Hiring a Cleaning Company vs. Individual House Cleaner

Keep your home clean and company-ready

Clean and polished living room with modern decor
Photo: coralimages / Adobe Stock
Clean and polished living room with modern decor
Photo: coralimages / Adobe Stock
Highlights
  • Cleaning companies offer a conventional professional service relationship.

  • Individual cleaners provide a more personal experience.

  • Cleaning companies can cost up to $90 an hour.

  • Individual cleaners usually cost between $25 and $50 an hour.

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Cleaning Company vs. Individual House Cleaner

Decide whether a cleaning company near you or an individual house cleaner is best by comparing cost and other important factors.

Final Cleanliness: Tie

In most cases, both a cleaning company and an individual house cleaner do a thorough job. Individual housekeepers are invested in gaining repeat business, while cleaning companies have more standard procedures and training.

Options and Customizations​​: Independent Cleaner

Cleaning companies offer services and add-ons, but they usually need to be ordered in advance. Extra services might not always be available, either, due to bookings with other clients.

Individual cleaners can usually customize your cleaning and provide add-on services more quickly, as they're in full control of their schedule. They might fold laundry, take out the trash, or clean a requested area like your carpet or window treatments.

Price​: Independent Cleaner

Most individual house cleaners charge between $25 and $50 an hour, while a cleaning service might cost up to $90 an hour.

The cost of cleaning services varies widely based on your location, the size and condition of your home, and what services you want. Weekly cleanings usually cost anywhere from $75 to $250, while one-time cleanings usually are in the $100 to $400 range.

Ease of Working Together: Tie

Cleaning companies may offer online scheduling and auto-notifications when they’re on their way or leave your home. Individual contractors usually don't have as many standard systems in place. You can often communicate with an individual housekeeper via text or phone call.

Some homeowners enjoy being able to talk directly with their house cleaner, while others appreciate the professionalism and consistency of a company.

Consistency: Individual Cleaner

While a cleaning company has standard procedures and processes, you might have a different person come to your house each time. One company employee might have a different approach or focus area than another. An independent cleaner comes each time, though, so you can rely on exactly how they clean your place.

Less Risk: Cleaning Company

Independent house cleaners aren’t often bonded and insured. If something breaks when they’re in your home, they likely won’t cover the cost. If they get hurt while in your home, you may be on the hook to pay their medical bills. Cleaning companies are almost always bonded and insured, so you don’t have these risks when cleaners are in your home.

No matter which you decide on, make sure to discuss important liability and insurance details before hiring a house cleaner.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Hiring a local professional cleaner is one option, but you can also DIY many cleaning tasks. If you choose the DIY route, one of the most obvious benefits is the cost savings. Cleaning requires little monetary investment besides a few essential cleaning agents and supplies, which you may already have on hand. Hiring a professional house cleaner costs anywhere from $25 to $80 per hour or an average of $175 per visit

While there is a much higher cost with hiring a professional cleaner versus a DIY solution, you may decide the time savings and quality of the clean are worth the additional cost to you.

4 times when it’s best to hire a house cleaner, including help with hard-to-clean items like dishwashers
Photo: FG Trade / E+ / Getty Images

Cleaning Company vs. Individual House Cleaner

Decide whether a cleaning company near you or an individual house cleaner is best by comparing cost and other important factors.

Final Cleanliness: Tie

In most cases, both a cleaning company and an individual house cleaner do a thorough job. Individual housekeepers are invested in gaining repeat business, while cleaning companies have more standard procedures and training.

Options and Customizations​​: Independent Cleaner

Cleaning companies offer services and add-ons, but they usually need to be ordered in advance. Extra services might not always be available, either, due to bookings with other clients.

Individual cleaners can usually customize your cleaning and provide add-on services more quickly, as they're in full control of their schedule. They might fold laundry, take out the trash, or clean a requested area like your carpet or window treatments.

Price​: Independent Cleaner

Most individual house cleaners charge between $25 and $50 an hour, while a cleaning service might cost up to $90 an hour.

The cost of cleaning services varies widely based on your location, the size and condition of your home, and what services you want. Weekly cleanings usually cost anywhere from $75 to $250, while one-time cleanings usually are in the $100 to $400 range.

Ease of Working Together: Tie

Cleaning companies may offer online scheduling and auto-notifications when they’re on their way or leave your home. Individual contractors usually don't have as many standard systems in place. You can often communicate with an individual housekeeper via text or phone call.

Some homeowners enjoy being able to talk directly with their house cleaner, while others appreciate the professionalism and consistency of a company.

Consistency: Individual Cleaner

While a cleaning company has standard procedures and processes, you might have a different person come to your house each time. One company employee might have a different approach or focus area than another. An independent cleaner comes each time, though, so you can rely on exactly how they clean your place.

Less Risk: Cleaning Company

Independent house cleaners aren’t often bonded and insured. If something breaks when they’re in your home, they likely won’t cover the cost. If they get hurt while in your home, you may be on the hook to pay their medical bills. Cleaning companies are almost always bonded and insured, so you don’t have these risks when cleaners are in your home.

No matter which you decide on, make sure to discuss important liability and insurance details before hiring a house cleaner.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Hiring a local professional cleaner is one option, but you can also DIY many cleaning tasks. If you choose the DIY route, one of the most obvious benefits is the cost savings. Cleaning requires little monetary investment besides a few essential cleaning agents and supplies, which you may already have on hand. Hiring a professional house cleaner costs anywhere from $25 to $80 per hour or an average of $175 per visit

While there is a much higher cost with hiring a professional cleaner versus a DIY solution, you may decide the time savings and quality of the clean are worth the additional cost to you.

Cleaning Company vs. Individual House Cleaner

Decide whether a cleaning company near you or an individual house cleaner is best by comparing cost and other important factors.

Final Cleanliness: Tie

In most cases, both a cleaning company and an individual house cleaner do a thorough job. Individual housekeepers are invested in gaining repeat business, while cleaning companies have more standard procedures and training.

Options and Customizations​​: Independent Cleaner

Cleaning companies offer services and add-ons, but they usually need to be ordered in advance. Extra services might not always be available, either, due to bookings with other clients.

Individual cleaners can usually customize your cleaning and provide add-on services more quickly, as they're in full control of their schedule. They might fold laundry, take out the trash, or clean a requested area like your carpet or window treatments.

Price​: Independent Cleaner

Most individual house cleaners charge between $25 and $50 an hour, while a cleaning service might cost up to $90 an hour.

The cost of cleaning services varies widely based on your location, the size and condition of your home, and what services you want. Weekly cleanings usually cost anywhere from $75 to $250, while one-time cleanings usually are in the $100 to $400 range.

Ease of Working Together: Tie

Cleaning companies may offer online scheduling and auto-notifications when they’re on their way or leave your home. Individual contractors usually don't have as many standard systems in place. You can often communicate with an individual housekeeper via text or phone call.

Some homeowners enjoy being able to talk directly with their house cleaner, while others appreciate the professionalism and consistency of a company.

Consistency: Individual Cleaner

While a cleaning company has standard procedures and processes, you might have a different person come to your house each time. One company employee might have a different approach or focus area than another. An independent cleaner comes each time, though, so you can rely on exactly how they clean your place.

Less Risk: Cleaning Company

Independent house cleaners aren’t often bonded and insured. If something breaks when they’re in your home, they likely won’t cover the cost. If they get hurt while in your home, you may be on the hook to pay their medical bills. Cleaning companies are almost always bonded and insured, so you don’t have these risks when cleaners are in your home.

No matter which you decide on, make sure to discuss important liability and insurance details before hiring a house cleaner.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Hiring a local professional cleaner is one option, but you can also DIY many cleaning tasks. If you choose the DIY route, one of the most obvious benefits is the cost savings. Cleaning requires little monetary investment besides a few essential cleaning agents and supplies, which you may already have on hand. Hiring a professional house cleaner costs anywhere from $25 to $80 per hour or an average of $175 per visit

While there is a much higher cost with hiring a professional cleaner versus a DIY solution, you may decide the time savings and quality of the clean are worth the additional cost to you.

7 house cleaning tasks, including vacuuming, disinfecting surfaces, and removing trash

Cleaning Company vs. Individual House Cleaner

Decide whether a cleaning company near you or an individual house cleaner is best by comparing cost and other important factors.

Final Cleanliness: Tie

In most cases, both a cleaning company and an individual house cleaner do a thorough job. Individual housekeepers are invested in gaining repeat business, while cleaning companies have more standard procedures and training.

Options and Customizations​​: Independent Cleaner

Cleaning companies offer services and add-ons, but they usually need to be ordered in advance. Extra services might not always be available, either, due to bookings with other clients.

Individual cleaners can usually customize your cleaning and provide add-on services more quickly, as they're in full control of their schedule. They might fold laundry, take out the trash, or clean a requested area like your carpet or window treatments.

Price​: Independent Cleaner

Most individual house cleaners charge between $25 and $50 an hour, while a cleaning service might cost up to $90 an hour.

The cost of cleaning services varies widely based on your location, the size and condition of your home, and what services you want. Weekly cleanings usually cost anywhere from $75 to $250, while one-time cleanings usually are in the $100 to $400 range.

Ease of Working Together: Tie

Cleaning companies may offer online scheduling and auto-notifications when they’re on their way or leave your home. Individual contractors usually don't have as many standard systems in place. You can often communicate with an individual housekeeper via text or phone call.

Some homeowners enjoy being able to talk directly with their house cleaner, while others appreciate the professionalism and consistency of a company.

Consistency: Individual Cleaner

While a cleaning company has standard procedures and processes, you might have a different person come to your house each time. One company employee might have a different approach or focus area than another. An independent cleaner comes each time, though, so you can rely on exactly how they clean your place.

Less Risk: Cleaning Company

Independent house cleaners aren’t often bonded and insured. If something breaks when they’re in your home, they likely won’t cover the cost. If they get hurt while in your home, you may be on the hook to pay their medical bills. Cleaning companies are almost always bonded and insured, so you don’t have these risks when cleaners are in your home.

No matter which you decide on, make sure to discuss important liability and insurance details before hiring a house cleaner.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Hiring a local professional cleaner is one option, but you can also DIY many cleaning tasks. If you choose the DIY route, one of the most obvious benefits is the cost savings. Cleaning requires little monetary investment besides a few essential cleaning agents and supplies, which you may already have on hand. Hiring a professional house cleaner costs anywhere from $25 to $80 per hour or an average of $175 per visit

While there is a much higher cost with hiring a professional cleaner versus a DIY solution, you may decide the time savings and quality of the clean are worth the additional cost to you.

ProsCons
ReliableLess personal
Vetted employeesMore expensive
Company-wide standardsOften unable to vary services

Cleaning Company vs. Individual House Cleaner

Decide whether a cleaning company near you or an individual house cleaner is best by comparing cost and other important factors.

Final Cleanliness: Tie

In most cases, both a cleaning company and an individual house cleaner do a thorough job. Individual housekeepers are invested in gaining repeat business, while cleaning companies have more standard procedures and training.

Options and Customizations​​: Independent Cleaner

Cleaning companies offer services and add-ons, but they usually need to be ordered in advance. Extra services might not always be available, either, due to bookings with other clients.

Individual cleaners can usually customize your cleaning and provide add-on services more quickly, as they're in full control of their schedule. They might fold laundry, take out the trash, or clean a requested area like your carpet or window treatments.

Price​: Independent Cleaner

Most individual house cleaners charge between $25 and $50 an hour, while a cleaning service might cost up to $90 an hour.

The cost of cleaning services varies widely based on your location, the size and condition of your home, and what services you want. Weekly cleanings usually cost anywhere from $75 to $250, while one-time cleanings usually are in the $100 to $400 range.

Ease of Working Together: Tie

Cleaning companies may offer online scheduling and auto-notifications when they’re on their way or leave your home. Individual contractors usually don't have as many standard systems in place. You can often communicate with an individual housekeeper via text or phone call.

Some homeowners enjoy being able to talk directly with their house cleaner, while others appreciate the professionalism and consistency of a company.

Consistency: Individual Cleaner

While a cleaning company has standard procedures and processes, you might have a different person come to your house each time. One company employee might have a different approach or focus area than another. An independent cleaner comes each time, though, so you can rely on exactly how they clean your place.

Less Risk: Cleaning Company

Independent house cleaners aren’t often bonded and insured. If something breaks when they’re in your home, they likely won’t cover the cost. If they get hurt while in your home, you may be on the hook to pay their medical bills. Cleaning companies are almost always bonded and insured, so you don’t have these risks when cleaners are in your home.

No matter which you decide on, make sure to discuss important liability and insurance details before hiring a house cleaner.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Hiring a local professional cleaner is one option, but you can also DIY many cleaning tasks. If you choose the DIY route, one of the most obvious benefits is the cost savings. Cleaning requires little monetary investment besides a few essential cleaning agents and supplies, which you may already have on hand. Hiring a professional house cleaner costs anywhere from $25 to $80 per hour or an average of $175 per visit

While there is a much higher cost with hiring a professional cleaner versus a DIY solution, you may decide the time savings and quality of the clean are worth the additional cost to you.

Cleaning Company vs. Individual House Cleaner

Decide whether a cleaning company near you or an individual house cleaner is best by comparing cost and other important factors.

Final Cleanliness: Tie

In most cases, both a cleaning company and an individual house cleaner do a thorough job. Individual housekeepers are invested in gaining repeat business, while cleaning companies have more standard procedures and training.

Options and Customizations​​: Independent Cleaner

Cleaning companies offer services and add-ons, but they usually need to be ordered in advance. Extra services might not always be available, either, due to bookings with other clients.

Individual cleaners can usually customize your cleaning and provide add-on services more quickly, as they're in full control of their schedule. They might fold laundry, take out the trash, or clean a requested area like your carpet or window treatments.

Price​: Independent Cleaner

Most individual house cleaners charge between $25 and $50 an hour, while a cleaning service might cost up to $90 an hour.

The cost of cleaning services varies widely based on your location, the size and condition of your home, and what services you want. Weekly cleanings usually cost anywhere from $75 to $250, while one-time cleanings usually are in the $100 to $400 range.

Ease of Working Together: Tie

Cleaning companies may offer online scheduling and auto-notifications when they’re on their way or leave your home. Individual contractors usually don't have as many standard systems in place. You can often communicate with an individual housekeeper via text or phone call.

Some homeowners enjoy being able to talk directly with their house cleaner, while others appreciate the professionalism and consistency of a company.

Consistency: Individual Cleaner

While a cleaning company has standard procedures and processes, you might have a different person come to your house each time. One company employee might have a different approach or focus area than another. An independent cleaner comes each time, though, so you can rely on exactly how they clean your place.

Less Risk: Cleaning Company

Independent house cleaners aren’t often bonded and insured. If something breaks when they’re in your home, they likely won’t cover the cost. If they get hurt while in your home, you may be on the hook to pay their medical bills. Cleaning companies are almost always bonded and insured, so you don’t have these risks when cleaners are in your home.

No matter which you decide on, make sure to discuss important liability and insurance details before hiring a house cleaner.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Hiring a local professional cleaner is one option, but you can also DIY many cleaning tasks. If you choose the DIY route, one of the most obvious benefits is the cost savings. Cleaning requires little monetary investment besides a few essential cleaning agents and supplies, which you may already have on hand. Hiring a professional house cleaner costs anywhere from $25 to $80 per hour or an average of $175 per visit

While there is a much higher cost with hiring a professional cleaner versus a DIY solution, you may decide the time savings and quality of the clean are worth the additional cost to you.

Cleaner vacuums area rug in modern living room
Photo: Pixel-Shot / Adobe Stock

Cleaning Company vs. Individual House Cleaner

Decide whether a cleaning company near you or an individual house cleaner is best by comparing cost and other important factors.

Final Cleanliness: Tie

In most cases, both a cleaning company and an individual house cleaner do a thorough job. Individual housekeepers are invested in gaining repeat business, while cleaning companies have more standard procedures and training.

Options and Customizations​​: Independent Cleaner

Cleaning companies offer services and add-ons, but they usually need to be ordered in advance. Extra services might not always be available, either, due to bookings with other clients.

Individual cleaners can usually customize your cleaning and provide add-on services more quickly, as they're in full control of their schedule. They might fold laundry, take out the trash, or clean a requested area like your carpet or window treatments.

Price​: Independent Cleaner

Most individual house cleaners charge between $25 and $50 an hour, while a cleaning service might cost up to $90 an hour.

The cost of cleaning services varies widely based on your location, the size and condition of your home, and what services you want. Weekly cleanings usually cost anywhere from $75 to $250, while one-time cleanings usually are in the $100 to $400 range.

Ease of Working Together: Tie

Cleaning companies may offer online scheduling and auto-notifications when they’re on their way or leave your home. Individual contractors usually don't have as many standard systems in place. You can often communicate with an individual housekeeper via text or phone call.

Some homeowners enjoy being able to talk directly with their house cleaner, while others appreciate the professionalism and consistency of a company.

Consistency: Individual Cleaner

While a cleaning company has standard procedures and processes, you might have a different person come to your house each time. One company employee might have a different approach or focus area than another. An independent cleaner comes each time, though, so you can rely on exactly how they clean your place.

Less Risk: Cleaning Company

Independent house cleaners aren’t often bonded and insured. If something breaks when they’re in your home, they likely won’t cover the cost. If they get hurt while in your home, you may be on the hook to pay their medical bills. Cleaning companies are almost always bonded and insured, so you don’t have these risks when cleaners are in your home.

No matter which you decide on, make sure to discuss important liability and insurance details before hiring a house cleaner.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Hiring a local professional cleaner is one option, but you can also DIY many cleaning tasks. If you choose the DIY route, one of the most obvious benefits is the cost savings. Cleaning requires little monetary investment besides a few essential cleaning agents and supplies, which you may already have on hand. Hiring a professional house cleaner costs anywhere from $25 to $80 per hour or an average of $175 per visit

While there is a much higher cost with hiring a professional cleaner versus a DIY solution, you may decide the time savings and quality of the clean are worth the additional cost to you.

ProsCons
More cost-effectiveMore service interruptions
Flexible with services and schedulePotential tax implications
More personal relationshipLess likely to be bonded and insured

Cleaning Company vs. Individual House Cleaner

Decide whether a cleaning company near you or an individual house cleaner is best by comparing cost and other important factors.

Final Cleanliness: Tie

In most cases, both a cleaning company and an individual house cleaner do a thorough job. Individual housekeepers are invested in gaining repeat business, while cleaning companies have more standard procedures and training.

Options and Customizations​​: Independent Cleaner

Cleaning companies offer services and add-ons, but they usually need to be ordered in advance. Extra services might not always be available, either, due to bookings with other clients.

Individual cleaners can usually customize your cleaning and provide add-on services more quickly, as they're in full control of their schedule. They might fold laundry, take out the trash, or clean a requested area like your carpet or window treatments.

Price​: Independent Cleaner

Most individual house cleaners charge between $25 and $50 an hour, while a cleaning service might cost up to $90 an hour.

The cost of cleaning services varies widely based on your location, the size and condition of your home, and what services you want. Weekly cleanings usually cost anywhere from $75 to $250, while one-time cleanings usually are in the $100 to $400 range.

Ease of Working Together: Tie

Cleaning companies may offer online scheduling and auto-notifications when they’re on their way or leave your home. Individual contractors usually don't have as many standard systems in place. You can often communicate with an individual housekeeper via text or phone call.

Some homeowners enjoy being able to talk directly with their house cleaner, while others appreciate the professionalism and consistency of a company.

Consistency: Individual Cleaner

While a cleaning company has standard procedures and processes, you might have a different person come to your house each time. One company employee might have a different approach or focus area than another. An independent cleaner comes each time, though, so you can rely on exactly how they clean your place.

Less Risk: Cleaning Company

Independent house cleaners aren’t often bonded and insured. If something breaks when they’re in your home, they likely won’t cover the cost. If they get hurt while in your home, you may be on the hook to pay their medical bills. Cleaning companies are almost always bonded and insured, so you don’t have these risks when cleaners are in your home.

No matter which you decide on, make sure to discuss important liability and insurance details before hiring a house cleaner.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Hiring a local professional cleaner is one option, but you can also DIY many cleaning tasks. If you choose the DIY route, one of the most obvious benefits is the cost savings. Cleaning requires little monetary investment besides a few essential cleaning agents and supplies, which you may already have on hand. Hiring a professional house cleaner costs anywhere from $25 to $80 per hour or an average of $175 per visit

While there is a much higher cost with hiring a professional cleaner versus a DIY solution, you may decide the time savings and quality of the clean are worth the additional cost to you.

Cleaning Company vs. Individual House Cleaner

Decide whether a cleaning company near you or an individual house cleaner is best by comparing cost and other important factors.

Final Cleanliness: Tie

In most cases, both a cleaning company and an individual house cleaner do a thorough job. Individual housekeepers are invested in gaining repeat business, while cleaning companies have more standard procedures and training.

Options and Customizations​​: Independent Cleaner

Cleaning companies offer services and add-ons, but they usually need to be ordered in advance. Extra services might not always be available, either, due to bookings with other clients.

Individual cleaners can usually customize your cleaning and provide add-on services more quickly, as they're in full control of their schedule. They might fold laundry, take out the trash, or clean a requested area like your carpet or window treatments.

Price​: Independent Cleaner

Most individual house cleaners charge between $25 and $50 an hour, while a cleaning service might cost up to $90 an hour.

The cost of cleaning services varies widely based on your location, the size and condition of your home, and what services you want. Weekly cleanings usually cost anywhere from $75 to $250, while one-time cleanings usually are in the $100 to $400 range.

Ease of Working Together: Tie

Cleaning companies may offer online scheduling and auto-notifications when they’re on their way or leave your home. Individual contractors usually don't have as many standard systems in place. You can often communicate with an individual housekeeper via text or phone call.

Some homeowners enjoy being able to talk directly with their house cleaner, while others appreciate the professionalism and consistency of a company.

Consistency: Individual Cleaner

While a cleaning company has standard procedures and processes, you might have a different person come to your house each time. One company employee might have a different approach or focus area than another. An independent cleaner comes each time, though, so you can rely on exactly how they clean your place.

Less Risk: Cleaning Company

Independent house cleaners aren’t often bonded and insured. If something breaks when they’re in your home, they likely won’t cover the cost. If they get hurt while in your home, you may be on the hook to pay their medical bills. Cleaning companies are almost always bonded and insured, so you don’t have these risks when cleaners are in your home.

No matter which you decide on, make sure to discuss important liability and insurance details before hiring a house cleaner.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Hiring a local professional cleaner is one option, but you can also DIY many cleaning tasks. If you choose the DIY route, one of the most obvious benefits is the cost savings. Cleaning requires little monetary investment besides a few essential cleaning agents and supplies, which you may already have on hand. Hiring a professional house cleaner costs anywhere from $25 to $80 per hour or an average of $175 per visit

While there is a much higher cost with hiring a professional cleaner versus a DIY solution, you may decide the time savings and quality of the clean are worth the additional cost to you.

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