets in the UK for steady, well-paid work. On CQD New Gen, cleaners keep 100% of what they earn — there is no commission on your jobs. You pay a simple subscription and get matched with real households and businesses posting jobs near you. Build up reviews, set your own rates within the going range above, and turn one-off cleans into regular clients.
Whether you are hiring or looking for work, the fastest first step is the same: get on the platform and get matched.
FAQ
How much should I budget for a weekly cleaner in London in 2026?
For a regular weekly or fortnightly clean, budget around £15–£22 per hour. Most homes need 2–4 hours per visit, so a typical weekly clean often lands between about £40 and £80 depending on size and location.
Is it cheaper to hire an independent cleaner or an agency?
Independents are usually cheaper (£13–£20/hour) but you take on more of the vetting and cover if they are unavailable. Agencies charge more (£18–£30/hour) but bundle in insurance, replacements and background checks. A verified marketplace like CQD New Gen aims to give you independent-style pricing with the reassurance of verified profiles and reviews.
Does it cost anything to post a cleaning job?
No. Posting a cleaning job on CQD New Gen is free — always. There are no fees to post and no commission taken from what you pay the cleaner.
Why is cleaning more expensive in central London?
Central London and areas like Canary Wharf carry higher travel time, higher living costs and a higher wage floor (the 2026 London Living Wage is £13.85/hour). That pushes rates 25–35% above the UK average, with the highest prices in the most central postcodes.
How do cleaners get paid on CQD New Gen?
Cleaners keep 100% of what they earn — there is no commission on jobs. Cleaners pay a simple subscription to access job matches, and clients pay the cleaner directly at the agreed rate.