TL;DR: In 2026 a domestic cleaner in the UK typically costs between £14 and £30 an hour, with most households paying around £18 to £22 for a regular clean. London runs higher, roughly £22 to £26 an hour, while Manchester and Birmingham sit closer to £16 to £22.
Hiring a house cleaner should be simple, but the pricing can feel like a moving target. Rates shift by city, by how often you book, and by whether you go through an agency or an independent cleaner. This guide lays out real 2026 figures so you can budget with confidence, then book someone you trust.
Key facts
- The national average sits around £22 an hour, with a normal range of £14 to £30 (source: MyBuilder).
- Most households settle around £18 to £22 an hour for a weekly or fortnightly clean.
- London is consistently 25 to 35 percent above the national average, with realistic budgets of £22 to £26 an hour (source: Checkatrade).
- Manchester, Birmingham and other large regional cities tend to run £16 to £22 an hour.
- Independent cleaners often charge £13 to £20, while agencies charge £15 to £30 to cover their overheads (source: Keysteward).
What changes the price
Several things move the number up or down.
Location. London leads on price, partly because cleaners lose real time and money travelling across the city between jobs. Regional cities are noticeably cheaper for the same standard of work.
Frequency. A regular weekly or fortnightly slot usually earns a better hourly rate than a one-off. Cleaners value predictable, repeat work and often price it more keenly.
Type of clean. A standard maintenance clean is the baseline. A deep clean, an end of tenancy clean, or an Airbnb changeover between guests takes longer and costs more per visit.
Independent or agency. An independent cleaner is often the cheaper route. An agency costs more but usually handles cover, vetting and insurance for you.
How to hire a cleaner you can trust
Price matters, but reliability matters more. A cheap cleaner who cancels is not a saving. Look for someone with clear reviews, a settled local base, and a rate that matches the ranges above. Be specific about the rooms, the frequency, and any products you want used, so there are no surprises on either side.
The simplest way to find that person is to describe the job and let local cleaners come to you. On CQD New Gen you post your cleaning job for free. There is no fee to post and no commission taken, so cleaners keep 100 percent of what they earn and pass none of it on to you. You get matched with trusted local cleaners in your town, compare them, and book with confidence.
It works the same way for cleaning work. If you are a cleaner, you can find jobs near you for free and keep everything you earn.
FAQ
How much does a house cleaner cost per hour in the UK in 2026?
Most UK households pay between £18 and £22 an hour, within a wider market range of £14 to £30 depending on city, frequency and the type of clean.
Why is a cleaner more expensive in London?
London rates run 25 to 35 percent above the national average, largely because cleaners spend more time and money travelling between jobs across the city. Expect roughly £22 to £26 an hour.
Is it cheaper to hire an independent cleaner or an agency?
Independent cleaners often charge £13 to £20 an hour, while agencies charge £15 to £30 to cover vetting, cover and insurance. Independents are usually cheaper, agencies offer more backup.
Does booking a regular clean cost less than a one-off?
Usually yes. Cleaners tend to give a better hourly rate for a steady weekly or fortnightly slot than for a single deep clean or one-off visit.
Is it free to post a cleaning job on CQD New Gen?
Yes. Posting a cleaning job is free right now, with no fee to post and no commission, and cleaners keep 100 percent of what they earn.