Over half of all Americans spend more than four hours per week on household cleaning and related chores, such as taking out the trash, washing dishes, or vacuuming. While spending this amount of time on cleaning for some, for those who work full-time or have young children it may not be possible. Lack of time is one of the reasons that many Americans look into hiring a professional cleaning service to help keep things tidy and simplify their lives. However, for the 57% of American adults who do not currently pay for a cleaning service, the cost is a major deterrent. Will the cost of hiring a cleaning service become more affordable in the future? Read on to find out.
Those who work as professional house cleaners, either independently or for a cleaning service, tend to charge their clients one of two ways. The first way is hourly, with costs ranging from $25 to $35 per hour. The second way of charging is by square foot. Often, the latter is used as a starting point for the cleaner to determine how long it will take to clean the area on a weekly basis. As some rooms may require extra work, most cleaners prefer to determine their charge after a first clean. Frequency also affects the charge. The more frequently the cleaner visits, the lower the charge – although the difference may only come out to between $5 and $10 per clean. Discounts are typically offered for those willing to sign a contract for the long-term or those willing to pay for services up front.
The cost of hiring a cleaning service is likely to increase in the coming years as minimum wage increases. The cost of this service is also driven by competition. Professional cleaning services may charge more for the added security and quality assurance over independent cleaners. To remain competitive, independent cleaners, must charge slightly less than a cleaning service. However, in general, the cost of both is going up.
Hiring a cleaning services has its advantages. It’s a good option for those who prefer to spend their free time with their kids or spouse as opposed to cleaning. It’s also a good option for those who see cleaning as a hassle or aren’t inclined to clean. Most people find that hiring a cleaning service is worth the money if you’re already working full-time and want to spend your free time on things that you enjoy.
One of the biggest downsides to hiring a cleaning service is the cost. Many working Americans simply can’t afford the additional expense. You can expect to pay approximately $80-150 each time your cleaner visits. With more than two visits per month, those costs start to add up. For people who are living with budget constraints, such as students, young professionals, or families, it simply isn’t feasible to pay for cleaning when it’s possible to do it yourself.
Cleaning services aren’t difficult to find in cities and towns across the United States. They’re a good option for anyone who doesn’t mind spending money in order to save time. The cost of hiring a cleaning service isn’t likely to change any time soon, which is the reason why many Americans don’t see themselves hiring a cleaning service in the near future.