03/12/2026
This was posted on another cleaning page and I (Claire) wanted to share this. We've had as much support as we've had backlash and I want you to be aware other cleaning companies are facing the same issue we are.
"Unpopular opinion… but it needs to be said.
Every few months someone complains that cleaning companies charge $50+ per hour, while they personally make $20–$30/hour at their job.
Recently someone even called me a Karen for explaining it. Apparently we’re just “charging $50 to clean a toilet.” 🙃
Let’s clear something up.
A service rate is not the same thing as someone’s hourly wage.
When a cleaning company charges $50/hour, that money covers things like:
• employee wages
• payroll taxes
• insurance and liability
• gas and travel time
• supplies and equipment
• scheduling
• advertising and marketing
• quality control
• cancellations and slow weeks
After all that, the business owner isn’t pocketing $50/hour.
In fact, many cleaners are making $20–$25/hour, which is very similar to many other industries.
And here’s the bigger point:
If cleaning was truly “easy money,” more people would start cleaning companies and stay in the industry long term.
But most people who try it quickly realize it’s physically demanding, detail-oriented, and requires serious consistency.
Also… every profession deserves respect.
Nurses, cleaners, tradespeople, business owners we all play a role in keeping society running.
Comparing someone’s personal wage to a business service rate simply shows a misunderstanding of how businesses actually operate."
