Home Cleaning Costs in Singapore: DIY vs Hiring Professionals
Professional home cleaning in Singapore ranges from $18 to $30 per hour for one-time services, with deep cleaning packages costing $150 to $1,125 depending on property size and service type[2][3]. For homeowners deciding between DIY cleaning and hiring professionals, understanding these costs and your options is essential to making the right choice for your property and lifestyle.
Whether you're a busy professional, new homeowner, or property investor, Homejourney helps you navigate home services safely by connecting you with verified, trusted cleaning providers in Singapore. This guide breaks down cleaning costs, compares DIY versus professional options, and provides actionable advice to help you decide what works best for your home.
Understanding Professional Cleaning Rates in Singapore
Hourly Rates for Regular Cleaning
Professional cleaners in Singapore charge between $18 and $30 per hour for one-time cleaning services[2][3]. The variation depends on several factors including the cleaning company's experience level, service quality, and whether you're booking through an agency or independent cleaner.
For recurring weekly or fortnightly cleaning, rates are typically lower—ranging from $21 to $25 per hour[3]. Many providers offer discounts for regular customers, making long-term arrangements more cost-effective than one-time bookings. Home Cleaning SG offers the most competitive hourly rate at $18, while premium services like Helpling charge $26 per hour for one-off cleanings[2].
Weekend cleaning services typically incur a $10 surcharge per session, so plan your bookings accordingly if you need weekend availability[8].
Deep Cleaning and Specialized Services Pricing
Deep cleaning packages—ideal for move-in/move-out or post-renovation scenarios—are priced by property size rather than hourly rates[1][3]. For a typical HDB or condo:
- Less than 500 sqft: $150–$350
- 500–750 sqft: $220–$425
- 751–1,000 sqft: $250–$475
- 1,001–1,300 sqft: $280–$525
- 1,301–1,600 sqft: $350–$625
Specialized services command premium pricing: disinfection services start at $150–$220 for smaller units[1], while carpet cleaning ranges from $60 to $160 per carpet depending on size and cleaning method[1]. Curtain cleaning costs $15–$30 per piece[3], and sofa cleaning ranges from $40–$240 depending on size and cleaning depth[1].
DIY Cleaning: Cost-Benefit Analysis
Initial Investment for DIY Supplies
Going the DIY route requires an upfront investment in cleaning supplies and equipment. A basic home cleaning kit typically costs $50–$150 and includes:
- Vacuum cleaner or broom ($30–$100)
- Mop and bucket ($15–$40)
- Cleaning agents (all-purpose, glass, bathroom cleaners) ($20–$50)
- Microfiber cloths and sponges ($10–$20)
- Gloves, brushes, and other tools ($10–$20)
For ongoing maintenance, budget $15–$30 monthly for replacement supplies. While this seems economical initially, the real cost includes your time—a factor many Singapore homeowners undervalue given busy work schedules and limited leisure time.
Time Investment and Hidden Costs
A thorough DIY deep clean for a 3-bedroom HDB or condo typically requires 6–8 hours of work. For a busy professional earning $30–$50 per hour, this represents $180–$400 in opportunity cost. Additionally, DIY cleaning often misses professional-grade results—particularly for specialized tasks like carpet shampooing, window cleaning, or post-renovation dust removal that require equipment most homeowners don't own.
Storage space for cleaning equipment is another hidden cost in Singapore's space-constrained homes. Many residents lack dedicated storage areas, forcing them to store supplies in already-crowded closets or cabinets.
When to DIY vs When to Hire Professionals
Best Scenarios for DIY Cleaning
Light weekly maintenance is ideal for DIY. Spending 1–2 hours weekly vacuuming, wiping surfaces, and tidying up keeps your home fresh without professional help. This approach works well for:
- Studio or 1-bedroom apartments where cleaning time is minimal
- Homeowners with flexible schedules who enjoy cleaning
- Properties with minimal foot traffic or family activity
- Routine tidying between professional deep cleans
Many homeowners adopt a hybrid approach: handling daily maintenance themselves while hiring professionals quarterly or semi-annually for deep cleaning tasks.
When Professional Cleaning Makes Financial Sense
Professional cleaning becomes cost-effective when:
- Move-in/out scenarios: Property handovers require thorough deep cleaning that DIY rarely achieves to agent or landlord standards
- Post-renovation cleaning: Dust and debris removal requires specialized equipment and expertise
- Busy professionals: Your hourly earning rate exceeds cleaning service costs
- Larger properties: 3+ bedroom units where DIY time investment becomes prohibitive
- Specialized needs: Carpet, upholstery, or window cleaning requiring professional equipment
- Health considerations: Allergies, mobility issues, or medical conditions making DIY cleaning difficult
For property investors managing multiple units, professional cleaning services are typically a business expense that ensures consistent property presentation and tenant satisfaction.
Choosing a Professional Cleaning Provider: Homejourney's Trust Framework
What to Look for in a Cleaning Service
Not all cleaning services are equal. When selecting a provider, Homejourney recommends prioritizing these factors:
- Professional Certification: Verify that staff are trained and licensed by NEA, NTUC Learning Hub, or SkillsFuture SG[1]
- Insurance Coverage: Ensure the provider carries public liability insurance (minimum $100,000)[1]
- Customer Reviews: Check verified reviews from Singapore homeowners on the platform
- Transparent Pricing: Upfront quotes with no hidden fees or surprise surcharges
- Service Guarantees: Clear policies on what's included and satisfaction guarantees
- Supplies Included: Confirm whether the provider brings cleaning supplies or you must provide basic tools[8]
Homejourney's verification process ensures all listed providers meet these standards, giving you confidence when booking. Our platform prioritizes user safety and trustworthiness—every provider is vetted, and customer feedback shapes continuous improvement.
Comparing Service Options
Singapore offers several cleaning service models, each with distinct advantages:
Agency-Based Services: Companies like Be Mitey Clean, Helpling, and HelperGo operate through structured platforms. They offer professional training, insurance coverage, and customer support. Rates typically range $25–$30 per hour for one-time services[2][3].
Independent Cleaners: Often advertised through community groups or word-of-mouth, independent cleaners may offer lower rates ($18–$22/hour) but typically lack formal insurance or certification. This option carries higher risk for homeowners.
Part-Time Helper Services: Some agencies specialize in part-time domestic help that includes cleaning. These arrangements often provide better value for recurring weekly services at $288–$400 monthly for 4-hour weekly sessions[2].
