Cleaning quotes and agreements

Cleaning quotes can be surprisingly hard to compare. One cleaner quotes by the hour, another by the room, a third offers a fixed "package". Some include ovens and windows; others charge extra. Understanding what's in a quote helps you compare fairly and avoid surprises.

This is general information. We don't publish prices because they vary by home, task and provider.

How cleaners price

• Hourly: you pay for the time spent. Ask how many cleaners will come, because two cleaners for two hours is four hours of labour.
• Fixed price per job: based on the size of the home and the tasks. Gives certainty if the scope is clear.
• Per room or per item: common for carpets, windows or end-of-lease packages.
• Packages: bundles of tasks. Read exactly what's included.

What a good quote includes

• the rooms and tasks included;
• extras and their prices, such as ovens, fridges, windows, walls, blinds, carpets, balconies;
• whether products and equipment are supplied;
• estimated time and number of cleaners;
• total price, or how it's calculated;
• payment terms and method;
• cancellation and rescheduling terms;
• what happens if you're not satisfied, such as a re-clean policy.

For end-of-lease cleaning, also ask whether the quote is based on the property's actual condition, and what happens if the agent raises issues after the final inspection. See end-of-lease cleaning in Victoria.

Comparing quotes

Put quotes side by side and list what each includes. A lower price may simply mean fewer tasks, fewer hours or cheaper products. Ask each provider the same questions.

Get it in writing

Even a short email or message confirming the scope, price and terms is better than a verbal agreement. It helps if there's a misunderstanding later.

Changes on the day

If you ask for extra tasks on the day, agree the price before the work is done. If a cleaner says the job is bigger than expected, ask them to explain and agree any change before they continue.

Satisfaction and re-cleans

Some businesses offer to return and re-clean areas that don't meet the agreed standard. Ask how long you have to raise issues and how it works. Under the Australian Consumer Law, Consumer Affairs Victoria explains, services must be provided with due care and skill, whatever the business's own policy says.

Paying

Use a payment method that leaves a record and get a receipt or invoice showing the business name and ABN.

What affects the cost of cleaning

We don't publish prices, but understanding what drives cost helps you compare quotes:

• the size of the home and number of bathrooms;
• the condition of the home and how long since the last clean;
• the tasks included, especially ovens, windows, walls and carpets;
• whether products and equipment are supplied;
• how often you book;
• access, parking and travel time;
• weekend or urgent bookings.

Ask cleaners to explain how they've calculated their quote.

Writing a good brief

A clear brief is the single best way to get the clean you want. Before the first visit, write down which rooms are included, the tasks you care about most, anything that must not be touched or moved, and any products to use or avoid. Mention pets, alarm systems, parking and where rubbish goes. Point out fragile items and surfaces that need special care, such as natural stone benchtops, timber floors or delicate fabrics. Walk through the home with the cleaner on the first visit if you can. After a few cleans, review the brief together and adjust it. Our cleaning checklist can be printed and left on the bench as a simple brief.

If something is damaged

Accidents happen. If a cleaner damages something, tell the business promptly, in writing, with photos and a description. Ask how it will be resolved and whether its insurance covers the damage. Consumer Affairs Victoria explains that services must be provided with due care and skill, and that if they aren't, you may be entitled to a remedy. Keep copies of your communications. If you can't resolve the matter, Consumer Affairs Victoria has information about next steps.

Keeping communication clear

Most problems with cleaners come down to expectations that weren't shared. Agree the scope in writing, give feedback early and specifically, and keep messages polite and factual. If you're not happy with part of a clean, describe exactly what wasn't done and, if helpful, send a photo. If you need to change the schedule, give as much notice as you can and follow the agreed cancellation terms. A short message thanking the cleaner for a good job also goes a long way in a long-term arrangement.

Timing your move-out clean

Moving is busy, and cleaning often gets squeezed. Plan backwards from the date you hand back the keys. Book any professional services, such as carpet cleaning if it's genuinely required, well in advance. Clean after most belongings are out, since it's much easier to clean empty rooms. Allow time to fix anything you notice, and leave a buffer in case the move runs late. If you're hiring end-of-lease cleaners, confirm the date, the scope and what happens if the agent raises issues after the final inspection.

Where our information comes from

We base the legal and safety information in this guide on official sources, including Consumer Affairs Victoria, the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, published VCAT decisions, the Victorian Department of Health and healthdirect, listed at the end of the page. Practical cleaning tips are general guidance. Laws and guidance change, so we show the date we last checked the page. Before relying on any detail, follow the source links.

Questions to ask yourself first

Before you act on this guide, take a few minutes to think about your own situation. What outcome do you actually need, and by when? Which tasks matter most to you, and which can wait? What's your budget, in time as well as money? Are there health, safety or access issues in your home that change the approach? Are you renting, and if so, what does your agreement and condition report say? Writing short answers to these questions makes it much easier to choose the right option, brief a cleaner clearly or plan your own clean, and it helps you notice gaps before they become problems.

Keeping good records

Whether you clean yourself or hire help, a simple record saves trouble later. Keep quotes, agreements, invoices and receipts in one folder. Save messages about scope, changes and any issues. For rentals, keep your condition report and dated photos together with your final cleaning receipts. Note any problems you reported, such as leaks or broken fans, and when. If a question comes up months later, about a bond, a damaged item or a disputed invoice, clear records let you answer it quickly and calmly.

When to get specialist help

Some jobs go beyond everyday cleaning. Large areas of mould, mould caused by leaks or flooding, biohazards, asbestos-containing materials, pest infestations and work at heights all need specialist advice or trained professionals. If you're unsure whether a job is safe to do yourself, stop and get advice first. In a rental, report building problems to your rental provider rather than trying to fix them yourself. Your safety matters more than a spotless finish.

A note on products and brands

We don't recommend particular cleaning brands, and we're not paid to mention products. When choosing a product, look for one that's designed for the surface and the job, read the label in full, and check the directions, safety warnings and first aid instructions before you start. Products sold for similar jobs can differ a lot in strength and ingredients, so don't assume one works like another. If a label is unclear or missing, don't use the product. Choosing the mildest product that does the job is usually the safest and cheapest approach.

Key points

• Understand how a cleaner prices: hourly, fixed, per room or package.
• Compare inclusions, not just totals.
• Get scope, price and terms in writing.
• Agree any changes before extra work is done.
• Keep receipts showing the business name and ABN.