Many homeowners think the hourly cost of house cleaning should match what cleaners earn per hour. That’s not how it works. While cleaning professionals in New Orleans earn $14.95 per hour according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you’ll actually pay between $22.43 and $37.38 per hour for cleaning services.
The difference isn’t padding - it covers real business costs. Cleaning companies pay for commercial insurance, bonding, equipment, vehicles, licensing, and employee benefits. They also handle scheduling, customer service, and quality control. When you understand these overhead costs, the pricing makes sense.
New Orleans’ humid subtropical climate creates unique cleaning challenges that affect costs. High humidity means more mold prevention work, and our famous celebrations leave homes needing extra attention. Here’s what you really need to know about cleaning costs in the Big Easy.
Biweekly House Cleaning Cost Breakdown
Regular biweekly cleaning is the sweet spot for most New Orleans families. It keeps homes consistently clean without the premium of weekly service.
| Home Size | Time Required | Cost Range | Per Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 bedrooms | 2-3 hours | $45-$112 | $90-$225 |
| 3 bedrooms | 3-4 hours | $67-$149 | $135-$300 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 4-6 hours | $90-$224 | $180-$450 |
Biweekly service typically costs 10-15% less per visit than one-time cleanings. Companies prefer regular customers and pass savings along. In neighborhoods like Uptown and Garden District, where homes are larger and have intricate details, expect prices at the higher end of these ranges.
Move In Cleaning Service Cost Details
Move-in cleanings are intensive deep cleans that prepare your new home. These cost more than regular cleaning because they involve areas typically skipped during maintenance cleaning.
| Service Type | Hours | Cost Range | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Move-in | 4-6 hours | $120-$300 | All surfaces, appliances, bathrooms |
| Deep Move-in | 6-8 hours | $180-$400 | Plus inside cabinets, baseboards, windows |
| Post-renovation | 8-12 hours | $240-$600 | Construction dust, adhesive removal |
French Quarter and Marigny homes often need specialized attention for their historic features. Expect to pay premium rates for cleaners experienced with old plaster walls and antique fixtures. Many companies charge extra for homes that haven’t been cleaned professionally in over six months.
Seasonal Timing and Weather Considerations
New Orleans’ weather significantly impacts cleaning schedules and costs. Our year-round humidity means different challenges than other cities face.
During summer months (June-September), cleaning demand peaks as humidity makes homes feel dirtier faster. Mold prevention becomes crucial, especially in poorly ventilated areas. Many companies charge 10-15% more during peak summer months when demand outstrips supply.
Hurricane season affects pricing too. Post-storm cleanup services can cost 2-3 times normal rates due to high demand and challenging conditions. Book regular cleaners before storm season to ensure availability. If you need emergency cleaning after storm damage, connect with plumber services first to address any water issues.
Winter months (December-February) offer the best deals. Many companies run promotions, and you’ll have easier scheduling. This is ideal timing to start regular service or book deep cleaning projects.
Emergency vs Scheduled Service Pricing
Emergency cleaning costs significantly more than scheduled services. Here’s the reality of pricing differences:
Scheduled cleaning during business hours costs the standard $22.43-$37.38 per hour. Same-day requests add 25-50% to base rates. Weekend emergency cleaning can double normal pricing, reaching $45-$75 per hour.
True emergencies - like cleanup after parties, tenant turnovers, or family situations - command premium pricing because they disrupt regular schedules. If you’re hosting events frequently, consider party rental services that include cleanup options.
Plan ahead whenever possible. Book cleaners 1-2 weeks in advance for standard rates. Last-minute bookings during Mardi Gras season or Saints playoff runs are nearly impossible to secure at normal rates.
Maintenance Tips to Control Cleaning Costs
Regular maintenance between professional cleanings stretches your budget and keeps homes consistently pleasant.
In New Orleans’ humid climate, run ceiling fans constantly and use dehumidifiers to prevent mold growth. Wipe down bathroom surfaces daily - it takes 30 seconds but prevents expensive mold remediation later. Clean up spills immediately; our climate makes them sticky and harder to remove if left sitting.
Focus on high-traffic areas like entryways. Our muddy, wet weather means dirt gets tracked through homes quickly. Good door mats (inside and outside) and weekly vacuuming of main pathways reduce the deep cleaning needed during professional visits.
Kitchen maintenance matters too. Clean appliances monthly and wipe down cabinets weekly. Grease becomes stubborn in high humidity, making deep cleaning more time-consuming and expensive.
Common New Orleans Cleaning Challenges
Our unique environment creates specific cleaning issues that affect costs. Understanding these helps you budget appropriately.
Mold and mildew grow faster here than anywhere else in the country. Professional cleaners spend extra time on prevention and removal, especially in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and poorly ventilated closets. This adds 15-30 minutes to most cleaning visits.
Iron-rich water leaves reddish stains on fixtures and in toilets. Standard cleaning removes surface stains, but deep staining requires special treatments that increase service time. If you have severe staining, address water quality first through your regular maintenance providers.
Our famous celebrations leave unique messes. Post-party cleaning involves removing wax (from candles), glitter, and unusual stains. Many companies charge flat rates for post-party cleanup ranging from $150-$400 depending on mess severity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does house cleaning cost in New Orleans?
House cleaning in New Orleans costs between $22.43 and $37.38 per hour, with most homeowners paying around $29.90 per hour. A typical 3-bedroom home takes 3-4 hours to clean, costing $135-$300 per visit. Factors affecting price include home size, cleaning frequency, specific services requested, and neighborhood location. Uptown and Garden District homes often cost more due to size and architectural details, while smaller homes in Mid-City fall toward the lower end of pricing ranges.
What factors affect house cleaning prices?
Several factors influence cleaning costs in New Orleans. Home size is primary - larger homes take more time and cost more. Cleaning frequency matters too; weekly service costs less per visit than monthly cleaning because homes stay cleaner between visits. Specific services like inside-oven cleaning, refrigerator cleaning, or window washing add time and cost. Home condition affects pricing - heavily soiled homes or those with pets require extra attention. Finally, location impacts costs, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rates due to travel time and client expectations.
Is biweekly cleaning service worth the cost?
Biweekly cleaning hits the sweet spot for most New Orleans families. It costs less per visit than monthly service while keeping homes consistently comfortable in our humid climate. Homes stay cleaner between visits, so cleaners can focus on thorough work rather than catching up on neglected areas. The service prevents mold buildup common in our climate and maintains good indoor air quality. For busy families or those with allergies, the health and time benefits justify the $270-$600 monthly cost for most home sizes.
Should I tip house cleaners in New Orleans?
Tipping isn’t required but is appreciated, especially for exceptional service. For regular cleaning teams, $10-20 per visit is standard, or you can give larger tips during holidays. If you use a cleaning service where different people come each time, tipping per visit makes sense. For consistent teams who know your home well, holiday bonuses of $25-50 per person show appreciation. Consider that cleaning is physically demanding work, and good cleaners who protect your belongings and respect your home deserve recognition for quality service.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.