Is tipping a house cleaner expected in the US?
Short answer
Tipping a house cleaner isn't required, but it's appreciated for great work. Common practice is 10–20% of the job cost, or $10–$20 per visit for recurring cleans. Holiday tips (often one full visit's cost) are also common.
Full answer
Tipping norms vary by platform and region, but in most US metros tipping a house cleaner is considered a nice gesture rather than an obligation. For one-off deep cleans or move-out cleans, 15–20% on top of the base rate is typical for great work. For recurring weekly or bi-weekly cleans, many customers tip a flat $10–$20 per visit, or hold it for a larger holiday-season bonus equal to one full cleaning visit.