Are You Looking For A Cheap Cleaner?
- Broadland Housekeeping
- Mar 4, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 9
Lately, I've been seeing more and more comments online from people searching for a cleaner who is 'affordable' or 'not too expensive' - sometimes even going as far as calling for someone who 'doesn't charge an arm and a leg'. The reality is, having a cleaner is a luxury, and it shouldn't come at rock-bottom prices. There are still people out there who expect cleaners to charge just £10 an hour like they did a few years ago. But with the rising cost of living, that's simply no longer feasible - and it's unlikely to slow down anytime soon. No other industry gets questioned or hesitated on as much as cleaning does. Cleaners invest time, money and effort into their businesses, just like any other self-employed professional. And just like everyone else, our overheads have gone up too. The truth is, some people just don't want to pay a fair rate for cleaning services. They believe our chosen profession doesn't warrant earning anything above the minimum wage.
If you think hiring a professional cleaner is expensive, just wait until you hire an amateur. As a professional cleaner, I can't stress this enough - you get what you pay for. There's a saying that goes, 'buy cheap, buy twice', and it's true. I work with my clients to accommodate their budgets - if that's £40 a week for example, why settle for a quick wipe-down when you could get a thorough, detailed clean once a month instead? Cheap isn't the same as value, and you won't get great value for your hard-earned money by choosing the lowest price. If high-quality cleaning products and equipment are included in the quote, you might actually be getting a better deal than you think.
I don't claim to be the cheapest cleaner around, nor do I aspire to be. My value comes from being a reputable professional with high standards who takes immense pride in my work. I build strong, trusting relationships with my clients and treat their homes as if they were my own, always striving for perfection. My prices reflect my experience, professionalism, reliability and the quality of service I provide.
If you're simply looking for a cheap, quick wipe-down from someone charging £12.50 an hour cash in hand, then honestly, I'm not the right cleaner for you. And considering that the minimum wage for employees is now over £12 an hour, you really need to be cautious about who you let into your home for a low price.
I'm not saying that all cheap cleaners are bad, but if they're any good, they're probably not the cheapest. Cleaners offering very low rates may often be inexperienced, unregistered, uninsured, untrained or unreliable. A lot of people get into cleaning thinking it's easy money, but any legitimate cleaning business will laugh at that notion. You wouldn't let a 'cowboy' tradesperson into your home for a bargain, so don't skimp on your cleaner either. Your home deserves the best.

I understand that there will always be someone out there offering a cheaper price. However, without an official industry body or regulation, literally anyone can buy a mop and call themselves a professional cleaner. When I provide a quote for a job, it's because you've chosen to reach out to me - a highly recommended, trained professional with up-to-date insurance and DBS checks. I am fully certified in health and safety, COSHH and I use high-quality, mostly eco-friendly products that won't damage your beautiful home.
Client satisfaction is incredibly important to me, and my online reviews and testimonials speak for themselves. The price I quote depends on the type and frequency of cleaning, as well as the size of your property. Think about how much you'd want to be paid if you were cleaning your own home to a professional standard. Also, please keep in mind that the price you pay me isn't my take-home pay and is certainly not all profit. Like any business, I have a number of expenses to cover.
With all of this in mind, if you're still determined to find a 'cheap' cleaner, please be extra cautious about who you invite into your home. Not everyone can truly call themselves a professional cleaner. Cleaning is hard, physical work that requires a keen eye for detail, and many people who claim they can clean are not professionals. This means you can't always be sure that the job will be done to a high standard, and they may be less reliable or consistent.
I've heard numerous stories from clients who hired cleaners solely because they were cheap, only to be disappointed with the results. Lower costs often mean lower care, and when someone is in your home, you want them to care about your space as much as you do. Your home deserves more than just a quick, cheap clean - it deserves the attention, professionalism and respect that comes with hiring a true expert.
If a cleaner is constantly available at the drop of a hat, take a moment to consider why that might be. Not everyone is trustworthy, and not everyone can clean professionally. It may seem obvious, but it's surprising how many people are willing to let anyone into their home just because they claim to 'do cleaning'. Your home's safety should be a top priority, so please don't put yourself at risk.
Take the time to do your research before hiring a cleaner. Don't just go for the cheapest option - check their credentials, like insurance and DBS checks, to make sure they're legit. People can claim to have these, but it's important to verify before handing over your payment or the keys to your property. Insurance is especially important. If something goes wrong and a cleaner accidentally damages your property or an item in your home, insurance ensures they have the financial means to repair or replace it. If you didn't scrimp on the beautiful, high-quality finishes in your home, don't cut corners when it comes to cleaning it.
Is a cleaner value for money? That really depends on how you view cleaning professionals. Do you see us as unskilled, uneducated and incapable of doing anything else? Or do you recognise us as competent, skilled professionals who help lighten your load and give you the gift of time? A good cleaner might not be 'cheap', but we are certainly value for money.
So, the next time you're in the market for a cleaner, remember we are not 'just cleaners'. We are professionals, and the price we charge reflects the expertise and service we provide. And as the saying goes, the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten.
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