Deep Cleaning and Move-Out Cleaning Price per Square Foot
Updated October 30, 2026 · QuoteCubby
Why deep and move-out cleans need their own pricing, how to use a simple time multiplier, and example prices per square foot you can adapt to your own numbers.
Deep cleans and move-in/move-out cleans take much longer than a regular clean of the same home: baseboards, door frames, inside cabinets and appliances, built-up grime and empty rooms that show every mark. Pricing them with a regular per-square-foot rate is one of the fastest ways to lose money.
Use a time multiplier, not a separate guess
Estimate the regular clean first (size, bedrooms, bathrooms, condition), then multiply the time for the job type. The calculator’s example multipliers:
- Standard clean ×1.0
- First clean for a new recurring client ×1.5
- Deep clean ×1.8
- Move-in / move-out ×2.2
These are only starting points. Time a few of your own deep and move-out cleans and adjust. The kit’s Calibration tab suggests multipliers from your logged jobs.
Example prices per square foot
| Home | Standard | Deep | Move-out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft · 2 bd / 1 ba | $120 $0.12/sq ft | $195 $0.20/sq ft | $235 $0.23/sq ft |
| 1,500 sq ft · 3 bd / 2 ba | $155 $0.10/sq ft | $270 $0.18/sq ft | $325 $0.22/sq ft |
| 2,000 sq ft · 3 bd / 2.5 ba | $175 $0.09/sq ft | $300 $0.15/sq ft | $365 $0.18/sq ft |
| 2,500 sq ft · 4 bd / 3 ba | $205 $0.08/sq ft | $360 $0.14/sq ft | $435 $0.17/sq ft |
| 3,000 sq ft · 4 bd / 3.5 ba | $225 $0.07/sq ft | $390 $0.13/sq ft | $475 $0.16/sq ft |
Example only: one-time clean, average condition, no pets, no add-ons, 12 round-trip miles, using the calculator’s starter numbers ($50 target per person-hour, $120 minimum, 45 base minutes + 15 per bedroom + 25 per bathroom + 20 per 1,000 sq ft; deep ×1.8, move-out ×2.2). These are not market rates. Put your own numbers in the calculator.
What to put on the checklist
Clients compare prices more easily when they can see what’s included. A deep-clean checklist usually adds detail work (baseboards, doors, switch plates, vents, behind and under furniture). A move-out checklist adds inside cabinets, drawers, closets and appliances. The Complete Toolkit includes standard, deep and move-in/out checklists in English and Spanish.
Move-out cleaning price calculator
Choose “Move-in / move-out” as the job type in the free calculator. Add the extras (oven, fridge, cabinets, windows) and check that the price still pays your minimum per hour.
Try it with your numbers
The free QuoteCubby calculator does this math for any home and tells you what you really earn per hour.
Open the free calculatorMore pricing guides
FAQ
How much more should a deep clean cost than a regular clean?
It depends on how much longer it takes you. Many cleaners use a time multiplier. The calculator’s example uses 1.8× for deep cleans and 2.2× for move-outs. Time your own deep cleans and adjust.
Should move-out cleaning include inside the fridge and oven?
Many move-out cleans do, because the home is empty and landlords often check. Decide what your move-out clean includes, write it on a checklist, and price extras separately if they are not included.