Quote templates for cleaning services
Professional quotes for domestic, commercial, and post-construction cleaning, in rand.
What to include in a cleaning quote
Cleaning services fall into two distinct business models: once-off jobs (post-construction clean, post-event clean, end-of-lease clean) and recurring contracts (weekly or fortnightly domestic or office cleaning). The quote must clearly reflect which model applies.
For once-off jobs, itemise the areas to be cleaned (kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, common areas), the type of cleaning (general clean, deep clean, window cleaning, building debris removal), and the estimated number of hours. State whether cleaning products are included or supplied by the client.
For recurring contracts, specify: frequency (weekly, fortnightly, monthly), hours per visit, tasks included, tasks excluded, and the total monthly price. A 3-month contract with a 5% discount is a good way to secure ongoing work.
Always state how many cleaners will carry out the work. An 80m² flat can be cleaned by 1 person in 3 hours or by 2 people in 1.5 hours. The client wants to know how many people will be in their home.
Example quote for post-construction clean
Typical job: post-construction clean of a 3-bed, 95m² flat.
- Removal of building dust from all surfaces (ceilings, walls, skirting), 95m² at R18/m²
- Deep clean of all flooring (tile and laminate), 95m² at R14/m²
- Interior window frames and glass cleaning, 12 windows at R140 each
- Main bathroom (sanitary ware, bath, tiles), 1 unit at R420
- Second bathroom, 1 unit at R320
- Kitchen (appliances, inside cupboards, oven), 1 unit at R500
- Removal of building waste (cardboard, packaging, tape), 1 service at R380
- Travel and cleaning products included
Total: R5,346
A 3-bed post-build clean typically takes 2 cleaners 4 to 5 hours. Confirm with the client that building materials have been removed and that water and power are available.
How to structure recurring cleaning contracts
Recurring cleaning contracts are the ideal revenue model: predictable income, no constant prospecting. Structure the proposal to make the contract more attractive than once-off pricing.
Sample fortnightly domestic cleaning proposal:
- Fortnightly clean of an 80m² home (2 bedrooms, 1 lounge, kitchen, 2 bathrooms)
- Duration per visit: 2.5 hours with 1 cleaner
- Tasks included: vacuuming and mopping floors, wiping surfaces, bathrooms and kitchen (exterior of appliances), changing bed linen (provided by client)
- Tasks not included: laundry, exterior window cleaning, inside cupboards
- Cleaning products included
- Price per visit: R480 | Monthly price (2 visits): R960
- 6-month contract discount: R912/month (5% off)
Recurring work retains clients and stabilises income. Use Prummo to send the quote via WhatsApp with a PayShap or EFT payment link included.
Tips for winning more cleaning jobs
Be specific about what is and isn't included. Exterior window cleaning, laundry, dishwashing. These are items many clients assume are included. By listing what's excluded, you prevent complaints and can charge for extras transparently.
For new domestic cleaning clients, offer a once-off deep clean at a special introductory rate to establish the relationship. A first deep clean of 3 hours at a discounted rate can convert into a 12-month contract worth far more. The discount pays for itself.
Before-and-after photos are the most powerful tool in cleaning. Photograph the space before and after each job. Build a portfolio on your phone. When sending a quote via WhatsApp, include examples of your previous work. Visual results convert far better than a list of services.
Frequently asked questions
Should I charge by the hour or by m² for cleaning?
For recurring domestic cleaning, a fixed per-visit price is what clients prefer: they want to know what they'll pay each month without surprises. For large once-off jobs such as post-construction or commercial spaces, per m² pricing is fairer and easier to justify to the client.
How do I quote cleaning for a space I haven't seen?
For remote quotes, base your estimate on the client's information: area in m², number of rooms, type of cleaning requested. Include a note: "Price estimated based on information provided. Subject to adjustment after inspection if required." In most cases the actual cost is close to the estimate.
Should cleaning products be included in the price?
It depends on your positioning. For premium services and recurring contracts, including products simplifies the client relationship and justifies a slightly higher price. For large once-off cleans, you can charge products separately or include a specific line in the quote. The key is to be explicit, never let the client guess.