The Ultimate Cleaning Service Cost Guide

We all like having a clean home, but we don't always have time to get around to the actual cleaning part. There are also some cleaning jobs that are best left to the professionals. So when your home needs a refresh, do you bust out the broom and DIY or do you call in the experts? It all depends on the task at hand.

Fortunately for you, we've broken the costs and benefits down of bringing in the cleaning pros for all the different parts of your house.

One-Time Deep Cleaning

If you want the whole house to feel fresh and new again, a one-time deep cleaning is a good place to start. This service goes above and beyond just dusting and vacuuming — it includes cleaning light fixtures, outlets, air ducts, tiles, upholstery, carpets, trim and a range of other services. This is usually done on a one-time basis and is often used to prepare a home for viewing by potential buyers.

Average Cost: The cost of having a whole house deep-cleaned can range from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand. This depends largely on the size of the house, how much of it is carpeted, what kind of furniture is inside, ceiling heights and the general state of all-over dirtiness.

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Regular Maid Service

If mopping, vacuuming, dusting and laundry are taking up most of your free time, it might be time to hire a home cleaning service for regular weekly or biweekly cleanings.

Average Cost: The average maid service cost is $165, but homeowners could spend anywhere from $60 and $350 on these services. Most services charge by the hour or square footage of your house.

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Carpet Cleaning

It's recommended that you clean your carpet every 6 to 12 months to keep it looking like new and make it last longer. When soil is left too long in the carpet, it can make its way to the fibers and become almost impossible to remove. Carpet also traps all kinds of bacteria, allergens, dust, mold and pollens. Removing these yucky things cleans the air and helps you and your family breathe better.

Average Cost: The average cost of a professional carpet cleaning is $174. The cost of this service will vary based on square footage, cleaning method, carpet type and whether stain removal is required.

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Window Cleaning

Your windows should be cleaned twice a year, inside and out. Doing a good job on windows usually requires standing on a ladder while using multiple tools to clean. This can be a dangerous prospect for many homeowners, which is why many people opt to call in a professional.

Average Cost: The average cost of a professional window cleaning is $207. The price will vary based on the number of windows, screens, window height and whether any mineral deposits need to be removed.

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Gutter Cleaning

Gutter cleaning is a matter of maintenance — not just looking nice. Leaves, twigs and other debris can clog downspouts and force water to stand in your guttering. When this happens, gutters can be damaged and even pulled down.

Average Cost: The average cost of gutter cleaning is $150. This amount will vary based on house height, gutter size and gutter condition.

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Tile & Grout Cleaning

Tile and grout are a beautiful addition to your home, but without proper cleaning and maintenance they can become filthy fast. This will diminish the colors and can become a health hazard as the grout becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. The best way to clean tile and grout is steam cleaning.

Average Cost: The average cost to professionally clean tile and grout is $444. Without regular upkeep, tile and grout can grow mold and become more difficult (and expensive) to clean over time.

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Chimney Cleaning

Whether you have a gas or a wood-burning fireplace, chimney maintenance is mandatory. Failing to properly clean and maintain your chimney can result in deadly fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and more serious consequences — not to mention some pricey chimney repairs down the line.

Average Cost: The average cost for professional chimney cleaning is $224. This amount varies based on how often the fireplace is used, the steepness of the roof and when the last cleaning took place.

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Air Duct Cleaning

Air duct cleaning is important for all makes and models of HVAC systems. Not only will this save you money on energy bills and reduce the amount of dust buildup in your home, but it will also improve your air quality. Dirty air ducts can lead to health problems that are easily avoidable with a quick and simple cleaning. The home's air conditioning unit and/or furnace must be addressed as a part of ductwork cleaning.

Average Cost: The average cost of having your air ducts professionally cleaned is $350. This number varies based on the size of your air duct system and the extent of contamination. In the process of ductwork cleaning, the professional may determine your A/C unit and/or furnace require additional repairs. The average cost to repair a home A/C unit is $332, and the average cost to repair a home furnace is $287.

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