A tip for a cleaning service is optional, not required. In the United States, 10% to 20% of the service price is a reasonable range when you are happy with the work. Use the higher end for an excellent job, a difficult deep clean or a move-out cleaning.
Cleaning Service Tipping Guide
| Situation | Suggested tip |
|---|---|
| Standard cleaning | 10% to 15% |
| Excellent recurring service | 15% to 20% |
| Deep cleaning | 15% to 20% |
| Move-out cleaning | 15% to 20% or a generous flat amount |
| Small one-time job | About $10 to $20 per cleaner |
| Holiday or year-end thank-you | A larger tip or bonus, based on your budget |
How Much Should You Tip a House Cleaner?
A 15% to 20% tip is common for good service. For example:
- $100 cleaning: $15 to $20
- $150 cleaning: $22.50 to $30
- $200 deep cleaning: $30 to $40
- $400 move-out cleaning: $60 to $80
Base the tip on the quality and difficulty of the work, not simply on the company's price. You may also want to tip more when the cleaner handles extra requests or leaves the home in better condition than expected.
Do You Tip an Individual Cleaner Differently From a Cleaning Company?
Yes. The best way to tip depends on who provides the service:
- Independent cleaner: Give the tip directly to the cleaner.
- Cleaning company: Ask whether the company accepts tips and passes them to employees.
- Multiple cleaners: Divide the tip among everyone who worked in your home.
- Gratuity included: Do not add another tip unless you want to recognize especially good service.
A company may include gratuity in its pricing or have rules about employee tips. Check its policy before adding anything extra.
How Often Should You Tip for Recurring Cleaning?
For weekly or biweekly cleaning, you can choose any of these schedules:
- Tip after every visit.
- Give one monthly tip for that month's cleanings.
- Give a larger holiday or year-end bonus instead of tipping each time.
When different cleaners visit your home, make sure the tip is shared with each person who worked on the job.
When Should You Tip a Cleaning Service?
Give the tip after the cleaning is complete and you have checked the work. For recurring service, follow the schedule you selected.
Cash is widely accepted. Some companies also accept tips by card, check or payment app. Ask which method the company prefers.
When Is It Reasonable Not to Tip?
You do not have to tip when:
- The work is incomplete or below the agreed standard.
- The company already includes gratuity.
- The cleaner owns the business and charges a premium rate that already reflects the service.
- A tip would put pressure on your budget.
If the service was poor, explain the problem and ask the company to correct it. You do not need to tip work that was not completed properly.
Bottom Line
Tipping a cleaning service is a personal choice. If the work meets or exceeds your expectations, 10% to 20% is a reasonable thank-you. For recurring cleanings, tip after each visit, once a month or at the end of the year.