Home › Guides › Price increase letter

House cleaning price increase letter: 3 templates

Updated October 31, 2026 · QuoteCubby

Raising prices is nerve-racking, but a clear letter with enough notice works with most clients. Here are three templates to copy and adapt, plus a short text version.

Before you write: how much to raise

There’s no right percentage for everyone. Do this for each recurring client:

  1. Enter their home in the calculator with your real times and current rate.
  2. Compare that price with what they pay today.
  3. Look at real earnings per hour. Anyone under your minimum gets the letter first.

Example: a 1,800 sq ft, 3/2 home every two weeks that still pays $120 and takes 2 h 55 min of labor leaves about $31.98 per person-hour after supplies, gas and 30 minutes of driving. With the calculator’s starter numbers it would be $145.

Template 1: simple annual increase

Hi [Name], Thank you for trusting [Your business] with your home. Starting [date, at least 30 days out], your [weekly / every-two-weeks] cleaning will be $[new] (currently $[current]). I review my prices once a year to keep up with the cost of supplies, gas and equipment, and to keep giving you the same quality. If you have any questions, I'm happy to talk. Thank you! [Your name]

Template 2: cost-based increase

Use a real, checkable fact. The IRS business mileage rate is public: 70¢ in 2025, 72.5¢ for January–June 2026 and 76¢ from July 1, 2026 (IRS).

Hi [Name], I want to give you plenty of notice about a change. My supply and driving costs went up this year (for example, the IRS standard business mileage rate went from 70¢ in 2025 to 76¢ for the second half of 2026). Starting [date], your cleaning will be $[new]. Your service stays the same: [what's included]. Thank you for being a client. [Your name]

Template 3: long-time client, two-step increase

Hi [Name], You've been with me for [time] and I really appreciate it. Your price hasn't changed since [year], and new clients now pay $[new-client price] for a home like yours. To keep the change gentle, I'll do it in two steps: $[step 1] starting [date 1] and $[new] starting [date 2]. Thank you for your trust. [Your name]

Short text message

Hi [Name]! Quick note: starting [date], your cleaning will be $[new]. Thank you for being a great client! – [Your name]

Need these in Spanish? See Carta para subir precios de limpieza.

Tips

  • Give it in writing with an exact date.
  • Don’t over-apologize. One clear reason is enough.
  • Raise everyone who is under your minimum, not just one client.
  • Keep a record of each client’s last increase.

Try it with your numbers

The free QuoteCubby calculator estimates the time for any home, prices standard, deep, move-out and first cleans, and shows what you really earn per hour after supplies and driving.

Open the free calculator

FAQ

How much notice should I give before raising prices?

Many cleaners give 30 days. What matters most is putting it in writing with the exact date and the new price.

How often should I raise my cleaning prices?

Many cleaners review once a year. A clear signal is when a client now pays you less per hour than your minimum, including the drive.

What if a client leaves?

It can happen. Check what that client pays you per hour first. If it’s far below your minimum, the slot may be better used for a client at your current price.

Do you have these letters in Spanish?

Yes. The Spanish guide has all three letters in Spanish and English.

Quoting the same kinds of homes every week? The QuoteCubby kit (from $19, Google Sheets or Excel) keeps your price list, job log and client rates in one place. The free calculator stays free either way.

Related guides

Sources

Price ranges are national figures published by the sources below (accessed October 31, 2026). Local prices vary a lot. QuoteCubby examples are illustrations, not market data.

QuoteCubby is a calculator and a set of templates. It is not pricing, legal, tax or business advice. Starter numbers are examples only; use your own costs and local market.