Hiring a cleaner in Melbourne can save you time, reduce stress, and ensure your home is maintained to a high standard. But determining how much it costs isn’t straightforward. Prices vary depending on property size, cleaning type, frequency, and the level of service. This guide explores the average cleaning costs in Melbourne, researched from multiple cleaning providers, and outlines all key factors affecting price so you can plan your cleaning budget confidently.
What Influences the Cost of Cleaning in Melbourne
Type of Cleaning Service
Cleaning services differ in scope and complexity, directly affecting price. Regular cleaning maintains a tidy home and covers vacuuming, mopping, dusting, and bathroom sanitisation. Deep cleaning is more intensive, focusing on hidden dirt, grout, baseboards, and appliances. End-of-lease cleaning meets strict real estate standards, often including oven, fridge, and internal window cleaning. Specialized services, like carpet steam cleaning or wall scrubbing, also add to costs.
Property Size and Layout
Larger homes naturally take longer to clean. A one-bedroom apartment will cost less than a six-bedroom family home with multiple bathrooms. More bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas increase the time required, raising the overall cost.
Frequency of Cleaning
Recurring services (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly) usually come at discounted hourly rates compared to one-off cleans. Less frequent cleaning may cost more per session since extra effort is needed to restore the home.
Quality and Reliability of Service
Premium cleaning companies invest in trained staff, police checks, insurance, and quality assurance. Cheaper providers may compromise on training or reliability, impacting consistency. High-quality cleaners often charge more but provide better results and peace of mind.
Add-Ons and Special Requirements
Additional tasks, including cleaning internal cupboards, ovens, fridges, window tracks, or steam-cleaning carpets, are usually charged separately. Adding these services increases the overall cost, but ensures a more thorough and detailed cleaning tailored to your home’s needs.
Timing and Availability
Cleaning costs can increase for weekend, public holiday, or last-minute bookings due to higher demand and limited staff availability. During peak periods, such as the end-of-lease season, rates may also rise as more clients request services. Planning and booking in advance can help secure regular pricing and ensure availability.
Average Cleaning Costs by Home Size
Based on market averages in Melbourne, cleaning costs are largely determined by the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, along with the type of cleaning service.
One-Bedroom Homes
One-bedroom homes are ideal for hourly services if only certain areas need attention. One-off cleans cover all main areas thoroughly.
Two-Bedroom Homes
Two-bedroom homes typically require more time, especially if deep cleaning is requested.
Three-Bedroom Homes
Three-bedroom homes are common for families and often benefit from a flat-rate or scheduled service to maintain consistency.
Four-Bedroom Homes
Larger homes may require multiple cleaners for efficiency, which can increase the cost slightly.
Five and Six-Bedroom Homes
These homes often require deep cleaning or add-on services for complete coverage.
Hourly Rates and Recurring Services
Hourly services are a flexible option for clients who want partial cleans or want to focus on priority areas.
Hourly Rate Pricing
Hourly rates are ideal for targeted cleaning or budget-conscious clients, while flat-rate packages guarantee complete coverage.
End-of-Lease Cleaning Costs
End-of-lease cleaning ensures your property meets strict real estate standards, which often requires intensive cleaning of kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and appliances.
Average Costs (Melbourne 2026)
End-of-lease cleaning costs are higher due to inspection standards and optional add-ons like carpet steam cleaning or internal windows.
Conclusion
Melbourne cleaning costs in 2026 are influenced by property size, number of bathrooms, cleaning frequency, add-on services, and provider quality. Average pricing ranges based on market research show:
Regular home cleaning: $140 – $381, depending on size and baths
Hourly rates: $63 – $70/hr for recurring or flexible services
End-of-lease cleaning: $210 – $1,000+ depending on property size
Understanding these factors helps you choose the right cleaning option, balance cost with quality, and ensure your home is maintained to a professional standard without surprises.
FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a cleaner in Melbourne?
Cleaning costs depend on home size, bathrooms, service type, and frequency. One-bedroom homes usually range from $140–$165, while three-bedroom homes are around $196–$230 for a one-off clean. Hourly rates are typically $63–$70, with discounts for recurring services.
What is the difference between regular, deep, and end-of-lease cleaning?
Regular cleaning covers routine tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and bathroom sanitising. Deep cleaning includes hard-to-reach areas, appliances, and grout lines. End-of-lease cleaning is the most thorough, meeting real estate standards with tasks like oven, fridge, and carpet steam cleaning.
How do recurring cleaning services affect the cost?
Recurring services like weekly, fortnightly, or monthly cleaning usually offer discounted hourly rates. They help maintain consistency and reduce the need for intensive one-off cleans.
Are additional tasks like oven or fridge cleaning included in standard prices?
No, tasks like oven, fridge, cupboard, or window track cleaning are charged separately. Including them increases cost but provides a more detailed, thorough clean.
Does booking on weekends or public holidays cost more?
Yes, weekend, holiday, or last-minute bookings often carry a surcharge. High-demand periods, such as the end-of-lease season, can also increase rates.
How can I choose between a private cleaner and a cleaning company?
Private cleaners are cheaper but may lack insurance or consistency. Cleaning companies are more reliable, insured, and trained, but usually charge higher rates. Choice depends on budget and service expectations.
What factors influence cleaning costs the most in Melbourne?
Property size, number of bathrooms, service type, frequency, additional tasks, and provider quality are the main factors. Premium services may cost more but deliver consistent and thorough results.
