Free Cleaning Estimate Template

What to put on a cleaning estimate

A cleaning estimate should make the scope unmistakable, because cleaning is where scope creep lives. Put your business details, the client and property address, an estimate number, date, and validity window, then list exactly what is included: the rooms, square footage or bed/bath count, and any add-ons like interior windows, inside the fridge, or baseboards. Spell out whether it is a one-time deep clean or recurring service, since the rate is different and clients will assume the cheaper one.

Common line items

Cleaning estimates usually break down like this:

• Base clean, priced by square footage or bed/bath count
• Deep-clean or move-out surcharge
• Add-ons: interior windows, inside fridge, inside oven, baseboards
• Recurring service rate, if offered
• Supplies, if not included in the base price

Turning an estimate into an invoice

Cleaning is repeat business, so the estimate is really the start of a relationship. Quote the one-time job, then offer a lower recurring rate to lock in weekly or biweekly service. For recurring clients, a recurring invoice that bills automatically each visit means you clean and get paid without sending a single new estimate after the first.

How to win more of the jobs you bid

The fastest way to lose money cleaning is to quote a flat rate for a house that turns out to be a disaster. Build the estimate around what you saw, and note that a first deep clean costs more than the recurring visits that follow. A free WaffleInvoice account converts the approved estimate to an invoice and runs the recurring billing so you stop quoting the same client over and over.