Most house cleaning services in Delaware charge $130 to $275 for a standard cleaning. Hourly rates range from $28 to $48 per cleaner. Delaware prices are close to the national average, with northern Delaware running higher due to its proximity to Philadelphia.
What Are Average Cleaning Prices in Delaware?
Cleaning prices in Delaware are near the national average. Northern Delaware near Wilmington has higher prices, while the rest of the state is more affordable.
Here is what most Delaware cleaning services charge:
| Service Type | Price Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Cleaning | $130 – $275 | $195 |
| Deep Cleaning | $260 – $500 | $365 |
| Move-Out Cleaning | $290 – $550 | $405 |
| Recurring Weekly | $110 – $230 | $165 |
| Recurring Biweekly | $120 – $250 | $175 |
| Recurring Monthly | $140 – $275 | $200 |
Recurring clients pay less per visit. They keep your schedule steady and reduce your marketing costs.
Delaware has no sales tax. This means your clients pay exactly what you quote with no added tax. This simplifies pricing and gives you a competitive edge over businesses in neighboring states.
How Much Does House Cleaning Cost per Hour in Delaware?
Hourly rates change by city. Bigger cities tend to charge more. Smaller cities and rural areas cost less.
Here are hourly rates for major Delaware cities:
| City | Hourly Rate (per Cleaner) | Standard Home Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | $30 – $48 | $145 – $280 |
| Newark | $28 – $45 | $135 – $260 |
| Dover | $25 – $40 | $120 – $240 |
| Middletown | $27 – $44 | $130 – $255 |
| Rehoboth Beach | $30 – $50 | $150 – $290 |
Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach has the highest rates. Wilmington benefits from the Philadelphia metro economy, while Rehoboth Beach has wealthy vacation homeowners.
Dover has the lowest rates. The state capital has a lower cost of living than northern Delaware and the beach communities.
What Affects Cleaning Prices in Delaware?
Several things change what you can charge. Knowing these helps you set the right price.
- Home size — larger homes take more time and cost more to clean
- Number of rooms — more bedrooms and bathrooms raise the price
- Level of dirt — homes that have not been cleaned in months cost more
- Pets — pet hair and dander add extra work and time
- Location — big cities cost more than small towns
- Supplies — bringing your own products lets you charge a small fee
- Frequency — weekly clients get a lower rate than one-time clients
Delaware has a minimum wage of $13.25 per hour. The state is small, so travel time between jobs is minimal compared to larger states. This can improve your daily efficiency.
How Much Does Deep Cleaning Cost in Delaware?
Deep cleaning costs more than a standard cleaning. It covers areas that regular cleanings skip.
Most deep cleans in Delaware cost $260 to $500. A larger home costs more.
What Deep Cleaning Includes
- Inside ovens and refrigerators — scrubbing grease and stuck-on food
- Baseboards and window sills — wiping dust and grime buildup
- Light fixtures and ceiling fans — removing layers of dust
- Behind and under furniture — cleaning hidden dust and dirt
- Tile grout and shower doors — scrubbing mildew and soap scum
- Cabinet fronts — cleaning fingerprints and grease
Deep cleaning usually takes 4 to 8 hours. Most cleaners charge a flat rate instead of an hourly rate for this service.
Many clients book a deep clean as their first visit. After that, they switch to a regular cleaning schedule.
How Much Does Move-Out Cleaning Cost in Delaware?
Move-out cleaning is one of the most profitable services. Tenants need a clean home to get their deposit back. Landlords need it ready for the next tenant.
Most move-out cleanings in Delaware cost $290 to $550. Empty homes are easier to clean, but clients expect spotless results.
What Move-Out Cleaning Includes
- All rooms cleaned top to bottom — walls, floors, and ceilings
- Kitchen deep clean — oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher inside and out
- Bathroom deep clean — tubs, toilets, and tile grout
- Closets and storage areas — shelves wiped and floors mopped
- Windows inside — glass, tracks, and sills
- Garage sweep — optional add-on for $50 to $100
Delaware has a strong rental market in Wilmington and the beach towns. Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach have seasonal vacation rentals that need turnover cleaning throughout the summer.
How Much Does Commercial Cleaning Cost in Delaware?
Commercial cleaning covers offices, retail stores, and other business spaces. Prices are based on square footage.
Most commercial cleaning in Delaware costs $0.09 to $0.22 per square foot.
Common Commercial Cleaning Rates
- Small office (under 2,000 square feet) — $220 – $520 per month
- Medium office (2,000 to 5,000 square feet) — $460 – $1,100 per month
- Large office (over 5,000 square feet) — $900 – $2,300 per month
- Retail store — $360 – $880 per month
- Medical office — $520 – $1,500 per month
Commercial clients pay monthly. They sign contracts and provide steady income. This makes commercial cleaning great for growth.
Not sure which model fits you? Read our guide on residential versus commercial cleaning.
How Do Delaware Cleaning Prices Compare to National Averages?
Delaware cleaning prices are close to the national average, with northern Delaware and beach areas running slightly higher.
Here is how Delaware compares to national averages:
| Service | Delaware Average | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Cleaning | $195 | $190 | 3% higher |
| Deep Cleaning | $365 | $350 | 4% higher |
| Hourly Rate | $37 | $35 | 6% higher |
| Move-Out Cleaning | $405 | $400 | 1% higher |
| Commercial (per square foot) | $0.15 | $0.15 | Same |
Delaware prices are within 1 to 6 percent of the national average. The no-sales-tax advantage simplifies your billing and can be a selling point to clients who compare across state lines.
How Should You Price Your Cleaning Business in Delaware?
Setting the right price is one of the hardest parts. Price too low and you lose money. Price too high and you lose clients.
Step 1: Know Your Costs
Add up all your business costs first. Include supplies, gas, insurance, and your time. Your price must cover these costs and leave you a profit.
Delaware is a small state, which means you can serve clients across the state with less travel time. Factor this efficiency into your pricing strategy.
Step 2: Research Your Local Market
Check what other cleaners charge in your city. Call a few competitors or look at their websites. Your prices should be close to the market rate.
Step 3: Choose a Pricing Method
- Flat rate — one price for the whole job, based on home size
- Hourly rate — charge by the hour, good for unpredictable jobs
- Per room — charge a set price for each room cleaned
- Per square foot — best for commercial clients
Most residential cleaners use flat rates. Clients like knowing the total cost upfront. Use our guide on how to price cleaning services for step-by-step help.
Step 4: Offer Recurring Discounts
Give weekly clients 10 to 15 percent off. Give biweekly clients 5 to 10 percent off. These discounts fill your schedule and cut marketing costs.
Step 5: Review Your Prices Regularly
Check your prices every six months. Raise them if your costs go up. Most clients accept small raises without complaint.
Read our full guide on how to start a cleaning business in Delaware. It covers licenses, insurance, and everything you need to get started.