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Keeping a house clean and tidy is a constant struggle, especially in homes with children and pets where vacuuming can be a daily chore to get rid of the hair, the dirt, and the crumbs. Even in child- and pet-free homes, rooms such as the bathroom and kitchen can quickly turn into germ-infested spaces if left uncleaned. The best cleaning services can handle small tasks or full-service deep cleaning to get rid of grime that’s built up over the weeks, months, or years. But perhaps most importantly, hiring a professional cleaning service gives customers a chance to spend more time on things that matter most to them.
There are plenty of local options in most areas, but for the most reliable experience, customers may want to opt for a nationally recognized cleaning service. We reviewed some of the top cleaning companies based on their services, pricing, cleaning methods, contract requirements, and more. Customers can use the information in this article to make an informed decision about hiring a house-cleaning service before searching for “deep-cleaning services near me.”
- BEST OVERALL: The Maids
- RUNNER-UP: Merry Maids
- BEST FOR SANITIZING: Maid Brigade
- BEST GREEN CLEANING: MaidPro
- BEST ONLINE BOOKING: Handy
At-a-Glance Comparison
Cleaning Services Offered | Service Area | Scheduling | Bonded and Insured? | Customer Support | |
The Maids | General house cleaning, move in/out, carpets, holiday, disinfection | 43 states; Washington, D.C.; and Canada | Phone | Yes | Phone, email |
Merry Maids | General house cleaning, move in/out, holiday, disinfection, organization | 46 states; Washington, D.C.; and Canada | Phone | Yes | Phone, live chat |
Maid Brigade | General house cleaning, housekeeping, disinfection | 32 states; Washington, D.C.; and Canada | Phone | Yes | Phone, live chat |
MaidPro | General house cleaning, housekeeping, move in/out, holiday | 38 states; Washington, D.C; and Canada | Phone | Yes | Phone |
Handy | General house cleaning | Select cities across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. | Online, mobile app | Not specified |
Our Top Picks
During our evaluation of the best cleaning services, we considered parameters such as the variety of services offered, quality of cleaning, and level of customer support. Our list includes companies that met or exceeded expectations for those criteria.
Best Overall
The Maids
Pros
- Thorough 22-step deep-cleaning process
- Set teams of multiple employees for faster, more efficient cleaning
- No fee for rescheduling appointments
- Carpet-cleaning services available
- Exclusive brand partnership with Mr. Clean
Cons
- Rates may be somewhat high
Why It Made the Cut: The Maids is an established home-cleaning company with high standards, a wide range of services, a 22-step cleaning process, and an exclusive partnership with Mr. Clean.
The Maids offers several different types of house-cleaning services, including one-time cleanings, maintenance cleaning, move-in or move-out cleaning, seasonal cleaning and disinfection, and even carpet-cleaning services. The Maids is also considered one of the best garage cleaning services. This wide range of services means customers are likely to find the right kind of service they’re looking for—especially if they want to hire the same company for multiple services. The Maids’ 22-step deep-cleaning process includes disinfecting high-touch surfaces; vacuuming floors, rugs, and upholstery; dusting; and even cleaning inside the microwave. The company’s standards are high enough that The Maids is a certified partner of Mr. Clean, using the brand’s products to clean its clients’ homes. This partnership between two well-known names in the cleaning industry can help customers feel confident that their home cleaning service will be completed to high satisfaction. However, it may also mean customers will pay relatively high prices for cleaning services, though the specific cost will depend on the services required by the customer.
The Maids uses teams of several cleaners, including a working team leader who supervises and performs quality checks on-site and a field manager who may perform an additional quality check. Since The Maids sends teams of several cleaners, the work can be completed faster and more efficiently, so the customer can enjoy their clean home sooner. If a customer needs to reschedule a planned cleaning, they will not be required to pay a rescheduling fee—though The Maids does strongly encourage clients to provide 24 hours’ notice.
Specs
- Cleaning services offered: General house cleaning, move in/out, carpets, holiday, disinfection
- Service area: 43 states; Washington, D.C.; and Canada
- Scheduling: Phone
- Bonded and insured: Yes
- Customer support: Phone, email
The Maids is a 2024 recipient of BobVila.com’s Home Improvement Hero designation.
Home Improvement Heroes recognizes the best companies homeowners could call for a problem, project, or service. Our editorial team used a rigorous process to evaluate based on availability, skills, range of services, cost, customer reviews, guarantees, refund policy, customer support, and more. We then independently reviewed each company and hired some for our projects for consideration. See the full list of honorees.
Runner-Up
Merry Maids
Pros
- Rotating deep-cleaning process for weekly, biweekly, and monthly visits
- Home organization services available
- Award-winning residential cleaning services
Cons
- Customer support hours may be limited
Why It Made the Cut: In addition to its rotating deep-clean schedule to keep clients’ homes sparkling, Merry Maids offers home organization services as well as specialty services. It has also been recognized for its services by several publications.
Merry Maids uses a rotating deep-clean schedule that includes “Every Time” services and “Special Attention” services. On each visit, the cleaning team will perform “Every Time” services such as dusting, cleaning floors and upholstery, cleaning glass and mirrors, scrubbing bathtubs, and cleaning major kitchen appliances. Additionally, the team will choose two rooms per visit where they will perform “Special Attention” services such as cleaning ceiling fans, wiping ceiling vents, and cleaning light switch plates. With this rotating method, the home will receive a deep clean over several visits, which will prevent dirt, dust, and grime from building up in the long term. The company also offers several services that can be tailored to a customer’s needs, including move-in or move-out cleaning services, special-event cleaning, cabinet cleaning and organizing, and window cleaning.
Merry Maids has been the Women’s Choice Award winner for America’s Most Recommended Home Cleaning Service since 2013, as well as being ranked #1 Residential Cleaning Service by Entrepreneur Magazine. Customers may want to note that support hours may be limited, with many locations open until only 4 or 5 p.m. However, Merry Maids offers a “Worry-Free Guarantee” that ensures it will correct any issues at no additional cost if notified within 24 hours of the service. In addition, Merry Maids is one of the best home organization services for those who want to clean and declutter their home at the same time. During the organization process, Merry Maids will work with the customer to determine which items to keep and which to donate or recycle. The employees will then create labeling systems and organize items logically, making it easier for customers to live clutter-free. This service can be especially valuable for busy parents or those with demanding jobs that leave them without a lot of free time to organize their home.
Specs
- Cleaning services offered: General house cleaning, move in/out, holiday, disinfection, organization
- Service area: 46 states; Washington, D.C.; and Canada
- Scheduling: Phone
- Bonded and insured: Yes
- Customer support: Phone, live chat
Best for Sanitizing
Maid Brigade
Pros
- Highly effective electrostatic cleaning spray used
- Environmentally friendly, Green Seal–certified cleaning products used
- Hospital-grade disinfection services offered
Cons
- Relatively limited service area covering 32 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada
Why It Made the Cut: Maid Brigade has a proprietary cleaning and hospital-grade disinfection process, as well as a focus on nontoxic cleaning products.
Maid Brigade uses an electrolyzed water multisurface cleaning solution called PUREcleaning along with a proprietary disinfection product called PUREmist to keep customers’ homes spotless and healthy. These products are designed to cut through grease and grime while providing hospital-grade disinfection to high-touch surfaces around the home. Maid Brigade’s products are proven to be nontoxic, environmentally friendly, and safe for children and pets. Despite Maid Brigade’s relatively limited service area, customers may want to note that Maid Brigade’s products are Green Seal–certified, which means they have been tested and certified to meet Green Seal’s performance, health, and environmental standards for sustainability.
Any of Maid Brigade’s cleaning methods can be applied to homes or commercial buildings, so customers who own a home and a business can use the same company to clean both. On top of its standout services, Maid Brigade offers the usual cleaning services and several deep-cleaning options, including polishing silver and vacuuming mattresses.
Specs
- Cleaning services offered: General house cleaning, housekeeping, disinfection
- Service area: 32 states; Washington, D.C.; and Canada
- Scheduling: Phone
- Bonded and insured: Yes
- Customer support: Phone
Best Green Cleaning
MaidPro
Pros
- Comprehensive 49-point cleaning checklist
- Eco-friendly cleaning products and practices
- Convenient account management via mobile-friendly online portal
Cons
- Somewhat user-unfriendly website
Why It Made the Cut: MaidPro is committed to eco-friendly cleaning processes that can keep customers’ homes clean while reducing the company’s environmental impact.
MaidPro prioritizes sustainable cleaning products that have been tested and analyzed to ensure they are truly eco-friendly. Additionally, MaidPro focuses on strategies to minimize its environmental impact. These strategies include limiting fuel costs by geographically grouping clients, reusing cleaning equipment, purchasing supplies in concentrated form to minimize shipping weight, and using washable microfiber rags rather than paper towels. MaidPro trains every employee to use the correct amount and type of cleaning product to reduce waste, so customers can feel better about the products and methods used in their home.
The website’s small font size and colors that lack contrast may make it hard for some users to navigate. However, the website also makes account management more convenient for customers with its mobile-friendly online portal, where customers can manage appointments, leave feedback, and tip their cleaning team.
In addition to its focus on eco-friendly methods, MaidPro has a 49-point checklist covering a wide variety of services, from removing fingerprints and emptying trash to cleaning windowsills and disinfecting tile. If a client wants a service that’s not included in the 49-point checklist, they can contact their local MaidPro office to make a special request. And to reduce extra trips, MaidPro provides quotes over the phone.
Specs
- Cleaning services offered: General house cleaning, housekeeping, move in/out, holiday
- Service area: 38 states; Washington, D.C; and Canada
- Scheduling: Phone
- Bonded and insured: Yes
- Customer support: Phone
Best Online Booking
Handy
Pros
- Convenient booking and real-time updates via the Handy app
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before scheduled cleaning
Cons
- 3-month minimum contract term
- Cleaners’ insurance status not listed
Why It Made the Cut: Handy partners with various cleaning services, and its mobile app allows customers to easily request quotes, book cleaning services, and track their cleaners’ progress right from their mobile device.
Customers who love the convenience of technology will appreciate the Handy app. It allows customers in select major U.S. cities to request a quote and book services right from their mobile device, which is ideal for busy individuals who are always on the go. In addition to booking standard cleaning services, customers can add extra services, such as cleaning inside the fridge or doing laundry, online or in the app with a simple click. Customers can also use the app to track the cleaners’ progress, allowing them to gauge when the service will be finished and they can return home. The app makes the entire process helpful and convenient, so customers don’t have to reach customer support to update their cleaning checklist or change cleaners. Potential customers can also read online Handy reviews to see what existing customers’ experiences with the platform have been like. Handy requires a 3-month minimum contract once the service is booked, which makes it difficult for customers who want to try out the service commitment-free. Additionally, Handy doesn’t provide information on cleaners’ insurance status—though Handy does screen service providers, run background checks, verify credentials, and vet companies before listing them. The platform also features a flexible cancellation policy, allowing customers to cancel cleaning services up to 24 hours before their appointment without being assessed a fee. In all, Handy is a solid choice for those who prioritize convenience.
Specs
- Cleaning services offered: General house cleaning
- Service area: Select cities across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
- Scheduling: Online, mobile app
- Bonded and insured: Not specified
- Customer support: Email
Our Verdict
Excellent cleaning processes, a range of cleaning services, high-quality service, and a reputable brand are all important factors when customers are choosing a reliable cleaning service. That’s why we selected The Maids as our choice for the best cleaning company since it also boasts a trusted partnership with the well-known Mr. Clean brand. However, for a company with a broad service area and a long history in the cleaning industry, Merry Maids is another solid choice.
How We Chose the Best Cleaning Services
Our process for selecting the best cleaning services involved researching some of the top brands with a wide service area and satisfied customer reviews. Though local franchises might be individually owned, they should still meet the company’s overall standards for thorough and efficient cleaning processes. We also evaluated the services offered to include a range of popular or essential services. This included reviewing an app-based company that connects customers to cleaners in major cities. In addition, we reviewed websites for ease of use and compared pricing, quote processes, and whether contracts were required or not.
What to Consider When Choosing a Cleaning Service
There is a surprising amount of complexity regarding residential cleaning services, their costs, and all the options available. It’s important for customers to consider exactly what kind of house cleaning they need, how often they need it, the company’s available pricing and payment plans, the cleaning supplies they use, and the number of cleaners required to complete the job.
House Cleaner vs. Housekeeper
Before signing a house-cleaning contract, customers will want to make sure they understand the distinction between house cleaner services and housekeeper services. A house cleaner handles most cleaning tasks, from scrubbing toilets to mopping floors. Their goal is to keep the home clean from top to bottom, which may occasionally include deep cleaning the house. House cleaners often come on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis and will only complete the tasks in the contract in the time allotted for cleaning.
A housekeeper is much more involved in daily family life, typically spending a portion of each day (or a few days each week) at the house. However, they typically only do light cleaning and laundry tasks in addition to other duties. Housekeeping services don’t typically include things like cleaning toilets or baseboards unless it’s negotiated into the contract before hiring. Additionally, housekeepers don’t bring their own cleaning products, so customers will need to provide those. Some people also have their housekeepers do the weekly shopping, so housekeepers might pick up cleaning supplies at the same time.
Cleaning Services and Packages Offered
House-cleaning services are on a spectrum. Landlords, homeowners, and renters alike often hire a cleaning company for thorough top-to-bottom move-in and move-out cleaning services. Other one-time services could include cleaning before or after the holiday season, a general deep clean, or cleaning the property of a recently deceased family member. However, many prefer to have a maid service come regularly.
The amount of cleaning required will determine the cleaning package. Most home cleaning services can bundle almost any combination of cleaning services so that each customer has a customized cleaning plan. Services could be limited to dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down the kitchen or include cleaning the bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen. Deep-cleaning services such as cleaning baseboards, windows, lamps, and walls can be scheduled semi-regularly throughout the year depending on how quickly the home becomes dirty. Commercial cleaning services may differ in price and scale from residential services.
Service Area
Before hiring a cleaning service, customers will want to ensure that their short-listed cleaning companies have an adequate service area. Larger companies can usually be found in most areas, but local cleaning services might not be able to access more rural areas without higher demand. In addition, it’s also important for customers to check for any trip fees, as this can add to the overall cost of house cleaning.
Scheduling and Frequency
Cleaning services have become so convenient that many clients opt to have them come weekly. This helps customers stay on top of dirt and germs in their home. However, it’s also common to schedule biweekly visits, and customers can take care of a few simple tasks like vacuuming in between services. Many companies also offer monthly services. A one-time cleaning can be scheduled if needed, but regular visits are usually encouraged. A large cleaning company will likely be able to accommodate a customer’s preferred time and day for cleaning.
Quotes, Pricing, and Payment
Ideally, a cleaning service will send a consultant for a walk-through to evaluate the scope of work and estimate room sizes. This consultant might provide a quote at that time or soon after. Cleaning quotes are not contracts, so that price is not guaranteed.
There are several ways house cleaners charge for their services: hourly, weekly, monthly, flat rate, room rate, or a square-foot rate. Apartment cleaning services will typically cost less than a whole-home cleaning. Some of the cost will depend on exactly what cleaning the service will be doing, so customers will want to read the quote carefully to understand the charges. The quote will also likely include how and when the cleaner expects payment.
Contracts
Many cleaning companies require contracts of varying lengths of time, from 3 months to 1 year. While this has the benefit of locking in a price for a certain length of time, it can be frustrating if the quality of service doesn’t meet the customer’s expectations. Many companies do not require contracts and rely on their reputation to keep clients long term. Customers will want to think about whether or not they are OK with a contract and ask the companies on their short list for more details before making a decision.
Cleaning Methods and Supplies
Generally, a home cleaning company brings its own cleaning supplies, which are included in the overall price. However, it’s a good idea for customers to ask to make sure products are included. When asked, most cleaning services also provide green or eco-friendly products, and they often have solutions for people who suffer from allergies or fragrance sensitivities. Customers will also want to take these factors into consideration ahead of time and make sure any of their preferences are included in the quote.
Cleaning Team Size
Depending on the amount of cleaning and the size of the house, cleaning companies will often send a team of cleaners to get the job done. It might be two to four cleaners, but clients can also request a certain number. If the customer has a preference to have a specific cleaner come each time, many companies can accommodate this request, though others may be unable to guarantee a specific cleaner for every visit.
Insurance
As with any company doing work in or on a house, it’s wise for customers to ensure that the company is properly licensed, insured, and bonded. This protects house-cleaning businesses in the event of any injuries or accidental damage, and it protects clients in case there is an incident at their home when the cleaner is present.
Guarantees
Guarantees are often hard to come by, but many of the best cleaning services offer some guarantee. If a customer is dissatisfied with the level of cleaning that occurred, they can speak with an account representative to have the matter resolved. This resolution usually consists of a recleaning, but customers may be able to negotiate for a discounted future service if they prefer.
Customer Support
Customers will also want to look for companies with reliable customer support that’s easy to reach and makes them feel valued. If a problem arises, it’s important that the customer be able to reach someone and get the situation resolved. Checking customer reviews ahead of time is a good way to determine the level of customer care other customers have experienced.
Before You Hire a Cleaning Service
Customers will want to first decide whether they prefer to have a housekeeper or a house cleaner, as they offer different services. If a customer prefers personal connection and a regular presence around the house, a housekeeper may be the better option. In this case, the customer could ask if the housekeeper would be willing to take on some additional cleaning duties.
It’s also important to make sure the cost of house cleaning really fits within the budget since the service is only beneficial if it’s not causing financial hardship. This also means customers will need to know exactly which tasks they’re willing to hand over to a house cleaner and which ones they prefer to handle themselves. There should also be an agreement about any areas or tasks that are strictly off-limits. Having these things spelled out ahead of time can help prevent issues down the road. Customers can also look into which cleaning products professionals swear by and use these in between cleanings to cut down on the frequency of their cleaning services.
It’s typical for customers to feel a little nervous about having a stranger come in and take care of tasks that are often rather personal sometimes. To alleviate the worry, it’s advised for customers to read reviews and even interview the candidates before hiring a house cleaner or housekeeper. And most importantly, customers will want to make sure they work with a person or company that meets any local licensing or certification requirements.
The Cost of Hiring a Cleaning Service
There is a wide range of costs for cleaning services since each house is different and each customer bundles the tasks to suit their preferences. The going rate for house cleaning is typically between $90 to $600, with an average cost of $170. This usually includes at least one bedroom, a bathroom, the kitchen, and general vacuuming. However, this rate definitely varies based on the customer’s location too, so it’s advised to search for “cleaning services near me” to obtain quotes from local companies in addition to national ones.
Specialty cleaning services or specific areas of the house might come with different costs as well. Move-out cleaning costs an average of $360, and deep cleaning costs an average of $200 to $400. Additionally, attic cleaning costs an average of $200 and crawl space cleaning costs between $500 and $4,000.
The Advantages of Hiring a Cleaning Service
There’s certainly no shame in feeling overwhelmed with all the cleaning to be done around the house. While some people may want to learn how to clean their house like a pro, the simple solution that many thousands of people take advantage of is using a house cleaner. Hiring a cleaning service has a lot of benefits when it fits a customer’s budget.
- Gain back your own time. When you’re juggling work, family, and the daily stressors of life, cleaning is often the last thing you want to spend your time on. Whether you’re out of time for cleaning, or you just don’t want to spend the time on it, house cleaners give you that valuable time back.
- Cleaner environment. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up with the everyday dirt and germs of life—especially with kids and pets in the house. A cleaning service can keep dander, dirt, crumbs, and germs to a minimum with regular cleanings.
- Cleaner air. With regular cleanings, a home’s air quality will improve without dust flying around every time someone sits on the couch.
- Better cleaning supplies. House cleaners know how to get stains out of the carpet and marker off the walls. Plus, they keep fresh supplies so old bacteria-filled sponges and mops aren’t kept around too long.
- Saves money in the long run. Time is a valuable commodity that can’t be retrieved once it’s gone. Clients often find it’s more worth their money to pay for an occasional cleaning service than spending hours doing it themselves when they could be with friends or family.
- Alleviates stress. The dread of coming home to a dirty house has plagued many people until they hired a cleaning service. Without having to worry about a dirty bathroom or a pile of dishes, customers can look forward to coming home.
- Fully customizable. Clients can try out a few services if they want to see how things go, then add more as needed. It makes the experience flexible to truly meet the needs of customers in any situation.
- Makes a hard job easier. Sometimes house cleaners are needed when a person is not able to take care of difficult tasks on their own. Having a reliable professional keep the house clean and sanitary is helpful and offers peace of mind.
FAQs
When it’s time to hire one of the best cleaning services, clients need to feel confident that they understand the process and any nuances to this helpful home service. The following answers to the most frequently asked questions are designed to help customers feel more confident before hiring the best maid service for their needs.
Cleaning service costs have a typical price range of $90 to $600, or an average cost of $170, with an hourly rate of $25 to $50 per cleaner. This rate depends on the amount of cleaning, the frequency, and the location. Specialty cleaning services, like hiring one of the best move-out cleaning services, may cost more.
It depends on how frequently they clean a customer’s house. A house cleaner who comes on a regular basis each month will not need a tip (though they might appreciate it when they do a spectacular job), but if a customer hires a one-time or seasonal cleaning service, then tipping 10 percent to 15 percent per cleaning is recommended.
Many of the best house-cleaning services do not offer a trial period as their established reputation speaks for itself. However, individuals who offer house cleaning might offer a trial period.
Most larger cleaning companies will charge on a regular basis—usually monthly. If a customer cancels an appointment, they may or may not be charged for it depending on the terms of the contract. On the other hand, individual cleaners for residential customers will often charge up front until a relationship is established.
It depends on the company. Some companies can offer more competitive rates or discounts if customers agree to a contract. However, other companies rely on their reputation for quality and don’t require any contracts.
This also depends on the company. There is often turnover at cleaning companies; however, if a particular cleaner or team of cleaners impresses a customer, they shouldn’t hesitate to ask the company if that cleaner or team can be assigned to their house on a regular basis.
In most cases, maid cleaning service contracts cannot be canceled before they end.
This depends on a customer’s needs. If they’re unable to complete most cleaning tasks themselves, they may consider having a cleaning service come once a week to stay on top of the cleaning. If a customer mostly needs help with the bigger or more intensive tasks like cleaning the bathroom or monthly house deep-cleaning services, they may prefer to schedule a cleaning service once or twice a month. Cleaning companies understand that no two clients are alike, so it’s easy to customize the cleaning service to meet each customer’s individual needs.
Some companies offer a 24-hour guarantee on their cleaning; if a customer reaches out to the company with a complaint within 24 hours of the cleaning, it will send a team to solve the issue for free. While this is not a standard practice, many companies will try to rectify the situation by offering free cleanings or sending a new team the next time. It really depends on the company and its policies, so customers will want to make sure they ask that question as they vet the top cleaning services.
Each company handles refunds differently, so it’s best for customers to read the policies in the quote or ask this question specifically when they speak with a representative.
