The main options
A self-employed (independent) cleaner runs their own small business, sets their own prices and works for several clients. A cleaning company employs or contracts cleaners and sends them to you. There are also agencies that introduce you to a self-employed cleaner and take a fee, but where the cleaner works for you directly.
Each model has strengths, and the right choice depends on what matters most to you.
Side by side
Here's how they tend to compare:
| Self-employed cleaner | Cleaning company | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Often lower hourly rate | Often higher, reflecting overheads and VAT |
| Continuity | Usually the same person every time | May vary, though many try to keep the same cleaner |
| Holiday and sickness cover | Usually none – the visit is skipped | Often a replacement cleaner |
| Insurance | Varies – ask to see it | Usually in place as a business |
| Products and equipment | Varies | Often supplied |
| Flexibility | Can be very flexible | Set processes and booking systems |
| Larger jobs | Limited by one person's time | Can send a team |
Typical differences (individual businesses vary)
Price and VAT
Independent cleaners often charge less per hour because they have fewer overheads. Most aren't VAT-registered – registration is only compulsory once a business's taxable turnover goes over the VAT threshold, currently £90,000 a year. Many cleaning companies are VAT-registered and must add VAT at 20% to their prices. When comparing quotes, check whether VAT is included. Our house cleaning cost guide gives indicative rates.
Who is responsible for tax?
A genuinely self-employed cleaner is responsible for their own tax and National Insurance. A cleaning company handles this for its staff. If you employ a cleaner directly – setting their hours, telling them exactly how to work, providing everything and making them work only for you – they could legally be your employee, with obligations for you such as payroll and holiday pay. HMRC's employment status guidance can help if you're unsure. Most domestic arrangements with independent cleaners are self-employed.
When a cleaning company makes sense
A company tends to suit you if:
- You need cover when your usual cleaner is away
- You want a team for a large house or a one-off deep clean
- You prefer a business with formal processes and complaint procedures
- You need services such as carpet, oven or end of tenancy cleaning alongside regular cleaning
Get quotes from local cleaners
When an independent cleaner makes sense
An independent cleaner is often the better fit if:
- You want the same person every time and a personal relationship
- You're happy to skip a clean when they're on holiday
- You'd like a flexible arrangement that's easy to adjust
- You're looking for a lower hourly rate
What about cleaning agencies?
Some agencies act as introducers: they find and match you with a self-employed cleaner, and charge you or the cleaner a fee, but the cleaner works for you directly. Others employ the cleaners themselves. The difference matters for who's responsible if something goes wrong, who provides cover and how the cleaner is paid.
Ask any agency which model it uses, who you pay, what happens if your cleaner is ill or leaves, and what vetting and insurance are in place.
Switching from one to the other
Many households start with a company, then move to an independent cleaner they get on well with, or the other way round when they need more flexibility. If you're switching, check any notice period or contract terms with the company first – some have clauses about hiring their staff directly.
Whichever you choose
Ask the same questions of everyone: insurance, what's included, how keys are handled, cancellation terms and what happens if something goes wrong. Our list of questions to ask a cleaning company works for independent cleaners too.
