Best Residential-cleaning in Houston, TX — 26 Vetted Contractors

No — Texas doesn't require a state license for general house cleaning businesses. The exception is mold work: per TDLR's Texas Mold Assessment and Remediation Rules, anything beyond routine surface cleaning of mold or mildew requires a licensed mold professional. If your cleaner is treating (not just wiping) mold, ask for their TDLR license number.

For an average Houston home (2-3 bedrooms), expect $220-$400 for a thorough deep clean covering baseboards, inside appliances, and bathroom detailing. Larger homes in suburban areas like Cypress or Sugar Land often run $300-$450. Get quotes from at least two providers since pricing varies significantly across the metro.

Both are common in Houston. Independents are often cheaper ($25-$40/hour) but availability can be less reliable if they get sick or move. Companies charge more but usually guarantee coverage and carry liability insurance — ask to see proof either way, since Texas doesn't mandate it for small operators.

Houston's water is moderately hard — the City of Houston's water quality reports typically show hardness in the 140-180 ppm range across much of its service area. Standard glass cleaner won't remove mineral scale; ask your cleaner to use a descaling product on glass, chrome, and coffee equipment.

Surface mildew on tile grout or shower caulk is fair game for a regular cleaning service. But if you've had standing water, a musty smell throughout a room, or visible mold on drywall, that falls under TDLR's mold remediation rules and requires a licensed mold assessor or remediator — a routine house cleaner legally shouldn't (and shouldn't offer to) handle it.

It's not required but common for a job well done — typically 15-20% for a one-time deep clean, or a smaller flat amount ($10-$20) for recurring visits, especially around the holidays. It varies by household; check with the company on their norms if unsure.

Biweekly is the most common cadence for households managing mildew-prone bathrooms and kitchens; weekly is worth considering in ground-floor units or homes with poor attic ventilation where moisture accumulates faster. Monthly service tends to fall behind on Houston's humidity-driven buildup.

Confirm before hiring whether the company carries liability insurance and a fidelity bond (covers theft by employees) — this isn't legally required in Texas for small cleaning businesses, so many skip it. Document valuables beforehand and keep receipts/photos so you have recourse if something goes wrong.