If you’ve ever tried to price aged care cleaning in Brisbane, you’ll know the numbers can feel a bit… fuzzy. One quote says $35 an hour. Another suggests $50. Then there’s a flat rate that includes “infection control protocols” — but no mention of what’s actually cleaned. So why the price disparity? And what’s really driving the cost?

Here’s the short version: Aged care cleaning costs in Brisbane typically range from $38 to $55 per hour, but it’s not just about time — it’s about risk, regulation, and reputation.

Let’s unpack that with some local context, behavioural insight, and real-world nuance.

Why is aged care cleaning more expensive than regular cleaning?

Three words: duty of care.

Aged care homes aren’t like offices or cafés. They house people who are medically vulnerable — often immunocompromised, mobility-challenged, or living with dementia. Cleaning in these environments isn’t just about visual cleanliness; it’s about preventing infections, cross-contamination, and outbreaks.

Here’s what adds to the cost:

• Compliance with Aged Care Quality Standards, including infection control (Standard 3)

• Specialised training for staff (not just how to clean, but why it matters)

• Hospital-grade disinfectants and personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Auditable processes for risk management and hygiene monitoring

When you layer in these expectations, a $50 hourly rate starts to look less inflated and more… inevitable.

What factors affect the cost of aged care cleaning in Brisbane?

While the baseline sits between $38–$55/hour, pricing is shaped by several variables:

1. Facility size and layout

Cleaning a 20-bed respite facility is not the same as a 100-bed residential aged care centre with dementia-specific wings and clinical areas.

2. Frequency of service

Daily cleans are cheaper per visit than ad hoc or weekly jobs. Volume equals value.

3. Scope of tasks

Some providers charge extra for high-touchpoint sanitisation, deep cleans, or outbreak response cleaning.

4. Staff expertise

If the cleaning staff are certified in infection control and trained to handle biohazards or sharps, expect to pay more — and rightly so.

5. Location and accessibility

Yes, it’s Brisbane — but outer suburbs, traffic bottlenecks, and parking access can nudge up travel time and costs.

Anyone who’s wrangled a mop through a cluttered hallway during peak meds round knows: the job’s not always straightforward.

Are flat rates better than hourly pricing?

It depends on what you value: transparency or flexibility.

• Flat rates offer predictability. You know your weekly cost upfront. Great for budgeting.

• Hourly rates can be more economical for smaller or variable jobs — but may fluctuate.

Some providers blend both: a base flat fee for standard cleans, then hourly charges for extras like carpet extraction or terminal cleans.

From a behavioural lens, flat pricing also taps into loss aversion — we’re wired to avoid unpredictable costs more than we’re motivated by savings.

How can aged care facilities manage costs without compromising hygiene?

This is where behavioural nudges meet business smarts.

• Bundle services — combining general cleaning with laundry or waste disposal often brings down the overall rate.

• Outsource to specialist providers — yes, they may cost more upfront, but they reduce liability risks and staff training costs.

• Schedule smartly — daytime cleaning may cost less than overnight services (which incur penalties or minimum hours).

• Opt for audits and accountability — clear KPIs for cleanliness reduce rework and complaints, saving money long-term.

More importantly, cost shouldn’t be the only metric. Think value per risk mitigated. One outbreak can cost far more in reputational and regulatory fallout than a pricier cleaning contract.

Is it worth paying more for an accredited aged care cleaning provider?

Absolutely — and here’s why.

Cleaning in aged care isn’t just about ticking a checklist. It’s about trust. And trust, as behavioural science tells us, often comes from signs of authority and social proof.

Look for providers who:

• Have aged care-specific experience

• Can show audit results or client testimonials

• Use TGA-approved disinfectants

• Train staff in Standard 3 and beyond

As one Brisbane facility manager put it: “You don’t realise the difference until you have a provider who misses the signs of a gastro outbreak.”

Real example: What does a Brisbane aged care facility actually pay?

In 2024, a 60-bed aged care home in North Brisbane reported paying:

• $3,200 per week for daily cleaning (Monday to Saturday)

• Services included general room cleans, communal areas, clinical wipe-downs, and monthly deep cleans

• Their provider also supplied consumables (paper towels, handwash) and PPE

That equates to around $53/hour, with the contract benchmarked against industry standards.

So, how do you choose the right provider?

Go beyond the quote. Ask:

• Do they have references from other aged care clients?

• Are their cleaners trained in infection control?

• Can they explain their audit process?

• Do they understand Standard 3 requirements?

• Are they insured for aged care environments?

In Brisbane’s competitive cleaning market, plenty of providers offer general commercial services — but aged care requires a specialist’s eye.

Interestingly, this deep-dive breakdown of why aged care cleaning is priced this way explains the difference well — and reinforces the importance of understanding what you’re paying for, not just how much.

FAQ

What’s the average cost of aged care cleaning in Brisbane?

Between $38 and $55 per hour, depending on scope, frequency, and provider qualifications.

Can you get government subsidies for aged care cleaning?

Yes — for in-home aged care (via CHSP or Home Care Packages). Residential facilities fund cleaning internally but may allocate resources from care budgets.

Is aged care cleaning regulated in Queensland?

Yes. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission enforces standards nationwide, including hygiene and infection control.

Final thoughts

Aged care cleaning is one of those services you only notice when it goes wrong. But behind every spotless hallway and disinfected surface is a team working quietly — and expertly — to protect lives.

In a market like Brisbane, pricing will vary. But understanding why those prices exist? That’s the first step to choosing wisely — especially when it comes to something as vital as aged care cleaning.