Cleaning Estimate Template: Examples Cleaners Can Send Today

A cleaning estimate template is a written quote you send before the first visit, so the client sees the scope, price, and what is not included. The 7 templates below cover recurring residential cleans, a first deep clean, move-outs, commercial offices, one-off jobs, add-ons, and a revised estimate after the walkthrough.

The rule that matters most is to match the quote to the home you saw. Price after a walkthrough or a clear photo set, put exclusions in writing, and give a valid-until date so the number does not float forever.

What every cleaning estimate needs

A cleaning estimate is not a friendly price text. It is a record of what you promised to clean, for how much, and on what terms. The FTC tells consumers hiring contractors to get a written estimate that describes the work, the materials, the completion date, and the price. The same clarity helps a cleaner. It cuts "I thought that was included" calls before they start.

Part	What to write	Example line
Header	Business name, phone, email, estimate number, date	"EST-1042 · Oct 14, 2026"
Client and property	Name, service address, access notes that change price	"3 bed / 2 bath, pets in yard"
Scope	Type of clean, frequency, rooms or size	"Bi-weekly standard clean"
Line items	Description, qty, unit, rate, amount	"Standard visit · 1 · visit · [Rate]"
Exclusions	Work that costs extra unless booked	"Inside oven not included"
Terms and acceptance	Valid until, payment timing, cancel window, approve line	"Valid 14 days. Balance due after service."

Keep one pricing method across every estimate you send. Flat per visit works for a fixed recurring route. Per room or bath works when homes vary. Hourly crew time fits first deep cleans and move-outs when the mess is hard to judge from the door. Per square foot is common on commercial floor plans. Pick one, then write the line items the same way every time.

The six parts that belong on every cleaning estimate before you send it. Diagram only.

Four pricing methods. Use one method on every quote so clients can compare apples to apples. Diagram only.

If you are still writing your service list and first price sheet, pair these templates with a house cleaning checklist so the work you quote matches the work your crew ticks off. The steps to start a cleaning business cover the paperwork that sits next to the estimate.

When to send each estimate

Situation	Send when	Channel
New recurring client	After the walkthrough, before the first booked visit	Email (PDF or plain text)
Deep clean or move-out	Same day as the walkthrough, while details are fresh	Email
Commercial bid	After you measure floors and confirm hours of access	Email
Scope change on site	Before you start the extra work	Email or text, then save the written copy
Simple add-on on an existing route	When the client asks for the extra	Email or short text

Save every accepted estimate with the date. The IRS lists invoices among the supporting documents that show your gross receipts, so a clean paper trail helps at tax time as well as when a client disputes a line.

1. Recurring residential clean estimate

When to use it: After you walk a home that wants weekly or bi-weekly service. This is the template most residential cleaners send first.

CLEANING ESTIMATE
[Business name] · [Phone] · [Email]
Estimate #: EST-[Number]    Date: [Date]
Valid until: [Date + 14 days]

CLIENT
Name: [Customer first name] [Last name]
Service address: [Address]
Preferred contact: [Phone or email]

PROPERTY
Bedrooms: [#]   Bathrooms: [#]
Approx. size: [Sq ft or "small / medium / large"]
Floors: [Hardwood / tile / carpet / mix]
Pets: [None / type and where they stay]
Access: [Key / lockbox / client home]

SCOPE
Service: Standard recurring clean
Frequency: [Weekly / Bi-weekly / Monthly]
Visit length target: [Hours] with [#] cleaners
Supplies: [Provided by us / client provides]

INCLUDED EACH VISIT
- Dust reachable surfaces, wipe high-touch points
- Clean kitchens and bathrooms per checklist
- Vacuum and mop floors in cleaned rooms
- Empty trash in cleaned rooms, new liners

LINE ITEMS
Qty  Description                     Rate      Amount
1    Standard clean, per visit       [Rate]    [Amount]
[#]  [Optional travel fee]           [Rate]    [Amount]

Subtotal: [Amount]
Tax (if applicable): [Amount]
TOTAL PER VISIT: [Amount]

EXCLUSIONS (not included unless booked)
Inside oven, inside fridge, interior windows,
blinds detail, laundry, dishes, and garage.

TERMS
- Price holds through the valid-until date
- Cancel or reschedule with [X] hours notice
- Payment: [Due after each visit / other]
- This is an estimate for the scope above

Approve: ________________  Date: ________
Print name: [Customer name]

How to customize it:

• Match the "Included each visit" list to your house cleaning checklist word for word.
• If travel time eats the route, add a separate travel line instead of hiding it in the visit rate.
• For a text follow-up, send only the total, frequency, and a link or attachment to the full estimate.

2. First deep clean / initial clean estimate

When to use it: For a first visit that resets the home before recurring service, or for a one-time deep clean with no recurring plan yet.

CLEANING ESTIMATE: INITIAL / DEEP CLEAN
[Business name] · [Phone] · [Email]
Estimate #: EST-[Number]    Date: [Date]
Valid until: [Date + 14 days]

CLIENT / PROPERTY
[Customer name] · [Address]
Beds: [#]  Baths: [#]  Size: [Sq ft]
Condition notes: [Light / average / heavy soil]
Special surfaces: [Stone, unsealed wood]

SCOPE
One-time initial / deep clean
Crew: [#] cleaners for about [Hours]
Supplies: [Provided by us]

BASE CLEAN (same as a thorough standard)
Kitchen, baths, bedrooms, living areas:
dust, wipe, scrub, vacuum, mop

DEEP ADD-ONS IN THIS PRICE
[ ] Baseboards by hand
[ ] Inside oven
[ ] Inside refrigerator
[ ] Interior windows and tracks
[ ] Blinds or shutters dusted
[ ] Behind and under movable furniture
[ ] Light fixtures within reach
[ ] Other: [Item]

LINE ITEMS
Qty  Description                     Rate      Amount
1    Initial / deep clean (package)  [Rate]    [Amount]
[#]  Extra bath beyond [#]           [Rate]    [Amount]
[#]  Heavy soil surcharge            [Rate]    [Amount]

TOTAL: [Amount]

EXCLUSIONS
Exterior windows, carpet shampoo, walls
washed floor to ceiling, hoarding cleanup,
biohazard work, and attic or crawl spaces.

TERMS
- Walkthrough notes dated [Date] apply
- If we find conditions not visible at the
  walkthrough, we pause and send a revised
  estimate before continuing
- Payment: [Deposit % due to book / balance
  due after service]
- Approve: ________________  Date: ________

How to customize it:

• Tick only the deep add-ons you measured. A blank checkbox left unchecked is clearer than a vague "deep clean" label.
• Use a heavy-soil surcharge when the walkthrough shows years of buildup. Say what triggered it in the notes.
• After this visit, send Template 1 for the recurring rate so the client sees the drop from deep to standard.

3. Move-out / move-in clean estimate

When to use it: Empty or nearly empty homes for landlords, tenants, or real estate agents. Price after you see the unit, not from a floor plan alone.

CLEANING ESTIMATE: MOVE-OUT / MOVE-IN
[Business name] · [Phone] · [Email]
Estimate #: EST-[Number]    Date: [Date]
Valid until: [Date + 7 days]

CLIENT
Name: [Customer or agent name]
Billing contact: [If different]
Property: [Address]   Unit: [Unit]
Keys from: [Who] by [Date]
Target finish: [Date and time]

PROPERTY
Beds: [#]  Baths: [#]  Size: [Sq ft]
Occupied now: [Yes / No / Partial]
Appliances: [List present]
Stove type: [Gas / electric / other]

SCOPE
Full move-out / move-in clean of empty home
Includes: all rooms, inside cabinets and
drawers, inside oven and fridge, pantry,
closets, laundry room, and light fixtures
within reach. Floors vacuumed and mopped.

LINE ITEMS
Qty  Description                     Rate      Amount
1    Move-out clean package          [Rate]    [Amount]
[#]  Extra half bath                 [Rate]    [Amount]
[#]  Garage sweep and wipe           [Rate]    [Amount]
[#]  Interior windows                [Rate]    [Amount]

TOTAL: [Amount]

EXCLUSIONS
Carpet extraction, paint prep, drywall
repair, exterior windows, yard work, and
hauling trash beyond normal bagged waste.

TERMS
- Home should be empty of personal items
- If belongings remain, we bill hourly at
  [Rate]/hour per cleaner for sorting time
  after you approve a revised estimate
- Payment due [On completion / Net 7]
- Approve: ________________  Date: ________

How to customize it:

• Shorten the valid-until window. Move-out dates slip, and an empty unit can change fast.
• Ask who provides trash removal beyond bagged waste. Leaving furniture or junk is not a cleaning line.
• Send the agent and the tenant the same estimate number so nobody books a cheaper scope by mistake.

4. Commercial office cleaning estimate

When to use it: Small offices, suites, and shared workspaces on a nightly or weekly plan. Measure floor area and confirm access hours before you price.

CLEANING ESTIMATE: COMMERCIAL
[Business name] · [Phone] · [Email]
Estimate #: EST-[Number]    Date: [Date]
Valid until: [Date + 30 days]

CLIENT
Company: [Company name]
Site contact: [Name, phone]
Service address: [Address, suite]
Billing email: [Email]

SITE
Rentable / cleanable sq ft: [Number]
Restrooms: [#]   Kitchenettes: [#]
Floor types: [Carpet / VCT / other]
Access hours: [Window]
Alarm / badge: [Who provides]

SCOPE
[Nightly / 3x week / Weekly] office clean
Includes: empty trash and replace liners,
dust and wipe desks if clear, wipe kitchen
counters and sink, clean restrooms, vacuum
traffic lanes, mop hard floors, restock
supplies provided by client.

LINE ITEMS
Qty  Description                     Rate      Amount
1    Recurring clean, per visit      [Rate]    [Amount]
1    Monthly floor care add-on       [Rate]    [Amount]
[#]  After-hours access fee          [Rate]    [Amount]

Monthly estimate ([#] visits): [Amount]

EXCLUSIONS
Inside refrigerators, dish duty, personal
desk clutter, exterior glass, and carpet
extraction unless listed above.

TERMS
- Client provides restroom consumables
  unless supplies line is added
- Price assumes current furniture layout
- 30-day notice to change frequency
- Payment: [Net 15 / other]
- Approve: ________________  Date: ________
  Title: [Title]

How to customize it:

• Put cleanable square footage on the estimate, not marketing brochure footage.
• If desks are always covered in paper, say "wipe only clear surfaces" so the crew is not blamed for stacked piles.
• For a first month, you can list a higher initial clean line, then the recurring visit rate.

5. One-off / vacation rental / post-event estimate

When to use it: Airbnb turnovers, party cleanup, or a single visit with no recurring plan. Same-day jobs need a short valid-until date and a clear start window.

CLEANING ESTIMATE: ONE-OFF VISIT
[Business name] · [Phone] · [Email]
Estimate #: EST-[Number]    Date: [Date]
Valid until: [Date + 3 days]

CLIENT / PROPERTY
[Customer name] · [Address]
Job type: [Vacation turnover / post-event /
  one-time home clean]
Beds: [#]  Baths: [#]
Checkout / start time: [Time]
Ready-by time: [Time]

SCOPE
One visit on [Date]
Includes: full standard clean of listed
rooms, remake beds with client linens,
restock toiletries provided by client,
empty trash, start dishwasher if loaded,
and a photo checklist sent when done.

LINE ITEMS
Qty  Description                     Rate      Amount
1    Turnover / one-off clean        [Rate]    [Amount]
[#]  Same-day rush fee               [Rate]    [Amount]
[#]  Laundry wash-dry-fold (loads)   [Rate]    [Amount]
[#]  Extra trash haul (bags)         [Rate]    [Amount]

TOTAL: [Amount]

EXCLUSIONS
Stain removal on carpets or upholstery,
interior oven, and repairs. Lost-and-found
items are set aside, not discarded.

TERMS
- Access must be ready at start time
- Late checkout billed at [Rate]/hour
  after you approve the extra time
- Payment due before or on completion
- Approve: ________________  Date: ________

How to customize it:

• For vacation rentals, attach your turnover checklist or point to the same room list you use on standard cleans.
• Put the ready-by time in bold in your email subject so the host sees the deadline.
• Skip laundry lines if the host uses a service. Do not invent a line you cannot finish in the window.

6. Add-ons only estimate

When to use it: When a current client wants extras on top of an existing recurring clean, or when you quote add-ons alone after a walkthrough.

CLEANING ESTIMATE: ADD-ONS
[Business name] · [Phone] · [Email]
Estimate #: EST-[Number]    Date: [Date]
Valid until: [Date + 14 days]
Related to recurring EST: [Number or n/a]

CLIENT / PROPERTY
[Customer name] · [Address]
Next visit date: [Date]

ADD-ON LINE ITEMS (only what is checked)
Qty  Description                     Rate      Amount
[ ]  Inside oven                     [Rate]    [Amount]
[ ]  Inside refrigerator             [Rate]    [Amount]
[ ]  Interior windows (per pane)     [Rate]    [Amount]
[ ]  Baseboards detail               [Rate]    [Amount]
[ ]  Blinds dusted                   [Rate]    [Amount]
[ ]  Laundry (per load)              [Rate]    [Amount]
[ ]  Inside cabinets                 [Rate]    [Amount]
[ ]  Other: [Item]                   [Rate]    [Amount]

TOTAL ADD-ONS: [Amount]

NOTES
Add-ons are done on the visit dated above
unless a separate visit is booked.
Standard recurring scope is unchanged.

TERMS
- Same cancel window as your recurring plan
- Payment due with that visit's balance
- Approve: ________________  Date: ________

How to customize it:

• Pre-fill rates you actually charge. Delete rows you do not offer.
• If an add-on needs a longer visit, say so and move the arrival window in your confirmation email.
• Keep this estimate short. The client already knows your standard scope.

7. Revised estimate after walkthrough or scope change

When to use it: When the job on site does not match the first quote, or the client adds work before you start. Send this before the extra work begins.

REVISED CLEANING ESTIMATE
[Business name] · [Phone] · [Email]
Estimate #: EST-[Number]-R[Revision]
Replaces: EST-[Original number]
Date: [Date]    Valid until: [Date + 7 days]

CLIENT / PROPERTY
[Customer name] · [Address]

WHY THIS REVISION
[Example: "Home still occupied. Cabinets
full. Add 2 cleaner-hours for contents."]
Walkthrough / on-site note date: [Date]

ORIGINAL SCOPE TOTAL [Short summary]
ORIGINAL TOTAL: [Amount]

CHANGES
Qty  Description                     Rate      Amount
[#]  Added: [Work]                   [Rate]    [Amount]
[#]  Removed: [Work]                 [Rate]   -[Amount]
[#]  Condition surcharge             [Rate]    [Amount]

REVISED TOTAL: [Amount]
Difference from original: [Amount]

TERMS
- No extra work starts until you approve
  this revision
- All other terms from EST-[Original]
  still apply unless changed above
- Approve revision: ________  Date: ______

How to customize it:

• State the reason in one or two plain sentences. "Cabinets were full" is clearer than "scope variance."
• Keep the original estimate number in the header so your records stay linked.
• If the client says no to the revision, do only the original scope or reschedule. Do not start the extra work on a verbal maybe.

Send the estimate after the walkthrough, get a written yes, then book the first visit. Diagram only.

Which estimate to send

Template	Send when	Channel
1. Recurring residential	Weekly or bi-weekly home clean	Email
2. Initial / deep clean	First reset visit or one-time deep clean	Email
3. Move-out / move-in	Empty unit for landlord, tenant, or agent	Email
4. Commercial office	Suite or office on a set frequency	Email
5. One-off / turnover	Vacation rental, party, or single visit	Email
6. Add-ons only	Extras on top of an existing plan	Email or text
7. Revised estimate	Scope or condition changed	Email (save the copy)

Mistakes that get estimates ignored

• Pricing from a phone call only. Room counts and soil level change the number. Walk the home or collect a full photo set first.
• No exclusions list. If inside the oven is not in the price, say so on the page the client signs.
• A total with no line items. Clients compare lines, not vibes. Break out the visit, add-ons, and fees.
• No valid-until date. Supply costs and your route fill up. Fourteen days is a common residential window. Shorten it for move-outs and same-week jobs.
• Starting extra work on a verbal yes. Send Template 7 and wait for approval. A text that says "OK to the new total" is better than nothing, and an email approval is better still.
• Mixing pricing methods on one page. Flat visit plus vague hourly "if needed" confuses everyone. Pick one method per estimate.

A clear estimate also makes the first appointment confirmation easier, because the scope is already settled.

Questions cleaning business owners ask about cleaning estimates

What should a cleaning estimate include?

Your business contact details, the client and service address, an estimate number and date, the scope and frequency, itemized prices, exclusions, a valid-until date, payment timing, and an approval line. The FTC's contractor guidance for consumers says a written estimate should describe the work, materials, completion date, and price. Mirror that level of detail even when your "materials" are cleaning supplies you already carry.

How do you price a house cleaning job for an estimate?

Pick one method and stick to it. Flat per visit fits a stable recurring route. Per bedroom and bathroom fits mixed home sizes. Hourly crew time fits deep cleans and move-outs when soil is hard to judge. Per square foot fits many commercial bids. Build the number from your target hourly take-home after supplies, drive time, and buffer, then write line items the client can read.

Is a cleaning estimate the same as a quote or a contract?

In everyday use, estimate and quote both mean the price you offer for a described scope. A contract is the agreement after the client accepts, with terms both sides are bound by. Your estimate can become that agreement when they sign or reply with clear approval. Keep the accepted copy with your records.

How long should a cleaning estimate stay valid?

Long enough for the client to decide, short enough that your costs and calendar still match. Fourteen days works for many residential recurring quotes. Seven days fits move-outs. A few days fits same-week turnovers. Put the date on the page. If it expires, send a fresh estimate instead of quietly raising the old one.

Do I need a walkthrough before I send a cleaning estimate?

Yes for deep cleans, move-outs, and any home you have not cleaned before. A walkthrough lets you count rooms, check floors, and spot soil that photos miss. For a tiny add-on on a home you already clean, Template 6 can go out without a new walk. When in doubt, walk it.

Get the first visit on the calendar

Once the client accepts an estimate, the next step is a clear booking for the first clean. If you want a site where clients can see your cleaning services and book a time, you can get a site customers can book from with Kejoola. Clients can put gate codes, pet notes, and add-on requests in the booking notes box. Already have a Google Business listing? Paste your listing link to get a first draft of your site, then finish it with your own services, towns, and photos. For what that site should cover, see what a cleaning business website needs.

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Sources

• How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam (FTC Consumer Advice)
• What Kind of Records Should I Keep (IRS)