I’m Bryan Torres, the founder of Sparkly Maid, and I personally know how much we should all be tipping our house cleaners when they come as a team of two cleaning ladies. Actually, I’ve been cleaning houses since I was 12 years old, tagging along with my mom on weekends while most kids were still watching cartoons. As a first-generation Mexican American and a University of Chicago computer engineering grad, I took everything I learned—both in classrooms and in kitchens—and built Sparkly Maid from the ground up. Today, we run a modern, tech-driven cleaning service, but we’ve never lost that personal touch. One question I get all the time from clients is: “How much should I tip two house cleaners?” It’s a great question—because it means people care. They see the work, they feel the difference, and they want to show appreciation. Let me break it down for you.
Why Tipping Even Matters in House Cleaning
Tipping isn’t just about dollars—it’s about appreciation. Our Sparkly Maid techs show up early, scrub places you forgot existed, and leave without interrupting your routine. A good cleaner doesn’t just mop—they move couches, spot dust behind the fridge, and sometimes even find that earring you lost last Thanksgiving. When clients leave a tip, it’s their way of saying, “I see the effort. You nailed it.”
For context, cleaning professionals—especially in urban areas like Chicago—earn an average of $17 to $25 per hour depending on the job, experience level, and company. Tipping helps close the gap on rising city costs and sends a clear signal: You did more than expected.
So, How Much Should You Tip Two House Cleaners?
Let’s get to the heart of it. You’ve had two Sparkly Maid cleaners in your home. What’s a fair tip for the team?
For One-Time Deep Cleans:
10–20% of the total service price is common.
If your cleaning cost $240, tipping $24 to $48 total is a solid range—split between the two cleaners.
For Recurring Weekly or Biweekly Cleans:
$10–20 per cleaner is standard for repeat visits.
A monthly tip of $40–80 total across four visits is generous and appreciated.
For Move-Out or Extra-Large Jobs:
If your home required 4+ hours of labor and detailed work, consider tipping $30–50 per cleaner.
These jobs can be physically exhausting and mentally meticulous.
At Sparkly Maid, we’ve found that 80% of clients who tip leave between $20 and $50, though it’s not required. The intention behind it carries just as much weight.
Different Ways to Tip Two Cleaners
You don’t need to overthink the delivery. Here are a few ways Sparkly Maid clients have shown appreciation over the years:
Cash in an Envelope – Classic and clear. A quick “Thank you both!” written on the front adds a nice touch.
Split Between the Team – If you know both names (they’re always on the invoice), you can label each amount separately.
Add to Invoice – If you don’t carry cash, Sparkly Maid allows tipping through card—just mention how much for each cleaner.
Small Gifts (Holiday Season) – Think gift cards, coffee, or handwritten notes. One client gave handmade cookies once—Lucía still talks about them.
When Tipping Feels Awkward: Read the Room
Some clients feel unsure—especially if it’s their first cleaning or they weren’t home when the team came through. The rule of thumb? If you feel the place looks better than you expected, a tip is always appropriate. Sparkly Maid crews love their work, but like anyone in a service role, they remember when clients go out of their way to say thanks.
Situations Where You Might Tip More Than Usual
There are certain jobs that go above and beyond. If any of the following applied to your visit, consider adding a little extra:
Pet Hair Galore – Removing pet hair from rugs and upholstery takes extra time and care.
Post-Renovation Dust – Not quite construction cleanup, but drywall dust is its own beast.
Unexpected Add-Ons – The team was booked for general cleaning, but they helped clean out a fridge, scrub extra windows, or stayed late to finish.
Last-Minute Booking – They squeezed you in on short notice and still delivered spotless results.
These moments reflect extra effort—and tipping is a great way to recognize it.
What Happens If You Can’t Afford to Tip?
We get it. Especially during tough months, tipping might not be in the cards. At Sparkly Maid, cleaners are paid fairly regardless, and there’s no pressure or expectation to tip. A kind word, a thank-you note, or a five-star review online makes a big impact too. One client sent a text message that said, “I haven’t seen my bathroom this clean since I moved in. Please thank your team—I'm so impressed.” That kind of feedback lifts morale just as much as a cash bonus.
Tipping Two Cleaners Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule. A $20 bill, a kind note, or even a simple thank-you at the door can go a long way. At Sparkly Maid, our teams show up to do excellent work no matter what—but when their effort is recognized, it sticks with them. We’ve seen smiles that last through three more jobs just from a handwritten “thank you” left on the kitchen counter.
Whether you tip every time or just on the big jobs, the point is connection. And for the cleaners who just lifted your home from chaos to calm? That kind of appreciation never goes unnoticed.
If you’re looking for consistent, reliable, and trustworthy help around the home, our Sparkly Maid teams are here to deliver top-quality cleaning services—with or without the tip. But hey, it never hurts to say thanks with a little extra.
