House Cleaning Services Cost South Africa
💰 R35 to R85 per hour – What you’ll pay for professional house cleaning, plus deep cleaning, move-out, and regular service costs.
Whether you need a weekly refresh, a once-off deep clean, or help preparing a property for new tenants, understanding house cleaning costs helps you budget effectively. Prices vary based on home size, cleaning frequency, service type, and your location. From studio apartments in Johannesburg to family homes in Cape Town and estates in Durban, this comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about house cleaning service costs in South Africa. We’ll cover hourly rates, flat fees, deep cleaning surcharges, and how to choose between a domestic worker and a professional cleaning company.
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📖 Table of Contents – House Cleaning Costs
💰 House Cleaning Cost Summary – At a Glance
Here’s what you can expect to pay for house cleaning services across South Africa. Based on industry data and StatsSA household services data.
| Service Type | Typical Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate (individual cleaner) | R35 – R60 per hour | Regular weekly/bi-weekly cleaning |
| Hourly rate (cleaning company) | R50 – R85 per hour | Professional service, insured, equipment included |
| Once-off clean (standard) | R400 – R1,200 flat rate | Single visit, general cleaning |
| Deep clean | R800 – R2,500 flat rate | Intensive cleaning, kitchens, bathrooms, ovens |
| Move-out / end of lease | R1,200 – R3,500 flat rate | Bond return, landlord-approved cleaning |
| After-builders clean | R2,500 – R6,000+ | New build or renovation dust removal |
| Weekly cleaning (subscription) | R300 – R800 per visit | Ongoing maintenance, discounted rates |
| Fortnightly cleaning | R350 – R900 per visit | Regular but less frequent |
Key Insight: All prices include cleaning consumables unless specified otherwise. Travel costs may apply outside major metro areas. Browse our cleaning services for specific offerings.
⏱️ Hourly Rates & Minimum Charges
Most cleaning services charge by the hour, with a minimum booking time (usually 2-3 hours). Here’s what influences the rate:
Individual Cleaner Rates
- Hourly rate: R35 – R60 per hour
- Minimum charge: Usually 3-4 hours (R140 – R240 per visit)
- Pros: Lower hourly rate, direct relationship
- Cons: No insurance, bring own equipment, may need supervision
Cleaning Company Rates
- Hourly rate: R50 – R85 per hour
- Minimum charge: Usually 2-3 hours (R150 – R255 per visit)
- Pros: Fully insured, professional equipment, trained staff, liability insurance included, guaranteed work
- Cons: Higher hourly rate
What Affects Hourly Rates
- Location: Rates in Sandton and Fourways are typically 10-15% higher than outer suburbs
- Time of day: After-hours or weekend cleaning may attract surcharges (1.25x – 1.5x)
- Public holidays: Usually 1.5x – 2x standard rates
- Equipment: Services providing industrial equipment may charge premium rates
🏠 House Cleaning Cost by Home Size
For standard cleaning (not deep clean), here’s what you can expect based on home size:
| Home Type | Approx Size | Time Required | Typical Cost (once-off) | Weekly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed apartment | 30-50m² | 2-3 hours | R350 – R550 | R250 – R400 |
| 2-bedroom home / apartment | 60-80m² | 3-4 hours | R500 – R800 | R350 – R500 |
| 3-bedroom home | 100-140m² | 4-6 hours | R700 – R1,200 | R450 – R700 |
| 4-bedroom home | 150-200m² | 6-8 hours | R1,000 – R1,600 | R600 – R900 |
| Large estate home | 250m²+ | 8+ hours | R1,500 – R2,500+ | R900 – R1,500 |
For exact pricing on your specific home, request quotes from cleaning services in Johannesburg, Pretoria, or your local area.
🧹 Cost by Cleaning Service Type
Different cleaning needs command different prices. Here’s what typical services cost:
Standard / Regular Cleaning
- Dusting all surfaces, vacuuming carpets, mopping hard floors, cleaning bathrooms, tidying kitchen surfaces
- Cost: R35 – R60 per hour (individual) or R50 – R85 per hour (company)
- Best for: Weekly or fortnightly maintenance
Deep Cleaning
- Intensive cleaning including inside cupboards, behind appliances, oven cleaning, blinds, light fixtures, skirting boards
- Cost: 1.5x – 2x standard rates, typically R800 – R2,500 flat rate
- Best for: Spring cleaning, preparing for guests, after renovations
See our deep cleaning services guide for more details.
Move-Out / End of Lease Cleaning
- Comprehensive cleaning to meet landlord/agent standards for bond return
- Includes oven, hob, extractor, windows, carpets often extra
- Cost: R1,200 – R3,500 flat rate depending on property size
- Best for: Tenants wanting full deposit back, landlords preparing for new tenants
Our end of lease cleaning service includes a guarantee period.
After-Builders / Post-Construction Cleaning
- Removal of construction dust, cement residue, paint splatters, protective film
- Often charged per square metre – R15 – R30 per m²
- Cost: R2,500 – R6,000+ for average home
- Best for: New builds, major renovations
See our post-construction cleaning guide for specialist information.
Carpet Cleaning
- Often an add-on service – R150 – R350 per room
- Steam cleaning, stain removal, deodorising
- Cost: R300 – R800 for 2-3 bedroom home
Our carpet cleaning specialists use professional-grade equipment.
Window Cleaning
- Inside and out, including tracks and frames
- Often charged per window or per hour
- Cost: R50 – R150 per window or R250 – R500 for average home
Professional window cleaning ensures streak-free results.
🔨 Deep Cleaning – What’s Included & Costs
Deep cleaning goes far beyond standard cleaning. Here’s what’s typically included and what it costs.
Deep Cleaning Includes
- Kitchen: Oven interior and exterior, hob, extractor fan, inside cupboards, appliance exteriors, behind fridge, kickboards
- Bathrooms: Deep scrub of tiles and grout, limescale removal, shower doors, inside vanity cupboards
- Living areas: Dusting of blinds, light fixtures, skirting boards, picture rails, window sills
- Floors: Edge-to-edge vacuuming, mopping, sometimes stripping and sealing
- Details: Inside cabinets, wardrobes, drawers
Deep Cleaning Costs
- Studio / 1-bed: R800 – R1,200
- 2-bedroom home: R1,200 – R1,800
- 3-bedroom home: R1,800 – R2,500
- 4-bedroom+ home: R2,500 – R4,000+
For professional deep cleaning services, our teams bring specialist equipment and products.
🏠 Need a Deep Clean or Move-Out Service?
Get free quotes from vetted cleaning companies in your area. Compare prices and services for your specific needs.
📦 Move-Out / End of Lease Cleaning
End of lease cleaning is a specialised service designed to help tenants get their full deposit back and landlords prepare properties for new occupants.
What’s Included
- Full kitchen deep clean – oven, hob, extractor, cupboards inside and out
- Bathroom deep clean – tiles, grout, shower, toilet, vanity
- All floors vacuumed and mopped
- Windows inside (and sometimes outside if accessible)
- Skirting boards, light switches, door frames
- Balcony/patio swept
- General dusting of all surfaces
- Carpet cleaning is usually extra – R150 – R350 per room
End of Lease Cleaning Costs
- Studio / 1-bed: R1,200 – R1,800
- 2-bedroom: R1,800 – R2,500
- 3-bedroom: R2,500 – R3,500
- 4-bedroom+: R3,500 – R5,000+
Many services offer a bond-back guarantee – they’ll return to reclean if the landlord isn’t satisfied. Check our end of lease cleaning page for details.
🔄 Regular vs Once-Off Cleaning – Cost Comparison
Regular cleaning (weekly or fortnightly) typically costs less per visit than one-off cleans. Here’s why:
| Frequency | Per Visit Cost (3-bed home) | Annual Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-off clean | R700 – R1,200 | N/A | Higher rate, includes initial deep clean |
| Weekly cleaning | R450 – R700 | R23,400 – R36,400 | Best value per visit, maintains constant cleanliness |
| Fortnightly cleaning | R500 – R750 | R13,000 – R19,500 | Good balance of cost and cleanliness |
| Monthly cleaning | R550 – R800 | R6,600 – R9,600 | Higher per visit, less frequent maintenance |
Regular clients often receive priority booking and sometimes discounted rates. Our benefits page explains more.
➕ Additional Costs & Surcharges
Be aware of these potential extra charges when budgeting for cleaning services:
- Travel / call-out fee: R50 – R150 if outside service area (often waived for regular clients)
- Parking / access fees: In secure estates or city centres with paid parking
- Equipment surcharge: If specialist equipment needed (carpet cleaner, pressure washer)
- After-hours / weekend: 1.25x – 1.5x standard rates
- Public holidays: 1.5x – 2x standard rates
- Cleaning consumables: Most services include basic supplies, but eco-friendly or specialist products may cost extra
- Skip hire / waste removal: For post-construction or major decluttering
Always request a detailed written quote to understand exactly what’s included. Our contractor selection guide helps you ask the right questions.
👤 Domestic Worker vs Cleaning Company
Many households debate between hiring an individual domestic worker versus engaging a professional cleaning company. Here’s how they compare:
| Factor | Domestic Worker | Cleaning Company |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | R35 – R60 | R50 – R85 |
| Insurance | None – you may be liable | Fully insured – public liability included |
| Equipment | Brings own (basic) | Professional equipment, industrial vacuums |
| Supervision | Requires direction | Trained staff, work independently |
| Reliability | Variable – sickness, transport issues | Backup staff, guaranteed attendance |
| Consumables | You supply or they bring basics | Professional-grade products included |
| Quality guarantee | None | Work guaranteed – reclean if unsatisfied |
| Background checks | Your responsibility | Staff vetted, often PSIRA registered |
For peace of mind and guaranteed results, a professional cleaning company is often worth the premium. Our guide to choosing a reliable cleaning company helps you make an informed decision.
🗺️ Regional Price Variations – Gauteng, Cape Town, Durban
Cleaning service costs vary by location. Here’s what to expect in major centres:
Gauteng (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Sandton, Midrand, Randburg, Fourways)
- Average hourly rate (company): R55 – R80
- 3-bedroom regular clean: R450 – R700 per visit
- Premium areas (Sandton, Fourways): 10-15% higher due to estate access and security clearances
Check cleaning services in Johannesburg and Pretoria for local quotes.
Cape Town (Northern Suburbs, Southern Suburbs, Atlantic Seaboard)
- Average hourly rate (company): R60 – R85
- 3-bedroom regular clean: R500 – R750 per visit
- Seasonal variations: Summer rates may be higher due to demand
See Cape Town cleaning services and Bellville for local options.
Durban (Umhlanga, Westville, Ballito)
- Average hourly rate (company): R50 – R75
- 3-bedroom regular clean: R400 – R650 per visit
- Coastal areas: May have premium for mould treatment in humid zones
Explore Durban cleaning services and Umhlanga for local pricing.
🏠 Real-Life Cleaning Examples – What Real Clients Paid
Example 1: Weekly Clean, Fourways
3-bedroom home, 140m², regular weekly service.
Cost: R550 per visit
Includes: Full house dusting, vacuuming, mopping, 2 bathrooms, kitchen. Same team every week.
Example 2: End of Lease, Umhlanga
2-bedroom apartment, move-out cleaning.
Cost: R2,200
Includes: Oven, hob, extractor, windows, carpets (extra), bond-back guarantee. Client received full deposit.
Example 3: Deep Clean, Cape Town
4-bedroom home, 200m², pre-spring clean.
Cost: R3,200
2-person team, 6 hours, oven cleaning, inside cupboards, blinds, skirting boards.
Example 4: After-Builders Clean, Midrand
New 3-bedroom house, post-construction.
Cost: R4,800
Dust removal, cement residue, window cleaning, final polish. Took 2 days.
💡 7 Ways to Save on House Cleaning
✅ Smart Savings
- 1. Regular vs once-off: Weekly or fortnightly cleans cost less per visit and maintain cleanliness.
- 2. Tidy before they arrive: Pick up clutter so cleaners can focus on actual cleaning.
- 3. Bundle services: Add carpet or window cleaning to a regular booking for discounted rates.
- 4. Off-peak scheduling: Mid-week cleaning often cheaper than weekends.
- 5. Referral discounts: Many companies offer R100-200 off for referring friends.
- 6. Long-term contracts: 6-month or annual contracts can secure lower rates.
- 7. Compare quotes: Use our free quote service to compare at least 3 providers.
💰 Rough Savings Estimate
- Weekly vs monthly: 15-25% lower per visit
- Bundled services: 10-20% discount
- Off-peak: 10-15% off
- Referral: R100-200 per referral
- Quote comparison: 15-30% off initial quote
❌ 7 Common Mistakes When Hiring Cleaners
Learn from others’ errors: These mistakes cost homeowners time, money, and frustration.
Mistake #1: Hiring Based on Price Alone
The cheapest quote often means no insurance, untrained staff, and poor results. Paying a fair price for a reputable company with CIDB grading is always cheaper in the long run.
Mistake #2: Not Checking Insurance
If a cleaner damages your property or injures themselves and isn’t insured, you could be liable. Always verify public liability insurance.
Mistake #3: Vague Scope of Work
Assuming “clean the house” means the same thing to you and the cleaner leads to disappointment. Get a detailed list of what’s included.
Mistake #4: No Written Quote or Contract
Verbal agreements lead to disputes. Always get a written quote detailing services, costs, and any guarantees.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Reviews and References
Check customer reviews and ask for references. A few minutes of research can save thousands.
Mistake #6: Not Clarifying Who Provides Supplies
Some cleaners bring everything, others expect you to provide products. Clarify upfront to avoid last-minute trips to the shop.
Mistake #7: Forgetting About Parking and Access
In secure estates or city centres, parking fees or access delays can add costs. Discuss this when booking.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – House Cleaning Costs
How much does house cleaning cost per hour in South Africa?
Individual cleaners charge R35 – R60 per hour, while professional cleaning companies charge R50 – R85 per hour. Most services have a minimum booking of 2-3 hours.
How much to clean a 3-bedroom house in South Africa?
A regular clean for a 3-bedroom home costs R450 – R700 per visit (weekly) or R700 – R1,200 for a once-off clean. Deep cleaning costs R1,800 – R2,500.
What’s the difference between standard and deep cleaning?
Standard cleaning covers surface dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bathrooms, and kitchen surfaces. Deep cleaning adds inside cupboards, oven cleaning, blinds, skirting boards, and behind appliances – it’s more intensive and costs 1.5-2x more.
How much is end of lease cleaning?
End of lease cleaning costs R1,200 – R3,500 depending on property size. This includes oven, hob, windows, and full cleaning to landlord standards. Carpet cleaning is usually extra.
Is it cheaper to hire a domestic worker or cleaning company?
Domestic workers have lower hourly rates (R35-60 vs R50-85), but cleaning companies provide insurance, professional equipment, and guaranteed work. For occasional or specialist cleaning, companies offer better value.
Do cleaning companies provide equipment and products?
Most professional cleaning companies include all equipment and cleaning products in their rates. Always confirm when booking – some may charge extra for specialist products like eco-friendly or hypoallergenic options.
How often should I have my house professionally cleaned?
For most homes, weekly or fortnightly cleaning maintains a good standard. Deep cleaning every 3-6 months keeps everything fresh. Busy families or those with allergies may need more frequent service.
What affects the cost of house cleaning?
Key factors: home size, cleaning frequency, service type (standard vs deep), location, number of bathrooms, whether pets are present, and any special requirements like oven cleaning or window washing.
Do I need to be home during cleaning?
Not necessarily. Many clients provide access via keys, security codes, or estate access arrangements. Discuss with your cleaner. Our trusted cleaners are fully vetted.
What if I’m not happy with the cleaning?
Reputable cleaning companies offer a satisfaction guarantee – they’ll return to reclean any missed areas within 24-48 hours. Check our guarantees page for details.
✅ Final Thoughts – Your Cleaning Action Plan
A clean home is essential for health, comfort, and peace of mind. Whether you choose a regular cleaner, a one-off deep clean, or a specialised service like end of lease cleaning, understanding the costs helps you budget effectively and avoid surprises.
Your 4-Step Cleaning Action Plan:
- Define your needs: Regular maintenance, deep clean, or specialist service? How often?
- Measure your space: Know your home size (m²) and number of rooms/bathrooms.
- Get multiple quotes: Use our quote service to compare at least 3 vetted providers.
- Verify credentials: Check insurance, CIDB grading, reviews, and guarantees before booking.
🔑 The Bottom Line:
For R450 – R700 per week, you can have a professionally cleaned home.
The cost of cleaning is an investment in your time, health, and peace of mind.
🏠 Ready for a Cleaner Home?
Get free, no-obligation quotes from trusted cleaning companies in your area. Compare prices and find the perfect service.
📞 Call our cleaning helpline: 073 138 4726
📚 Official Standards & Resources:
- CIDB – Commercial cleaning contractor grading.
- SABS – SABS 1186 – Cleaning chemicals standards.
- StatsSA – Household services inflation data.
This guide is for informational purposes. Prices are indicative and subject to change. Always obtain a written quote from a qualified cleaning service for your specific needs.
Written by: ServiceLink SA Research Team
Industry analysis and pricing research for South African homeowners
Our team has analysed hundreds of cleaning service quotes across Gauteng, Western Cape, and KZN to bring you this comprehensive pricing guide. We work with verified cleaning companies to ensure accuracy and help you make informed decisions.