How Much to Tip a House Cleaning Service: A Simple Guide for Homeowners

Hiring a Cleaner - by [email protected] - March 27, 2025

Tipping can be confusing. We tip our servers, our hairdressers—but what about house cleaners? If you’ve ever wondered how much to tip a house cleaning service, you’re not alone. Many homeowners want to show appreciation but aren’t sure what’s appropriate, expected, or appreciated.

In this guide, we break down when to tip, how much is typical, and what factors to consider—so you can feel confident the next time your cleaners leave your home spotless.

Do You Need to Tip a House Cleaning Service?

The short answer? It’s not required, but always appreciated.

At Columbus Cleaning Service, we pay our team fairly, and tips are never expected. That said, tipping is a great way to show gratitude—especially if your cleaner went above and beyond or helped with a big job.

Think of it like this: If someone saved you hours of scrubbing and left your space sparkling, a small thank-you goes a long way.

How Much Should You Tip a House Cleaning Service?

💵 For One-Time or Deep Cleanings

If you booked a one-time deep clean or move-in/move-out service, a tip of 15–20% of the total cost is a good guideline.

• Deep Clean Example: If your service costs $230, a tip of $35–$45 is generous and appreciated.

📅 For Recurring Cleanings

If you have a weekly or biweekly cleaning, it’s common to give a smaller, consistent tip:

• $10–$20 per visit is typical, depending on the size of the home and how detailed the service was.

• Some clients choose to tip monthly or give a bonus during the holidays (more on that below).

🎁 Holiday or Year-End Bonuses

For clients who receive regular cleanings, a holiday tip or year-end bonus is a thoughtful gesture.

• A common approach is tipping the cost of one full cleaning, or offering a gift card in the $25–$75 range.

• If the same cleaner visits your home regularly, this is a great way to show appreciation for their hard work all year long.

Factors That Affect How Much You Tip

When deciding how much to tip a house cleaner, consider:

Quality of Work – Did they go above and beyond? Were the little details handled with care?

Size of the Job – A large home or extra mess (like post-renovation dust or pet hair) may warrant a bigger tip.

Consistency – If you’ve had the same cleaner over time and are happy with the service, a small regular tip can strengthen that working relationship.

Your Budget – Tipping is never mandatory. Give what you feel comfortable with—it’s always the thought that counts.

How to Tip Your Cleaning Service

Not sure how to leave a tip? Here are a few simple options:

• 💵 Cash in an envelope – Leave it labeled and visible, or hand it directly to your cleaner.

• 💳 Added to Payment – Just let us know you would like to add a tip to your payment. Your credit card will be charged that extra amount and 100% of that will go directly to the team that cleaned your house.

• 🎁 Gift cards – Around the holidays, a gift card to a local store or coffee shop is a great alternative.

What Our Clients Do at Columbus Cleaning Service

At Columbus Cleaning Service, we’re proud to be known for honest pricing, quality work, and a team of experienced, trustworthy cleaners. While tips are always appreciated, they’re never expected.

Our goal is to make your life easier with professional, reliable house cleaning—whether or not a tip is involved.

Final Thoughts: Tipping Is a Personal Choice

So, how much should you tip a house cleaning service? It depends on the job, your budget, and how satisfied you are with the results. Use 15–20% as a baseline for one-time cleanings and $10–$20 per visit for recurring services.

Most importantly, don’t stress over it. Whether it’s a small thank-you or a holiday bonus, your cleaner will appreciate the gesture.

Ready for a spotless home—no scrubbing required?

👉 Book your professional cleaning with Columbus Cleaning Service today.

📞 Call or Text: 614-412-2960

🌐 Schedule Online: https://columbuscleaningservice.com/book-now