GST, HST, and Supplies: Add-ons That Increase Cleaning Costs

Taxes and supplies are easy to overlook when comparing home cleaning quotes, yet they meaningfully affect the amount you pay at checkout. In Canada, most residential cleaning is a taxable service. Depending on your province, you’ll see GST (5%), a combined HST (13–15%), or GST plus provincial sales tax added to the labour and to any chargeable supplies. On top of that, consumables (like disinfectants or specialty products), equipment surcharges, and add‑on tasks can shift the total by another 5–30%.

Understanding House Cleaning Costs & Rates

Most companies structure pricing around either hourly rates or a flat rate per visit based on home size and scope. Hourly pricing often appears as a per‑cleaner rate, with teams of two or more multiplying the hourly total. Flat rates typically cover a defined checklist for routine cleans, with extras priced separately. Remember that sales tax applies to the pre‑tax subtotal. Provinces using HST include Ontario (13%) and the Atlantic provinces (15%), while others add GST (5%) plus a provincial tax (e.g., BC 7% PST, Saskatchewan 6% PST, Manitoba 7% RST, Quebec 9.975% QST). Alberta and the territories apply only GST. Quotes from smaller operators who are below the GST/HST registration threshold may not include tax, so it’s prudent to ask how tax is handled.

Factors Influencing Maid Service Pricing

Beyond tax, the biggest cost drivers are time and complexity. First‑time or deep cleans generally take longer due to built‑up soil, resulting in higher totals. Kitchens and bathrooms require more detail, and add‑ons such as inside the oven or fridge, inside cabinets, blinds, baseboards, or interior windows increase scope. Some companies charge for parking in urban cores or for travel beyond their standard area. Pet hair, heavy clutter, or post‑renovation dust can also add labour. Supplies policies vary: many firms include standard products, while eco‑certified products, HEPA vacuums, or specialty descalers may incur a modest surcharge. Insurance, training, and scheduling premiums (evenings/weekends) also affect rates across local services in your area.

Hourly vs. Flat Rates for Home Cleaning

Hourly billing is flexible when the scope is uncertain, but the final price can vary with how much time the team needs. If a company charges $40–$55 per cleaner‑hour, a two‑person team effectively bills $80–$110 per hour before tax. Flat‑rate pricing offers predictability by tying cost to a defined checklist and typical home size; however, it usually excludes time‑intensive extras and may include a time cap to ensure scope control. In both models, GST/HST (and where applicable PST/QST) is calculated on the subtotal, including any supply or equipment fees. If you provide your own supplies, some cleaners will remove the supplies fee, but labour time remains the dominant factor.

How Home Size Impacts Your Cleaning Costs

Home size and layout strongly influence duration. A compact condo can be cleaned faster than a multi‑level detached home with multiple bathrooms. Bathrooms and kitchens are the highest‑effort rooms; an additional bathroom can add 20–40 minutes to typical service time. Occupancy matters too: households with kids or pets often require more frequent vacuuming and surface care. Move‑in/move‑out cleanings involve inside cabinets, appliances, and baseboards, usually costing more than a standard maintenance visit. When comparing quotes, use consistent benchmarks—bed/bath count and approximate square footage—so you’re evaluating similar scopes.

Comparing House Cleaning Services & Rates

Here’s how real‑world pricing often looks in Canada. In many major cities, you’ll commonly see $35–$55 per cleaner‑hour for routine cleaning, and $70–$110 per hour for a two‑person team before tax. Flat rates for smaller apartments may land around $120–$200 before tax, scaling upward with additional baths, levels, or special tasks. Deep cleans or move‑out services can add 20–40% over a standard visit. Remember to check whether the quote includes supplies, parking, and equipment—and confirm which tax (GST/HST or GST+provincial tax) applies in your province.

Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

Conclusion Taxes and supplies are integral to the real price of home cleaning in Canada. The final bill reflects not only labour and scope, but also GST/HST (and, in some provinces, PST/QST), consumables, equipment, and situational extras. Clarify whether tax and supplies are included, align scope across quotes, and consider how home size and visit frequency affect totals for a fair comparison of local services.