Updated October 2026. Indicative ranges from current published Australian pricing guides — regional NSW typically sits under Sydney’s rates.
Cleaning quotes come in two shapes: an hourly rate (regular home cleaning) or a fixed job price (bond/end-of-lease, deep cleans, carpets). Knowing which shape fits your job is half of comparing quotes fairly. In Kiama and the coastal strip there’s a third market again — holiday rental turnovers, usually quoted per changeover.
Indicative ranges
| Service | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular house cleaning | $45 – $75/hr | National average ~$55/hr; fortnightly 2–3hr visits are the common pattern |
| Self-employed/independent cleaner | $55 – $90/hr | Often more flexible; confirm insurance |
| Deep clean (one-off) | $300 – $700+ | Size- and condition-dependent fixed quote |
| Bond / end-of-lease clean | $350 – $900+ | 2-bed unit toward the bottom, 4-bed house toward the top; carpets usually extra |
| Carpet steam cleaning | $30 – $60 per room | Minimum charges apply |
What moves the price
- Condition, not just size. A neglected oven or mouldy wet area can add an hour each — honest cleaners ask for photos before fixed-quoting.
- Frequency. Regular clients get better effective rates than one-offs; the first visit often runs longer.
- Bond-clean guarantees. The thing you’re paying for in an end-of-lease clean is the re-clean guarantee if the agent flags items — confirm it’s included and get it in writing.
- Supplies and insurance. Check whether products/equipment are included and that the cleaner holds public liability insurance.
The rules worth knowing
Cleaning isn’t a licensed trade, which cuts both ways: easy to start, so quality varies more than any other service on this directory. Reviews, insurance and a clear inclusions list do the work that a licence check does elsewhere — see how we verify businesses. For bond cleans, NSW tenancy law doesn’t actually require “professional” cleaning — only returning the property to its condition at the start of the tenancy (fair wear excepted) — but a receipt from an insured cleaner with a re-clean guarantee is the practical way to defend your bond.
Frequently asked questions
Hourly or fixed quote — which should I ask for?
Regular cleaning: hourly. One-off, deep or bond cleans: fixed, after photos or a walkthrough. An hourly rate on an open-ended deep clean is how surprises happen.
What does a typical fortnightly clean cost?
Most 3-bed Illawarra homes land around 2.5–3.5 hours a visit — so roughly $120–$250 per visit at current rates, depending on who you hire and what’s included.
Do I need to be home?
Most regular arrangements run on key or code access once trust is established. For first visits, being home (or at least nearby) is sensible for both sides.
Browse Illawarra cleaners, see cleaners in Shellharbour, or all cost guides.