Most professional cleans of an empty house cost between $120 and $650, and the average is about $360. Two major price guides put the typical range at roughly $199 to $354 (Thumbtack) and $120 to $420 (Angi). Expect to pay about $0.20 to $0.45 per square foot or $25 to $50 per hour per cleaner, plus extra for add-ons like carpets, windows and ovens.
You have moved out, the boxes are gone and the rooms echo. Now comes the part nobody enjoys: leaving the place spotless. Whether you are handing back a rental, getting a house ready to sell, or preparing a property for new owners, the big question is how much to clean an empty house without overpaying.
What Does “Cleaning an Empty House” Actually Include?
Cleaning an empty house, often called a move-out, move-in or vacant-home clean, is more detailed than a regular tidy-up. With no furniture in the way, cleaners can reach areas that are normally blocked. Industry price guides list inside closets, baseboards, door frames, light fixtures and ceiling fans among the extra tasks.
A typical scope looks like this:
- Kitchen: inside cabinets and drawers, oven, fridge, stovetop, sink and backsplash
- Bathrooms: toilets, tubs, showers, tile, mirrors, vanities and fixtures
- All rooms: baseboards, door frames, switch plates, vents, closets and shelves
- Floors: sweeping, vacuuming and mopping throughout
- Windows: sills, tracks and usually interior glass
Average Cost to Clean an Empty House in 2026
Different data sources land in slightly different places because they measure different jobs and regions. Here is how the main national guides compare:
| Source | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thumbtack | $199 to $354 | Low end near $132, high end near $541 (updated May 2026) |
| Angi | $120 to $420 | Average around $360; labor about $50 per hour |
| HomeAdvisor | $120 to $420 | Average $360; $25 to $50 per hour per cleaner |
| Bob Vila | $110 to $650 | Average $360 (cites Angi and HomeAdvisor data) |
| This Old House | $200 to $400 | $0.20 to $0.45 per sq ft, or $30 to $250 per hour |
| Housecall Pro | $220 to $400 | Move-in or move-out deep clean, from customer job data |
The takeaway: budget roughly $200 to $400 for an average home, and plan for more if the house is large, dirty or in a high-cost city.
How to Estimate the Cost Step by Step
Measure your home
Find your total square footage from your lease, listing or property records. Note the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, because bathrooms and kitchens take the most effort.
Use the per-square-foot formula
Square footage × rate per square foot = base estimate. Using the $0.20 to $0.45 range reported by This Old House, here is what that works out to (calculated estimates, not quotes):
| Home Size | Low Estimate ($0.20/sq ft) | High Estimate ($0.45/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 800 sq ft | $160 | $360 |
| 1,200 sq ft | $240 | $540 |
| 1,800 sq ft | $360 | $810 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $500 | $1,125 |
Some providers quote lower. Angi says a move-out clean can run up to $0.35 per square foot, so treat the table as a range to compare quotes against, not a fixed price.
Cross-check with the hourly method
Hours × number of cleaners × hourly rate = labor cost. Rates of $25 to $50 per person per hour are common. For example, two cleaners working four hours at $40 each comes to $320. If your formula and hourly estimates are close, your budget is realistic.
Add the extras
Basic cleaning does not always cover specialty work. Typical add-on ranges from Angi:
| Add-On | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Carpet cleaning | $120 to $240 |
| Window cleaning | $80 to $300 |
| Fridge, oven and cabinet cleaning | $10 to $40 |
| Hardwood floor polishing | $100 to $300 |
| Tile and grout cleaning | $100 to $200 |
| Junk removal | $60 to $370 |
Adjust for condition and location
If the home has heavy grease, pet stains, mold or months of neglect, expect to land at the top of your range or above it. Location matters too. Care.com’s rate data shows that cleaners post different hourly rates by city, for example a higher average in San Francisco than in Tampa.
6 Factors That Change the Price
- Home size: more square footage means more labor hours.
- Bedrooms and bathrooms: a 2,000 sq ft home with four bathrooms can cost more than a similar home with two.
- Condition: heavy buildup, smoke, pet odors or mold raise the price.
- Services included: inside appliances, cabinets, windows and carpets are often extra.
- Location: labor rates and cost of living vary widely across cities and regions.
- Timing: end-of-month and peak moving season bookings are often pricier and fill up fast.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Doing it yourself costs only supplies and time, but be honest about how much time you have. The most time-consuming jobs are ovens, bathrooms, baseboards and carpets. Professional move-out cleaning is popular partly because most people underestimate the effort, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where landlords expect a pristine finish.
| DIY | Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Supplies only | $120 to $650 typical |
| Time | Often a full day or more | A few hours with a crew |
| Best for | Small, well-kept homes | Large homes, tight deadlines, deposit protection |
How to Lower the Cost
- Declutter first. Remove all belongings and trash before cleaners arrive so they only clean.
- Do the easy tasks yourself. Wipe shelves, empty the fridge and sweep before the crew shows up.
- Skip add-ons you do not need. Do not pay for carpet cleaning in a home with hard floors.
- Get 3 quotes. Ask each company for a written, itemized quote that lists what is and is not included.
- Book early and off-peak. Mid-month and mid-week slots are often easier to get.
- Ask about flat rates. A flat fee protects you if the job takes longer than expected.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
- Is the price flat or hourly, and is there a minimum fee?
- Are supplies and equipment included?
- Are inside ovens, fridges, cabinets and windows covered?
- Are the cleaners insured, and is there a satisfaction or clean guarantee?
- What happens if the landlord or buyer is not satisfied?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to clean an empty house?
Most professional cleans cost between $120 and $650, averaging about $360. Small, well-kept homes cost less, and large or very dirty homes cost more.
How much do cleaners charge per square foot to clean an empty house?
Published estimates generally fall between $0.20 and $0.45 per square foot, though some sources quote up to $0.35 per square foot as a typical ceiling.
How much do cleaners charge per hour for an empty house?
Rates of about $25 to $50 per person per hour are common, and the average labor cost is near $50 per hour in some national guides. Big cities cost more.
Is cleaning an empty house cheaper than cleaning a lived-in home?
Usually not per visit. Empty-house cleaning includes inside cabinets, closets, appliances, baseboards and fixtures, so it costs more than a standard clean even though there is no furniture to work around.
Can I clean an empty house myself to save money?
Yes. Many people handle the basics and hire a pro only for carpets, windows or ovens, which take the most time.
What is usually not included in a basic clean?
Carpet shampooing, exterior window washing, hardwood polishing, tile and grout restoration and junk removal are normally priced as add-ons.
Final Thoughts
So, how much to clean an empty house? Plan on about $200 to $400 for an average home, $120 or less for a small apartment in good shape, and $650 or more for large, heavily soiled properties with add-ons. Measure your home, apply the per-square-foot and hourly formulas, add the extras you actually need, and compare three itemized quotes. That simple process will get you a reliable number before anyone steps through your door.
