Tipping Guide for House Cleaners & Cleaning Services

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How much to tip for one-time & regular house cleanings

Co-authored by Elaine Heredia, BA Reviewed by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann

Last Updated: December 2, 2024 Fact Checked

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Do you tip house cleaners?

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How Much to Tip

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When to Tip

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Tipping Alternatives

With everyone from waitresses to baristas to cashiers asking for tips, should you tip the person who cleans your house, as well? We'll explain when it's appropriate to tip your house cleaner, how much to tip, and more in this comprehensive guide.

Should you tip the person who cleans your house?

If your house cleaner works for a service or agency, tip them 15%-20% for tough cleaning jobs or when they clean above and beyond your expectations. For high-quality infrequent or deep cleaning services, tip 20%. If your house cleaner owns their own cleaning business, pay their desired rate and don't add a tip.

Section 1 of 4:

Do you tip house cleaners for their cleaning services?

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House cleaning is different from other heavy tipping industries like food service, where the waitstaff make most of their salary from tips. You're only expected to tip when the house cleaner performs above and beyond your expectations or tackles a particularly tough mess.^{[1]
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Section 2 of 4:

How Much to Tip House Cleaners

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When you hire a cleaning service or agency, the cleaner who comes to your house receives only a percentage of the total bill. Adding a 15%-20% tip – which is the going rate for tips in the United States – helps increase their takeaway from the job and make it more worth their while.^{[2]
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When you hire these cleaners, they're performing a deeper clean than a regular housekeeper and doing a lot of work. If the job is well done, that's worthy of a token of your appreciation. Plus, it encourages them to keep you on as a customer!^{[3]
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House cleaners who own their own business set their own rates, meaning they include things like a living wage and extra money for their high-quality services in the bill. There's no need to add a tip on top of that unless you just want to do so.^{[4]
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Section 3 of 4:

When to Tip House Cleaners

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Tips for frequent house cleanings add up fast and can be hard to keep track of. Make it easier on both of you and set up a specific time to tip, such as at the end of the month. You can also add up the tips you would have given them throughout the year and present it to them as a holiday bonus.^{[5]
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Not only is it affordable to tip so infrequently, but it's also appropriate to thank these services for doing a good job and encourage them to return in the future.^{[6]
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If your house cleaner exceeds your expectations, does something extra, or goes out of their way for you, show your appreciation by tipping.^{[7]
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Section 4 of 4:

Non-Cash Ways to Tip Your House Cleaner

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Some appropriate options include their favorite coffee shop or a local fast food or dine-in restaurant. It's a small but meaningful gift you can use to reward your regular cleaner for a job they did particularly well.^{[8]
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Cookies, cupcakes, and pies all make excellent (and delicious!) gifts. Just remember to ask your house cleaner if they have any food allergies or dietary preferences first.^{[9]
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For example, you can fill the basket with their favorite fruits and snacks, or with pampering items like a pair of fuzzy socks, a stress ball, and a palm massage tool. If you're not sure what they would like, buy a pre-made gift basket online from a place like Harry & David or The Gift Basket Store.
Your house cleaner may not expect or want a tip or a gift, but that doesn't mean you can't express how much you appreciate them. A simple card with a polite and grateful note inside, handwritten and signed by you, will go a long way to making them feel special.