How Much to Charge for a Deep Clean or Move-Out Clean
Quick answer
Start from your standard-clean time, multiply it by a time factor (our examples: 1.75× for a deep clean, 2× for a move-out), raise supplies, then apply your margin. Our example home prices at $199.80 standard, $294.80 deep and $327.18 move-out. Thumbtack's national averages are $190 to $265 for deep cleaning and $200 to $286 for move-outs, so check your local market and the home size before you send.
Deep cleans and move-outs are where many owners lose money. A per-square-foot number like "$0.25 a square foot" feels simple, but it ignores the two things that decide your cost: how long the job really takes, and what the client expects to be included.
What makes these jobs different
| Standard clean | Deep clean | Move-out clean | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home condition | Maintained | Built-up dirt, first visit | Empty, often after years of use |
| Typical extras | Few | Baseboards, detail work, heavier buildup | Inside cabinets, inside appliances, walls spot-cleaned |
| Client expectation | Same as last time | "Like new" | Pass the landlord's inspection |
| Repeat business | Yes | Often leads to recurring | Usually one-time |
Because the extra work changes from home to home, the safest method is to price from time.
Step 1: Start from your standard-clean time
Use your normal time estimate for the home. Our example home has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,800 sq ft and one pet, which gives 4.09 cleaner-hours for a standard clean. If you are not sure how to estimate it, see our house cleaning pricing guide.
Step 2: Apply a time factor
A time factor says how much longer the service takes than a standard clean. Our templates start with these example values:
| Service | Time factor | Supplies factor |
|---|---|---|
| Standard clean | 1.00× | 1.00× |
| Deep clean | 1.75× | 1.50× |
| Move-in / move-out | 2.00× | 1.75× |
These are starting values, not industry data. Time a few of your own deep cleans and move-outs and adjust them. Your factors will depend on your checklist and on what your clients expect.
Step 3: Price it from cost
Keep everything else the same: wage plus labor burden, paid drive time, vehicle, overhead and your margin.
| Standard | Deep clean | Move-out | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours on site | 4.09 | 7.16 | 8.18 |
| Job cost | $139.86 | $206.36 | $229.03 |
| Price at a 30% margin | $199.80 | $294.80 | $327.18 |
Step 4: Check the market, and the home size
Thumbtack's price guide (updated October 20, 2026) lists national averages of $190 to $265 for deep cleaning and $200 to $286 for move-out cleaning. It also gives one local example: a Dallas company charging 10 cents per square foot for deep cleaning, double its 5-cent standard rate.
Our example deep clean ($294.80) is above that national range. Before you lower it, check:
- Home size: national averages do not say what size home they describe. A large home with pets should cost more than an average home.
- Your time factor: is 1.75× right for your checklist? Time your next few deep cleans.
- What is included: if you include inside the oven and fridge, the client gets more than a basic deep clean. Show that on the quote, or make them add-ons.
If your price is still above local prices after those checks, compete on what is included and on reliability, not by cutting your margin.
Step 5: Protect yourself with a condition clause
The biggest risk is a home that is much dirtier than described. Put one sentence on every deep clean and move-out quote:
"This price assumes the home is in the condition described and shown in your photos. If it is very different, we will confirm a new price with you before we start."
Ask for photos of the kitchen, the bathrooms and the floors before you quote. For move-outs, ask if the home will be empty and if utilities will be on.
Step 6: Price add-ons separately
Add-ons keep your base price competitive and stop extra work from being free. Common ones:
- Inside the oven
- Inside the fridge
- Interior windows
- Inside cabinets (often included in move-outs; say so either way)
- Heavy pet hair
- Same-day or next-day booking
Give each add-on a price and a time, so your cost stays right when the client picks several.
Turn a deep clean into a recurring client
A deep clean is often the first visit for a new recurring client. Quote both prices at once: the deep clean now, and the recurring price after it. The client sees the lower maintenance price, and you have a reason to book the next visit before you leave.
Frequently asked questions
How much more should a deep clean cost than a standard clean?
It depends on your time. If a deep clean takes 1.75 times as long, the labor part of the price should be about 1.75 times higher too. Measure your own jobs and set your factor.
Should I charge per square foot for move-outs?
Square feet are a useful check, but not a complete price. Condition, appliances, cabinets and whether the home is empty change the time a lot. Price from hours, then compare per square foot.
Do I need to see the home before quoting a deep clean?
Not always. Ask for the size, the number of rooms, pets and photos. Add a condition clause so you can re-price if the home is very different.
Should I offer a guarantee on move-out cleans?
Many companies offer to come back and fix anything missed within a short time. Decide your own policy, put it in writing and include the return trip in your price.
Example numbers in this guide are for illustration. Use your own costs. This is not legal, tax or accounting advice.
Sources
- Thumbtack, House cleaning prices, updated October 20, 2026. Deep cleaning and move-out national averages.
