The cleaning industry has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving from a luxury service to an essential solution for modern homeowners and renters alike. It has been predicted that in 2025, the United Kingdom will spend £1.2 billion on house cleaners with an expected market growth of 3.4% a year.

For those looking to start a house cleaning service, or established professionals looking to expand, there is no better time than right now to make your business shine. Changing lifestyles, property market dynamics, and the increasing recognition that sometimes, calling in the experts isn't just convenient, it's critical, are driving the surge in demand.

Original insights from Bark, the online marketplace connecting people with local professionals and service providers, found that 72.4% of professional house cleaning in the UK revolves around standard, ongoing and regular cleaning, while 22.2% of customers are after a deep cleaning service. Just 3.9% of UK house cleaning services are used as part of the moving-out process.

Why demand for professional cleaners is growing

The surge in professional cleaning services isn't happening in a vacuum. Several key factors are driving this boom, creating a perfect storm of opportunity for skilled cleaning professionals and urgent need for property owners.

With rental properties changing hands more frequently than ever before, the pressure on tenants to secure their deposits has never been higher. The stakes are particularly high in cities like London or Brighton, where deposits can easily exceed £2,000. A single missed cleaning detail can result in costly deductions that far exceed the price of professional cleaning services.

Home improvement projects surged during the pandemic, and that trend continues well into 2025. However, what many homeowners discover is that the aftermath of renovation work requires specialised cleaning techniques that go far beyond standard household cleaning. Builders' dust, paint splatters, and construction debris demand professional-grade equipment and expertise.

As entertaining at home becomes the norm, especially in the summer months, homeowners are investing in deep cleaning services to ensure their spaces are genuinely guest-ready. This isn't just about appearances, it's also about creating healthy, welcoming environments for family and friends.

The numbers tell a compelling story. Bark insights show that end-of-tenancy and deep-clean requests may make up just less than a quarter of all cleaning services, but demand grew 24% year-on-year in 2024, with the May-September period being the most lucrative. Interestingly, post-renovation jobs consistently spike 18% higher each January as home-improvement projects reach completion. UK homeowners see a new year as a fresh new start.

For busy professionals, the time saved by hiring a professional cleaner can be redirected to higher-value activities. A deep clean that might take a homeowner an entire weekend can be completed by professionals in a few hours. For renters, professional end-of-tenancy cleaning often pays for itself through deposit recovery. Even a partial deposit deduction typically exceeds the cost of professional cleaning, making it a financially prudent investment.

It's not just the time saving, as professional cleaners have access to commercial-grade equipment and products that achieve results impossible with household supplies. This is particularly important for deep cleaning, odour elimination, and sanitisation, things which domestic cleaning simply can’t achieve.

What to look for in a professional house cleaner in the UK?

Reliability is a key consideration, especially for those looking for a regular cleaner. So not only look for a professional service that offers a quick quote but ask them about punctuality and performance. This will be key in larger cities, where traffic can impact time keeping.

Top-tier cleaning professionals maintain detailed before-and-after galleries, providing visual proof of their work quality. This transparency builds trust and allows customers to make informed decisions based on actual results rather than promises. So before employing a cleaner, ask to see examples of their previous work.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It is your home that cleaners will be coming into, so you need to feel comfortable having them around – especially if you’re not in the property at the time.

Making the right choice when choosing a house cleaner

Professional house cleaning services deliver results that justify their cost through expertise, equipment, and efficiency. Their services simply can be replicated through household cleaning.

However, the key to choosing the right professional house cleaner goes beyond simply understanding the value they bring. Professional home cleaning should go beyond convenience and be about protecting your most valuable investments and ensuring your spaces meet the highest standards of cleanliness and care.