What Do Most Cleaners Charge Per Hour in Minneapolis? Your Comprehensive 2025 Guide

Finding a reliable cleaning service in Minneapolis that fits your budget and meets your needs can feel like a significant undertaking. One of the first questions that often comes to mind is: “What do most cleaners charge per hour?” While there isn’t a single, one-size-fits-all answer, this guide will break down the various factors that influence cleaning costs in the Minneapolis area, provide general price ranges, and help you understand what to expect in 2025.

At Mill City Cleaning, we believe in transparency and helping our clients make informed decisions. With over 25 years of trusted experience serving homes and businesses throughout the Twin Cities, we understand the local market and the value of a professional, thorough clean. So, if you’re asking, “What do most cleaners charge per hour?“, you’ve come to the right place for insights.

Factors Influencing Hourly Cleaning Rates in Minneapolis

The hourly rate for cleaning services isn’t arbitrary; it’s influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you accurately assess quotes when you’re trying to determine what most cleaners charge per hour for the specific services you need.

1. Type of Cleaning Service

The nature of the cleaning job is a primary cost determinant.

• Standard/Routine Cleaning: This involves regular upkeep tasks like dusting, vacuuming, mopping, surface cleaning in kitchens and bathrooms, and general tidying. For residential clients, this might be scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. For businesses, it could be daily or several times a week. Because it’s maintenance-focused, the per-visit cost is often lower than deep cleans.
• Deep Cleaning: This is a more intensive service, tackling areas not typically covered in a standard clean. Think scrubbing grout, cleaning inside appliances (oven, refrigerator), washing baseboards and doors, detailed window frame cleaning, and removing heavy soap scum buildup. Deep cleans take more time and effort, thus costing more. They are often recommended for first-time clients or as a seasonal service.
• Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning: Essential for tenants, landlords, and new homeowners, this service ensures a property is spotless before occupation or after vacating. It’s typically very thorough, covering everything from top to bottom, including inside cabinets and closets.
• Post-Construction Cleaning: Construction and renovation projects leave behind significant dust and debris. Post-construction cleanup is a specialized service requiring specific tools and techniques to remove fine dust, paint splatters, and construction materials safely and effectively. This is often more labor-intensive.
• Commercial Cleaning: Office buildings, retail stores, healthcare facilities, and restaurants have different needs than residential spaces. Commercial cleaning rates can vary based on the facility type, square footage, specific industry standards (e.g., sanitation in healthcare or food service), and the frequency of cleaning required.
• Specialty Services: Services like window washing, carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pressure washing, floor polishing, or VCT strip & wax are usually priced separately or as add-ons to a standard or deep clean.

2. Size and Condition of the Space

It stands to reason that a larger home or office will take longer to clean than a smaller one, directly impacting the hours required and thus the cost. A 3,000 sq ft home will generally cost more to clean per session than a 1,200 sq ft apartment.

Similarly, the initial condition of the space plays a crucial role. A well-maintained property will require less time for a standard clean than a property that hasn’t been professionally cleaned in a while or has accumulated significant clutter or grime. Initial deep cleans are often recommended for properties in poorer condition before regular maintenance cleaning can begin at a standard rate.

3. Frequency of Cleaning

Most Minneapolis cleaning companies offer discounts for recurring services.

• One-Time Cleaning: Typically the most expensive per visit due to the initial effort required.
• Monthly Cleaning: Offers some savings over a one-time clean.
• Bi-Weekly Cleaning: A popular option that balances cost and consistent cleanliness, often with a noticeable discount per visit compared to monthly.
• Weekly Cleaning: Usually provides the best per-visit rate as less buildup occurs between cleanings, making the job more efficient.

For businesses requiring daily or multiple cleanings per week, customized contracts often reflect the high frequency with adjusted rates.

4. Number of Cleaners

A cleaning company might send a single cleaner or a team of two or more. While a team might have a higher combined hourly rate, they can often complete the job in less actual time. For example, two cleaners working for two hours accomplish four “cleaning hours” of work. This efficiency can be beneficial for larger jobs or when you need the cleaning done quickly. Always clarify if the quoted hourly rate is per cleaner or for the team.

5. Experience and Reputation of the Company

Established companies with a proven track record, like Mill City Cleaning, invest in training their staff, use high-quality equipment, and are typically licensed, bonded, and insured. This professionalism and reliability can be reflected in their pricing. While newer or independent cleaners might offer lower rates, it’s important to weigh the potential risks against the benefits of hiring a reputable, experienced provider.

6. Use of Specialized Products or Equipment

If you require eco-friendly or “green” cleaning products, or if the job requires specialized equipment (e.g., for high-gloss floor polishing or electrostatic disinfection), this might influence the cost. Mill City Cleaning is proud to offer Green Seal™ bio-renewable products, contributing to a healthier environment for your home or workplace.

7. Geographic Location within Minneapolis

While Minneapolis is the general focus, slight variations in travel time or operational costs within specific neighborhoods or surrounding suburbs could subtly influence pricing for some companies.

Average Hourly Cleaning Rates in Minneapolis: What to Expect in 2025

Now, let’s get to the core of what most cleaners charge per hour in Minneapolis, based on market research and industry data for late 2024 and projected into 2025. Please note these are estimates and can vary significantly based on the factors discussed above.

• Standard Residential Cleaning: You might expect to see hourly rates ranging from $30 to $65+ per cleaner, per hour. Some companies might offer a flat rate for a standard clean based on the number of bedrooms/bathrooms and square footage, which is derived from their hourly estimates. For example, a standard clean for a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house could range from $150 to $250 per visit.
• Deep Cleaning / Move-Out Cleaning: Due to the intensive nature, these services often command higher rates, potentially $45 to $75+ per cleaner, per hour. A deep clean for the same 3-bedroom house could range from $250 to $450 or more.
• Commercial Cleaning: Commercial rates are often customized. Small offices might pay an hourly rate similar to residential, perhaps $35 to $70+ per hour, while larger facilities or those with specialized needs (like medical offices requiring specific sanitation protocols) could have different pricing structures, sometimes quoted per square foot per month.
• Post-Construction Cleaning: This is highly variable but tends to be at the higher end of the hourly spectrum, potentially $50 to $85+ per hour, due to the specialized labor and disposal requirements.

Important Considerations for Hourly Rates:

• Minimum Hours: Many cleaning services have a minimum charge, often for 2 to 3 hours of work, regardless of whether the job takes less time.
• Flat Rates vs. Hourly: Some companies prefer to provide a flat rate for the entire job after an initial consultation or based on detailed information you provide. This can offer budget predictability. Mill City Cleaning offers free quotes to provide you with an accurate price tailored to your specific needs.
• Tipping: While not always required, tipping is a common way to show appreciation for excellent service, typically 10-20% of the total cost.

Beyond the Hourly Rate: What to Look for in a Minneapolis Cleaning Service

While understanding what do most cleaners charge per hour? is a significant starting point, it shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. Consider the overall value:

• Scope of Services: Does the company offer the specific type of cleaning you need? Can they handle specialty tasks like carpet cleaning or window washing if required? Mill City Cleaning offers a comprehensive range, from routine residential cleans to specialized commercial and construction site services.
• Insurance and Bonding: Protect yourself by choosing a company that is fully insured and bonded. This covers you in case of accidental damage or theft.
• Screened and Trained Employees: Reputable companies invest in background checks and thorough training for their staff to ensure professionalism, skill, and trustworthiness.
• Supplies and Equipment: Clarify whether the company provides all necessary cleaning supplies and equipment, or if you are expected to provide them. Most professional services, including Mill City Cleaning, come fully equipped.
• Customer Reviews and Testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Google, Angie’s List (now Angi), or Yelp. See what past clients say about their reliability, thoroughness, and customer service. (You can see some of our happy client testimonials on our website!)
• Satisfaction Guarantee: A company that stands by its work will often offer a satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy with an aspect of the clean, they should be willing to address it. At Mill City Cleaning, we offer a total satisfaction guarantee.
• Communication and Responsiveness: Good communication is key. A professional service should be easy to contact, responsive to your inquiries, and clear about their services and pricing.

For more guidance on selecting a service, the Better Business Bureau offers tips on hiring a cleaning service, which can be a helpful non-competitor resource.

Getting an Accurate Quote for Your Minneapolis Cleaning Needs

The best way to determine what you will pay is to request quotes from several reputable cleaning services in Minneapolis. Be prepared to provide detailed information about:

• Your address
• The square footage of your space
• The number of bedrooms and bathrooms (for residential)
• The type of cleaning required (standard, deep, move-out, etc.)
• The desired frequency
• Any specific areas of concern or special requests (e.g., pets, allergies, specific products)

Most companies, including Mill City Cleaning, offer free estimates. This allows them to understand your specific needs and provide a tailored quote, whether it’s an hourly rate or a flat fee. This is the most accurate way to budget for your cleaning services.

Conclusion: Investing in a Clean and Healthy Space

While hourly rates for cleaners in Minneapolis can range from approximately $30 to $85+ per hour depending on numerous factors, understanding these variables empowers you to find the right service at a fair price. The initial question of “what do most cleaners charge per hour?” is important for budgeting, but remember to focus on value, reputation, and the specific services offered, rather than just the lowest hourly rate.

A professional cleaning service is an investment in your time, your peace of mind, and the health and productivity of your environment – whether it’s your cherished home or your bustling business. By choosing a trusted, experienced provider like Mill City Cleaning, you’re not just paying for a service; you’re investing in a consistently clean, comfortable, and welcoming space.

Ready to find out what it would cost to get your Minneapolis home or business sparkling clean? Contact Mill City Cleaning today for your free, no-obligation quote! We’re dedicated to exceeding your expectations with a dependable, high-quality clean, every time.