How Much To Tip House Cleaning Service In 2022

January 24, 2026

How Much to Tip House Cleaning Service in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Tipping is not required, but always appreciated.
• You can tip 15-20 percent for the total job, a set amount based on the complexity of the task ($10-20 for standard cleans, $20-$30 for deeper cleans), or tip for special occasions.
• Some companies have policies regarding tipping their cleaners, so don’t be afraid to ask directly about their tipping policy.

The easiest way to make your house sparkling clean without wasting all your precious free time is to hire a professional cleaning service. Hiring a cleaning service saves you time and energy, but one aspect of working with house cleaners may cause confusion among homeowners. Do you need to tip? And if so, how much?

The quick answer is that tips are never required though they are very much appreciated. If you do tip, it’s usually between 15-20% or a set amount based on the job, typically between $10-$30.

Now, there are different factors that can impact whether to give a tip to your housekeeper or maid and how much to give. Our full guide to tipping your house cleaner will help you in deciding when and how much to tip for a house cleaning service.

House cleaners are always happy when they’re given tips for their quality of work. If you’re impressed by the state of your home and how well it’s been taken care of, giving a tip is a quick and easy way to express your appreciation.

Tipping Statistics in the U.S.

In the United States, However, many Americans are reporting tipping fatigue. According to a recent study by WalletHub, nearly 9 in 10 believe that tipping culture has gotten out of control, with more and more industries asking for tips.

LendingTree estimates that Americans spend over $77 billion on tips each year based on how much they’re dining out. And that’s just on dining experiences. Many Americans also tip on services, car rides, and more. According to a recent Forbes article:

• 76% of people tip “always” or “often” for a service.
• Over half of people tip more when they can provide a tip digitally as opposed to cash.
• Tip amount is mostly impacted by the quality of service, followed by the customer’s personal budget.

While people are experiencing tip fatigue, they are still tipping.

Do You Have to Tip a House Cleaner?

So what does that mean when it comes to a house cleaner?

Much like all service industries, you are not required to tip your cleaning lady or house cleaner, but it is always appreciated. If you’re particularly impressed with the service you’ve received, tipping is a good way to show it.

Typical tips include:

• Percentage: 15-20% on the total job
• Flat rate: $10-$20 for basic cleaning; $20-30 for thorough cleanings; $30+ for deep cleaning, move out, or bigger homes
• Special occasion: Many give the cost of one clean as an end-of-year bonus or Christmas present

These are suggestions, and many factors can impact how much you should tip your cleaning service.

What Impacts How Much I Should Tip My Cleaners?

If you decide to give a tip to the housekeeping staff, you may still be wondering how much would be suitable to tip. Here are a few things to consider when coming up with a tip amount.

Cleaning Companies vs. Self-Employed House Cleaners

When thinking about tipping, the size of the cleaning company is the first thing to consider. Are you hiring a large cleaning company with many employees, or are you hiring a self-employed individual who manages their own business?

If it’s an individual owner, you may not have to tip, but if it’s a cleaning company, you may want to. Here’s why.

• Self-employed house cleaners have the freedom to set their own price. In this case, they most likely have already included tips in their price and may not expect gratuity on top of their advertised rates. In fact, they may not accept a tip unless it’s a special occasion.
• On the other hand, employees of large cleaning companies get only part of your payment or they receive a base hourly salary. Tips are usually appreciated as an extra bonus on top of their regular pay.

Make sure to check if they have tipping policies or to specify who your tip is for to ensure the right person gets the money.

Location

Where you live plays a big role in the amount of tip you leave. Those living in big cities or busy areas like New York City may want to leave larger tips than customers who live in less busy locales.

The cost of the services may be higher, so if you’re tipping a percentage, you should expect to pay more.

Work and Quality Cleaning Service

Of course, you should also consider the quality of work you receive from each maid cleaning service before you decide whether to tip your maid.

If your cleaner has provided work that isn’t up to your standards, then a tip should not be given, especially if you have to call the company to request a follow-up cleaning. On the other hand, if your maid has done an extraordinary job and your home is left sparkling clean, you may want to reward their efforts with a bit of extra cash.

The State of Your Home Before Cleaning

Regardless of who you are working with, you should consider the state of your home before a cleaner comes in. For example, you may have a complex task where your kitchen is extremely dirty or your bedroom is very messy. Perhaps your summer house was untouched for many months in a row and is now covered in dust. If this is the case, you may want to tip your house cleaners even if it’s not typical for you.

If your home is already relatively neat, you may not feel the need to leave a large tip.

Cleaning Frequency

You should also take into account how frequently your home is cleaned and the type of service that you have requested.

If you are hiring a housekeeper or cleaning company for a large, one-time deep cleaning service, then you can justify leaving a larger tip. More effort is involved in the job, and you don’t have to tip on multiple occasions. Otherwise, if you’re investing in regular routine cleanings, you may leave smaller tips each time. The cleaning jobs will not require as much effort if your home or apartment has regular upkeep, and your small tips will add up as your cleaners return.

Book a Cleaning in NYC

What are Some Common Housekeeper Tipping Policies?

Depending on the type of house cleaning service you’re working with, some may have policies in place about tipping. For example, some companies offer an incentive for customers who tip including better rates, free services, or other perks.

Other companies have no-tipping policies in place and prohibit their employees from taking tips. They either include the tip in the base price of the service or do not want to place the burden of tipping on their customers. A lot of cleaning companies pay their employees higher salaries or bonuses to offset a lack of tips. Your service agreement should clearly state how the rates are determined and whether the tip is included.

If you are confused about the company’s tipping policy, don’t be scared to ask directly. In doing so, you may also hear about other clients and what tips they give.

Should I Tip Different Cleaners vs. The Same Cleaner Differently?

If you have ordered regular routine cleaning, think about who you are working with. Does the same cleaning lady or housekeeper visit your apartment or house for each cleaning? Or does the cleaning agency send different people for different kinds of services, such as deep cleaning or bathroom cleaning?

If a different employee comes each week, you should give a tip every time you think it’s appropriate (because you don’t know if you will see this person next time). Alternatively, you can decide to tip with a larger sum every week or two instead of giving a smaller amount each time.

If it is the same cleaner each time, you can tip in smaller amounts instead of larger lump sums. How you tip depends on your personal preference.

House Cleaner Tipping Best Practices

You might also wonder how to properly give a tip to housekeepers. Is it appropriate to hand over cash, or is there another method for tipping?

The most popular options include:

• Cash. You can place it in a clearly marked envelope on a counter if you don’t want to give it to them directly.
• Credit Card. Just keep in mind that you may want to tip a little extra to cover the transaction fees so your cleaner doesn’t lose money.
• Digital Payment. You can send money via Venmo, Cash App, ApplePay, PayPal, Zelle, and other forms of digital payment.

For one-time services, cash is often the most favored form of tipping among homeowners and house cleaners alike.

If you are working with a team of cleaners, you should tip each member of the cleaning crew. Typically, you should tip each person between $10 to $20 each for their services. If you are tipping the team digitally, make sure you express how the tip should be separated to ensure it is equitably distributed.

Other Ways to Say Thanks

Showing appreciation for your housekeeper is a meaningful way to acknowledge their hard work and dedication. Whether it’s tipping or thoughtful gestures, there are plenty of ways to let your cleaner know how much you value their efforts. Below are some simple yet impactful ways to thank your housekeeper for their exceptional service.

Celebrate Special Occasions

During the holidays or on other special occasions, consider giving your house cleaners a thoughtful gift, such as a gift basket, gift card, practical tools, or other thoughtful gifts. Gift giving goes beyond a simple thank you, allowing you to express gratitude in a personal and tangible way. Whether it’s a small token of appreciation or a more elaborate gift during holidays, these gestures help strengthen your relationship and make your housekeeper feel valued.

Leave a Review

When your house cleaners do an exceptional job and transform your home into a peaceful sanctuary, it’s worth sharing your appreciation. Take a moment to leave a review on the company’s website, social media pages, or popular review sites like Google, Yelp, or BBB. This is a great way to acknowledge their hard work and let others know about the excellent service you’ve received.

Spread the Word About Your Cleaners

Nothing is more valuable to a small business than referrals. Recommending your housekeeper to friends, family, or neighbors is one of the most valuable compliments you can give. Word-of-mouth referrals are powerful, especially for small businesses that rely on trusted recommendations to grow and thrive.

In Conclusion

Remember that tipping is always up to you, so you shouldn’t feel pressured to provide extra cash. However, a tip of 15% to 20% is always appreciated and is a classic way of showing your appreciation for a job well done. At White Glove Cleaner in NYC, our team provides the same high-quality service to every client, every time, regardless of tips. We enjoy what we do and are proud of the job we do. If you receive extraordinary service from members of our team, feel free to offer them a tip. Our cleaners will greatly appreciate it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to tip my cleaner?

No, tipping is optional but appreciated.

What is a standard tip?

A standard tip could be 15 to 20% of the service.

Can I tip a flat fee?

Yes, you can also tip based on the job. Traditional cleans could range between $10 and $20, while more complex jobs like deep cleans and move in/outs could be $30 or more.

Do I have to tip every member of the cleaning crew?

Yes, you should split the tip evenly between the team.

Should I give holiday bonuses?

It depends on your preference. Some offer holiday bonuses up to the cost of a service, while others offer gifts.

How can I tip?

You can tip using cash, digital payment options, and credit cards. Some cleaners may also accept checks.

Do I tip business owners differently than employees?

Some business owners do not accept tips. It’s best to ask what their tipping policy is. Most individual cleaners will accept tips unless prohibited by their employers.

P.S. And if you love cinema, probably you have seen this episode about tips from Tarantino!

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2022, and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Get Your Free Home Cleaning Quote!