As easy as hiring house cleaning services might be, some tiny details still raise doubts regarding professional home cleaners, and the most controversial may be tipping. 

However, tipping doesn't need to be a head-scratcher! Here are the things you need to know about when and how to tip the house cleaners.

How much to tip your house cleaner: things to consider

Most people would agree that tipping your house cleaners works the same way as tipping other services. So, long story short, tips will go from 10% to 20%. However, leaving a little extra is never mandatory and can vary depending on several factors. 

Here are some things you can consider when deciding whether to tip or not (and how much).

Agency vs. self-employed cleaners

You may be wondering, is there really a difference between agency and self-employed cleaners? The short answer is yes. The slightly longer answer is still yes, but with an explanation: agency cleaners don't decide their salary like self-employed ones. 

So, tipping self-employed cleaners that set their own rates could feel unnecessary for some people. However, it doesn't mean that you can't give a tip to an independent cleaner; a little show of appreciation is never wrong if you like the service.

Quality of the service

Everybody takes quality and satisfaction into account when tipping for any service. This guideline for tipping is straightforward but a bit subjective: the more satisfied you are with the service, the more you tip. 

Tipping policies 

Some companies have a tipping policy. So, if you hired a cleaning company and feel unsure about tipping your cleaner, you can always ask them how they manage tips. This way, you can get some guidance and clear your doubts!

Different vs. the same cleaner

Another thing to consider is whether you have the same person cleaning your home every time or if they're different people. 

If it's the same cleaner, most homeowners choose to tip them only on special occasions or once a month. On the other hand, if you have different cleaners every time, you can choose to give each of them a tip, depending on the quality of their work.

What about Holiday tipping?

Holidays may change the way tipping works for some homeowners. For example, most people don't work on holidays, so if you have a cleaner working on your house during that special day, you can show appreciation for their dedication with a tip.

Holidays can also work as a simple guide for when to tip if you're not sure about when you should do it. Some people prefer to tip only during holidays, similar to a Christmas bonus.

Can you give a gift instead of cash?

Other forms of tipping are also acceptable during the holidays—especially on Christmas. Most homeowners agree that things like holiday chocolates or sweets, gift baskets, creams or lotions, and even unused clothes work great for these occasions.

However, if you hire a cleaning company, ask them if it's OK to give your cleaner a gift. Also, be direct when delivering it! Leaving it on the counter or somewhere else could lead to confusion.

Do you want more cleaning advice and tips?

At CHRIStal Clean, we are professionals experienced in cleaning homes, and you can learn a few tips and tricks by visiting our blog!

Or, if you're looking for a new house cleaning service, you can always get in touch with us! We'll be more than happy to help you take care of your cleaning needs.