What to put on a cleaning invoice
Cleaning clients pay for something that's easy to forget once it's done, so a clear invoice helps:
- The service address — especially if the client has more than one property
- The dates of each visit, so the client can match them to their calendar
- The type of clean — standard, deep, move-out, post-construction
- Extras, each on its own line — inside the oven, fridge, windows, laundry
- Supplies, if you charge separately for them
- Your cancellation policy, if you have one
Example cleaning invoice
| Line item | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard cleaning – weekly visit (Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31) | 5 | $140.00 | $700.00 |
| Deep clean – oven and inside fridge (Oct 17) | 1 | $65.00 | $65.00 |
| Inside windows – 12 windows | 12 | $6.00 | $72.00 |
| Cleaning supplies (eco products, client's request) | 1 | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Total | $855.00 |
Weekly, monthly or per visit?
For regular clients, one invoice a month listing every visit cuts down your admin and their payments. For new or one-off clients, invoice after each visit, or ask for payment on the day. Commercial clients usually prefer a monthly invoice with a fixed fee for the contract plus any extras.
Pricing by the visit, hour or square foot
Residential cleaners often charge a flat rate per visit based on the size of the home, because clients like a predictable price. Hourly pricing suits deep cleans and jobs that are hard to estimate. Commercial cleaning is often priced per square foot or per month. Whatever you choose, put it in a quote before the first visit.
Cancellations and lockouts
If you turn up and can't get in, you've lost the time and the travel. A short policy — such as 50% of the visit for cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice — protects you, but only if your client agreed to it. Put it on your quote and in the terms on every invoice.
Taxes for self-employed cleaners
If you clean for households or businesses yourself, you're self-employed: no tax is taken out of your payments, and you owe self-employment tax plus income tax. Supplies, equipment, insurance and the cost of driving between clients (not from home to your first client) are common business expenses. Keep a log of your mileage. Use the 1099 tax calculator to see how much of each payment to keep aside.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to charge sales tax on cleaning?
Most states don't tax residential cleaning, but some tax cleaning or janitorial services, especially for businesses. Check your state's rules.
How do I bill a client who pays in cash?
Give them a receipt for each payment. Our receipt generator makes one in a minute, and you keep a copy for your records.
Should I bill extras I did without being asked?
It's better to agree on extras before you do them. If you did a small extra as a favor, you can list it on the invoice at $0 — the client sees the value you added.
Can I use this for a cleaning company with staff?
Yes. The invoice works the same way. Add your business name, logo and any license or bonding details to your business information.