With one cleaner, a standard clean of a one-bedroom condo takes about 2h 30m, a deep clean about 3h 30m and a move in/out clean about 4h 0m. Bigger homes take longer, and two cleaners cut the time on site roughly in half. Prices are set by your home, not by the hour.
"How long will it take?" is a fair question before booking a cleaner — usually because they're planning around work, a move or a guest arriving. The honest answer depends on four things: the type of clean, the size of the home, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and how many cleaners come. Here are the times we plan for, using the same numbers our booking system uses.
How long each type of clean takes
| Home | Standard | Deep | Move In/Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bed, 1 bath condo (under 1,000 sq ft) | 2h 30m | 3h 30m | 4h 0m |
| 2 bed, 2 bath condo (1,000–1,499 sq ft) | 2h 58m | 3h 58m | 4h 28m |
| 3 bed, 2 bath townhouse (1,500–1,999 sq ft) | 3h 16m | 4h 16m | 4h 46m |
| 4 bed, 3 bath house (2,500–3,499 sq ft) | 3h 59m | 4h 59m | 5h 29m |
A standard clean of a one-bedroom condo takes about 2h 30m for one cleaner. A deep clean of the same home takes about an hour longer, because it adds the inside of the oven and fridge, the inside of cabinets and drawers, baseboards and door frames. A move in/out clean takes the longest, since every appliance, closet, window track and storage space is cleaned in an empty home.
With two cleaners
For bigger homes or tight timelines, two cleaners can share the work. The total amount of cleaning stays the same; it's just split between them, so each cleaner is on site for about half the time.
| Home | Standard | Deep | Move In/Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bed, 1 bath condo (under 1,000 sq ft) | 1h 15m | 1h 45m | 2h 0m |
| 2 bed, 2 bath condo (1,000–1,499 sq ft) | 1h 29m | 1h 59m | 2h 14m |
| 3 bed, 2 bath townhouse (1,500–1,999 sq ft) | 1h 38m | 2h 8m | 2h 23m |
| 4 bed, 3 bath house (2,500–3,499 sq ft) | 2h 0m | 2h 30m | 2h 45m |
What makes a clean take longer
- Bathrooms. They're the most detailed rooms in a home — toilets, showers, glass and grout — so each extra bathroom adds more time than an extra bedroom.
- Time since the last clean. Built-up grease on a range hood or soap scum on shower glass takes longer to lift than a week's worth. That's why we suggest a deep clean first if it's been a while.
- Clutter. Cleaners clean surfaces; when counters and floors are covered, more of the visit goes to moving things. Our guide on preparing for a house cleaner has a 10-minute checklist.
- Pets. Shedding dogs and cats mean more vacuuming, especially on rugs, stairs and upholstery.
- Access. Parking, buzzer codes and elevators all count. Clear entry notes save time at the start of the visit.
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Not in the way an hourly rate does. Good Maid prices are set by your home and the type of clean, not by the clock, so you know the total before you book. If the cleaner works a little faster or slower on the day, your price doesn't change. You can see how prices are worked out in our guide to house cleaning costs in Vancouver.
Planning your day around a clean
- Working from home? Tell your cleaner which room to leave until last and they'll work around you.
- Moving out? Book the clean for after the movers leave, with the full time window before your inspection.
- Hosting? Book the clean for the day before guests arrive, not the morning of, so you aren't racing the clock.
- Need it done sooner? Mention it when you book — on larger homes, two cleaners can halve the time on site.
Our What to Expect page has a duration calculator for any home size, and you can book any day from 7am to 7pm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a house cleaning take?
For one cleaner, a standard clean of a one-bedroom condo under 1,000 sq ft takes about 2h 30m, and a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo takes about 2h 58m. A deep clean adds roughly an hour, and a move in/out clean takes longer again.
How long does a deep clean take?
About 3h 30m for a one-bedroom condo and about 4h 59m for a four-bedroom, three-bathroom house between 2,500 and 3,499 sq ft, with one cleaner. Two cleaners cut the time on site roughly in half.
How long does a move-out clean take?
About 4h 0m for a one-bedroom unit and about 4h 46m for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home between 1,500 and 1,999 sq ft, with one cleaner.
Do I pay more if the clean takes longer?
No. Good Maid prices are based on your home and the type of clean, not an hourly rate, so the price you see when you book is the price you pay.
Do I need to be home during the clean?
No. You can leave entry instructions in your booking notes. If you're working from home, let your cleaner know which room to do last.
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