TL;DR: In 2026 a house cleaner in London typically costs £15 to £30 an hour, with most regular domestic cleaning landing around £22 to £26. This guide breaks down real rates by area and service, then shows you how to hire a reliable cleaner, or find cleaning work, for free.
Hiring a cleaner in London is one of those jobs everyone puts off until the flat is a mess and guests are coming. The good news is that the market is huge and prices are more predictable than most people expect. Below are real 2026 figures, pulled from UK cost guides, plus a simple way to connect directly with cleaners near you.
Key facts
- Independent London cleaners charge roughly £15 to £22 an hour, while agencies sit higher at £18 to £30, per Urban Shine Cleaners.
- Regular house cleaning across the UK starts from around £25 an hour, according to Checkatrade's 2026 guide.
- London runs about 25 to 35 percent above the national average, mainly because London labour costs are higher.
- A full-house deep clean averages about £31 an hour, per Checkatrade.
- Rates climb toward the centre. Central London and Canary Wharf can reach £22 to £35 an hour, while outer London stays closer to £15 to £25.
What you actually pay by area
London is not one market, it is dozens. Where you live changes the rate more than almost anything else. Central and prime postcodes carry a premium because travel, parking and living costs are all higher there. Outer boroughs are noticeably cheaper for the same work.
As a rough 2026 guide from Urban Shine Cleaners:
- Central London and Canary Wharf: £22 to £35 per hour
- Inner London: £18 to £28 per hour
- Outer London: £15 to £25 per hour
For a typical two-bed flat, a regular clean of two to three hours means most people budget somewhere between £45 and £75 per visit.
Regular clean versus deep clean
A regular or maintenance clean covers surfaces, floors, bathrooms, kitchen and general tidying. This is the weekly or fortnightly service most households book, and it sits at the lower hourly rates above.
A deep clean is a different job. It tackles limescale, oven interiors, skirting boards, inside cupboards and the parts a regular clean skips. Expect around £25 to £31 an hour or more depending on property size, per Checkatrade. End of tenancy cleans are usually priced per job rather than per hour, since landlords and agents want a fixed, comparable quote.
Hourly rate or fixed price?
Most cleaning companies quote a fixed price per job rather than a strict hourly rate, because it makes budgeting and comparing quotes easier, as Checkatrade notes. Independent cleaners are more likely to work by the hour. Neither is automatically cheaper. A fixed price protects you if the job runs long, while hourly can be better value for a quick top-up clean.
How to hire a reliable cleaner in London
Price matters, but reliability matters more. A cheap cleaner who cancels twice a month costs you far more in stress. When you are choosing:
- Agree the scope in writing, room by room, so nothing is assumed.
- Confirm whether cleaning products and equipment are included.
- Ask about cover if your regular cleaner is ill or on holiday.
- Start with a one-off clean before committing to a regular slot.
- Read reviews and speak to the person directly before booking.
The free way to connect
This is where CQD New Gen comes in. We are building a global community and home of cleaning that connects people who need a clean with people who do the cleaning, directly. Right now it is completely free on both sides. Posting a cleaning job is free, always, with no commission taken and no fee to post. Cleaners keep what they earn.
If you need a cleaner in London, post what you need and let local cleaners come to you. If you clean for a living, or want to, you can find work near you without paying for leads.
FAQ
How much does a house cleaner cost in London in 2026?
Most London cleaners charge between £15 and £30 an hour. Regular domestic cleaning usually lands around £22 to £26 an hour, with independents cheaper and agencies dearer.
Why is London more expensive than the rest of the UK?
London rates run roughly 25 to 35 percent above the national average, driven mainly by higher labour, travel and living costs across the capital.
Is it cheaper to hire an independent cleaner or an agency?
Independent cleaners are usually cheaper per hour, often £15 to £22, while agencies charge more but typically handle cover, insurance and vetting for you.
How much does a deep clean cost in London?
A full deep clean averages around £31 an hour and can run higher for larger homes, since it covers ovens, limescale, cupboards and detailed work a regular clean skips.
Is it really free to post a cleaning job on CQD New Gen?
Yes. Posting a cleaning job is free, always, with no commission and no posting fee. It is free for cleaners too, so you connect directly without paying for leads.