How Long Does an End of Tenancy Clean Take? (Times by Property Size)
By ExpertHome Editorial Team
Reviewed by the ExpertHome team · Updated
A professional end of tenancy clean takes about 3–4 hours for a studio, 4–5 hours for a 1-bed, 5–6 hours for a 2-bed, 6–8 hours for a 3-bed and 8–10 hours for a 4-bed home, based on a team of two working in an empty property. Doing it yourself typically takes twice as long. The oven and bathrooms account for the largest share of time. Prices start from £140 for a studio.
End of tenancy cleaning times by property size
| Property | Professional team of two | One person (DIY) | Price from (rest of UK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 3–4 hours | 6–8 hours | £140 |
| 1-bed | 4–5 hours | 8–10 hours | £170 |
| 2-bed | 5–6 hours | 10–12 hours | £220 |
| 3-bed | 6–8 hours | 12–16 hours | £280 |
| 4-bed | 8–10 hours | 16–20 hours | £350 |
Where the time goes
- Oven and extractor: 1–2 hours, more if heavily carbonised
- Each bathroom: 45–90 minutes depending on limescale
- Kitchen cupboards, fridge and freezer: 1 hour
- Each bedroom: 30–45 minutes
- Carpet cleaning (if added): 20–30 minutes per room plus drying time
What slows a clean down
- Belongings still in the property — the team can't clean surfaces that are covered
- No hot water or electricity
- Heavy limescale, mould or grease built up over a long tenancy
- Parking far from the door or no lift in a tall block
Planning your move-out day
Book the clean for after your belongings are out but before the check-out inspection — ideally the day before. If carpets are being cleaned, allow 4–6 hours drying before the inspection. Leave meters on and keys arranged in advance.
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FAQs
How long does an end of tenancy clean take for a 2-bed flat?
About 5–6 hours for a team of two in an empty flat, or 10–12 hours if you do it alone.
Can it be done in one day?
Yes. Even 4-bed homes are usually done in a single day by a larger team.
Should I be there during the clean?
No. Most people leave keys; you only need to provide access and ensure water and power are on.
When should I book it?
After you move your belongings out and before the inspection — the day before is ideal.