The Cost of Cleaning Services, What You Should Know Before Hiring

Hiring a professional cleaning service can save time, reduce stress, and maintain a healthier environment in your home or business.

Hiring a professional cleaning service can save time, reduce stress, and maintain a healthier environment in your home or business. However, understanding the cost of cleaning services is essential to ensure you get value for your money without compromising on quality. The price of cleaning services varies depending on several factors, and being informed helps you make the right decision for your needs.

In this article, we break down what influences cleaning costs, the types of services available, and tips for hiring the right cleaning professionals.

Factors That Affect Cleaning Service Costs

The cost of cleaning services depends on multiple variables, which can differ between homes, offices, and commercial spaces.

1. Size of the Space

  • Larger homes, offices, or commercial areas require more time and labor to clean, increasing the cost.
  • Cleaning companies often charge per square meter or based on the number of rooms.

2. Type of Cleaning Required

  • Regular cleaning: Daily, weekly, or bi-weekly maintenance is usually less expensive than deep cleaning.
  • Deep cleaning: Includes detailed attention to corners, vents, carpets, and appliances, and generally costs more.
  • Specialized cleaning: Services like post-construction, event cleanup, or industrial cleaning require specialized tools and expertise, affecting price.

3. Frequency of Service

  • Regular or recurring cleaning services may come at a discounted rate.
  • One-time or urgent cleaning often carries a higher cost due to the immediacy and intensity of the service.

4. Level of Dirt and Maintenance

  • Extremely dirty spaces require more time, effort, and cleaning products.
  • Properties that have been neglected or have heavy traffic may incur higher charges than well-maintained areas.

5. Location

  • Prices may vary depending on the region, city, or neighborhood due to differences in labor costs and local market rates.
  • Urban areas with higher living costs, like Nairobi, may see slightly higher rates compared to smaller towns or suburbs.

Types of Cleaning Services and Their Costs

1. Residential Cleaning

  • Regular home cleaning: Vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and surface cleaning.
  • Deep home cleaning: Includes windows, upholstery, kitchen appliances, and bathrooms.
  • Specialized services: Carpet cleaning, post-renovation cleaning, or sanitization.

2. Commercial Cleaning

  • Office cleaning: Daily or weekly cleaning of workspaces, meeting rooms, and restrooms.
  • Industrial cleaning: Warehouses, factories, or production areas often require heavy-duty cleaning.
  • Event cleaning: Pre-event preparation and after-party cleanup.

3. Specialized Services

  • Disinfection services: Hospitals, clinics, or high-traffic areas that need professional sanitization.
  • Post-construction cleaning: Debris removal, dusting, and surface polishing after building or renovation projects.
  • Window cleaning: Interior and exterior windows, including high-rise buildings.

Average Cost Considerations

While costs vary widely, here are general estimates:

  • Regular home cleaning: Charged per hour or per square meter; prices can range from KES 1,000–3,500 per session depending on space size and location.
  • Deep cleaning: Typically higher, KES 3,500–10,000 per session for standard homes.
  • Commercial office cleaning: Costs depend on office size and frequency; small offices may start around KES 5,000 per week, while larger offices may require KES 20,000–50,000.
  • Specialized cleaning: Prices vary according to complexity, such as post-construction cleanup or disinfection services.

Tips for Hiring Cleaning Services

1. Compare Multiple Quotes

Request quotes from at least three reputable cleaning companies. Compare services offered, pricing, and inclusions to ensure you get value for money.

2. Verify Experience and Credentials

Ensure the company is experienced, insured, and uses professional-grade cleaning products and equipment.

3. Clarify Scope of Work

Be specific about what needs cleaning, frequency, and areas of concern to avoid hidden charges.

4. Check Reviews and References

Customer feedback provides insights into reliability, quality of work, and professionalism.

5. Consider Long-Term Value

Cheaper services may not always provide the best results. Focus on quality, consistency, and reliability, which can save money over time by maintaining your property.

Conclusion

Understanding the cost of cleaning services helps you make informed decisions and ensures you receive quality service within your budget. Prices depend on space size, type of cleaning, frequency, location, and the level of cleaning required. By considering these factors and hiring a reputable company, you can maintain a clean, healthy, and safe environment in your home or workplace.

Investing in professional cleaning services not only saves time and effort but also protects your property, enhances hygiene, and improves the overall living or working experience.