You should consider doing a few things on your own that fall under the category of “good house cleaner etiquette” to prepare for your house cleaner. These include tidying counters, floors, and other surfaces, taking care of the dishes, moving laundry to the laundry room or a dedicated laundry basket, and putting away personal and private items. Think of your house cleaner as someone who brings your home from relatively tidy to organized and clean, and you should have no issues.

Professional maid services can help tackle cleaning projects for your home. These tasks include day-to-day cleaning, which includes:

• Making the beds

• Dusting 

• Cleaning bathrooms

• Vacuuming flooring

And deep cleaning, which includes:

• Window washing

• Polishing hard-to-clean surfaces

• Cleaning behind furniture

• Deep cleaning appliances

Professional maid services can also clean your home if you’re moving out and if you’re hosting an event at your home, both costing up to $500.

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.

Although never required, tipping shows house cleaners how much you appreciate their work. If you are satisfied with their consistent service, consider tipping a thoughtful way of showing appreciation. This is especially true if the same cleaners continuously provide the services, which means you can tip them for each visit, monthly, or annually, depending on your preference.