Finding a good cleaner in London is less about paying the most and more about knowing what to check before the first visit. This guide walks through real 2026 rates, the questions that filter out unreliable hires, and how to post a job for free so vetted cleaners come to you.
TL;DR: A reliable London cleaner usually costs between 15 and 30 pounds per hour in 2026, and the biggest predictor of a good match is clear expectations, not the highest quote. Post what you need for free on CQD New Gen and let interested, verified cleaners reach out.
Key facts
- Regular domestic cleaning in London runs about 15 to 22 pounds per hour, and deep cleaning about 20 to 30 pounds per hour in 2026, according to Bettermaid and Urban Shine.
- Independent cleaners typically charge 13 to 20 pounds per hour, while agencies charge 18 to 30 pounds per hour but add vetting, insurance and a replacement if your regular cleaner is off, per Feel Clean.
- Rates vary by area: central London and Canary Wharf sit around 22 to 35 pounds per hour, while outer London is closer to 15 to 25 pounds per hour (St Anne's Housekeeping).
- London prices run roughly 25 to 35 percent above the UK average, partly because the London Living Wage in 2026 is 13.85 pounds per hour (St Anne's Housekeeping).
- Posting a cleaning job on CQD New Gen is free, always, with no commission taken from cleaners.
Start with what you actually need
Before comparing cleaners, write down the job in plain terms. How many bedrooms and bathrooms, how often you want visits, and whether you need extras like oven cleaning, ironing or inside-window work. A cleaner quoting for a weekly two-hour tidy of a one-bed flat is doing very different work from someone taking on a monthly deep clean of a four-bed house. Clear scope is what makes quotes comparable, and it is the single biggest reason two cleaners give you wildly different numbers.
Decide early whether you prefer an independent cleaner or an agency. Independents are usually cheaper and you build a direct relationship, which many London households like. Agencies cost more but handle vetting, insurance and cover if your cleaner is ill or on holiday. Neither is automatically better. It depends on how much you value price versus a safety net.
The questions that separate reliable from risky
Most bad hires could have been avoided with five minutes of questions. Ask these before anyone starts:
- Do you have references from current London clients, and can I contact one?
- Are you insured, and does that cover accidental damage in my home?
- Do you bring your own equipment and products, or should I supply them?
- What is your cancellation and replacement policy if you cannot make a visit?
- Are you comfortable with the specific tasks on my list, including any extras?
A dependable cleaner answers these easily. Vagueness, pressure to pay large sums up front, or reluctance to share a single reference are all reasons to keep looking. Trust your read of the first conversation.
Price fairly, then judge on the work
It is tempting to pick the cheapest quote, but the lowest rate in London often means a rushed visit or a cleaner juggling too many homes to give yours real attention. Aim for the middle of the range for your area, agree exactly what is included, and treat the first two or three visits as a trial. Consistency, care with your belongings, and turning up on time matter far more than a pound or two per hour. If the early visits are strong, keep the arrangement and treat your cleaner well, because a good one in London is worth holding onto.
The faster route: let cleaners come to you
Instead of trawling directories and waiting on callbacks, you can describe the job once and let interested cleaners respond. On CQD New Gen you post what you need, including your area, schedule and any extras, and cleaners in London reach out to you. Posting is free and always will be, and because cleaners keep everything they earn with no commission taken, you tend to attract people who are serious about the work rather than paying to chase leads.
If you are the cleaner, not the client
The same platform works the other way round. If you clean homes in London and want more regular clients without handing a cut to a middleman, you can join for free and pick up jobs that match your area and availability. There are no posting fees and no commission on what you earn, so more of every job stays with you. It is a straightforward way to build a steady book of local work on your own terms.
Whether you are hiring help or looking for cleaning work, the setup is simple and free to start.
FAQ
How much should I pay a house cleaner in London in 2026?
Expect roughly 15 to 22 pounds per hour for regular cleaning and 20 to 30 pounds per hour for deep cleans, with central areas at the higher end. Match the middle of your local range rather than chasing the cheapest quote.
Is an independent cleaner or an agency better?
Independents are usually cheaper and more personal, while agencies cost more but add vetting, insurance and cover when your cleaner is away. Choose based on whether you value the lower price or the safety net more.
How do I check a cleaner is trustworthy?
Ask for a reference from a current London client, confirm they are insured, and agree the exact tasks and cancellation policy in writing. Treat the first few visits as a trial and judge on reliability and care.
Is it really free to post a cleaning job?
Yes. Posting a cleaning job on CQD New Gen is free, always, and cleaners keep everything they earn with no commission taken.
Can cleaners find work here too?
Yes. Cleaners can join for free, browse jobs by area and availability, and keep all of what they earn with no posting fees or commission.