2026-07-20
How to write a cleaning quote that wins the job
The best cleaning quote is not the longest PDF. It is the one that answers the client’s real questions fast: What am I buying? When can it happen? What will it cost? What happens next?
Use this structure on every residential, move-out, and deep-clean proposal.
1. Open with the job, not your company bio
Lead with what you heard:
Thanks for reaching out about a biweekly clean for your 3-bed / 2-bath home in [neighborhood]. Here’s a clear quote based on what you shared.
Clients skim. Put the match to their request in the first two lines.
2. Restate scope so there are no surprises
List rooms and focus areas. Call out extras explicitly:
- Standard clean vs. deep clean vs. move-out
- Kitchen (counters, sink, exterior appliances — oven interior?)
- Bathrooms (showers, toilets, mirrors, floors)
- Floors and dusting rules
- What’s not included (inside fridge, windows, laundry, organizing)
Ambiguity is how five-star reviews turn into chargebacks.
3. Show the price with the logic behind it
Tie the number to how you charge for house cleaning without dumping a spreadsheet:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service | Deep clean |
| Home | 3 bed / 2 bath · ~1,600 sq ft |
| Est. duration | 4–5 hours · 2 cleaners |
| Total | $320 |
| Recurring option | Biweekly standard clean $175/visit |
Offer a recurring alternative when it is a one-time deep clean — that is how routes fill.
Sanity-check ranges with the cleaning price calculator before you send.
4. Give timing options, not a single “maybe Tuesday”
Two or three windows beat “we’ll see.” If you cannot confirm a slot until they reply, say so and promise a same-day confirmation.
5. Add trust in one short block
Insurance/bonding status, years in market, and a single review link are enough. Skip the brochure.
6. End with one next step
Examples:
- “Reply YES and we’ll lock Thursday 9am.”
- “Pay the booking deposit here: …”
- “Or book a quick call: …”
One CTA. Not five.
7. Follow up like a professional (most cleaners don’t)
A great quote that sits unread loses to a mediocre quote that followed up. Send a short nudge in 24–48 hours. If you want that automated across email and SMS, AI Follow-Up drafts the message for your approval.
And if the lead called after hours and reached voicemail first, you were already behind — missed calls are expensive.
Quote checklist
- [ ] Client’s service type and address restated
- [ ] Inclusions and exclusions
- [ ] Price and optional recurring alternative
- [ ] Timing options
- [ ] Payment / cancellation basics
- [ ] Single next step
- [ ] Follow-up scheduled
Vertical-specific tips
- Move-in / move-out: emphasize empty vs. occupied, key access, and same-week availability.
- Deep cleaning: checklist extras and realistic duration.
- Residential recurring: show the per-visit price and the annual value of staying on the route.
Next step
Write your next quote with this template, price it using the calculator, and keep leads in one place with MaidPilot.