How Much Do Cleaners Earn in London?

Cleaning pay in London is higher than in most of the UK, and the flexible hours make it a popular way to earn. But how much can you actually take home? Rates depend on whether you are employed or self-employed, the type of work, and where in the city you clean. Here is a realistic breakdown for 2026.

Typical hourly rates

London cleaning rates sit above the national average because demand and living costs are higher. As a rough guide:

• Employed cleaners through a company usually earn an hourly wage at or above the National Living Wage, sometimes with travel time paid.
• Self-employed and marketplace cleaners typically charge more per hour to cover their own costs, often in the mid-to-high teens per hour and up.

For example, GlowSpark cleaners earn £19 an hour on pay-as-you-go work, and the platform supports the UK National Living Wage rather than driving rates to the bottom.

Employed vs self-employed take-home

Employed

• Steady wage, holiday pay and pension contributions.
• Tax and National Insurance handled through PAYE.
• Less flexibility over hours and clients.

Self-employed

• Higher headline hourly rate.
• You cover your own tax, insurance and unpaid gaps between jobs.
• Full control over when and where you work.

Remember that a higher hourly rate is not all profit. As a self-employed cleaner you set aside money for tax, travel between jobs, and any products or equipment you provide.

What affects how much you earn

• Hours worked: a few mornings a week earns very differently from full-time.
• Type of clean: one-off deep cleans and end-of-tenancy jobs often pay more per hour than routine cleans.
• Regular clients: a full book of regulars close together means less unpaid travel and more paid hours.
• Location: central and West London postcodes can command higher rates than outer areas.
• Reviews and reliability: a strong reputation lets you stay busy and be selective.

A realistic weekly picture

Numbers vary, but an example shows how the hours add up. A GlowSpark cleaner working 20 pay-as-you-go hours a week at £19 an hour earns £380 in gross pay, before tax and travel costs. Cluster regular clients in one area and more of those hours are paid rather than spent travelling. Build up to full-time and the weekly total rises in step. If you are self-employed, set aside part of it for your tax bill.

Maximising your take-home

1. Cluster jobs by area to cut unpaid travel time.
2. Build a core of regular weekly and fortnightly clients for reliable income.
3. Keep clear records so you claim allowable expenses at tax time.
4. Ask for reviews, since a good rating keeps your diary full.

Is cleaning worth it in London?

For many people, yes. The work is flexible, demand is steady across West and South West London, including cleaning jobs in Ealing, and a busy, well-organised cleaner with regular clients can build a dependable income. The key is filling your hours with nearby, well-paid work rather than chasing scattered one-offs.

Want fair, reliable pay on your own schedule? You can apply to become a GlowSpark cleaner and earn £19 an hour on pay-as-you-go work, with vetted jobs across West and South West London.