Cleaning Estimate Template for Cleaning Businesses

What makes a cleaning estimate different

A cleaning estimate prices a result that is hard to measure. "Clean" means something different to every client, and the same 2,000 sq ft home can take three hours or eight depending on pets, clutter and how long since the last clean. The estimate has two jobs: set a price on a clear basis, and describe the condition that price assumes.

It is also usually the start of a recurring relationship, not a one-time job. A good cleaning estimate shows both the first visit and the ongoing price, so the client is not surprised when visit two costs less than visit one.

Pick a pricing basis

There are three common ways to price, and mixing them on one estimate confuses clients:

• Per sq ft: best for move-outs, deep cleans and offices. Easy to quote from a listing or floor plan.
• Hourly per cleaner: best for post-construction, hoarding or anything you cannot predict. State the estimated hours and the crew size.
• Flat per visit: best for recurring homes once you know how long they take.

Add-ons are always priced per unit on their own lines.

Description	Quantity	Unit	Unit price
Deep clean, 3 bed 2 bath	2,000	sq ft	$0.22
Inside oven	1	each	$45
Inside refrigerator	1	each	$40
Interior windows, sill and track	16	window	$7
Biweekly standard clean, after first visit	1	visit	$165

Worked example: move-out clean

An empty 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house, 1,800 sq ft. The tenant wants the deposit back, so the landlord's checklist drives the scope: inside appliances, inside cabinets, windows and scuffed walls.

Description	Qty	Unit	Unit price	Amount
Move-out clean, 3 bed 2 bath	1,800	sq ft	$0.25	$450
Inside oven	1	each	$45	$45
Inside refrigerator	1	each	$40	$40
Inside kitchen cabinets and drawers	1	each	$60	$60
Interior windows, sill and track	16	window	$7	$112
Wall spot cleaning, all rooms	2	hour	$55	$110
Garage sweep-out	1	each	$50	$50
Subtotal				$867

Supplies and equipment are included. The client can drop any add-on and the base clean still stands on its own.

Show the recurring price next to the first visit

Most recurring clients start with a deep clean, and the first visit costs more than every visit after it. Put both on the estimate: the first deep clean as the main line items, then a line below the subtotal such as "Biweekly standard clean, $165 per visit after the first visit (10% recurring discount applied)." The client sees the long-term price before they decide, and you avoid the call asking why the second invoice is different. If the home slips back toward deep-clean condition after a skipped month, say in the terms that the next visit is billed at the deep-clean rate.

Terms that belong on a cleaning estimate

• Validity: "Pricing valid for 30 days."
• Condition: "Price assumes the home is in the condition described. Heavy buildup, pet hair or biohazards are billed at $55 per cleaner hour with approval."
• Recurring rate: "Biweekly rate of $165 per visit starts after the first deep clean and requires at least 2 visits per month."
• Cancellation: "Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice, or no access at arrival, are charged 50% of the visit price."
• Supplies: state whether you bring products and equipment, and whether you use the client's products on request.
• Exclusions: exterior windows, carpet shampooing, moving heavy furniture, mold remediation and anything above 10 ft without a ladder rider.

The common dispute: "it wasn't clean"

The client walks through the next day and finds dust on top of the fridge or a missed shower door. They want a refund. You want to know why they did not call.

Put a re-clean promise with a time limit in the terms:

"If anything on the checklist was missed, tell us within 24 hours and we will return to re-clean that area at no charge. Re-cleaning is the remedy; refunds are not given for completed visits."

Attach the checklist to the estimate so "missed" has a definition. The client gets a quick fix, and you trade a refund argument for a 30-minute return trip.