What is a Cleaning Contract?
The world of cleaning shouldn't be a murky mess! Whether you're a client seeking a sparkling home or a service provider making things spotless, a cleaning contract spells out what's expected. The client knows what they will pay for and what services they will get. The cleaner understands what tasks they will do and when.
A cleaning contract spells out exactly what gets cleaned, when it happens, and how much it costs. It guarantees the cleaning service gets paid and the client receives the expected services. This way, the client and the cleaning crew are on the same page for a spotless outcome!
Different Types of Cleaning Services
Cleaning services can handle it all, from houses to offices and businesses. Some popular services include:
- Residential Cleaning: Need a hand with everyday tidying? This service focuses on dust bunnies, mops up spills, vacuuming, and bathroom and kitchen cleaning and leaves homes sparkling.
- Commercial Cleaning: Keep the office, school, or building looking sharp! This service focuses on business environments, ensuring a professional and hygienic space.
- Carpet Cleaning: Are carpets looking dull? Deep cleaning to the rescue! Carpet cleaning is a specialized job that uses extractors' cleaning chemicals and deep extraction techniques to pull out ground-in dirt and stubborn stains that have sunk deep below the surface.
- Window Cleaning: Say goodbye to streaks and grime! This job involves washing the glass inside and outside buildings, sometimes needing special equipment like extended poles, platforms, and safety harnesses to clean windows on high-rises.
- Deep Cleaning: More than just surface shine! Deep cleaning involves a more thorough scrubbing by completely disinfecting areas that don't always get fully cleaned, like behind and inside appliances, cabinets, shelves, nooks and crannies, or hard-to-reach spaces.

Earnings for Cleaners
- Residential Cleaners: Residential cleaners typically rake in $25,000 to $50,000 annually in the US. But wait, there's more! This can vary depending on the location, the services offered (think deep cleans vs. light tidying), and whether they are the boss or part of a cleaning crew.
- Commercial Cleaners: Commercial cleaners can take home higher paychecks due to the bigger jobs they tackle. Salaries can range from $30,000 to over $60,000 annually.
Key Clauses for Cleaning Contracts
To cover all bases, key sections for any cleaning contract should include:
- Services to be provided: This section lists every cleaning task to be done. Will baseboards get a special scrub? Are windows part of the deal? Everything gets spelled out here!
- Schedule and Frequency: How often will the cleaning crew arrive? Weekly? Bi-weekly? This clause defines the cleaning frequency and the preferred cleaning days and times.
- Payment Terms: No surprises here! This section outlines the cost of the service, accepted payment methods, due dates, and any deposits needed to book.
- Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy: Things come up! This clause is a safety net. It details the notice period the client or the cleaning crew needs to give for cancellations or reschedules. It also clarifies any late cancellation fees, so everyone avoids surprise charges and scrambling to find last-minute cover!
- Supply Provision: This clause clarifies whether the cleaning service brings its arsenal of mops, sponges, and magic erasers or if the client is supplying the cleaning troops.

Complete List of Terms
A well-written cleaning contract is the key to a lasting relationship between clients and the cleaning crew. Here's a checklist for you to use to ensure your contract covers all the bases:
- Parties Involved: Make sure to include the full names and contact details of everyone, as well as the cleaning service provider's information (company name and contact info).
- Scope of Work: Clearly outline all the tasks, from regular dusting to deep cleaning adventures. Mention any special services, like window cleaning or carpet cleaning, too.
- Location: Where will the cleaning magic happen? Make sure the exact address is spelled out here.
- Cleaning Frequency: How often will the cleaning occur? Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly? This section details the cleaning frequency and the typical length of each cleaning session.
- Schedule Shuffle: Want Tuesdays? Weekends only? Define the cleaning days and times, and flexibility with schedule changes.
- Supplies and Equipment: Who supplies the cleaning arsenal? This part clears up who's providing the cleaning supplies - the service or the client. If it's the client, they must list the supplies they'll have on hand.
- Payment Terms: No surprises here! This section outlines the cost of the service (hourly rate, flat fee, etc.), how often invoices will be issued, when payments are due, and the accepted payment methods (cash, check, credit card, etc.).
- Deposit and Cancellation Policy: Need to cancel or reschedule a cleaning? This clause has got both parties covered! It explains the notice period and even mentions late cancellation fees.
- Insurance & Bonding: Confirm the cleaning service has liability insurance and, if needed, a bond to cover any accidents.
- Confidentiality Clause: Confidentiality matters! If any confidential info is discovered while cleaning, this clause keeps it private.
- Safety and Security: Guidelines for keeping everyone safe - both the client and the cleaners - while on the property.
- Local Laws: Laws vary by area, so make sure your cleaning services follow them. Include a statement that your cleaning services will meet all the rules and regulations of your area.
- Dispute Resolution: Sometimes disagreements happen. This section shows how to handle disagreements without going to court.
- Termination of Contract: This section covers the details of when you can terminate the contract and how much notice you have to give.
- Indemnification: The indemnification clause ensures that neither the client nor the cleaner can be held accountable for each other's actions.
- Amendments: This clause ensures any contract changes are in writing and signed by both parties.
- Entire Agreement: A statement confirming the contract is the final agreement and replaces any old agreements.
- Sign on the Dotted Line: Spaces for both the service provider and the client to sign, date, and confirm the terms.
A well-structured cleaning contract is a win for everyone! It guarantees clear communication and creates the perfect conditions for a gleaming and hassle-free cleaning experience.

Create Your Own Cleaning Contract With Butterscotch
With Butterscotch's customizable templates, you can whip up a professional contract in no time. Here's why you'll love us:
- Templates on Demand: Add or change the template to fit your needs, and create a custom agreement in minutes! You can even personalize your contract by adding your personal branding.
- E-Signatures: Sign and request signatures with a few clicks.
- Send with a Click: Forget printing, scanning, and mailing. Securely send contracts electronically!
- Electronic Signatures: Get them signed with electronic signatures by all parties from anywhere.
- Status Tracking: Monitor the status of every contract at a glance, from changes made and when another party has signed.
- Centralized Storage: All your documents are securely stored in one digital location, accessible anytime, anywhere.