A regular house clean in Ireland typically costs around €20 an hour for an independent cleaner, or closer to €30 an hour through a cleaning agency. Deep cleans and end of tenancy cleans are usually quoted as a fixed job price, averaging €220 and €270 respectively for a standard three-bedroom home. Based on Bark's analysis of over 4,047 house cleaning quotes across Ireland in 2026, cleaner type and property size are the two biggest drivers of the final price.

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A one-off tidy-up for a small apartment costs far less than an end of tenancy clean for a five-bedroom house, despite both being house cleaning services. The real difference comes down to how thorough the clean needs to be and whether you're hiring an independent cleaner or a cleaning agency. Independent cleaners generally charge less per hour, while an agency's higher rate can reflect additional overheads, such as insurance and cover when a cleaner is unavailable.

This guide breaks down 2026 house cleaning costs in Ireland by cleaner type, property size, region and job type. You'll also learn what affects your final price and how to compare quotes without paying more than necessary.

Note: All prices in this guide exclude VAT unless stated otherwise.

What's the average hourly rate for a house cleaner in Ireland?

An independent cleaner in Ireland averages around €20 an hour, while a cleaning agency averages closer to €30 an hour for the same type of work. That difference can reflect the additional overheads associated with running an agency, rather than simply a higher charge for the cleaning itself.

Average hourly rate by cleaner type (2026, EUR, excluding VAT)

An independent cleaner usually works alone, sets their own schedule and often charges a lower rate to reflect that flexibility. A cleaning agency may employ and insure its cleaners, which can explain its higher hourly rate across each region.

Ireland's cleaning sector also has a legal wage floor worth knowing. The Employment Regulation Order for contract cleaning sets a minimum rate of €14.80 an hour for workers aged 20 and over from 1 January 2026. That's an employee wage benchmark, not a customer charge-out rate, so it shouldn’t be used as a direct guide to what a cleaner should charge.

What types of house cleaning are there, and what do they cost?

Most homeowners in Ireland book one of three main services: a regular maintenance clean, a deep clean or an end of tenancy clean. Each covers a different level of work, so the price reflects the time and tasks involved.

House cleaning types and average cost (2026, EUR, excluding VAT)

A regular clean maintains a home that's already reasonably tidy, so it's commonly priced by the hour. A deep clean reaches areas a regular visit may skip, such as inside appliances or behind furniture, and usually takes considerably longer.

An end of tenancy clean goes a step further because it needs to meet a landlord or letting agent's expectations. This is why deep cleans and end of tenancy cleans are commonly quoted as fixed prices rather than hourly estimates.

What does a house clean cost by property type?

Property size is one of the clearest price drivers because a bigger home generally takes longer to clean properly. The table below shows average deep clean prices, since this service is consistently quoted as a fixed job across property sizes.

Deep clean cost by property size (2026, EUR, excluding VAT)

Some cleaning companies send two cleaners to reduce the time spent at the property. However, this doesn’t necessarily halve the total cost, since you're paying for the combined labour involved.

An end of tenancy clean follows a similar size-based pattern, though it usually costs somewhat more than a deep clean in the same property. That's because it needs to meet a more specific standard for a landlord or letting agent.

End of tenancy clean cost by property size (2026, EUR, excluding VAT)

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What affects the cost of house cleaning in Ireland?

Beyond size and location, several practical factors can influence where an individual quote lands. Understanding these can help you assess a quote before accepting it.

• Location: Location can affect cleaning prices alongside property size, with rates varying between Dublin, other cities and rural areas. Travel time, parking, local operating costs and demand can all influence what a cleaner or agency charges.
• Property condition: A neglected home takes longer to bring up to standard than one that's simply due for its regular clean. Built-up grime in bathrooms and kitchens, or months of accumulated dust, often pushes a job from a standard clean into deep clean territory.
• Pets in the home: Pet hair and dander can add cleaning time, particularly on soft furnishings and carpets. Multiple pets or shedding breeds can extend a visit further still, so it's worth mentioning this when booking.
• Access and parking: Difficult parking or restricted access can add time to a visit and may affect the quoted price. This is especially common in older city centre properties, where a cleaner may need to carry equipment some distance on foot.
• Frequency of booking: A one-off clean generally costs more per visit than a recurring weekly or fortnightly booking. A cleaner who already knows your home's layout and problem areas works faster than one starting from scratch each time.
• Number of cleaners: Sending two cleaners can shorten the time spent on-site, although the total price depends on how the service is charged. Some companies pass this efficiency on as a saving, while others charge the same fixed price regardless of crew size.

Booking a regular contract typically costs around 15% less per visit than a one-off clean of the same property. Returning to the same home can make each visit more predictable because the cleaner already knows the layout and cleaning requirements.

What do add-on cleaning services cost?

Add-on services sit outside a standard clean and are usually priced separately. Oven cleaning is one of the most commonly requested extras, while other services are priced according to the amount of work involved.

Add-on cleaning service cost (2026, EUR, excluding VAT)

Single oven clean

A single oven requires more detailed cleaning than the kitchen surfaces covered by a standard visit. It involves stripping out racks and trays, degreasing the interior and polishing the glass door, which takes real time to do properly.

Double oven clean

A double oven simply has twice the interior surface and twice the number of racks and trays to clean. The higher price reflects that extra volume of work rather than any change in the cleaning method itself.

Range cooker clean

A range cooker adds a hob, extra ovens and often a warming plate on top of the standard oven components. Each of these needs its own attention, which is why this sits above even a double oven on price.

Window cleaning

Window cleaning costs vary with the number of windows and how accessible they are from the ground. A property with upstairs windows or awkward angles takes a cleaner longer to reach and finish safely.

Carpet cleaning, per room

Carpet cleaning is priced per room rather than per property because the amount of work varies considerably between homes. A heavily stained or high-traffic carpet also takes longer to treat than one that's simply due a refresh.

Ironing, per session

Ironing is priced per session based on a typical basket of clothes and linens. Some cleaners bill this hourly instead, so it's worth checking which pricing method applies before you book.

What additional costs should you budget for?

Beyond the core cleaning price, a few extras can affect your final bill. Clarifying these before booking helps you avoid an unexpected charge on the day.

VAT treatment

VAT is one of the more important differences to check when comparing quotes. Cleaning and maintenance services generally fall under Ireland's 13.5% reduced VAT rate.

However, a business isn't required to register for VAT until its turnover crosses a set threshold. The current registration threshold for businesses supplying services is €42,500 in annual turnover, so many smaller independent cleaners won't charge VAT at all.

Minimum call-out charges

A minimum call-out charge may apply to very short jobs, particularly where travel time makes up a significant part of the booking. This protects the cleaner against a visit that barely covers the cost of getting there.

Always ask whether a minimum applies before confirming a short booking, such as a single room or a quick top-up clean. It's a common practice rather than a sign of a cleaner overcharging you.

Cancellation and rescheduling fees

Cancellation fees may apply if you cancel or reschedule with little notice. Most cleaners set this to protect the time slot they've already turned other work away to hold for you.

Check the exact notice period required, since this varies from one cleaner to the next. Some ask for 24 hours' notice, while others require a full 48 hours to avoid a charge.

What should a house cleaning quote include?

A clear, itemised quote makes it easier to understand what you're paying for and compare one cleaner with another.

A complete house cleaning quote should cover:

• Labour, stated as an hourly rate or fixed job price
• Whether cleaning products and equipment are supplied
• Which rooms and tasks are included
• Any requested add-on services and their individual prices
• Whether VAT is included or excluded
• The cancellation or rescheduling policy

Ask for this breakdown in writing rather than relying on a verbal estimate. A written quote gives both you and the cleaner a clear record of what was agreed.

How long does a house clean actually take?

Duration depends heavily on the type of clean and the size of the property. A regular maintenance visit on a two-bedroom home usually takes two to three hours, while the same property takes around six hours for a full deep clean.

A three-bedroom house typically needs three to four hours for a regular clean, rising to roughly eight hours for a thorough deep clean. Sending two cleaners can reduce the time spent at the property, although the total labour and price depend on how the service is charged.

Is it cheaper to clean your own home than hire a professional?

DIY cleaning avoids labour costs, since your main outlay is products and equipment. However, the comparison is less straightforward once you account for the time required to do the work yourself.

A weekly deep clean of an average home can easily take three to four hours of your own time. For households with demanding work schedules, that time can have a meaningful value beyond the cost of the cleaning products.

DIY cleaning can make sense for light, regular upkeep between professional visits. A professional may offer greater value for a full deep clean or end of tenancy job where specialist equipment and experience can save significant time.

When is it worth hiring a professional cleaner?

A professional cleaner can make the most sense when the job is larger than your available time or needs to meet a particular standard. An end of tenancy clean is a clear example because the property needs to meet a landlord or letting agent's expectations.

A deep clean before hosting guests, moving into a new home or dealing with a particularly busy period can also justify the cost. Regular maintenance cleaning may suit households that consistently struggle to find the time each week.

How can you avoid overpaying for a house clean?

A few practical steps can help you judge whether a cleaning quote represents good value.

• Get at least three quotes for anything beyond a small, one-off job.
• Confirm whether VAT and cleaning products are included.
• Ask for an itemised quote rather than a single lump sum.
• Consider a regular contract if you need cleaning frequently.
• Clarify the expected duration and scope before booking.

Comparing quotes side by side gives you a clearer picture of what is included in each price. A cheaper quote may not represent better value if it covers fewer tasks, excludes products or allows less time for the clean.

House cleaning in Ireland averages around €20 an hour for an independent cleaner, rising to €30 an hour through an agency. Property size and location can shift that figure, with Dublin at the higher end of the regional pricing data. Deep cleans and end of tenancy cleans are priced differently again, averaging €220 and €270 respectively for a standard three-bedroom home.

Professional cleaning can be worthwhile when the time saved, level of cleanliness or demands of the job outweigh the cost. Compare quotes based on the same scope of work, including the cleaning time, products, add-ons and VAT, before deciding which option offers the best value.

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