By Hiring professional cleaners during a move-out can save you time and help secure your full deposit, but what about tipping your house cleaner? Many tenants ask: “Do I need to tip my cleaners?” and “If so, how much is appropriate?”
This guide breaks it all down so you can confidently handle tipping at the end of your tenancy.
1. Why Do People Tip Move-Out Cleaners?
Tipping is a way to recognise extra effort. Move-out cleaning is more thorough than routine cleaning—it involves deep cleaning ovens, scrubbing bathrooms, and removing stubborn stains typical of a one-time service. If your cleaners go above and beyond, a tip is a gesture of appreciation.
2. Is Tipping Move-Out Cleaners Expected or Optional?
Tipping isn’t mandatory in the UK or Australia, unlike in the US, where it’s common to tip house cleaners. That said, it’s always welcomed as a gesture of etiquette. Cleaners are often paid hourly wages or flat rates, so a tip can make a difference, especially if they’ve worked late, handled tough stains, or tackled large properties in the cleaning companies.
3. How Much Should You Tip Cleaners for a Move-Out Job?
For most move-out cleaning jobs, a tip between £10–£30 A deep clean is standard. If you’re paying £150–£250 for the clean, tipping 5–15% is a common gratuity for cleaning services. of the total is a good rule of thumb. For a one-bedroom flat, a tip of £10–£15 is fair for the maid service. For a larger three-bed house, consider a tip of £20 or more.
4. Should You Tip a Flat Fee or a Percentage of the Cleaning Cost?
Both are fine. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Flat tip: Cleaning service is easy and predictable, especially for one-time cleanings. e.g., £10 for small jobs, £20–£30 for larger ones.
- Percentage tip: Usually 10–15% of the total bill if you want to align with international standards.
5. Does the Tip Vary Based on Service Quality or Location?
Yes. If the cleaners:
- Arrived on time
- If the house cleaner did more than expected, a tip is appreciated.
- Maid services often brought their own supplies.
- Worked in extreme conditions (e.g., summer heat or winter chill)
A higher tip is appropriate. In other cities, tipping norms may be slightly higher due to cost-of-living differences.
6. Do You Tip Each Cleaner or Give a Group Tip?
If multiple cleaners arrive, you can:
- Tip each maid individually. (If you’re present and can thank the cleaning lady directly)
- Give one tip to the housekeeper. Tip to the team leader (they’ll usually split it among the cleaning ladies).
If you’re unsure, a group tip is safe.
7. What’s the Best Way to Give the Tip—Cash, Transfer, or Through the Company?
- Cash: Still preferred. Hand it directly to the cleaner.
- Bank transfer: Possible if arranged beforehand.
- Through the company: Not ideal. Some agencies don’t pass tips on or take a cut. Ask first about the tipping etiquette.
8. What if You’re Unhappy with the Cleaning—Should You Still Tip?
No. If the service was poor—missed areas, rushed job, or bad attitude—there’s no obligation to tip. In these cases, contact the company and provide feedback. Some agencies offer re-cleans if standards aren’t met. If you’re reconsidering your options, you might want to explore affordable end of tenancy cleaning in Livingston: get your deposit back without breaking the bank for a more reliable experience.
9. Are There Situations When You Should Tip More Generously?
Definitely. Consider tipping more if:
- You booked on short notice
- The property was particularly messy or large
- They removed the mould or cleaned the pet hair
- You’re moving during peak times (end of the month, holidays)
10. Can You Skip the Tip if You’re Already Paying a High Cleaning Fee?
If you’re already paying £250 or more for a house cleaning service, tipping becomes optional. But even then, if the cleaners have done a standout job, adding £10–£20 is still appreciated. Want a clearer idea of what you’re actually paying for? Check out this breakdown of end of tenancy cleaning Edinburgh cost in 2025—what’s the real price? to see where your money goes.
Conclusion: What’s the Right Move?
Tipping move-out cleaners isn’t a requirement, but it’s a meaningful gesture. If your house cleaning service delivered a spotless home and made your move easier, a small tip goes a long way. Aim for £10–£30 tip amount depending on effort and cost.. When in doubt, trust your gut—generosity rarely goes unnoticed. Want a get rid of the hassle? – check out the best in town.
FAQs About “How Much to Tip Cleaners for a Move Out?”
How much should you tip housekeeping in Edinburgh?
In Edinburgh, tipping housekeeping staff in hotels is common but not compulsory. If the service meets expectations, £5–£10 is a typical gesture of appreciation for a one-time cleaning. For porters, tipping £1 per bag is standard.
Is tipping expected in Edinburgh, Scotland?
Tipping isn’t strictly required, but it’s customary to tip 10–15% at restaurants or cafés with table service—especially if no service charge is included. For other services like cleaning, it’s a personal choice based on satisfaction.
Should you tip end of tenancy cleaners?
While tipping end of tenancy cleaners isn’t mandatory, many clients choose to tip when the job is done well. It’s a way to recognise the cleaner’s time, effort, and attention to detail.
How much should you tip cleaners for a move-out clean?
For a typical move-out clean, a tip of 20–30% is considered generous, especially when the job involves extra effort like cleaning large spaces or removing stains. A higher tip shows appreciation for the labour-intensive work involved.
