Tipping in the service industry can be confusing, particularly as expectations can vary between the location and type of service. Individual cleaners often receive tips for a job well done, but do professional cleaning services encourage them too? In this blog post, we explore how you can best show your appreciation after having your space professionally cleaned, including when to tip, and how much is customary.
When might a cleaning service receive a tip?
You may want to tip your professional cleaners if you think they’ve delivered a good standard of service. This isn’t necessarily limited to the cleaning itself, although it’s a good place to start. You might also want to tip a cleaning service that has gone out of their way to provide excellent customer service, such as responding to any queries on time, or simply being polite and professional in their communications. Ultimately, outside of the cleaning itself, you should look for the same indicators of a job well done as you would in a restaurant or delivery service.
Some companies will have policies about tipping, so it’s always a good idea to check if they have any guidelines or restrictions beforehand. They may also include the cost of a tip or service charge in their pricing, so it’s worth asking if you’re unsure.
In general, a professional cleaning service will receive a tip when they’ve delivered a high-quality service, which is what most organizations will strive for. Hiring the same service to clean on a regular basis may warrant a smaller, consistent weekly tip, while you may want to reward a one-off or occasional cleaning service with a larger tip.
How much should you tip?
In general, tips in the U.S. are usually between 15-25% of the cost of the service, and this applies to cleaning services too. If you don’t want to risk giving too much or too little, it’s best to stick to this figure. However, you can always ask your cleaning company if you’re unsure.
You don’t necessarily need to offer a percentage-based tip either. Depending on the service you’re receiving, you may opt to give a flat rate tip, or offer a more generous bonus during the holiday season. You may also choose to tip based on your income that month – even a small amount should be a marker to your cleaning professional that you value their hard work.
Other ways to show your appreciation
Most professional cleaning companies will gratefully accept tips, but if yours doesn’t, there are other ways you can show your appreciation. For example, you could leave a positive review of their service on their website, or leave out refreshments like snacks and hot drinks in your home as a kind gesture.
Housekeepers tend to receive less tips than other service workers, because the nature of the job means they generally work alone and don’t interact with guests or homeowners. The same can be said for cleaners, who will often do their work while their clients are out of the house. This means a simple thank-you note left out for them is likely to go a long way (alongside a tip, if the company accepts them).
Reach out if in doubt
Ultimately, some professional cleaning services do receive tips, and some don’t – so you should never be hesitant to reach out and ask if you’re able to leave one. Leaving a tip is a kind gesture to make, and will show your cleaner that you’re pleased with their service and appreciate their hard work. It can be difficult understanding maid services, especially in NYC. Check out our helpful guide on selecting the right maid service for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I tip my cleaning service if they already charge a service fee?
Many people wonder about tipping when they notice a service fee on their cleaning invoice. Here’s what you should know: service fees typically cover business costs like insurance, supplies, and scheduling software—not the actual cleaner’s wages. When you book a maid service in NYC, the service fee helps the company stay operational, but it doesn’t replace a tip for the person scrubbing your bathroom or mopping your floors.
For example, if your invoice shows a $20 service fee on a $150 cleaning, that $20 might cover the cost of professional-grade cleaning products the company brought to your home, the liability insurance protecting you if something breaks, and the booking system you used. The cleaner who spent three hours making your kitchen sparkle still earned their regular wage—not extra compensation.
At Maid Sailors Cleaning Service, we bring all cleaning supplies to every job and maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, which does factor into our pricing structure. However, our cleaners truly appreciate when clients recognize their hard work with a tip, especially after tackling challenging jobs like post-renovation deep cleans or homes that haven’t been professionally cleaned in months. A good rule of thumb is tipping 15-20% directly to your cleaner, particularly if they went above and beyond—like hand-washing your baseboards or organizing under your sink without being asked. Cash tips ensure your cleaner receives the full amount immediately.