March 14, 2025 by Neal Zott
Looking for professional house cleaning tips and costs? Here’s what you need to know:
- Pricing: Standard cleaning costs $23.22–$50/hour; deep cleaning can reach $95/hour. Fixed rates like $152.15 per session are also common. Weekly services average $429, while monthly packages cost $1,019.
- Time Estimates: Cleaning a 3-bedroom home takes 2–3 hours (standard) or 4–6 hours (deep). First-time deep cleans take longer.
- Preparation Tips: Declutter surfaces, secure pets, and communicate specific needs to cleaners.
- Health Benefits: Regular cleaning reduces allergies by 30%.
- Extra Services: Options include laundry ($2/pound), sanitization ($75–$100/hour), and eco-friendly cleaning (extra $5–$10/visit).
| Service Type | Average Cost | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Cleaning | $23.22–$50/hour | 1.5–4 hours |
| Deep Cleaning | Up to $95/hour | 2.5–8 hours |
| Weekly Service | $429 | Routine maintenance |
| Monthly Service | $1,019 | Includes deep clean |
Pro Tip: Schedule regular cleanings to save money and maintain a healthy home.
How Much Does a Professional House Cleaning Cost?
House Cleaning Prices in Long Island
House cleaning prices in Long Island depend on several factors. For example, NLZ Cleaning Services offers competitive rates, with standard cleaning packages starting at $152.15 per clean. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs for standard cleaning services:
Basic Cleaning Service Rates
Here’s what you can expect to pay for standard cleaning services in Long Island:
| Service Frequency | Average Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| One-time Clean | $152.15 – $200 | Basic cleaning tasks |
| Weekly Service | $429 | Routine maintenance |
| Monthly Service | $1,019 | Deep cleaning and sanitization |
| Add-on Services | $25 – $95 | Extras like fridge or oven cleaning, laundry |
"The cost can vary significantly, with house cleaning hourly rates Long Island starting around $23.22 per hour." – LongIslandMaids [1]
What Affects the Cost?
Several factors can influence how much you’ll pay:
- Location and Home Size: Rates vary across Long Island. In Nassau County, prices range from $25 to $50 per hour, while Suffolk County starts at $20 per hour. Eastern Long Island tends to be pricier, with rates between $30 and $60 per hour for specialized services. Larger homes or those in upscale neighborhoods usually cost more [1].
- Service Type: Deep cleaning is more expensive, costing up to $95 per hour, compared to standard cleaning rates starting at $23.22 per hour [1].
Fixed vs. Hourly Rates
House cleaning services in Long Island typically offer two pricing models: fixed rates and hourly rates.
"Flat rate cleaning services typically involve the customer paying a fixed price for a set list of cleaning tasks, regardless of how long the cleaning takes." – Aloha Maids [4]
Fixed-rate services, like NLZ Cleaning’s standard package at $152.15, are ideal for:
- Routine cleaning
- Homes in good condition
- Predictable cleaning needs
- Those looking to stick to a set budget
Hourly rates are better for:
- Deep cleaning
- Homes needing extra attention
- Flexible or custom cleaning requests
- Projects with variable cleaning requirements
Booking regular cleanings often saves money. For instance, weekly services average $429, making them more affordable than booking one-off sessions [1].
Time Needed for House Cleaning
Professional cleaning teams work efficiently, but the time required can vary based on several factors. Here’s a breakdown of typical cleaning durations and what can influence them to help you plan better.
Cleaning Time by House Size
| Property Size | Standard Cleaning | Deep Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment | ~1 hour | 2.5–3.5 hours |
| 2-bedroom house | ~1.5–2 hours | 3–4 hours |
| 3-bedroom house | ~2–3 hours | 4–6 hours |
| 4+ bedroom house | ~3–4+ hours | 6–8 hours |
For example, a 1,600-square-foot house usually takes around 1.5–2 hours for standard cleaning and 2.5–3 hours for a deep clean [6].
What Affects Cleaning Time
"The larger the house, the longer it will take to clean. A small condo cleaning might take an hour or two, while a multi-story home can take several hours or even a whole day."
– Lisa Moskovian, Professional House Cleaner [8]
Several factors can impact how long it takes to clean a house:
- High-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms
- Homes with lots of furniture or clutter
- The overall condition of the home
- Number of bathrooms
- Presence of pets
Understanding these elements can help you schedule cleaning services more effectively.
First-Time vs. Regular Cleaning
For first-time deep cleaning, expect it to take 60–90 minutes per 1,000 square feet in well-maintained homes. If the home requires more attention, it might take 90–120 minutes per 1,000 square feet [9].
"Deep cleaning can take care of these forgotten areas to ensure your house is in good shape aesthetically and a healthy place for residents." [10]
In contrast, regular maintenance cleaning is quicker. For instance, cleaning a standard 3-bedroom home usually takes 2.5–4 hours. According to Greenspring Cleaners, their team can clean a 2-bedroom house in about 1.5–2 hours, while it might take you 3–4 hours to do the same job on your own [5][7].
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How to Prepare for Professional Cleaners
Getting your home ready for professional cleaners can help them work more effectively and save time.
Clear Clutter Before Cleaning Day
Decluttering beforehand can cut cleaning time by up to 50% [12].
"Professional cleaners need enough room to sweep, mop, vacuum, and clean surfaces. You can ease their work if you pick up clutter, clear the floors, and tidy up the counters." – Lazy Susans Cleaning Service [11]
Here’s how you can make their job easier:
- Tidy Up Surfaces: Clear countertops, floors, and wash any dishes ahead of time.
- Secure Pets: Keep pets in a separate room or arrange for pet care during the cleaning.
- Ensure Access: Create clear pathways for cleaning equipment and tools to move freely.
Once the clutter is handled, focus on safeguarding your valuables.
Protect Valuable Items
Homeowners insurance often limits coverage for high-value items to $1,000–$1,500 [13]. To avoid any risks, store these items securely:
| Item Type | Recommended Storage |
|---|---|
| Jewelry & Watches | Locked safe or secure drawer |
| Electronics | Designated room or storage area |
| Art & Antiques | Secure area or display case |
| Collectibles | Display case or secure storage |
Take a moment to walk through your home and lock away any high-value belongings.
Communicate Your Needs
Clear communication ensures your expectations are met.
"It is extremely important to communicate well so that everyone is on the same page as far as policies, expectations and what to expect when working with one another." [14]
Here’s what to discuss with your cleaners:
- Specific Requests: Let them know which areas need extra attention.
- Product Preferences: Mention allergies or preferred cleaning products.
- Access Details: Share entry instructions, like alarm codes or key locations.
- Special Instructions: Highlight delicate surfaces or items that need careful handling.
Lastly, consider tipping 10–20% for outstanding service [15].
What Professional Cleaners Do
Professional cleaners provide expert services designed to keep your space clean and organized [16]. Here’s a closer look at what they typically do during their visit.
Standard Cleaning Tasks
These are the core tasks you can expect, ensuring your home stays neat and tidy.
| Room | Typical Tasks |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Wiping countertops, cleaning appliances and sinks, mopping floors |
| Bathroom | Sanitizing fixtures, cleaning mirrors, mopping floors |
| Living Areas | Dusting furniture, vacuuming, organizing clutter |
| Bedrooms | Dusting surfaces, vacuuming floors, changing bed linens |
"Standard cleaning encompasses a suite of essential cleaning tasks aimed at maintaining a home’s cleanliness and comfort." – Amenify [16]
Commonly Missed Areas
Some spots often go unnoticed during routine cleaning, such as:
- High surfaces: Ceiling fans, light fixtures, door frames
- Hidden spots: Behind appliances or under furniture
- Frequently touched areas: Door handles, light switches, remote controls
- Utility areas: Bathroom exhaust fans, refrigerator coils
"Baseboards tend to be overlooked because they’re not at eye level, but they collect dust, pet hair, and grime over time." – Cleaning Services Broussard [17]
Extra Cleaning Services
Need more than the basics? Many cleaners offer additional services to address specific needs:
-
Deep Cleaning
- Focus on neglected areas
- Includes inside appliance cleaning
-
Eco-Friendly Cleaning
- Costs $5–$10 more per visit
- Uses non-toxic, family- and pet-safe products [18]
Other optional services include:
- Laundry: $2 per pound (15-pound minimum) [18]
- Sanitization: $75–$100 per hour [18]
- Move-in/Move-out Cleaning: Custom pricing based on property size
These extras are perfect for tackling tougher cleaning challenges or preparing for special occasions.
Keep Your House Clean Between Services
Sticking to a routine and using the right tools can help keep your home in good shape between professional cleanings.
Basic Daily Cleaning Tasks
A few simple daily habits can stop dirt and clutter from piling up. Focus on the busiest areas of your home:
| Room | Daily Task | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Wipe counters and load the dishwasher | 5–7 minutes |
| Bathroom | Clean sink, mirror, and toilet | 5 minutes |
| Living Areas | Tidy clutter and fold blankets | 3–5 minutes |
| All Rooms | Quick floor sweep or vacuum | 10 minutes |
"A few minutes daily significantly improve your home’s appearance", says Madeline Buiano, Editor at MarthaStewart.com [19].
Even on hectic days, a few 5-minute cleaning tricks can help maintain order.
5-Minute Cleaning Methods
These quick steps can keep your space tidy without taking much time:
- Morning routine: Make your bed.
- After meals: Wipe down kitchen surfaces and load the dishwasher.
- Evening reset: Spend 5 minutes decluttering key living spaces.
- Before bed: Wipe down the bathroom and sweep the floor.
To make things easier, keep cleaning supplies within reach and consider a ‘no shoes indoors’ rule to minimize tracked-in dirt.
Best Cleaning Products
The right products can make your daily upkeep faster and easier. Here are a few expert-approved options:
- Multi-Surface Cleaners (around $5): Mr. Clean Clean Freak Multi-Surface Spray is highly rated and carries the Good Housekeeping Seal.
- Kitchen Essentials (around $6): Dawn Platinum Dishwashing Soap is excellent for tackling grease, making quick cleanups easier.
- Appliance Care (around $13): Magic Stainless Steel Cleaner keeps your appliances looking sharp between professional cleanings.
"There’s a stigma about using these things and it’s unnecessary. It’s a matter of saving time", says Rachel Hoffman, Author of Unf*ck Your Habitat [20].
If you have pets, plan to vacuum and mop more frequently to handle spills and paw prints [21].
Summary
Expert insights and local data highlight the importance of professional cleaning services in Long Island. Professional cleaners go beyond basic cleaning, effectively removing allergens and germs to create a healthier living space.
Top providers in the area offer competitive rates and deliver thorough services. For example, Long Island Maids stands out with its "Happiness Guarantee" [2], while Imperial Cleaning has received multiple "Best Cleaning Service" awards on Long Island [22].
"A clean home brings comfort." – Long Island Maids [2]
Many local services are also embracing eco-friendly practices, using non-toxic and biodegradable products to meet the rising demand for greener cleaning solutions [3].
To maintain a clean and comfortable home, consider these key tips:
- Schedule cleanings regularly
- Clearly outline your specific needs
- Choose providers that offer satisfaction guarantees
NLZ Cleaning offers a unique edge with vetted professionals, a 150% service guarantee, and a user-friendly online booking process that takes just one minute. Their transparent pricing and no-contract policy make them a convenient choice for Long Island homeowners seeking dependable cleaning services.