The short answer: a tip is never required. If you want to leave one, there is no fixed rule. Our own booking form offers 10, 15 or 20 percent of the clean, or any amount you type in, and 100% of every tip goes to the cleaner who did your home.
This guide covers when a tip makes sense, how much to give at the holidays, and the ways to say thank you that do not cost anything.
Is tipping a house cleaner expected?
No. Tips are never expected and always optional with us. Your price already covers the clean. A tip is a thank you for work you noticed, not a hidden part of the bill.
That said, a tip is a nice way to say thanks when the crew goes past what you expected. For example:
- A first deep clean, when a home has not had a professional clean in a while
- A move-out or move-in clean on a tight deadline
- A last-minute booking the crew fit in for you
- A home with more mess than usual, like after a party or a houseful of guests
- The holidays, if the same crew cleans for you all year
How much to tip per clean
Pick what feels right for the job. If you like a simple number, the options on our booking form are a good place to start: 10, 15 or 20 percent of the clean. You can also choose 0, or enter your own amount.
If more than one person cleaned your home, cash in an envelope marked for the crew makes it easy for them to share it.
How much to tip at the holidays
The Emily Post Institute's holiday tipping guide suggests up to the amount of one week's pay and/or a small gift for a housekeeper or cleaner. For a crew that comes every week, that works out to about what you pay for one visit. If they come less often, a smaller amount is fine.
A handwritten note with the tip is a nice touch.
How to leave a tip with us
There are three ways, and the cleaner gets all of it with each one:
- Add it when you book online. The booking form has a tip step.
- Add it to the card charge after the clean.
- Leave cash at the home.
Thank yous that cost nothing
A Google review that names your crew goes a long way. Many of our reviews do exactly that, like this one:
"Vanusa and her crew did an amazing job cleaning our house. They were incredibly thorough, careful, and respectful of everything in the home." Daniel H., Google review
When a review names a crew, Staci passes it on to them. You can leave a review here.
Common questions
Do I have to tip my house cleaner?
No. Tips are never expected and always optional. Your price covers the clean.
Who gets the tip?
100% of every tip goes to the cleaner who did your home.
Can I tip after the clean?
Yes. You can add it to the card charge after the clean, or leave cash at the home.
What is a good holiday tip for a regular cleaner?
The Emily Post Institute suggests up to the amount of one week's pay and/or a small gift. For a weekly crew, that is about what you pay for one visit.