If you're wondering "how much it costs to hire a house cleaner in Melbourne" you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions we get at Sparkle and Shine, and with so many options out there, it can be surprisingly hard to get a clear answer.
In this guide we break down what affects the price, the difference between private cleaners and cleaning companies, and what you can expect to pay for different types of cleaning services across Melbourne in 2025.
What Affects the Cost of a Cleaner?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, because cleaning prices depend on a few key factors:
- Type of service: Regular recurring cleaning is usually cheaper than one-off deep cleans or end-of-lease services.
- Size of the home: More bedrooms and bathrooms = more time and effort.
- Quality of service: Premium companies charge more, but often deliver more consistent and professional results.
- Who you hire: Rates vary depending on whether you choose an independent cleaner or a professional cleaning company.
- Location: Prices can fluctuate depending on which suburb you’re in, especially in busy or high-demand areas.
Average Cost of a House Cleaner in Melbourne (2025)
In 2025, the average hourly rate for a house cleaner in Melbourne typically falls between $35 and $60 per hour, depending on the provider.
Here’s a general breakdown:
Type of Cleaner | Price Range (per hour) |
|---|---|
Private Cleaner | $25 to $60+ |
Cleaning Company | $45 to $80+ |
If you're booking by the hour, you can often set the time and decide which areas you'd like cleaned. This is great for flexibility, especially if you just want the kitchen and bathrooms done, or a quick tidy-up before guests arrive.
Pros and Cons of Hourly Cleaning
Why book an hourly service?
Pros
- You can control the cost by setting the number of hours.
- It’s flexible – you choose what the cleaner focuses on.
- No need for an in-person quote.
Cons
- You’re paying for time, not results, so how much gets done depends on the cleaner’s speed.
- Some cleaners may not work efficiently.
- There's usually no guarantee on what will be completed.
At Sparkle and Shine, we offer both hourly and flat rate services, so you can choose what works best for your home and budget.
Private Cleaners vs Cleaning Companies
If you're deciding between a private cleaner and a cleaning company, there's a couple key things to consider:
Hiring a Private Cleaner
Private cleaners are often cheaper, and if you find a great one, it can feel like a win. But there are risks, particularly around reliability, insurance, and consistency.
Pros
- Lower hourly rates
- Direct contact and potentially more flexibility
- May be available on short notice
Cons
- No insurance or background checks
- Higher risk of cancellations or no-shows
- Harder to hold anyone accountable if something goes wrong
You’re also usually relying on just one person, which means if they’re unwell, on holiday, or move away, you’re left scrambling.
Hiring a Professional Cleaning Company
Cleaning companies are designed to be more structured and reliable. You get a team of trained cleaners, customer support, and backup if something goes wrong.
Pros
- Insured, trained, and police-checked cleaners
- Service guarantees
- Reliable scheduling and communication
- Easier to request extras like oven or window cleaning
Cons
- Typically higher pricing than private cleaners
In short: if you're after peace of mind, consistency, and professional results, you're usually better off with a cleaning company.
Flat Rate vs Hourly Rate Cleaning
Most cleaning companies offer both flat rate and hourly rate pricing. Here’s how they compare:
Flat Rate Cleaning
You’re charged a set price for cleaning your entire home, based on its size (e.g. 2-bed, 1-bath). It includes a standard checklist of tasks like vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and bathroom cleaning.
Pros
- You know the total cost upfront
- Results-focused, not just time-based
- Easier to guarantee a consistent clean
Cons
- Less flexibility if you only want certain areas cleaned
- Usually a bit more expensive due to coverage of all rooms
Hourly Rate Cleaning
You’re charged by the hour and can direct the cleaner on what to focus on – useful for maintenance cleans, small apartments, or task-specific jobs.
Approximate Cleaning Costs by Home Size
Here’s what you can expect to pay for a general clean in Melbourne in 2025:
Approximate Average Cost For General House Cleaning | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Home Size | Budget | Average | High-Quality |
1 Bed / 1 Bath | $100 to $120 | $120 to $150 | $160 to $200+ |
2 Bed / 1 Bath | $120 to $140 | $140 to $170 | $170 to $220+ |
3 Bed / 2 Bath | $140 to $170 | $170 to $200 | $200 to $250+ |
4 Bed / 2 Bath | $170 to $190 | $190 to $230 | $230 to $290+ |
5+ Bed House | $190 to $250+ | $230 to $300+ | $280 to $350+ |
These prices cover a general clean (not a deep clean or end-of-lease service), and are based on regular houses in average condition.
How Much Does End of Lease Cleaning Cost in Melbourne?
End-of-lease cleans are more detailed and time-consuming. They’re designed to meet real estate standards and help tenants secure their full bond back. Expect to pay more than a regular clean.
Typical End of Lease Pricing in Melbourne (2025):
Approximate Average Cost for End of Lease Cleans* | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Home Size | Budget | Average | High-Quality |
1 Bed / 1 Bath | $180 to $230 | $250 to $300 | $300 to $450+ |
2 Bed / 1 Bath | $210 to $260 | $300 to $350 | $400 to $500+ |
3 Bed / 2 Bath | $260 to $290 | $350 to $400 | $450 to $550+ |
4 Bed / 2 Bath | $290 to $320 | $400 to $500 | $600 to $700+ |
5+ Bed House | $320 to $400+ | $500 to $700+ | $700 to $1000+ |
End-of-lease services often include:
- Oven cleaning
- Inside windows
- Skirting boards
- Steam cleaning carpets (sometimes extra)
Be cautious of companies offering ultra-low prices. Some will quote low to secure the job, then bump the price on the day. At Sparkle and Shine, we’re upfront with our pricing and won’t hit you with hidden fees.
Specialty and Deep Cleaning Services
Looking for more than a general tidy-up? Specialty services are designed for when your home needs that extra attention:
- Deep Cleaning: Great for spring cleans, post-renovation, or if your place hasn’t been cleaned in a while.
- Move-in / Move-out Cleaning: Ideal for when you’re settling into a new home or handing over the keys.
- Oven and Window Cleaning: Often booked as add-ons to regular services.
- Steam Cleaning Carpets: Required for many end-of-lease cleans.
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning: We offer non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning options on request.
Do You Really Need a Professional Cleaner?
That depends on your time, lifestyle, and standards. Many of our clients book regular cleaning because:
- They’re time-poor and want to reclaim their weekends
- They have kids or pets and need consistent support
- They want professional-level cleanliness and reliability
A quality cleaner saves you stress and gives you back time, simple as that.
Cleaning Guarantees and Peace of Mind
When comparing companies, check if they offer a service guarantee. At Sparkle and Shine, if something’s missed or doesn’t meet our usual standards, we’ll come back and fix it at no extra charge.
We’re also fully insured, and all of our cleaners are background-checked and professionally trained, so you can book with confidence.
Final Thoughts
So, how much is a house cleaner in Melbourne? In short: it depends on your needs, home size, and who you hire. You could pay as little as $100 for a light clean, or upwards of $600+ for a full end-of-lease deep clean.
What matters most is choosing a cleaner who’s reliable, professional, and upfront about pricing.
At Sparkle and Shine, we’re here to take the stress out of cleaning, whether it’s a one-off tidy or a regular booking. If you're ready to get started, check out our pricing page or book your service online today.
