Hiring In-House vs. Contract Cleaners in NZ
Carpet cleaning, Commercial cleaning, Domestic cleaning, General cleaning, Healthcare cleaning, Housekeeping, Industrial cleaning, Specialized cleaning

For Kiwi businesses in the cleaning industry, choosing between in-house staff and outsourcing to a contract cleaning company can make a major difference to your bottom line. This decision isn’t just about cost—it’s about quality, reliability, flexibility, and long-term business efficiency. In this article, we’ll break down the hiring in-house vs. contract cleaners in NZ, so you can make a smart, informed choice tailored to your company’s needs.

In-House Cleaning Staff: Costs, Pros & Cons

Hiring in-house means employing cleaners directly on your payroll. This approach offers greater control but comes with various responsibilities.

Pros:

  • Direct supervision: You manage staff performance closely.
  • Consistent routines: Cleaners follow your specific standards daily.
  • Team culture: Long-term employees become familiar with your space and people.

Cons:

  • Recruitment burden: Finding quality cleaners is time-consuming.
  • Admin workload: Payroll, training, ACC, and compliance add overhead.
  • Sick leave & absenteeism: You need backup plans when someone calls in sick.
  • Higher costs: Wages, holiday pay, equipment, and cleaning products are all on you.

Typical Cost:

  • Wages average $23–$30 per hour per cleaner.
  • Additional 8% holiday pay, 3% KiwiSaver, sick leave, training costs.
  • Total cost = $27–$35/hour all-inclusive, not factoring downtime.

Contract Cleaners: Flexibility & Specialisation

Contracting out to a cleaning company offers flexibility and often specialised services across multiple industries.

Pros:

  • No recruitment stress: CleaningNZ connects you directly with contract-ready cleaners.
  • Cost-effective: You only pay for completed work, not idle hours.
  • Scalability: Easily increase or reduce hours depending on business needs.
  • Expertise: Contractors often bring niche knowledge and professional gear.

Cons:

  • Less control: Contractors work independently, based on your agreement.
  • Consistency can vary: Different team members may service your site.
  • Confidentiality concerns: Ensure contracts include NDAs for sensitive sites.

Typical Cost:

  • Flat rates range from $30–$50 per hour.
  • No overheads like insurance, ACC, or training.
  • Total cost is predictable and budget-friendly—ideal for small to medium businesses.

What Do Kiwi Businesses Prefer?

More Kiwi businesses are switching to contract cleaning to avoid the complexities of HR and compliance. According to CleaningNZ, niche platforms offer specialised matchmaking between employers and cleaners across commercial, domestic, industrial, and specialised sectors.

CleaningNZ connects employers with over 6000 active jobseekers and 600 companies, offering:

  • Geo-map filters for local hires
  • Company branding support (video/logo uploads included)
  • 30-day money-back guarantee if no applications are received
  • Lower ad costs compared to other platforms charging up to $260/month

For more details, post a job today with CleaningNZ.

Takeaway: Choose Smart, Not Just Cheap

Hiring in-house gives you control, but adds admin and hidden costs. Contract cleaners offer flexibility and fewer HR hassles. If your business needs smart, affordable staffing solutions, consider platforms like CleaningNZ—built by Kiwis, for Kiwi businesses. Whether you’re hiring or looking for cleaning work, aligning with a niche expert saves time, money, and energy.