How much to tip house cleaner

It’s not uncommon to tip different service providers, like massage therapists, movers, and house cleaners. But, there is often confusion around just how much to tip the people performing these valued services. When it comes to house cleaners, tipping not only shows appreciation but also helps build a trusting, respectful relationship. Here, we break down how much you should tip your house cleaner, plus explain what factors you should consider when deciding the appropriate amount. 

How much should I tip my house cleaner?

Generally, tipping a house cleaner follows the 15 to 20% rule, similar to other service industries like dining or personal care. So for example, if your cleaning service costs $150, a tip of $22.50 to $30 is considered appropriate.

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However, specific circumstances may lead you to adjust this amount. If the service exceeded your expectations or involved particularly challenging tasks, a more generous tip may be warranted. But, if you find that the cleaning was not up to your standards, it’s OK to tip less or discuss your concerns with your cleaning service. 

Factors influencing tipping amount

There are a couple of things to consider when figuring out how much to tip your house cleaner. We break it down below.

• Quality of service: If your cleaner went above and beyond, handling extra tasks or delivering exceptional results, a higher tip shows your appreciation. 

• Number of cleaners: If multiple individuals contributed to cleaning your space, consider increasing the total tip to ensure each person feels valued.

• Complexity of tasks: Organizing cluttered spaces or dealing with stubborn stains might prompt a more generous gratuity.

For regular cleaning sessions, sticking to the standard 15 to 20% range is usually sufficient. However, deep cleaning or one-time services often require more intensive labor, justifying a higher tip, perhaps 25 to 30%. If you're employing a cleaner for a major cleanup, such as post-renovation or a move-in/move-out service, it's considerate to increase the tip as a gesture of gratitude for their hard work and time.

Other ways to show your house cleaner appreciation

While monetary tips are appreciated, there are other meaningful ways to express your gratitude. 

• Give them a good online review: Writing a positive review online can significantly boost a cleaner’s reputation, helping them secure more clients. 

• Set some snacks and water out: Offering snacks or refreshments during their visit also conveys appreciation in a warm, hospitable manner. 

• Declutter your space ahead of time: Ensuring your home is prepped for their arrival by decluttering and organizing areas can make their job easier and show respect for their time.

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.