Cleaning is one of your biggest operating costs as an Airbnb host, but it's also one of the easiest levers to pull for better reviews. Underpaying can backfire; overpaying kills profit.
1. Think in Terms of Average Revenue Per Stay
As a rule of thumb, cleaning should usually sit comfortably below your average nightly rate, but high enough to attract reliable pros. Big city studios might sit around one night's rate; larger homes slightly higher.
2. Separate Base Clean vs Add-ons
Base Clean
- ✓Kitchen
- ✓Bathrooms
- ✓Bedrooms
- ✓Living areas
- ✓Bins
- ✓Floors
Add-ons
- •Linen service
- •Deep clean
- •Oven cleaning
- •Fridge cleaning
- •Outdoor areas
3. Understanding UK Cleaning Costs
Cleaning costs in the UK vary significantly based on location, property size, and service type. Understanding market rates helps you budget effectively and avoid overpaying.
Average UK Cleaning Costs by Property Size
HostMate offers transparent, fixed pricing for regular cleaning services:
Note: Prices are fixed rates per service. Deep cleaning, spring cleaning, and end of tenancy cleaning have different pricing. See our pricing page for all service types.
4. Factors Affecting Cleaning Costs
📍Location
- •London and major cities: Higher costs (£50-£80+)
- •Regional cities: Standard rates (£50-£80)
- •Smaller towns: Same rates (£50-£80)
📏Property Size
- •More bedrooms = Higher cost
- •Square footage matters
- •Number of bathrooms affects pricing
🧹Service Type
- •Regular turnover: Base rate
- •Deep cleaning: +30-50%
- •Add-ons: Additional fees
⏰Urgency
- •Same-day: +20-30% premium
- •48+ hours notice: Standard rate
- •Regular schedule: Potential discounts
5. How to Calculate Your Cleaning Costs
Simple formula to estimate your cleaning costs:
Base Rate (by property size: £50-£80) + Location Premium (if major city) + Add-ons (linen, deep clean, etc.) = Total Cost
Example: 2-bedroom property in Manchester with linen service = £60 (base) + £0 (standard rate) + £15 (linen) = £75
6. When to Invest in Professional Cleaning
✓Invest When:
- •High occupancy rate (70%+)
- •Premium property (£100+ per night)
- •Back-to-back bookings
- •Time is more valuable than cost
- •Guest complaints about cleanliness
⚠️Consider DIY When:
- •Low occupancy (under 50%)
- •Budget property (£50-£80 per night)
- •Long gaps between bookings
- •You have reliable help available
- •Small studio or 1-bedroom property
7. Pricing Strategies for Hosts
💡Include Cleaning Fee in Listing Price
Many hosts add a cleaning fee (£30-£80) to cover professional cleaning costs. This makes pricing transparent for guests while ensuring you can afford quality cleaning.
💡Factor Cleaning into Nightly Rate
Some hosts prefer to include cleaning costs in the nightly rate for a cleaner booking experience. Calculate your average cleaning cost per stay and divide by average stay length.
💡Regular Cleaner Discounts
Many cleaning services offer 10-15% discounts for regular weekly or bi-weekly bookings. If you have consistent bookings, this can significantly reduce costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge guests for cleaning?
Most hosts charge £30-£80 as a cleaning fee, which typically covers professional cleaning costs. The fee should reflect your actual cleaning costs plus a small margin for supplies and time.
Is it worth paying for professional cleaning?
Yes, if you value your time, want consistent quality, or have high occupancy. Professional cleaning typically pays for itself through better reviews, higher ratings, and the ability to charge premium rates.
How do I know if I'm overpaying?
Compare quotes from 2-3 services. If your cleaning costs exceed 15-20% of your average nightly rate for a small property, or 10-15% for larger properties, you may be overpaying.
Can I negotiate cleaning prices?
Yes, especially for regular bookings. Many services offer discounts for weekly or bi-weekly cleanings. Don't be afraid to ask about package deals or loyalty discounts.
💡Transparent Pricing with HostMate
HostMate uses transparent, per-property pricing so you always know what each turnover costs. No hidden fees, no surprises. Get an instant quote by entering your property details.
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