Let’s be real... trying to figure out how cleaning companies price their services can feel confusing. One company charges hourly, another gives you a flat rate, and somehow they both insist it’s “better for you.”

So which is actually better?

Here’s the honest truth: it depends who you ask, and it depends what kind of company you’re dealing with. But at DayMaker Cleaning Co., we’ve seen how hourly pricing plays out in the real world and it’s not great for customers.

Let’s break down why some companies do it, what the risks are, and why we stick to flat-rate pricing instead.

Why Some Companies Charge Hourly

Charging hourly sounds simple, right? The cleaner comes, they work for three hours, and you pay for three hours.

The problem is, it’s not that simple.

A lot of cleaning companies (especially those using contractors) like hourly pricing because it puts all the risk on you. If the cleaner moves slower than expected, gets distracted, or just isn’t that efficient - you still pay more.

It’s a model that protects the company, not the customer.

Sometimes it’s used when the company doesn’t have clear systems, training, or a consistent team. Hourly lets them avoid accountability because every job can be explained away by “it just took longer.”

What Hourly Pricing Really Means for You

If you’ve ever booked an hourly cleaning, you’ve probably had this thought halfway through:

“Are they cleaning slower so it takes longer?”

Even if the cleaner isn’t doing that intentionally, the thought still creeps in. You start watching the clock. They feel pressured. You feel unsure. Nobody wins.

Hourly cleaning can also cause confusion about scope. What exactly will get done in three hours? The kitchen? The bathrooms? Half the house? When time’s up, the job stops, whether it’s finished or not.

That’s stressful for everyone.

Why We Use Flat-Rate Pricing

At DayMaker, we charge a flat rate because it’s fair, predictable, and transparent.

Before we ever show up, we give you a clear quote based on your home size, needs, and frequency. No surprise bills. No watching the clock. You know exactly what it’ll cost and exactly what’s included.

Here’s what flat-rate means for you:

• You get a guaranteed level of service, not a guessing game.

• We take responsibility for working efficiently and delivering a full, detailed clean.

• You can relax, knowing we’ll finish the job even if it takes a few minutes longer than expected.

Flat-rate pricing holds us accountable, not you.

The DayMaker Difference

We don’t believe in half-done homes or “that’ll cost extra” surprises. Our team shows up with everything they need, follows a clear checklist, and cleans your home the same way we’d want ours cleaned.

We price based on the job, not the clock because your home deserves more than a timer.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve ever been burned by hourly cleaning or left wondering why things didn’t get finished, you’re not alone. Hourly might sound flexible, but in practice it often leads to uncertainty, frustration, and inconsistency.

At DayMaker Cleaning Co., our flat-rate pricing gives you peace of mind. You’ll always know what you’re paying, what’s included, and what to expect — no surprises, no nonsense.

Because cleaning your home shouldn’t feel complicated. It should feel like a weight lifted off your shoulders.