Cleaning Services in Atlanta: How to Find the Right Help for Your Home or Business

Whether you live in Midtown, rent an apartment in Buckhead, or run a small business in Downtown Atlanta, keeping your space clean can be a real challenge. Atlanta’s pollen-heavy springs, humid summers, and busy urban lifestyle mean many people turn to professional cleaning services for help.

This guide walks you through how cleaning services work in Atlanta, what types are available, typical price ranges, how to compare companies, and practical tips to get the most value from a cleaning in the city.

Main Types of Cleaning Services in Atlanta

Most Atlanta cleaning companies organize their services into a few common categories. Knowing the terms makes it easier to compare quotes and ask for what you actually need.

1. Standard / Recurring House Cleaning

Best for: Ongoing maintenance of apartments, condos, and houses.

Common in areas like Virginia-Highland, Decatur, West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and the suburbs around Atlanta where people want weekly or biweekly help.

Typical tasks include:

• Dusting (including baseboards and reachable fixtures)
• Vacuuming and mopping floors
• Cleaning bathrooms (sinks, toilets, showers, tubs)
• Wiping kitchen surfaces and stovetop
• Taking out trash
• Light tidying

How often Atlantans book these:

• Weekly – busy households, families, shared housing near Georgia Tech or Georgia State
• Biweekly – common for most single-family homes
• Monthly – lighter maintenance, often in smaller apartments

2. Deep Cleaning

Best for: First-time cleanings, spring cleaning, or homes that haven’t been professionally cleaned in a while.

Deep cleanings in Atlanta usually include everything in a standard clean plus:

• Inside fridge and oven (if requested)
• Detailed baseboards and door frames
• Behind and under accessible furniture
• More intensive bathroom scrubbing (grout, buildup)
• Blinds, window sills, and vents (if reachable)

Many companies require a deep clean for your first visit, especially if you’re in an older home in areas like Grant Park, Inman Park, or East Atlanta where dust and pollen can build up.

3. Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning

Common for renters in Midtown high-rises, Brookhaven, or Sandy Springs, and for sellers preparing a home for listing.

Typically includes:

• Inside cabinets, drawers, and closets
• Inside appliances (fridge, oven, microwave)
• Full bathroom and kitchen sanitizing
• Floors thoroughly vacuumed and mopped
• Spot-cleaning walls, doors, and light switches where possible

This is usually a one-time, intensive service, often coordinated around lease end dates or closing dates.

4. Post-Construction / Renovation Cleaning

Relevant for condos being renovated along the BeltLine or homes updated in areas like Kirkwood or West End.

Focuses on:

• Removing drywall dust from surfaces and vents
• Vacuuming and mopping multiple times
• Cleaning windows, sills, and tracks (if offered)
• Removing stickers, minor paint splatters, and residue

This type of cleaning can be more expensive because of fine dust and the need for special equipment or filters.

5. Office and Commercial Cleaning

Used by businesses in Downtown, Midtown, Perimeter Center, Buckhead, and industrial areas on the west and south sides.

Services may include:

• Nightly or weekly office cleaning
• Restroom and break-room sanitizing
• Trash removal and recycling
• Lobby and common-area cleaning
• Floor care for retail or medical spaces

Some providers also offer day porter services for busier buildings.

6. Specialty Cleaning Services

In Atlanta, some companies also offer:

• Carpet and upholstery cleaning
• Tile and grout cleaning
• Window cleaning (interior, sometimes exterior for low-rise buildings)
• Short-term rental (Airbnb/VRBO) turnover cleaning – especially in neighborhoods near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia Aquarium, and Midtown
• Green/eco-friendly cleaning, using low-odor or plant-based products

If you have pets, allergies, or sensitivities to fragrance, it’s important to ask specifically about cleaning products.

Typical Price Ranges for Cleaning Services in Atlanta

Exact prices vary by size, condition, neighborhood, and company, but you can expect general patterns across the metro area.

How Companies Commonly Charge

Atlanta cleaning services usually price by:

• Flat rate per job (common for standard, deep, and move-out cleanings)
• Hourly rate per cleaner (less common for regular visits, more for custom or complex jobs)
• Square footage for larger homes or offices

Home Cleaning: Ballpark Ranges

To help you budget, here are general ranges many Atlanta residents see:

*These are general patterns, not guaranteed quotes. Prices can be higher in central neighborhoods or for homes in heavily trafficked or high-rise buildings (e.g., Midtown, Buckhead).

What can increase the cost in Atlanta:

• Extra pet hair or strong pet odors
• Heavily soiled bathrooms or kitchens
• Long distance from central Atlanta or difficult parking (downtown high-rises, gated communities)
• Add-ons like inside fridge/oven, laundry folding, or organizing

What can reduce the cost:

• Booking recurring service (weekly or biweekly) instead of one-time
• Keeping clutter low so cleaners can focus on actual cleaning
• Being flexible on day/time, which some companies use to fill schedule gaps

How to Choose a Cleaning Service in Atlanta

With many options across the metro area, it helps to compare a few key points.

1. Decide What You Need First

Before calling around, clarify:

• Type of property (apartment, condo, single-family, townhouse, office)
• Approximate square footage
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Services needed (standard, deep, move-out, post-renovation)
• Frequency (one-time, weekly, biweekly, monthly)

Having this ready makes quotes more accurate.

2. Check Service Areas and Access Issues

Atlanta traffic and parking can affect which companies will take your job.

Ask:

• Do you service my neighborhood (e.g., College Park, Smyrna, Decatur, Alpharetta)?
• Do you handle high-rise access (concierge desks, parking decks)?
• Do you require free parking or is paid parking added to the bill?

Mention if you’re in:

• A gated community
• A building with key fobs or concierge check-in
• An area where street parking is limited (parts of Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Downtown)

3. Licensing, Insurance, and Background Checks

For peace of mind, especially for in-home services, many Atlanta residents look for:

• Liability insurance (covers accidental damage)
• Workers’ compensation (if employees are injured on the job)
• Background-checked staff

You can also check for a business license with the City of Atlanta or the relevant county (e.g., Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett).

For local business records and permits, Atlanta residents often contact:

• City of Atlanta – Office of Revenue
  55 Trinity Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main City Hall line: (404) 330-6000

This office can help direct you to business tax and licensing questions.

4. Ask What’s Included (and Not Included)

To avoid surprises, ask:

• What exactly is included in a standard vs. deep clean?
• Are inside appliances, cabinets, or closets extra?
• Do you move furniture or only clean around/under what’s easily accessible?
• Do you bring your own supplies and equipment?
• Is there a minimum number of hours or minimum charge?

Get a written or emailed breakdown of services before booking.

5. Clarify Policies

Policies vary from one Atlanta provider to another. Good questions include:

• What’s your cancellation policy and notice period?
• What happens if I’m not satisfied with the cleaning?
• Do you have a lock-out fee if you can’t access my building?
• If a cleaner is late due to traffic, how is that handled?

Given Atlanta’s traffic and events (concerts, Falcons and Hawks games, major conventions), it can be helpful to schedule cleanings outside of major rush hours or big event times, especially if you’re near Downtown or the stadiums.

Local Factors That Affect Cleaning in Atlanta

1. Pollen, Humidity, and Allergies

Atlanta is known for its high pollen counts, particularly in spring. That often means:

• More frequent dusting and vacuuming
• Wiping window sills and surfaces where yellow pollen collects
• Considering HEPA filters in vacuums (ask if the company uses them)

Humidity can also lead to mildew in bathrooms and around windows, so deep bathroom cleaning is especially important in older buildings or shaded homes.

2. Pets and Urban Living

Many residents in Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and West Midtown have pets in apartments or condos.

If you have pets, ask:

• Are cleaners comfortable with dogs/cats?
• Should pets be crated or separated during the visit?
• Do you offer pet-focused add-ons (odor treatment, extra vacuuming)?

3. Short-Term Rentals and Guests

Atlanta hosts many travelers for events at Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and nearby attractions.

Owners of short-term rentals often need:

• Fast turnaround cleanings between guests
• Linen changing and basic staging (making beds, tidying décor)
• Scheduling that can adjust based on check-in/check-out times

If you run a short-term rental, be clear about check-in windows and guest volume when discussing pricing.

Preparing Your Home or Office for a Cleaning Visit

Taking a few simple steps can help the cleaners work more efficiently and may keep the cost down.

Before They Arrive

• Tidy surfaces: Put away clothes, paperwork, and dishes so cleaners can access surfaces.
• Secure valuables: Store important documents, jewelry, or small electronics in a safe place.
• Give clear access instructions: Gate codes, building entry steps, parking info, and unit numbers.
• Note special areas: If you want special attention on certain rooms (e.g., a heavily used bathroom or high-traffic entry), mention it upfront.

Day-Of Tips

• If possible, be reachable by phone or text during the visit.
• Let the team know about any delicate items, loose tiles, or damaged fixtures so they can be careful.
• If you’re home, consider keeping children and pets in one area to avoid disruptions.

Common Questions About Cleaning Services in Atlanta

Do cleaners bring their own supplies?

Most Atlanta cleaning companies:

• Provide their own supplies and tools, including vacuums, mops, and cleaning solutions.
• May ask you to provide a vacuum for very high-rise buildings where parking and equipment transport is difficult.

If you prefer specific products (e.g., fragrance-free, green, or hypoallergenic), ask if:

• They can accommodate product requests, or
• You can provide your own products for them to use.

Should I be home during the cleaning?

In Atlanta, it’s common for both options:

• At home: Helpful for first visits, walk-throughs, or if you have detailed instructions.
• Away: Many people provide keys, lockbox codes, or concierge access once they trust the company.

Check how the company handles keys, codes, and alarm systems and how they document who entered your property.

What if I’m renting?

For renters in apartment complexes across the metro area:

• Check your lease to see if there are move-out cleaning expectations.
• Some property managers in large communities may recommend specific cleaning guidelines to avoid move-out charges.
• If your building has a front desk or package room, ask how cleaners should check in.

Helpful Local Contacts and Resources

While cleaning companies are mostly private businesses, a few public offices and resources can be useful:

• City of Atlanta – Customer Service / ATL311
  Dial: 3-1-1 within city limits or (404) 546-0311
  Can help direct you to city departments if you have questions about waste collection, bulky item pickup, or neighborhood cleanliness issues.

• City of Atlanta – Department of Public Works (Solid Waste Services)
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Suite 4700
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 330-6240
  Useful if you’re planning a large clean-out and need information about trash, recycling, or bulk item pickup.

These contacts do not provide indoor cleaning services but can be part of a larger plan to clear out trash or bulky items before or after a deep cleaning.

Quick Checklist for Choosing a Cleaning Service in Atlanta 👍

Use this short list when calling or emailing companies:

1. Location & Access

   • Do you service my neighborhood?
   • Any extra fees for parking or gated/high-rise access?

2. Type of Service

   • Standard, deep, move-out, post-construction, or office?
   • How long will it take?

3. Price & Billing

   • Is it a flat rate, hourly, or by square footage?
   • What’s included, and what counts as an add-on?

4. Credentials

   • Are you insured and, if applicable, licensed to operate here?
   • Do you background-check your staff?

5. Supplies & Products

   • Do you bring your own equipment and cleaners?
   • Can you accommodate green or fragrance-free products?

6. Policies

   • Cancellation policy and rescheduling rules?
   • Satisfaction or re-clean policy?

By focusing on these points and keeping Atlanta’s specific conditions—like pollen, humidity, traffic, and high-rise logistics—in mind, you can choose a cleaning service that fits your home, schedule, and expectations in the city.