Service: Home Cleaning

  • Home Cleaning

    Whether you live in your property full-time or visit a few times a year, SAM connects you with reliable, vetted cleaners across the Costa del Sol. No agencies, no guesswork — post a job, get quotes, and choose the right cleaner for your home.

    Home cleaning options

    • Regular cleaning — weekly, fortnightly, or monthly maintenance cleans
    • One-off clean — before or after a stay, after building work, or just when it’s needed
    • Deep clean — thorough top-to-bottom clean for properties that haven’t been used for a while
    • Pre-arrival preparation — get your property ready before you fly in
    • Post-departure clean — leave the property in good order after your stay

    What does home cleaning cost?

    Regular domestic cleaning on the Costa del Sol costs €13–€22 per hour depending on location and cleaner. A standard two-bedroom apartment typically takes 2–3 hours. Deep cleans take longer and are usually priced per job — post on SAM to get accurate quotes.

    Frequently asked questions

    How does SAM vet its cleaners?
    Cleaners on SAM are reviewed by verified property owners. You can read previous reviews before choosing and leave your own after each job.

    Can I set up a recurring clean?
    Yes. Post a recurring job and your cleaner will come on a regular schedule — weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.

    What if I’m not happy with the clean?
    Get in touch through SAM and we’ll help resolve it. Most issues are sorted quickly with a return visit.

    Post a home cleaning job

  • How much does cleaning cost in Marbella?

    Finding a reliable cleaner is one thing. Working out what you should actually be paying is another. Prices in Marbella vary depending on property size, the type of clean, and how often it’s booked — but the ranges below give you a solid starting point.

    Typical cleaning prices in Marbella

    • Regular home cleaning: €15–€22 per hour. A standard two-bedroom apartment takes 2–3 hours.
    • Deep clean: €180–€350 depending on property size. Priced per job, not per hour.
    • Airbnb turnaround: €60–€120 for a two-bedroom, including linen change.
    • End-of-tenancy clean: €200–€500. Usually priced after a site visit or photo review.
    • Post-construction clean: priced by quote only — varies significantly.

    What affects the price?

    Several things push the price up or down. A property that’s been empty for months will take longer than one cleaned last week. A villa with marble floors and a pool terrace takes more time than a one-bedroom apartment. If you need linen washed, ironed, and put back on beds, that’s extra. Same for oven cleans or inside-the-fridge jobs.

    Location within Marbella also plays a small role — cleaners covering Puerto Banús, the Golden Mile, or Nueva Andalucía may charge a travel supplement for properties further from the centre.

    How to get accurate quotes

    The best way to know what your property will cost is to post a job on SAM with your property details — size, type of clean, frequency, and any specific requirements. Local cleaners in Marbella will respond with quotes you can compare before confirming anyone. No obligation, no hidden fees.

    If your property has been empty for a while, mention it. Cleaners will factor in the extra time and price accordingly — which is more honest than being quoted an hourly rate and finding out it took six hours.

    Frequently asked questions

    Do prices include cleaning products? Most cleaners in Marbella bring their own products. Confirm this when booking — some charge a small supplement for eco-friendly or allergy-safe products.

    Is tipping expected? It’s not expected but it’s appreciated, especially for regular cleaners who do a consistently good job. €5–€10 per visit is common.

    Can I pay by bank transfer? Most professional cleaners accept transfer. Cash is also common. Ask before the first clean to avoid any awkwardness.

  • How to hire a cleaner in Spain as an expat

    If you’ve spent time in expat Facebook groups for the Costa del Sol, you’ll have seen the same post dozens of times: “Can anyone recommend a reliable cleaner in Marbella?” The responses range from genuinely useful recommendations to phone numbers that go unanswered. Finding someone good takes time. This guide cuts through it.

    What to look for in a cleaner

    • Reviews from people like you. A cleaner who works well for local families isn’t necessarily the right fit for an absentee property owner who needs photo reports and reliable keyholder access.
    • English communication. If you need to brief someone remotely, explain a specific task, or deal with a problem at the property, being able to communicate clearly in English matters.
    • A clear process for access. How do they get into the property? Key safe, keyholder, lockbox? Make sure this is agreed upfront.
    • Proof of insurance. A professional cleaner should have liability coverage. It’s worth asking, especially for higher-value properties.

    The paperwork question

    Spain has specific rules around domestic employment. If you hire someone informally and they work for you regularly, there are obligations around social security contributions. Most expat property owners use a professional cleaning company or platform — which handles its own employment and tax obligations — rather than hiring an individual directly. This is the simpler route if you just need your property cleaned and don’t want an employer relationship.

    Managing from abroad

    The key to a good remote cleaning arrangement is clarity upfront. Agree on: frequency, what’s included in each visit, how access works, how you’ll communicate, and what happens if something is wrong. Photo reports after each clean are a simple way to stay in the loop without chasing anyone.

    Set it up once, properly, and you shouldn’t need to think about it again.

    How SAM helps

    SAM connects you with vetted, English-speaking cleaners across the Costa del Sol. Post a job, receive quotes, compare and confirm — all without making a single phone call in Spanish. Cleaners on SAM are reviewed by other property owners, so you can see who others in the same situation have used and trusted.

  • How much does cleaning cost in Málaga?

    Málaga is one of the most active rental markets on the Costa del Sol — a mix of long-term residents, holiday lets, and short-stay apartments in the city centre. Cleaning prices reflect that variety. Here’s what you can expect to pay.

    Typical cleaning prices in Málaga

    • Regular home cleaning: €14–€20 per hour. City-centre apartments typically take 2–3 hours.
    • Deep clean: €150–€300 depending on property size and condition.
    • Airbnb turnaround: €50–€100 for a two-bedroom, including linen.
    • End-of-tenancy clean: €180–€400. Usually requires a quote after photos or a visit.

    Málaga city vs the coast

    Properties in Málaga city centre (Centro Histórico, La Malagueta, Pedregalejo) tend to attract slightly lower prices than beachfront properties or larger villas further up the coast. But a well-equipped apartment in a Málaga high-rise can take longer to clean than a small villa — lift access, multiple floors, and parking restrictions all affect how long cleaners spend on-site.

    Getting a quote

    Post your job on SAM with your property details and the type of clean you need. Cleaners in Málaga will quote based on your specific situation — which is more reliable than any hourly rate estimate. It’s free to post and you’re not committed until you accept a quote.

  • How much does cleaning cost in Estepona?

    Estepona has grown significantly as a property market over the last decade — a mix of established urbanisations, new-build complexes, and a revitalised town centre. If you own a property here and need reliable cleaning, here’s what the market looks like.

    Typical cleaning prices in Estepona

    • Regular home cleaning: €14–€21 per hour.
    • Deep clean: €160–€320 depending on size and condition.
    • Airbnb turnaround: €55–€110 for a two-bedroom with linen.
    • End-of-tenancy: €180–€420. Quoted individually.

    What to factor in for Estepona properties

    Many Estepona properties are within gated urbanisations — access arrangements are important to sort out before the first clean. Confirm whether your community allows service vehicles and whether your cleaner will need a key fob or gate code.

    Properties on the New Golden Mile between Estepona and Marbella may attract a small travel supplement from cleaners based in either town. Factor this in when comparing quotes.

    Getting quotes in Estepona

    Post a job on SAM with your property details and Estepona cleaners will quote directly. Most respond within a few hours during working days.

  • How much does cleaning cost in Fuengirola?

    Fuengirola is one of the most affordable rental markets on the Costa del Sol, and cleaning prices here tend to sit at the lower end of the regional range. That said, the same rules apply: price depends on property size, type of clean, frequency, and any extras.

    Typical cleaning prices in Fuengirola

    • Regular home cleaning: €13–€19 per hour.
    • Deep clean: €130–€280 depending on size.
    • Airbnb turnaround: €45–€95 for a two-bedroom.
    • End-of-tenancy: €160–€380. Quoted per property.

    Fuengirola apartments: what to expect

    Fuengirola has a high concentration of apartment buildings — many of them older, with smaller rooms and tiled floors throughout. Tiled floors are actually quicker to clean than carpet, which can bring costs down slightly for regular cleans. High-rise blocks with lifts add a small amount of time to each visit for a cleaner carrying equipment.

    Finding a cleaner in Fuengirola

    Post your job on SAM and cleaners in the Fuengirola area will quote. It’s free to post and you can compare quotes before committing to anyone.

  • End-of-tenancy cleaning in Spain: what landlords need to know

    When a tenancy ends in Spain, the condition of the property matters — both for the return of the deposit and for getting it ready for the next occupant. Here’s what landlords and property managers need to know.

    What you’re entitled to expect

    Under Spanish tenancy law (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos), tenants are required to return the property in the same condition as they received it, accounting for normal wear and tear. This means the property should be clean, with no accumulated dirt or damage beyond reasonable use. It does not mean brand new — but it should be genuinely clean.

    If the property is not returned in acceptable condition, landlords can deduct the cost of cleaning from the deposit (fianza). However, this is easier to enforce if you have an inventory and photo record from the start of the tenancy.

    What an end-of-tenancy clean includes

    • All rooms hoovered, mopped, and surfaces wiped down
    • Kitchen cleaned throughout including inside oven, fridge, and cupboards
    • Bathrooms disinfected and descaled
    • Windows cleaned inside (and outside where accessible)
    • All waste removed from the property
    • Balcony or terrace swept and cleaned

    Getting it priced

    End-of-tenancy cleans are almost always priced per job rather than per hour. The final price depends on property size, how thoroughly it needs cleaning, and any specific tasks (external windows, pool area, garage). Expect to pay €200–€500 for a typical two-bedroom apartment in poor condition. Post a job on SAM with photos of the current state and cleaners will quote accordingly.

  • Managing your Spanish property remotely: the complete guide

    You’re in Manchester, or Amsterdam, or Dublin, and your apartment in Marbella is sitting empty between guest bookings. The pool hasn’t been checked since October. You’re not sure if the heating’s working. And the next guests arrive in three weeks. This is the reality for thousands of expat property owners on the Costa del Sol — and it’s entirely manageable if you approach it properly.

    The people you need

    Remote property management runs on reliable local contacts. At minimum you need: a cleaner who can handle turnarounds and regular maintenance cleans, someone who can hold a key and provide access for trades, and a basic maintenance contact for small repairs. For larger properties or active Airbnb rentals, consider a local property management service to coordinate everything.

    Setting up reliable access

    A key safe is the simplest solution for most properties. Choose a good-quality one (not the cheap flip-cover models), fix it to a solid wall, and share the code securely with your cleaner and any other trusted contacts. Change the code periodically and always update contacts when you do.

    Staying informed without chasing

    The best remote arrangement is one where you don’t need to chase anyone. Ask your cleaner for a photo report after each visit — a few photos showing the property is clean and in good order. Set up a WhatsApp group or similar with your key contacts. Agree upfront on what they should handle independently and what they should flag to you before acting.

    Seasonal considerations

    Costa del Sol properties need different attention at different times of year. Before summer: check air conditioning, replace pool chemicals, and arrange a deep clean. After summer: a thorough post-season clean, check for any damage, and arrange regular maintenance visits through winter. Before your arrival: a pre-arrival clean so the property is ready when you land.

  • Pre-arrival home preparation: getting your Spanish villa ready

    You’ve booked your flights. You land Friday evening. The last thing you want is to arrive at your villa to find it dusty, stuffy, and with an empty fridge. A pre-arrival clean, arranged a day or two before you land, makes sure the property is ready when you walk through the door.

    What a pre-arrival clean should include

    • Full clean of all rooms — dust, hoover, mop
    • Fresh bed linen on all beds
    • Bathrooms cleaned and stocked with essentials
    • Kitchen wiped down and checked for any expired food in the fridge
    • Windows opened to air the property
    • Terrace swept and outdoor furniture wiped
    • Air conditioning tested

    If the property has been empty for months

    A property that’s been closed up since October needs more than a quick clean. Budget for a 3–4 hour airing and clean rather than a standard hourly visit. Ask your cleaner to run all taps, check for any damp or leaks, and open all windows for at least an hour before closing up. Properties near the coast accumulate salt air and dust quickly in closed rooms.

    Coordinating from abroad

    Post a job on SAM 3–5 days before your arrival date. Specify the property, date and time you need it completed by, and whether it’s been empty for an extended period. A photo report when it’s done means you can see it’s ready before you even board the plane.

  • Villa cleaning checklist: what a professional service covers

    A villa clean is not the same as an apartment clean. More rooms, larger surfaces, outdoor spaces, pool areas, multiple bathrooms — the scope is significantly broader. Here’s what a professional villa cleaning service on the Costa del Sol should cover.

    Interior

    • All bedrooms: dust, vacuum, fresh linen if required
    • All bathrooms: disinfect, descale, clean mirrors and taps
    • Kitchen: worktops, hob, oven exterior, sink, appliance fronts
    • Living and dining areas: dust, vacuum/mop, wipe all surfaces
    • Hallways and stairs: vacuum/mop, wipe handrails

    Exterior and outdoor areas

    • Terrace swept and mopped
    • Outdoor furniture wiped down
    • Pool surround swept (pool maintenance is separate)
    • Garden paths and entrance swept
    • BBQ area wiped if used

    What’s usually not included

    Pool maintenance, gardening, window cleaning (external), and laundry beyond linen change are typically separate services or add-ons. Clarify when getting quotes what’s included and what’s charged additionally.

    How long does it take?

    A 3–4 bedroom villa with outdoor space typically takes 4–6 hours for a thorough clean. Larger properties or those that have been empty for a while will take longer. Getting a quote based on your specific villa is the most accurate way to budget.