Should You Tip Your Cleaner?

In the UK, tipping a regular cleaner after each visit isn't the norm, and nobody should feel obliged. Your cleaner sets their rate expecting to be paid that rate. That said, many households give a tip or gift once a year, usually at Christmas, as a thank you for good, reliable work.

A common approach is to give roughly the cost of one visit as a Christmas bonus, though people give more or less depending on how long the cleaner has worked for them, how often they come and what they can afford. A card with cash or a gift voucher is typical. If your cleaner comes from a company, you can still tip the individual cleaner directly.

For one-off cleans such as end of tenancy, deep cleans or carpet cleaning, tips are less common. If a team has gone above and beyond – a particularly tough job, a last-minute booking or extra effort – a small tip or a box of biscuits is appreciated, but entirely optional.

Money isn't the only way to show you value someone:

If a company sends different cleaners, tipping at Christmas is trickier. Some people give a tip to whoever is their most regular cleaner; others leave a card and a tip to be shared. You can also ask the company whether tips reach the cleaners directly – the most reliable way is to hand it to the cleaner in person.

If a Christmas tip isn't in the budget this year, don't worry. A heartfelt card, a small gift, a glowing review and a recommendation to a neighbour all mean a great deal to a self-employed cleaner. Being reliable – paying on time and giving notice of changes – is valued all year round.

If your cleaner has worked for you for a while without a rate increase, a pay rise may matter more than a tip. Costs rise, and good cleaners are in demand. Many cleaners review their rates once a year.