How to Compare Cleaning Quotes Like for Like
A simple method for comparing cleaning quotes in the UK: line up scope, hours, products and extras so you judge value instead of headline price.
Three quotes for the same house can differ by a hundred pounds. That does not mean one is a bargain and another a rip-off; it often means they describe different jobs. Comparing like for like takes a little discipline, but it is the best way to find genuine value.
Step 1: Give every provider the same brief
Quotes cannot be compared if each cleaner assumes something different. Prepare one description to send to all of them:
- Property type, bedrooms, bathrooms and approximate size.
- Condition: recently cleaned, a few months, or neglected.
- Tasks you want, and anything you do not.
- Extras such as oven, fridge, interior windows or ironing.
- Pets, smokers, allergies or sensitive surfaces.
- Frequency and preferred days.
- Whether products and equipment are available at home.
Photos of the kitchen and bathrooms help a lot.
Step 2: Put each quote into the same table
| Item | Provider A | Provider B | Provider C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
| Hourly or fixed | |||
| Hours or time allowed | |||
| Number of cleaners | |||
| Products and equipment included | |||
| Extras included | |||
| Minimum or call-out charge | |||
| Cancellation terms | |||
| Payment timing |
Writing it down reveals gaps immediately. If a provider has not said how long the clean takes, ask.
Step 3: Convert to an hourly equivalent
A fixed price of £90 for a clean that takes six hours is about £15 an hour per cleaner; a quote of £70 that allows three hours is about £23 an hour. The cheaper total can be the more expensive service. Convert, then ask which hours and cleaners are actually being offered.
Step 4: Check what is and is not included
Common differences include:
- Products and equipment. Bringing a vacuum and chemicals is a real cost.
- Inside appliances. Oven and fridge are usually extras.
- Linen and laundry. Not all cleaners will wash or change beds.
- Waste and recycling. Some will remove bags; others will not.
- First clean surcharge. Often higher for a first visit. See deep clean costs if the home needs a reset.
Step 5: Weigh the non-price factors
Price matters, but so do:
- Reviews and track record. Look for detail and consistency.
- Communication. Was the quote clear, polite and prompt?
- Availability. Can they fit your preferred day?
- Fit. Are they comfortable with pets, delicate surfaces or your schedule?
- Verification. Platform checks such as ID verification are helpful context, though they do not replace judgement.
Step 6: Clarify before accepting
Once you have a favourite, confirm anything uncertain by message: scope, price, time and what happens if the work is not completed. Compito lets you compare offers from ID-verified local providers, message them, then accept an offer and pay online, so the agreed scope sits in the same place as the payment.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the lowest price without checking hours.
- Assuming "deep clean" means the same thing to everyone.
- Forgetting to check minimum charges.
- Accepting a quote before describing pets or clutter, and getting a revised price later.
- Comparing a company's all-in price with an individual's rate that excludes supplies.
If you are comparing hourly rates with fixed prices, our guide to hourly versus fixed price goes deeper.
A worked comparison
Say you send the same brief for a three-bed house, fortnightly, and receive three offers.
| Provider A | Provider B | Provider C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per visit | £48 | £66 | £60 |
| Time allowed | 2.5 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Cleaners | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Products included | No | Yes | Yes |
| Oven or fridge | Extra | Extra | One fridge clean per month |
Provider A looks cheapest at £48, but works out near £19 an hour and does not include products, which you would need to buy. Provider B and C are £22 and £20 an hour respectively. Provider C may be the best value if the monthly fridge clean matters to you. The cheapest headline is not the lowest real cost.
Red flags in a quote
- No mention of hours or time allowed.
- A "from" price with no detail.
- Extras listed vaguely, such as "additional costs may apply".
- A lower price that depends on you providing everything without saying so.
- Reluctance to confirm the details in writing.
Questions that surface hidden differences
- Is this the price for the first visit and every visit after?
- What happens if the job needs more time than planned?
- Who comes if you are ill or on holiday?
- How will I tell you if I am unhappy with something?
- Is there a charge if I cancel at short notice?
Special cases
For end of tenancy or post-builders work, ask for a line-by-line scope because tasks vary enormously. For holiday lets, compare turnaround availability as well as price. For homes with pets or allergies, make sure everyone is quoting on the same product and equipment assumptions.
Frequently asked questions
How many quotes should I get?
Two or three is usually enough. More than that tends to create confusion rather than clarity.
Is the cheapest quote usually a red flag?
Not always, but it deserves a closer look. Ask what is included and how long they plan to spend. If the answers are clear and consistent, a lower price may reflect lower overheads.
Can I negotiate?
Politely, yes. It is more effective to adjust the scope or frequency than to ask for a lower rate, for example by agreeing a regular schedule or reducing extras.
What if the quotes are all much higher than I expected?
Review your brief. You may be asking for more hours or tasks than you think. Reduce the scope, lower the frequency or split the work, for example a regular clean now and a deep clean once a year.