House cleaners typically charge by the hour, with average rates ranging from $40 to $50 per hour per cleaner. The total cost depends on factors like the size of your house, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the specific services you request.

A standard cleaning session generally costs between $120 and $240. However, the price can be significantly higher for very large homes or comprehensive services. Keep in mind that add-on services, such as cleaning windows or ovens, will cost extra.

Deep cleaning is more expensive than a standard session—often at least twice the price—because it involves more time and effort, such as moving furniture to clean underneath and reaching difficult areas. Due to the cost, some recommend hiring professionals for seasonal deep cleans while managing regular weekly or biweekly upkeep yourself.

A small amount of diluted bleach is okay to pour down a garbage disposal. As part of your weekly garbage disposal maintenance, use 1 teaspoon of bleach with your concoction of ice cubes and lemon peels. Turn on the disposal and run the water until the blades chop up the ice cubes.

Any more bleach in your disposal can harden oils and greases in your drain, which can cause problems. Always wear gloves when working with bleach, and know that you really don’t need bleach at all—vinegar, baking soda, salt, and ice should do the trick.

In between deep cleanings, you really only need to clean the filter, the drum, and the door. Run a sanitization cycle and then wipe down the exterior of the machine. You can skip cleaning the drain hose and the detergent tray, as these steps only need to happen once or twice a year, depending on how often you use your washing machine.

While you don’t have to have a spotless home for your maid service visit, preparing for a housekeeper makes their visit as efficient as possible. First, if you have pets, ensure they are in a secure location. Your maid service will most likely be coming in and out of your home, and you don’t want the potential of a lost pet. 

Placing your valuables and fragile items away in a secure location is also a great way to prepare for your visit. Additionally, decluttering your floors and counters can help make your visit as organized as possible.