Whether you need a regular domestic cleaner, a once-off deep clean, or professional office maintenance, understanding cleaning service costs in South Africa helps you budget effectively. Prices vary based on your location, the type of service, and whether you hire an individual or a registered company.
This guide provides current pricing for residential and commercial cleaning services across major South African cities.
How Much Do Cleaning Companies Charge in South Africa?
Price Summary at a Glance
| Service Type | Typical Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate (individual cleaner) | R35 – R60 per hour | Regular weekly/bi‑weekly cleaning |
| Hourly rate (cleaning company) | R50 – R100 per hour | Professional service, insured, equipment included |
| Once‑off clean (standard) | R400 – R1,200 flat rate | Single visit, general cleaning |
| Deep clean | R800 – R2,500 flat rate | Intensive cleaning, kitchens, bathrooms, ovens |
| Move‑out / end of lease | R1,200 – R3,500 flat rate | Bond return, landlord‑approved cleaning |
| Spring cleaning | R1,800 – R2,100 | Thorough once‑off home cleaning |
| Weekly cleaning subscription | R300 – R800 per visit | Ongoing maintenance, discounted rates |
| Char services (daily) | R400 – R800 per day | Daily domestic duties |
| End of tenancy (3‑bedroom) | R1,900 – R2,500 | Move‑out cleaning for rental properties |
Note: All prices are estimates and may vary by location, company, and specific requirements. Most professional services include cleaning consumables in their quoted price unless specified otherwise.
Residential Cleaning Services
Regular Domestic Cleaning (Hourly Rates)
The most common pricing model for regular domestic cleaning is an hourly rate. Prices vary depending on whether you hire an individual cleaner or a registered company.
Individual cleaner: R35 – R60 per hour. Independent cleaners typically charge less because they have lower overhead costs, but they may not carry insurance or provide their own equipment.
Cleaning company: R63 – R100 per hour. Companies charge more but offer insured staff, professional equipment, and reliable backup if a cleaner is unavailable.
Average hourly rate (company): Approximately R94 per hour.
Char services (daily): R400 – R800 per day, covering all domestic duties.
Regular Domestic Cleaning (Per Visit)
Many companies charge per visit based on property size rather than hourly rates.
By number of bedrooms:
– 1-bedroom house/apartment: R750 – R950 per visit
– 2-bedroom house/apartment: R775 – R975 per visit
– 3-bedroom house/apartment: R825 – R1,050 per visit
– 4-bedroom house/apartment: R900 – R1,100 per visit
– 5+ bedroom house/apartment: R950 – R1,150+ per visit
Weekly cleaning subscription: R300 – R800 per visit for ongoing maintenance. Weekly or bi-weekly services are often more cost-effective than one-off cleans.
Once-Off Domestic Cleaning
For a single, standard cleaning session (vacuuming, mopping, dusting, bathroom and kitchen cleaning), prices range from R400 to R1,200 depending on property size.
Per-hour rates for once-off cleaning are significantly higher: R400 – R600 per hour, with an average of R500 per hour.
Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning is a thorough, intensive service that covers areas not included in standard cleans—under furniture, inside ovens and microwaves, behind appliances, and detailed bathroom scrubbing. Deep cleaning typically costs 2 to 3 times more than standard cleaning.
– Small flat/apartment: From R950
– Standard home: R800 – R2,500
– Comprehensive deep clean: R1,800 – R2,100
End of Tenancy / Move-Out Cleaning
Landlords and estate agents often require a professional-grade clean for bond returns. These services are more intensive than standard cleaning.
– 2-bedroom property: From R1,955
– 3-bedroom home: R1,900 – R2,500
– 4+ bedroom property: R2,500 – R3,500
Spring Cleaning
A once-off, thorough cleaning typically including vacuuming, mopping, washing windows and window frames, cleaning curtains, wiping interior doors, cleaning and disinfecting kitchens and bathrooms, removing cobwebs, dusting, and rubbish removal.
Price range: R1,800 – R2,100, with an average of R1,900.
Specialised Cleaning Services
Carpet Cleaning
Professional carpet cleaning is typically charged per square metre due to the specialised equipment and labour involved.
| Carpet Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Per square metre | R8.80 – R19 (average R14/sqm) |
| Steam clean (3‑bedroom home) | R800 – R1,100 (average R900) |
| Upholstery cleaning (per item) | R100 – R400 (leather costs approximately twice as much) |
Pressure Cleaning (High-Pressure / Power Washing)
Pressure washing is ideal for driveways, patios, roofs, and exterior walls.
| Service Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Residential properties | R1,500 – R4,500 |
| Pavement and driveway cleaning | R800 – R1,500 |
| Roof cleaning | R2,000 – R6,000 |
| Commercial properties | R5,000 – R20,000 |
After-Builders Clean
For new builds or major renovations requiring removal of construction dust and debris.
Price range: R2,500 – R6,000+
Commercial Cleaning Services
Regular Office Cleaning
Standard office cleaning (vacuuming, dusting, emptying bins, cleaning kitchenettes and bathrooms) typically costs R63 – R100 per hour, averaging R94 per hour.
Example quote: Weekly office cleaning for a small office space was quoted at R180 per week.
Once-Off Office Cleaning
For intensive, non-recurring office cleaning: R400 – R600 per hour (average R500).
Large Space Commercial Cleaning
– Office cleaning (100-400 sqm, daily): Approximately R72,000
– Office cleaning (400-1000 sqm, monthly): Approximately R18,000
Regional Price Variations
Cleaning service costs vary significantly by location. Here is what to expect in major centres:
Gauteng (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Sandton, Midrand)
– Average hourly rate (company): R55 – R80
– 3-bedroom regular clean: R450 – R700 per visit
– Premium areas (Sandton, Fourways): 10-15% higher due to estate access and security clearances
Cape Town (Northern Suburbs, Southern Suburbs, Atlantic Seaboard)
– Average hourly rate (company): R60 – R85
– 3-bedroom regular clean: R500 – R750 per visit
– Seasonal variations: Summer rates may be higher due to demand
Durban (Umhlanga, Westville, Ballito)
– Average hourly rate (company): R50 – R75
– 3-bedroom regular clean: R400 – R650 per visit
– Coastal areas: May include premium for mould treatment in humid zones
Nelspruit / Mbombela
– Daily casual/permanent rates: R322 – R368 per day (based on franchise pricing)
Individual Cleaner vs. Cleaning Company: Cost Comparison
| Factor | Individual Cleaner | Cleaning Company |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | R35 – R60 | R50 – R100 |
| Insurance | Typically none | Public liability insurance included |
| Equipment | May use client’s supplies | Professional equipment and consumables included |
| Backup | No replacement if unavailable | Replacement cleaner provided |
| VAT | Not applicable (below registration threshold) | May add 15% VAT |
| Best for | Budget‑conscious, regular cleaning | Professional results, insured service |
Factors That Influence Cleaning Costs
Understanding what drives cleaning costs helps you get accurate quotes and avoid surprises.
Property Size and Number of Rooms
Larger properties require more time and labour. The number of bedrooms and bathrooms is the primary factor for residential quotes.
Type of Cleaning Required
– Standard cleaning: Basic dusting, vacuuming, mopping — lowest cost
– Deep cleaning: Intensive, thorough cleaning — 2-3x standard rates
– Move-out cleaning: Comprehensive, includes cabinets and walls — premium rates
Frequency of Service
Regular weekly or bi-weekly services often receive discounted rates compared to one-off cleans.
Location
Urban centres like Cape Town and Sandton command higher rates than smaller cities. Remote or security-controlled areas may add travel or access fees.
Condition of Property
Exceptionally dirty homes or those requiring extra effort (pet hair removal, heavy staining) will cost more.
After-Hours or Emergency Service
Services requested outside normal business hours (evenings, weekends, public holidays) may incur a 10-50% surcharge.
What Is Typically Included in a Standard Clean?
A regular domestic or office cleaning generally includes:
– Vacuuming and mopping floors
– Dusting all surfaces
– Cleaning bathrooms (toilets, sinks, showers, mirrors)
– Cleaning kitchen (countertops, sinks, faucets)
– Emptying waste bins
Not typically included:
– Window cleaning (usually an add-on service)
– Carpet or upholstery cleaning (specialised service)
– Inside ovens, fridges, or cupboards (included in deep cleans)
– Laundry and ironing (add-on service)
– Exterior cleaning
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The best way to get an accurate quote is to contact cleaning companies directly with the following information:
– Property size (square metres or number of bedrooms/bathrooms)
– Type of cleaning required (standard, deep, move-out)
– Frequency (one-off, weekly, bi-weekly)
– Any special requirements (pet hair, specific products, after-hours)
– Your location
Most reputable companies offer free, no-obligation estimates and may conduct a walk-through for larger or more complex jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cleaning company charge per hour in South Africa?
Cleaning companies typically charge R50 to R100 per hour, with an average of approximately R94 per hour. Individual cleaners charge less, ranging from R35 to R60 per hour.
Do cleaning companies charge per hour or per job?
Most companies offer both options. Regular cleaning is often charged hourly, while once-off services like deep cleans or move-out cleaning are typically flat-rate fees based on property size and condition.
Are cleaning supplies included in the price?
In most cases, professional cleaning companies include their own cleaning supplies and equipment in the quoted price. Individual cleaners may use the client’s supplies.
How much does it cost to clean a 3-bedroom house in South Africa?
A standard clean for a 3-bedroom house typically costs R450 to R750 per visit depending on location. Deep cleaning for the same property ranges from R800 to R2,500.
Can I get a discount for regular cleaning services?
Yes. Many cleaning companies offer discounted rates for recurring services (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) compared to one-off cleans.
Does having pets affect the cost?
Yes. Homes with pets that shed significantly may incur a slightly higher fee due to the additional time and effort required for hair removal.
Is there a minimum charge for house cleaning services?
Some companies may have a minimum service fee or call-out fee, especially for smaller jobs, to cover travel and time costs.
What is the difference between standard cleaning and deep cleaning?
Standard cleaning covers routine tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and mopping. Deep cleaning is far more thorough, covering areas not typically addressed in a regular clean—under furniture, inside appliances, detailed bathroom scrubbing, and hard-to-reach places.
Summary Cost Ranges by Property Size
| Property Size | Standard Clean | Deep Clean | Move‑Out Clean |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1‑bedroom apartment | R350 – R500 | R800 – R1,200 | R1,200 – R1,800 |
| 2‑bedroom house | R500 – R700 | R1,000 – R1,800 | R1,600 – R2,200 |
| 3‑bedroom house | R600 – R800 | R1,500 – R2,500 | R1,900 – R2,800 |
| 4‑bedroom house | R700 – R950 | R1,800 – R3,000 | R2,500 – R3,500 |
Note: These are approximate ranges and may vary by location and service provider.
The Bottom Line
Cleaning service costs in South Africa vary widely based on your location, the type of service, and whether you hire an individual or a company. Individual cleaners offer the lowest hourly rates (R35-R60), while registered companies provide insured, professional service at higher rates (R50-R100 per hour).
For the best value, consider:
– Regular cleaning: Schedule weekly or bi-weekly services for discounted rates
– Deep cleaning: Budget 2-3 times the cost of a standard clean
– Move-out cleaning: Start from R1,200 and can exceed R3,500 for larger properties
– Get multiple quotes: Compare at least three providers to find competitive pricing in your area
Before booking, confirm what is included in the price, whether cleaning supplies are provided, and any additional fees for travel or after-hours service. Most reputable companies offer free, no-obligation quotes based on a walk-through or detailed property description.
Prices and market conditions are subject to change. Always verify current rates with local service providers.
Related:
- Business Opportunities In South Africa Under R10,000
- How Much Does It Cost To Build A House In South Africa
Conclusion:
The South African cleaning industry is based on free-market economics and so on How much do cleaning services cost in South Africa, while the prices we have provided in this post are good as guidelines, they can help you have an idea of how much other people are paying for similar cleaning jobs.
Furthermore, if you are a new business person who has just started a cleaning business, and want to know how much to charge clients for your services, then you should bear in mind that there is room for negotiation. Allow customers to review the prices down a little, as long as you are still able to make a profit. Keep in mind that the big cleaning companies who display these prices most likely started from lower charges, and then gradually reviewed the prices upwards.