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Part-Time Cleaner in Singapore: 2026 Rates, What’s Included and How to Hire Safely

How much a part-time cleaner costs in Singapore in 2026, what they will and won't do, agency vs freelance, the MOM rule many people don't know, and a hiring checklist.

Singapore Top 10 Lah Editorial Team Updated
Part-Time Cleaner in Singapore: 2026 Rates, What’s Included and How to Hire Safely

Between work, kids and everything else, keeping an HDB flat or condo spotless is a lot. A part-time cleaner for a few hours a week is one of the most popular ways Singaporeans buy back their weekends.

But rates, minimum hours and what is actually included vary a lot between providers. This guide covers what you will pay in 2026, what to expect, and how to hire safely and legally.

Quick answer: most cleaning companies in Singapore charge around S$20 to S$30 per hour for part-time cleaning, usually with a minimum of 3 to 4 hours per visit. Weekly packages are often cheaper per hour than one-off bookings. Deep cleans and move-in cleans are usually priced as packages. Importantly, it is not legal to hire someone else’s foreign domestic helper to clean your home part-time.

How much does a part-time cleaner cost?

Type of cleaning Typical price
Regular part-time cleaning (agency) S$20 to S$30 per hour
Minimum booking Usually 3 to 4 hours
Weekly recurring package Often S$1 to S$4 per hour cheaper than ad-hoc
Deep cleaning, HDB 4-room Around S$300 to S$600
Move-in or post-renovation clean, HDB 4-room Around S$400 to S$900

Prices are indicative and vary by company, flat size, frequency and day of the week. Weekend and public holiday slots sometimes cost more.

What a typical month costs: one 4-hour visit a week at S$22 per hour works out to about S$350 to S$400 a month.

A tidy living room in a Singapore home
A weekly 3 to 4 hour visit is usually enough to keep a 4-room HDB flat consistently clean.

What’s usually included (and what isn’t)

Usually included:

  • Sweeping, vacuuming and mopping floors
  • Dusting surfaces, shelves and furniture
  • Cleaning toilets, sinks and showers
  • Wiping kitchen counters, stove tops and the exterior of appliances
  • Emptying bins
  • Making beds and light tidying

Often extra, or a separate service:

  • Ironing and laundry (some companies include this, others charge separately)
  • Cleaning inside the fridge or oven
  • Washing windows and window grilles, especially on high floors
  • Cleaning after renovation (fine dust needs a specialist deep clean)
  • Aircon cleaning (a separate trade entirely)

Tell the company exactly what you want done before the first visit, and confirm whether cleaning products and equipment are provided.

Agency or freelance cleaner?

Cleaning company / app Independent freelancer
Hourly rate Usually S$20 to S$30 Varies
Replacement if cleaner is sick Usually provided Often not
Insurance Many carry insurance for damage and workers Often none
Licensing Cleaning businesses in Singapore are licensed by NEA Not applicable
Booking Online or app Messaging, informal
Consistency Same cleaner sometimes not guaranteed Same person each time

Many households start with a company for reliability, then request the same cleaner each visit once they find someone they like.

The MOM rule many people don’t know

It is common to hear of people paying a neighbour’s or friend’s helper to clean their home on her day off. In Singapore, foreign domestic workers can only work for their employer, at the employer’s registered address. Engaging someone else’s helper for part-time cleaning is illegal, and both the helper and the people involved can face penalties.

If you want regular part-time help, use a licensed cleaning company, or a cleaner who is legally allowed to work for multiple households.

HDB corridor in Singapore
Let your cleaner know about access, such as gate keys, lift lobbies and where to leave rubbish, before the first visit.

How to hire a part-time cleaner safely: checklist

  1. Shortlist two or three companies with consistent, recent reviews.
  2. Ask about vetting: how cleaners are selected and trained.
  3. Confirm insurance for accidental damage and for the cleaner’s own safety.
  4. Ask for the same cleaner for recurring visits.
  5. Agree on a task list for each visit, and share it in writing.
  6. Confirm cancellation rules, such as how much notice is required.
  7. Do the first visit at home, so you can walk the cleaner through your preferences.
  8. Secure valuables and anything fragile or sentimental.

Getting the most out of each visit

  • Prioritise. With three hours, focus on bathrooms, kitchen and floors. Rotate extra tasks such as the fridge or windows weekly.
  • Declutter first. Cleaners clean faster when surfaces are clear.
  • Keep supplies stocked if you provide them: a good mop, microfibre cloths, toilet cleaner and multipurpose spray.
  • Give feedback early. Most cleaners are happy to adjust if you tell them what matters to you.

Is it worth it?

For many households, yes. At around S$350 to S$400 a month for a weekly clean, you get back four or more hours every week, and a home that stays consistently clean instead of a frantic Sunday scrub. For one-off needs like moving in, a deep clean package is usually better value than booking many hours of regular cleaning.

Compare trusted providers in our list of the best home cleaning services in Singapore.

FAQs

How much should I pay a part-time cleaner in Singapore?

Most cleaning companies charge around S$20 to S$30 per hour in 2026, with a three to four hour minimum per visit.

How many hours do I need for a 4-room HDB flat?

Three to four hours a week is enough for most 4-room flats. A first visit after a long gap, or a move-in clean, needs more time.

Do I need to provide cleaning supplies?

It depends on the company. Some bring everything, while others expect you to provide supplies. Confirm before booking.

Can I hire my neighbour’s helper to clean my home?

No. Foreign domestic workers in Singapore may only work for their employer at the registered address. Use a licensed cleaning company instead.

Need a trusted provider?

Browse our Top 10 lists of Singapore's best companies.

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