London has no shortage of cleaning companies, independent cleaners and online booking platforms. The hard part is figuring out which one is right for your home.
A regular weekly clean is very different from an end-of-tenancy service. A two-bedroom flat in Clapham may need a completely different approach from a large family house in Barnet, while carpets, upholstery, post-renovation dust and heavily soiled kitchens often require specialist equipment.
That is why searching for the best cleaners in London should not simply mean choosing the company with the highest star rating. The more useful questions are: does the cleaner provide the service you need, cover your postcode, explain what is included, have sensible cancellation terms, and give you a clear price before work begins?
This guide looks at the main types of cleaning available across London, highlights cleaners and services currently worth comparing, explains what professional cleaning should include and gives practical advice for booking safely.
What makes a cleaner one of the best in London?
There is no official ranking of the “best” cleaners in London. A good choice depends on the property, the job, and your expectations.
For most households, the strongest signs of a reliable cleaning service include:
- Clear information about what the service includes
- A written quote or transparent pricing structure
- Recent, genuine customer reviews
- Evidence of appropriate insurance
- Vetted or checked cleaning staff where applicable
- Clear cancellation and rescheduling terms
- A process for dealing with complaints or missed areas
- The right equipment for specialist work
- Reasonable availability for your postcode
- A clear distinction between standard, deep and specialist cleaning
Review volume also matters. A company with hundreds or thousands of reviews may provide more useful evidence than a business with five perfect reviews, although review scores should never be considered proof of quality on their own.
Current London directories show just how broad the market is. Checkatrade, for example, lists cleaners offering domestic, commercial, end-of-tenancy and specialist services, while Yell has thousands of customer reviews across its London domestic-cleaning listings.
The best approach is therefore to compare service, evidence, price and suitability, rather than simply chasing a five-star rating.
The main types of cleaning services in London
Before contacting a cleaner, identify exactly what you need. This can prevent paying for a service that does not cover the areas you expected.
Regular domestic cleaning
Regular domestic cleaning is designed to keep a home under control rather than restore it from top to bottom.
A typical visit may include:
- Vacuuming floors and carpets
- Mopping hard floors
- Dusting accessible surfaces
- Cleaning bathrooms
- Cleaning kitchen surfaces
- Cleaning sinks and taps
- Emptying household bins
- General tidying within the agreed scope
Weekly and fortnightly cleaning are common arrangements.
The advantage is consistency. A regular cleaner becomes familiar with the property, preferred products, and areas that need extra attention.
Ask whether the same cleaner will normally attend each time. Some services use a platform or rotating team, while others aim to provide the same person for regular appointments.
One-off cleaning
A one-off clean is useful before or after an event, when preparing a property for guests or simply when a home needs attention after a busy period.
It is usually less intensive than a specialist deep clean, so check the checklist before booking.
Deep cleaning
Deep cleaning goes beyond normal maintenance.
Depending on the provider and package, it can involve detailed work in kitchens, bathrooms and other areas that are not covered during routine cleaning.
It may be appropriate after a long period without professional cleaning, before putting a property on the market, after illness, before moving into a new home, or when a normal domestic clean is no longer enough.
The term “deep clean” is not a universal technical specification. One company may include inside cupboards and appliances while another may charge separately for them.
Always ask for the exact checklist.
End-of-tenancy cleaning
End-of-tenancy cleaning is particularly important in London because renters may need to return a property in a condition consistent with the tenancy agreement and check-in evidence, allowing for fair wear and tear.
Government guidance states that tenants have responsibility for returning a property in the same condition as when they moved in, subject to normal wear and tear.
A specialist move-out clean may include:
- Kitchen appliances
- Oven
- Hob and extractor
- Bathroom descaling
- Floors
- Internal windows
- Skirting boards
- Doors and frames
- Cupboards
- Fixtures and fittings
But there is no single industry-wide checklist. If your deposit is important, compare the cleaner’s checklist with your inventory report.
Carpet and upholstery cleaning
Standard domestic cleaning usually does not mean professional carpet extraction or specialist upholstery cleaning.
If carpets have deep staining, pet-related marks or years of accumulated dirt, ask specifically for a carpet-cleaning service.
The same applies to sofas, mattresses, dining chairs and other upholstered furniture. Specialist equipment and appropriate cleaning methods may be required depending on the material.
After-builders cleaning
Renovation work can leave fine dust on surfaces throughout a property.
An after-builders clean is designed for this situation and may involve more detailed dust removal than an ordinary domestic visit.
If you have recently had work completed in a London flat or house, tell the cleaner what work was carried out before requesting a quotation.
Best cleaners in London to compare
The following businesses are examples of London cleaning services that readers can investigate. This is not a ranked list or an endorsement, and services, prices and availability can change.
Housekeeping
Housekeeping is a large London cleaning platform offering regular cleaning, one-off cleaning, deep cleaning, end-of-tenancy cleaning, after-builders cleaning and carpet cleaning.
Its website allows customers to enter a postcode, find available services and manage bookings online. It lists coverage across areas including Balham, Battersea, Brixton, Canary Wharf, Clapham, Ealing, Fulham, Greenwich, Hackney, Islington, Richmond, Tooting, Wandsworth and Wimbledon.
Best suited to: people who prefer online booking and want to compare availability around their postcode.
Cleaners of London
Cleaners of London provides domestic, one-off, deep, end-of-tenancy, carpet, upholstery and after-builders cleaning.
The company says its cleaners are vetted and background-checked and reports more than 14,000 cleans completed since 2016. Its current website also publishes starting prices for several services, although the final cost depends on the property and requirements.
Its Trustpilot profile currently shows a 4.6/5 TrustScore from more than 300 reviews, providing another source that prospective customers can compare with the company’s own testimonials.
Best suited to: households looking for a broad range of domestic and specialist cleaning options.
Soluxe Cleaning Services London
Soluxe Cleaning Services London operates across London’s boroughs and advertises regular domestic cleaning, deep cleaning, end-of-tenancy cleaning and housekeeping alongside commercial services.
The company states that its cleaners are DBS-checked and fully insured and that regular customers can request the same cleaner for repeat visits.
Best suited to: customers looking for both domestic and broader housekeeping or commercial cleaning services.
City Housekeeping
City Housekeeping is a London house-cleaning business based on Great Portland Street in central London.
Its current business listing shows a strong volume of customer reviews, making it one of the local options worth comparing for people in and around central London.
Best suited to: households looking for an established central-London cleaning provider.
Good Old Clean
Good Old Clean is based on Hornsey Road in North London and currently has a high customer rating alongside a substantial number of reviews in its business listing.
Best suited to: residents in North London who prefer to compare a local cleaning business rather than a large national-style platform.
Top Cleaning GB
Top Cleaning GB is a London cleaning company offering end-of-tenancy, domestic, deep, carpet, upholstery, rug, office and after-builders cleaning.
The company says it has operated since 2008 and covers all 32 London boroughs. It also advertises a 72-hour re-clean guarantee.
Best suited to: customers particularly interested in move-out, deep and specialist property cleaning.
Domestic Cleaning Express
Domestic Cleaning Express is a London cleaning service with a current business listing showing a substantial number of customer reviews.
It is worth comparing alongside other domestic-cleaning providers, particularly if your requirement is routine household cleaning rather than a specialist property service.
Best suited to: regular domestic cleaning comparisons.
Maid In Chelsea Specialised Cleaning Services
Maid In Chelsea Specialised Cleaning Services is based in Parsons Green and offers a local option for residents around Chelsea, Fulham and surrounding parts of south-west London.
Its current business listing shows a substantial review base and extended listed hours.
Best suited to: customers looking for a local south-west London cleaning provider.
Quick comparison of London cleaning options
| Cleaner | Particularly worth comparing for | Location/coverage indication |
| Housekeep | Regular, one-off and specialist services | Multiple London areas |
| Cleaners of London | Domestic, deep and end-of-tenancy | London / M25 services |
| Soluxe Cleaning Services | Domestic, housekeeping and commercial | London boroughs |
| City Housekeeping | House cleaning | Central London |
| Good Old Clean | Domestic cleaning | North London |
| Top Cleaning GB | End-of-tenancy and specialist cleaning | All 32 boroughs |
| Domestic Cleaning Express | Domestic cleaning | London |
| Maid In Chelsea | Local domestic cleaning | South-west London |
The table is intended as a starting point, not a league table. Availability, prices, service scope and customer reviews should be checked before booking.
How much does a cleaner in London cost?
There is no single London-wide price.
The final cost can depend on:
- Property size
- Number of bedrooms
- Number of bathrooms
- Cleaning frequency
- Condition of the property
- Type of cleaning
- Oven or appliance cleaning
- Carpet or upholstery work
- Internal window cleaning
- Parking and access arrangements
- Short-notice requirements
- Whether cleaning products are supplied
Some companies charge hourly rates for regular domestic cleaning, while fixed-price packages are more common for jobs such as end-of-tenancy or deep cleaning.
As one current example, Cleaners of London advertises domestic cleaning from £20 an hour and end-of-tenancy cleaning from £189, with prices changing according to the property and service.
Top Cleaning GB currently advertises different starting prices for several services, while its pricing pages make clear that the final service price depends on the job.
These figures should be treated as provider-specific starting prices, not an average London market rate.
What to ask before accepting a quote
Ask:
- Is the price fixed or hourly?
- How many cleaners will attend?
- How long is the booking expected to take?
- Are cleaning products included?
- Is oven cleaning included?
- Are internal windows included?
- Are cupboards cleaned inside?
- Is carpet cleaning separate?
- Are there extra charges for parking or difficult access?
- What happens if the cleaner misses something?
A cheap quote can become expensive if essential tasks are treated as extras.
How to choose the best cleaner for your London home
1. Start with the job, not the company
Write down what actually needs cleaning.
For example:
- Regular flat clean: kitchen, bathroom, floors and dusting.
- Deep clean: detailed kitchen and bathroom work, skirting boards, doors and less frequently cleaned areas.
- Move-out clean: inventory-focused cleaning throughout the property.
- Specialist clean: carpet, upholstery, oven, post-building or another specific treatment.
Once you know the job, comparing providers becomes much easier.
2. Check the service area
London is enormous.
A company may advertise “London-wide” coverage but have different availability depending on the postcode.
Give the exact postcode when requesting a quote.
Housekeep, for example, lists numerous individual London neighbourhoods on its site, while Top Cleaning GB states that it services all 32 London boroughs.
3. Read recent reviews
Look beyond the star rating.
Search reviews for comments about:
- Punctuality
- Communication
- Quality of cleaning
- Whether the cleaner arrived
- How complaints were handled
- Whether prices changed
- End-of-tenancy results
- Recurring service consistency
A handful of recent reviews can tell you more about current service levels than hundreds of old reviews.
4. Ask about insurance
A professional cleaning company should be able to explain what insurance it carries.
Do not assume that every independent cleaner or small business has the same level of cover.
If something is accidentally damaged during a visit, you want to know what process applies before the work begins.
5. Check who supplies the products
Some cleaners bring everything; others expect the customer to provide certain products.
This is particularly important if you have:
- Natural stone surfaces
- Delicate wood
- Marble
- Specialist flooring
- Pets
- Allergy concerns
- Young children
Tell the cleaner about sensitive surfaces before the first visit.
What about cleaning products and safety?
Cleaning products are not automatically harmless simply because they are sold for domestic use.
The Health and Safety Executive notes that some cleaning substances can cause skin irritation, allergies, asthma, burns or eye damage. Its COSHH guidance advises businesses to assess and control exposure to hazardous substances and use appropriate precautions.
For customers, the practical lesson is straightforward: tell your cleaner about sensitive materials and relevant household requirements.
Good questions include:
- Which products do you normally use?
- Can you use a fragrance-free product?
- Can you avoid bleach on particular surfaces?
- Do you use separate cloths for kitchens and bathrooms?
- What happens if a surface is known to be delicate?
You do not necessarily need “eco” products for every job, but a responsible cleaner should understand that different surfaces require different products and methods.
End-of-tenancy cleaning: does paying for a professional clean guarantee your deposit?
No.
A professional cleaning receipt does not automatically guarantee that a landlord or agent will accept the property’s condition.
The important comparison is between the condition at check-in and check-out, taking fair wear and tear into account. Government guidance states that tenants are expected to return the property in its original condition, subject to fair wear and tear.
If you are moving out:
- Find your original inventory.
- Check the tenancy agreement.
- Photograph the property after cleaning.
- Ask the cleaner for an itemised checklist if available.
- Pay particular attention to ovens, bathrooms, floors and appliances.
- Keep your receipt and booking confirmation.
- Report any problems promptly.
Do not assume that a cleaner’s advertising phrase such as “deposit guarantee” changes your legal position with the landlord.
London areas where cleaning services are widely available
Cleaning services operate across the capital, although individual availability varies.
Residents can find domestic cleaners and specialist services in areas including:
Central London
- Westminster
- Marylebone
- Mayfair
- Soho
- Fitzrovia
- Bloomsbury
- City of London
Central London properties can present additional access issues, particularly where there is limited parking, concierge access, or controlled building entry.
North London
- Camden
- Islington
- Highgate
- Hampstead
- Hornsey
- Muswell Hill
- Finsbury Park
East London
- Hackney
- Stratford
- Bow
- Canary Wharf
- Bethnal Green
- Walthamstow
South London
- Clapham
- Brixton
- Wimbledon
- Tooting
- Greenwich
- Peckham
- Wandsworth
West London
- Chelsea
- Fulham
- Hammersmith
- Ealing
- Chiswick
- Richmond
- Kensington
Coverage should always be confirmed by postcode rather than assumed from a company’s general London advertising.
Booking a cleaner: a simple checklist
Before confirming the appointment, check:
- Service: What exactly is being cleaned?
- Price: Is the quote fixed, hourly, or estimated?
- Time: How long is the booking expected to take?
- Staff: Who will attend, and are cleaners vetted or checked?
- Equipment: Are products and equipment supplied?
- Extras: What costs extra?
- Access: Can the cleaner enter if you are not home?
- Cancellation: What happens if you need to change the appointment?
- Quality: Is there a complaints or re-clean policy?
- Payment: When is payment taken?
Getting these details in writing can prevent misunderstandings later.
Common mistakes people make when hiring cleaners
Choosing solely on price
The cheapest quotation is not necessarily the best value.
If the cleaner charges separately for the oven, windows, fridge, cupboards, and other tasks you expected to be included, the final price may be considerably higher.
Assuming “deep clean” means everything
It does not.
Always request the checklist.
Booking too late for an end-of-tenancy clean
Move-out dates can be inflexible. If the property needs to be professionally cleaned before inspection, leave enough time for a re-clean if necessary.
Ignoring access arrangements
A cleaner may arrive on time but be unable to enter a gated development or apartment building.
Confirm keys, concierge arrangements, parking and building access before the appointment.
Failing to mention delicate surfaces
A cleaner cannot reasonably be expected to know that a particular worktop, floor or piece of furniture needs specialist treatment unless you explain it.
Relying entirely on online reviews
Reviews are useful evidence, but they are only one part of the decision. Compare several sources and read the actual comments.
Pros and cons of hiring a professional cleaner
| Advantages | Potential drawbacks |
| Saves time | Ongoing cost |
| Useful for large or difficult jobs | Quality can vary between providers |
| Specialist equipment may be available | Some services charge for extras |
| Helpful during moving | Access needs planning |
| Regular visits can maintain standards | You may need to explain preferences |
| Professional end-of-tenancy cleaning can save effort | A clean does not automatically guarantee a deposit refund |
For many London households, the decision comes down to time, property size and the complexity of the job.
How to get better results from a cleaner
Professional cleaning works best when the customer prepares properly.
Before the cleaner arrives:
- Clear unnecessary clutter from surfaces.
- Put away valuable or fragile items.
- Tell them which rooms are priorities.
- Explain any delicate surfaces.
- Provide access instructions.
- Confirm whether products are supplied.
- Defrost the freezer before an end-of-tenancy clean if required.
- Move small objects that you expect to be cleaned underneath.
- Keep pets safely away from the cleaning area when appropriate.
The more precise the instructions, the less likely it is that expectations will differ.
A quick guide to finding the right cleaner
Need weekly household help?
Look for a domestic-cleaning service offering recurring visits and, ideally, a consistent cleaner.
Moving out of a rented flat?
Choose a provider with a clearly defined end-of-tenancy checklist.
Hasn’t the property had a proper clean for months?
Compare deep-clean packages and ask exactly what is included.
Carpets or sofas need attention?
Look for specialist carpet and upholstery cleaning rather than adding the job to a standard domestic visit.
Just need a few hours of help?
An hourly domestic-cleaning service may be more appropriate than a fixed-price deep clean.
Had building work completed?
Ask specifically for after-builders cleaning and explain the scale of the renovation.
What should you do after the clean?
Take a few minutes to inspect the property before the cleaner leaves, particularly if it is a one-off or end-of-tenancy service.
Check:
- Kitchen surfaces
- Oven
- Bathroom fittings
- Floors
- Mirrors
- Skirting boards
- Windows and sills where included
- Areas specifically mentioned in the booking
If something has been missed, raise it promptly.
This is especially important for fixed-price services with a re-clean policy. Different businesses offer different periods and conditions, so check the terms rather than assuming every company provides the same guarantee.
FAQ
What are the best cleaners in London?
The best cleaner depends on the service required. Housekeep, Cleaners of London, Soluxe Cleaning Services, Top Cleaning GB and a range of independent local businesses are among the options London customers can compare. Service area, reviews, pricing and the cleaning checklist should determine the final choice.
How much does a cleaner cost in London?
Prices vary according to property size, service type, frequency and extras. Some providers charge hourly rates for regular domestic cleaning, while deep and end-of-tenancy services are often quoted at fixed prices. For example, Cleaners of London currently advertises domestic cleaning from £20 per hour and end-of-tenancy cleaning from £189.
What does a standard house cleaner do?
A standard domestic clean commonly covers vacuuming, mopping, dusting, kitchen surfaces, bathrooms, and general household cleaning. The exact checklist varies, so customers should confirm what is included before booking.
Is deep cleaning different from regular cleaning?
Yes. Regular cleaning is designed to maintain a home, while deep cleaning generally involves more detailed work on areas that receive less attention during routine visits. There is no universal deep-clean checklist, so compare the actual scope of work.
Do London cleaners bring their own products?
Some do, and some do not. Ask when booking. If your home contains delicate surfaces, pets or residents with sensitivities to particular products, tell the cleaner in advance.
Is professional end-of-tenancy cleaning worth it?
It can save considerable time, particularly when a property needs detailed cleaning before an inspection. However, professional cleaning does not automatically guarantee the return of a tenancy deposit. The property’s condition, tenancy agreement, and fair wear and tear remain relevant.
How should I check a cleaning company before booking?
Look at recent customer reviews, confirm the company’s service area, request a written quote, check what is included, ask about insurance and understand cancellation and complaint procedures.
Should I choose an individual cleaner or a cleaning company?
An individual cleaner can offer continuity and a personal service, while a company or platform may provide replacement cover, online booking and a broader range of specialist services. Neither is automatically better; the right choice depends on your priorities.
Can a cleaner guarantee that I will get my tenancy deposit back?
No cleaner can automatically guarantee the outcome of a deposit dispute. A cleaning company’s re-clean policy may cover missed cleaning work, but deposit decisions depend on the property’s condition and the tenancy arrangements.
How far in advance should I book an end-of-tenancy cleaner?
Book as early as possible, especially around busy moving periods. Give the company the exact move-out date and preferred cleaning time, and ask what happens if the property needs a follow-up clean.
The best cleaners in London depend on the job
There is no single cleaner that will be the best choice for every London household.
A renter preparing to leave a flat in Islington may prioritise an end-of-tenancy checklist and re-clean policy. A family in Wimbledon may care more about a reliable weekly cleaner. Someone in a Kensington flat with expensive upholstery may need specialist cleaning rather than a standard domestic service.
The strongest shortlist is therefore the one that matches your property, your postcode, your cleaning requirements and your budget.
Start by defining the job, request two or three comparable quotes, check recent reviews and ask exactly what is included. For specialist work, confirm the equipment, methods and any additional charges before the cleaner arrives.
LondonCityDirectory can also be used as a starting point for comparing local cleaning businesses, alongside established review and trade platforms. The goal should not be to find the most heavily advertised cleaner; it should be to find a service that is transparent, suitable for the job and able to meet your expectations.
