Ongoing contract cleaning in the UK is typically GBP15-GBP25 per cleaner per hour, but is usually bought as a fixed monthly fee - GBP300-GBP800 for a small office up to GBP2,000-GBP5,000-plus for a large site. Contract rates are lower than one-off rates because the work is regular and planned. Figures are indicative for 2026 and attract 20% VAT.
What are contract cleaning rates in the UK?
Contract (ongoing) cleaning sits at about GBP15-GBP25 per cleaner per hour - lower than one-off deep cleans at GBP20-GBP35 - because regular, scheduled work spreads mobilisation, travel and management across many visits. In practice most contracts are priced as a fixed monthly fee: roughly GBP300-GBP800 a month for a small office, GBP800-GBP2,000 for a medium office and GBP2,000-GBP5,000-plus for a large or multi-floor site. Warehouses run GBP1,000-GBP4,000-plus. These are indicative 2026 ranges against an agreed specification.
What should a contract cleaning rate include?
A properly built contract rate covers the named cleaner and a named relief, the agreed tasks and frequencies, supervision and management, equipment, insurance, and often consumables. It should be backed by a written specification, COSHH assessments and method statements, and a clear reporting and audit routine. Beware rates that look cheap by leaving out relief cover, consumables or vetting - the missed clean lands on you.
Why fixed monthly pricing beats hourly for contracts
A fixed monthly fee against a defined scope means the budget is known for the year, there are no surprise call-out charges, and the incentive is a clean building rather than hours on site. We deliver contract cleaning on one Direct Debit with a single annual indexed review, using directly employed staff so cover is built in. For the wider price picture, see the commercial cleaning prices pillar guide.
How do the wage floor and VAT affect contract rates?
Contract rates still have to cover the cost of legally employing the cleaner. From April 2026 the National Living Wage is GBP12.71 an hour and the real Living Wage - often required in tenders - is GBP13.45 UK / GBP14.80 London. With employer's NI, holiday pay, equipment, insurance and margin, charge-out is about 1.3x-2.5x the wage, and contract cleaning is standard-rated at 20% VAT.
How do you get an accurate contract cleaning quote?
We survey the site, agree the specification and return one fixed monthly price - delivered by directly employed, DBS-checked staff on a single invoice across every location. If you are switching from an incumbent, staff usually transfer under TUPE and we handle it. Request a fixed monthly quote to begin.
Indicative UK contract cleaning rates (2026 guide only)
| Basis | Typical rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing contract, per hour | GBP15 - GBP25 | Lower than one-off work |
| Small office, per month | GBP300 - GBP800 | A few visits a week |
| Medium office, per month | GBP800 - GBP2,000 | Daily service and consumables |
| Large / multi-floor, per month | GBP2,000 - GBP5,000+ | Daily teams and periodic tasks |