The most common Common How Much Does Home Cleaning Cost Problems and Solutions in Singapore come down to three issues: unclear cleaning service price breakdowns, unexpected add-on fees, and confusion over maid hourly rate versus package cleaning rates Singapore. The fastest way to avoid bill shock is to insist on a clear, itemised quote before booking, understand what is (and isn’t) included for your property type, and use a trusted platform like Homejourney that verifies providers and standardises pricing for Singapore homes.
This guide is a tactical follow-up to our main Homejourney pillar on home services and home cleaning cost. For a full pricing overview and step-by-step budgeting framework, refer to: Home Cleaning Cost Guide: Singapore Prices 2025 | Homejourney Home Cleaning Cost Guide: Singapore Prices 2025 | Homejourney and Home Cleaning Cost Singapore 2025: Complete Pricing Guide | Homejourney Home Cleaning Cost Singapore 2025: Complete Pricing Guide | Homejourney .
Understanding Common Home Cleaning Cost Problems in Singapore
After speaking with Singapore homeowners from Punggol to Bukit Timah and reviewing 2025 market rates, most cost complaints fall into a few repeat patterns. Below we break down each problem, what usually causes it, and how to fix it using Homejourney’s safety-first approach.
Problem 1: “Why Is the Hourly Rate So Different?”
For regular home cleaning, the typical maid hourly rate or part-time cleaner rate in Singapore ranges from about $20–$30 per hour, depending on whether it is a one-off or recurring booking.[1][3][6] Many families in 3- to 4-room HDB flats in areas like Sengkang or Tampines pay around this range for weekly sessions.
However, users often see prices from $18/hour up to $35/hour and feel either suspicious or confused.[1][3][6] The key is understanding what drives these differences.
Root causes
- One-time vs recurring: One-off sessions usually cost more per hour than weekly or fortnightly plans.[1][3][6]
- Duration and minimum hours: Many agencies require a 3–4 hour minimum; very short bookings can have a higher blended rate.[1][3]
- Weekend surcharges: Popular weekend slots often carry extra charges compared to weekday mornings.[6]
- Inclusion of supplies: Some cleaners bring all cleaning agents and tools; others expect you to provide them, which affects pricing.
- Experience and insurance: Properly insured, NEA-trained crews or agency-managed teams tend to charge more than informal freelancers.[2]
Practical solutions
- Decide your priority: lowest price or lowest risk.
For owner-occupied homes and rental handovers, it is usually safer to pay a bit more for insured, vetted cleaners rather than the absolute cheapest rate. Homejourney lists only verified providers with track records, so the rate you see already reflects quality and insurance safeguards. - Ask these 5 rate questions before confirming:
- Is this a one-time price or a recurring discount?
- What is the minimum number of hours per visit?
- Is there a weekend or evening surcharge?
- Are cleaning supplies and equipment included?
- Is the cleaner covered by liability insurance for damage?
- Use Homejourney to compare hourly vs package value.
Within the Homejourney app , you can compare a 3-hour weekly session versus a 4-hour fortnightly session from verified providers and see clearly which gives the best value for your home size.
Problem 2: “Why Is Deep Cleaning So Expensive Compared to Regular Cleaning?”
One of the most common home cleaning cost shocks is when owners see that move-in/out cleaning, post-renovation cleaning, or spring cleaning packages can cost between $150–$650 or more, depending on size and condition.[2][4][5] This is very different from a simple $23–$30/hour regular clean.[1][3][6]
Typical 2025 deep cleaning price ranges in Singapore
- Move-in/Move-out Cleaning: Roughly $150–$450+ for HDBs and condos, increasing with floor area.[2][4][5]
- Post-renovation Cleaning: Typically $220–$650+ due to dust, debris, and extra steps.[2][4][5]
- Spring Cleaning (Pre-CNY, Hari Raya, Deep Clean): Often $150–$450+, depending on rooms and add-ons.[2][4]
- Carpet Cleaning: From around $60–$200+ per carpet, depending on size and method.[2]
- Curtain Cleaning: About $15–$25 per piece for standard curtain panels.[2]
- Disinfection / Sanitisation: Starting from around $150+, depending on floor area and method.[2][5]
For example, a 1,000–1,300 sqft condo in Pasir Ris after hacking and carpentry may see post-renovation quotes around $425–$525 or more, based on 2025 price lists from specialist cleaners.[2][4]
Why deep cleaning costs more
- More labour hours: Deep cleaning often involves 2–4 cleaners over several hours, not just one part-time helper.
- More tasks: Includes degreasing kitchen hobs, scrubbing grout, cleaning inside cabinets, washing windows and grills, etc.[4]
- Special tools and chemicals: Industrial vacuums, ladders, HEPA filters (especially for post-renovation dust).[4][5]
- Condition of the unit: Long-vacant resale flats or units after heavy renovation require far more effort than a regularly maintained home.
Solutions: When to choose hourly vs package
- Use hourly cleaning for light refresh, package for handover-level cleaning.
If your 4-room HDB in Yishun is already fairly tidy and you just need basic mopping, surface wipe-down and toilets cleaned, hourly sessions may be enough. But for tenancy handover or HDB resale completion, a dedicated move-out package with checklist is usually safer to avoid disputes with landlords or buyers. - Always request the full task checklist.
Ask providers to show exactly what is included in move-in/move-out, spring cleaning, or post-renovation packages: e.g. number of toilets, interior of kitchen cabinets, window grills, ceiling fans, grease traps. Homejourney displays scope-of-work upfront so you do not pay double for unnoticed exclusions. - Book post-renovation cleaning only after your ID/contractor fully completes works.
In new BTO estates like Tengah or mature estates like Ang Mo Kio, dust can keep circulating if carpentry, drilling, or painting is still ongoing. Arrange cleaning after all hacking, carpentry, and painting are done to avoid paying twice.
Problem 3: “Why Is My Final Bill Higher Than the Quoted Cleaning Service Price?”
This is one of the most frustrating Common How Much Does Home Cleaning Cost Problems and Solutions issues: the initial quote looks attractive, but the final bill is 20–40% higher due to hidden fees. Homejourney was designed specifically to tackle this by enforcing transparent pricing and clear terms on our platform.
Common hidden or surprise charges
- Staircase, balcony, or rooftop surcharges in landed houses
- Extra hours added because unit was “dirtier than expected”
- Window, grill, or high-level cleaning not included by default
- Oven, fridge interior, or heavy grease removal counted as add-ons
- Transport or parking charges in CBD or stricter MCST condos
How to prevent bill shock
- Provide accurate details, photos, and floor area.
For HDBs, floor area is listed on your HDB portal and resale documents; for condos, check your sales and purchase agreement or Projects Directory on Homejourney to confirm the approximate size. Upload photos of heavy grease, mould, or renovation debris so cleaners can quote realistically. - Get an itemised quote with fixed vs variable components.
References
