How to Use the Cleaning Service vs DIY Calculator
Deciding whether to hire a regular cleaning service or clean your home yourself isn't just about saving money — it's really about how you value your own time. This calculator compares the monthly cost of a cleaning service against the dollar value of the time you'd spend cleaning yourself, based on your hourly rate.
Your DIY monthly time cost is calculated by multiplying hours per session, sessions per month, and your hourly value. If you work long hours or have a high hourly rate, paying for a cleaning service and using that time to work more or simply rest often comes out ahead financially. If you work from home or live in a smaller space that's quick to clean, doing it yourself may be the more economical choice.
When setting your hourly time value, consider not just your wage but also side-gig income you could earn or the value of rest during that time for a more realistic result. Factors like cleaning quality, hygiene standards, and professional equipment are harder to put a dollar value on, so weigh those alongside the numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use your effective hourly wage (annual salary divided by working hours) or what you could earn from a side gig during that time. If you're not sure, start with your local minimum wage and adjust from there.
Not always. If your time value is low or cleaning your home only takes a short time, the service cost can actually end up higher. Use this calculator to check the real numbers for your situation.