Why You’re Probably Underpricing Cleaning Jobs (And What To Do Instead)

Let’s cut straight to it — if you’re charging by the hour, skipping in-home walkthroughs, or pulling your rates from what other cleaners are charging…

👉 You’re probably underpricing your cleaning jobs.

And it’s not just hurting your income — it’s impacting your confidence, your energy, and your long-term business growth.

I’ve been in the cleaning business for over 30 years. I built a solo cleaning business that consistently brought in $5K+ months working part-time — and let me tell you… it didn’t happen by undercharging.

Here’s what I see time and time again with new (and even experienced) solo cleaners:

1. You’re Charging for Time, Not Value

Charging by the hour feels safe. It feels “fair.” But it’s actually the fastest way to:

• Get micromanaged by clients

• Get punished for being efficient

• Stay stuck in hustle mode

Clients don’t care how long it takes you to clean their home — they care that it’s done right, consistently, and with care.

When you base your pricing on value and outcome, you take back control. You stop selling your time and start charging for the result you deliver.

💡 Flat-rate pricing is how I built a business that paid me $70+ per hour without ever feeling like I was racing the clock.

2. You’re Skipping the In-Home Walkthrough

This one’s big.

If you’re giving quotes over the phone or via text — you’re guessing. And when you guess, you undercharge.

In-home walkthroughs are where you:

• See the true condition of the home

• Understand the scope of the job

• Set expectations and boundaries

• Build trust and connection with the client

This is where the sale actually happens. It’s not just about quoting — it’s about showing up as a professional.

The client sees that you’re serious. You ask questions. You explain your process. You give them a reason to say, “Yes, I trust her.”

That connection is what allows you to confidently charge more — and actually book the job.

3. You’re Looking at What Other Cleaners Charge

Let’s be real: most of them are undercharging too.

So when you base your rates on someone else’s struggle, you’re just copying their burnout.

You don’t need to be the cheapest. You need to be the most valuable.

And that starts with:

• Knowing what your time is worth

• Creating a simple pricing system that works

• Learning how to communicate your value (without feeling awkward)

  

  
  

So… What Should You Do Instead?

Start treating your pricing like the foundation of your business — not an afterthought.

✅ Use flat-rate pricing (charge for the job, not the hour)
✅ Do in-home walkthroughs to quote confidently
✅ Stop comparing your rates to everyone else’s
✅ Build a pricing system that supports your income and your energy

If you’re not sure how to start… I’ve got a free guide to help you:

👉 Download the Flat-Rate Pricing Confidence Guide Inside, I’ll show you how to stop guessing, start charging like a pro, and finally feel good about your prices.

You don’t have to stay stuck undercharging. You just need a better way — and that’s what I’m here to help you build 💪

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For over 30 years, Trisha built and ran her own successful cleaning business, handpicking her schedule and consistently earning $5,000+ a month—all while working part-time as a solo cleaner. Now, she’s here to help you do the same! Whether you’re just starting solo or already have a small team, Trisha’s vast experience can help you grow your business and boost profits without adding more hours. She'll teach you how to avoid common mistakes new cleaning business owners make and run your business profitably from day one. With over three decades of experience, learning from Trisha is the fastest, most reliable way to launch or scale your thriving cleaning business!