Moving into a new home in Dublin is exciting, but the last thing you want after hauling boxes is scrubbing the kitchen. A professional move-in cleaning service can save you hours of work — and make your new place feel instantly fresh.
Average hourly rate in Dublin: €23–€35 ·
Typical move-in clean duration: 2–4 hours ·
Common rating: 5 stars (verified providers) ·
Insurance: Required for professional services
Quick snapshot
- Hourly rates €23–€35 (EcoClean Solutions)
- Flat rates for typical homes: €150–€300 (Top Cleaners Ireland)
- Additional fees for extra rooms (EcoClean Solutions)
- Full deep clean of all rooms
- Kitchen and bathroom focus
- Optional extras like oven cleaning
- Use vetted platforms like HomeConcierge
- Read recent reviews on Google and Trustpilot (HomeConcierge)
- Request quotes from multiple services (HomeConcierge)
Five key data points, one takeaway: move-in cleaning in Dublin combines hourly and flat-fee pricing, with a clear premium for thoroughness.
According to Top Cleaners Ireland (Irish cleaning guide), fixed quotes for entire houses range from €150 to €300. The pattern: cost depends on property size, condition, and location.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average hourly rate | €23–€35 |
| Typical duration | 2–4 hours |
| Common rating | 5 stars |
| Insurance required | Yes |
| Tipping etiquette | 15–20% recommended |
How much does a move-in cleaning service cost?
Dublin move-in cleaning is typically quoted as a fixed fee, not a straight hourly rate. According to Top Cleaners Ireland (Irish cleaning guide), costs are influenced by property size, condition, and location. For context, standard cleaning in Dublin runs €15–€20 per hour, while deep cleaning jumps to €200–€400 depending on home size, per EcoClean Solutions (Dublin provider). Move-out cleaning is listed at €150–€300, and one-off deep cleans commonly cost €150–€300 according to DeepCleaning.ie (Dublin service guide).
What factors influence the price?
- Property size: studio/1-bed €100–€200, 2-bed €150–€250, 3-bed €200–€300 (Top Cleaners Ireland)
- Property condition: heavily soiled homes can push quotes above €300
- Location: parking and transportation fees may be added (Top Cleaners Ireland)
- Timing: weekend or holiday cleaning costs more
A Dublin buyer eyeing a 3-bed house should budget €200–€300 for a thorough move-in clean — but condition can bump that by 50%. Always ask for a walk-through quote.
How does it compare to standard cleaning?
- Standard cleaning (€15–€20/hr) is lighter and less comprehensive
- Move-in cleaning is deeper: includes inside cabinets, behind appliances
- Deep cleaning (€200–€400) is the closest equivalent, but move-in often includes extras
Why this matters: For a 2-hour session at €23–€35/hr, you get focused attention on the kitchen and bathroom, but for the whole house a flat fee of €150–€300 is more cost-effective.
What should a cleaner do in 2 hours?
A 2-hour move-in clean works best for small apartments. According to Cleaning Express (UK cleaning advice), priority tasks include dusting, vacuuming, wiping surfaces, and cleaning the bathroom. A WeCasa guide adds that a professional cleaner can handle a kitchen and one bathroom thoroughly in that time, plus floors.
Priority tasks for a move-in clean
- Kitchen: wipe counters, clean sink, exterior of cabinets
- Bathroom: scrub toilet, sink, shower, and mirror
- Floors: vacuum and mop all accessible areas
- Dusting: all surfaces, blinds, and light fixtures
Two hours won’t cover oven cleaning, windows, or inside fridges. If you need those, expect a longer session or extra charges — Top Cleaners Ireland notes oven cleaning is typically billed separately.
How to optimize a 2-hour session
- Declutter before the cleaner arrives to avoid wasted time (Top Cleaners Ireland)
- Remove all items from counters and floors
- Provide a checklist of must-do areas
- Group tasks: cleaner can focus on dirtiest room first
The pattern: In 2 hours you get a surface-level refresh — enough for a studio or one-bed — but deeper grime requires more time.
Do I tip a house cleaner?
Tipping isn’t mandatory in Ireland, but it’s appreciated. According to Care.com (caregiving & home services guide), a standard tip for a house cleaner is 15–20% of the service cost. Some Dublin companies include gratuity in the price, so check your invoice.
Standard tipping percentages
- One-time move-in clean: 15–20% of total
- Regular weekly cleaner: roughly one session’s cost per year (e.g., €30–€50)
- If the cleaner goes above and beyond (e.g., arriving early, tackling tough stains), tip extra
When to tip extra
- Exceptional results or last-minute bookings
- Holiday season or when cleaning is especially challenging
- If the cleaner provided their own supplies and equipment
The trade-off: For a €200 clean, a 20% tip adds €40. Weigh that against the value of a spotless home on moving day — most Dublin homeowners find it worth it.
How can I find reliable move-in cleaning services near me?
In Dublin, vetted platforms like HomeConcierge (Irish cleaning marketplace) and eMop (Dublin booking service) connect you with insured cleaners. PRS Services (Dublin provider) advertises a 5-star deep clean with satisfaction guarantee. Compare quotes and check recent reviews on Google and Trustpilot.
Where to search for vetted cleaners
- HomeConcierge — curated local cleaners
- PRS Services — move-in/move-out specialist
- eMop — instant booking with verified pros
- EcoClean Solutions — eco-friendly end-of-tenancy
Questions to ask before booking
- Are you insured and bonded?
- What cleaning products do you use? (eco-friendly options available)
- Is there a satisfaction guarantee?
- Do you charge extra for oven/fridge/windows?
- Can I get a fixed quote before the job starts?
Beware of cleaners who offer a low hourly rate but add hidden fees for parking, supplies, or travel. Top Cleaners Ireland warns that these extras can inflate a €20/hr quote by 30%.
The implication: A few minutes of vetting — checking insurance, reading reviews, getting a fixed quote — can save you from a surprise bill or poor quality job.
What is included in a move-in cleaning service?
A standard move-in clean covers all rooms with deep attention to kitchens and bathrooms. According to Top Cleaners Ireland, tasks include mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and sanitizing surfaces, plus inside cabinets and drawers.
Standard move-in cleaning checklist
- Kitchen: inside and outside of cabinets, countertops, sink, stovetop, microwave
- Bathrooms: toilet, shower, bathtub, sink, mirror, cabinets
- All rooms: dusting, vacuuming, mopping, window sills, baseboards
- Appliances: refrigerator exterior, dishwasher front, washing machine door
Additional services (oven, fridge, windows)
- Oven cleaning: often an extra €30–€60 (Top Cleaners Ireland)
- Inside fridge cleaning: add-on €20–€40
- Window cleaning (interior only or both sides): varies
- Carpet steaming: typically separate service, €50–€100 per room
The pattern: Most providers include everything you expect for a fresh start, but the deep stuff — oven, carpets, windows — costs extra. Always ask for the full list before you book.
Upsides and downsides of hiring a move-in cleaning service
Upsides
- Saves hours of physical work on moving day
- Professional results with industrial-grade products
- Insured providers cover any damage
- Often cheaper than a deposit deduction if moving out too
Downsides
- Cost can add €150–€300 to your moving budget
- Quality varies between individual cleaners
- Extra charges for add-ons can surprise you
- Must be present or arrange access
Steps to prepare for your move-in cleaning
- Book early — Dublin providers fill up fast, especially at month-end. Give at least 1 week’s notice.
- Declutter and empty rooms — Remove furniture, boxes, and personal items so cleaners can reach everything. Top Cleaners Ireland says this alone can cut billable time.
- Secure a fixed quote — Avoid hourly rates for large homes; flat fees (€150–€300) give predictability.
- Confirm insurance and supplies — Ask if the cleaner brings their own products and if they’re insured for damage.
- Provide a checklist — Write down your must-do areas (e.g., inside oven, windows) to avoid miscommunication.
- Do a walkthrough after — Before the cleaner leaves, inspect together. Most providers offer a satisfaction guarantee.
Why this works: Preparation shifts the cleaner’s focus from moving obstacles to actual cleaning, making every euro count.
What we know for sure — and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Hourly rates in Dublin start around €23–€35 for professional services
- Deep cleaning for a typical Dublin home runs €150–€300 (DeepCleaning.ie)
- Move-out cleaning costs between €150 and €300 (EcoClean Solutions)
- Tipping 15–20% is standard in Ireland (Care.com)
What’s unclear
- Exact cost depends on property condition — a home that hasn’t been cleaned in months may be priced higher
- Quality varies between individual cleaners even on the same platform
- Whether a 2-hour session is enough for a 2-bedroom house depends on the home’s state
What cleaners and platforms say
“We only hire professional cleaners who’ve been fully vetted and insured, so you can book with confidence.”
— HomeConcierge (Irish cleaning marketplace)
“Book Dublin’s trusted 5-star Move In / Move Out Deep Cleaning service — guaranteed satisfaction.”
Summary: Is a move-in cleaning service worth it in Dublin?
A professional move-in clean costs €150–€300 and saves you hours of scrubbing after a tiring move. For Dublin homeowners, the choice is clear: invest in a service with a fixed quote and insurance, or risk spending your first weekend cleaning. First-time movers should book a 4-hour deep clean. Budget-aware movers: a 2-hour session plus self-cleaning of extras like the oven. Either way, compare at least three quotes and read recent reviews — your deposit and your sanity will thank you.
Related reading: How much does a professional cleaning service cost in Dublin · Guide to preparing for move-in/move-out cleaning
While move-in cleaning focuses on making a new home spotless, end-of-tenancy cleaning in the UK ensures the property is returned to its original condition when you leave.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a move-in cleaning take?
Typically 2–4 hours for a standard 2-3 bedroom home. Studios may need only 1–2 hours; larger homes or heavily soiled properties can take 5+ hours.
Should I be home during the cleaning?
It’s recommended to be present for the walkthrough, but many providers offer key drop-off if you trust them. Confirm access instructions when booking.
What supplies do cleaners bring?
Most bring their own cleaning products, mops, vacuums, and cloths. Eco-friendly options are available from providers like EcoClean Solutions. Ask if you have specific needs (e.g., pet-safe).
Is move-in cleaning the same as deep cleaning?
Very similar, but move-in cleaning often includes unpacking and placing items back in cabinets. Deep cleaning focuses on hidden grime and is typically more intensive on walls and hard-to-reach areas.
How to prepare my home for a move-in cleaning?
Remove all personal belongings, empty cabinets and closets, and clear floors. This reduces billable time and lets the cleaner focus on actual cleaning.
What if I’m not satisfied with the cleaning?
Reputable providers like PRS Services offer satisfaction guarantees. Inspect the result before the cleaner leaves and request touch-ups if needed.