CLEANERS · PAYMENT LINKS
How Cleaners Get Paid in the UK
A detailed breakdown of the most common payment methods used by UK domestic cleaners, including cash, bank transfers, card readers and modern payment links. Learn the strengths and weaknesses of each method so you can choose what works best for your cleaning business.
Every cleaner in the UK gets paid slightly differently. Some clients prefer cash left on the kitchen side. Others bank transfer once they remember. Some cleaners bring a card reader and ask clients to tap on the doorstep. And more recently, many have started using payment links because they make the whole process simpler.
Each method comes with benefits and frustrations. What works well for one cleaner can create problems for another. Understanding the full range of payment methods gives you the confidence to set up a system that suits your clients and protects your time.
This guide breaks down the most common ways cleaners get paid in the UK and the pros and cons of each. It also explains how these methods fit into a wider payment system that keeps your income predictable.
Part of the Cleaners Payment Links Guide Series.
If you want the complete overview, start at the pillar page: Payment Links for Cleaners – Complete UK Guide .
The Most Common Ways Cleaners Get Paid Today
There are five main payment methods used by UK cleaners. Each method works, but each has challenges that can affect your cashflow and daily schedule.
1. Cash
Cash is still very common, especially with long standing regular clients. It works when everyone is home and the routine is predictable.
Pros
- Immediate payment on the day
- No apps or tech needed
- Easy for clients who prefer simple methods
Cons
- No payment if the client is not home
- Higher chance of forgotten or delayed payments
- You need to handle, store and track physical cash
2. Bank transfer
Many cleaners rely on bank transfers. Clients send payment after the clean or at a set point in the month.
Pros
- Works even if the client is not home
- Goes straight into your account
- No extra hardware needed
Cons
- Clients often say "I will do it later"
- Hard to match messy references to each job
- Requires manual chasing when payments are late
3. Card readers
Card machines like SumUp or Zettle allow cleaners to take payments at the door by tap or chip and pin.
Pros
- Professional payment experience
- Useful for high value jobs
- Quick when the client is present
Cons
- Requires the client to be home
- Device batteries can fail or lose signal
- Reader fees add up over time
4. Payment apps
Some cleaners use apps like PayPal or Revolut. These work, but they often feel designed for larger businesses and can confuse clients.
- Extra steps or logins for clients
- Higher fees in some cases
- Harder to keep simple for regular weekly cleans
5. Payment links
Payment links are becoming a preferred option for many cleaners because they work whether the client is home or not. You send a link, the client taps to pay, and the payment shows up in one place.
These can be sent through:
Payment links also allow cleaners to take deposits, send friendly reminders and avoid repeated manual chasing. We look at each part of that system in the other guides in this silo.
Real Payment Situations Cleaners Face
Here are a few examples of how different payment methods play out in real life. These scenarios reflect common patterns cleaners deal with across the UK.
The client is out when you finish
Cash is not possible. You send your bank details. The client says they will do it later. You wait. Later never arrives until you chase.
A payment link sent before leaving the property removes the delay. Many cleaners see faster payments this way.
Messy bank references
One client uses your name in the reference. Another uses the street name. Someone else leaves it blank. Matching payments to jobs becomes a weekly headache.
With structured payment links, each job has a clear label which reduces confusion.
Regular late payers
Some clients always forget. They are lovely people but you end up sending the same reminder message every week.
Automatic reminders can solve this problem without awkward conversations. See the guide Automatic Payment Reminders for Cleaners for examples.
A Simple Way to Decide Which Payment Method Works Best
You do not need to choose only one payment method. Most cleaners use a mix. Here is a simple system to help you decide what fits each type of job.
Decide how important speed is for each job
For example, regular weekly cleans usually need fast payment to keep cashflow healthy. End of tenancy or deep cleans often come with higher amounts, so reliability matters more than speed.
Plan ahead for when the client is not home
If your clients are rarely in, cash or card readers are less reliable. Bank transfers work but often come with delays. Payment links work in all cases and reduce friction.
Use deposits for higher value or riskier jobs
Taking a small deposit helps reduce last minute cancellations. See the guide How Cleaners Can Request a Deposit for examples.
Use payment links where consistency matters most
Payment links bring everything into one place. They are useful for clients who are often out, regular weekly cleans, or anyone who pays late.
Example Messages for Each Payment Method
Here are some simple message examples cleaners use when requesting payment through different methods.
Cash example
Thank you for today. If you are out next week, feel free to leave the payment on the kitchen side as usual.
Bank transfer example
Thanks again for the clean today. When you get a moment, please transfer £40 to the account ending 1234. Thank you.
Payment link example
Thank you for today. Here is your payment link for £40. Tap to pay securely when you are ready. If there are any issues, just let me know.
The Big Wins
Choosing the right mix of payment methods helps cleaners gain:
- More predictable income
Faster payments mean fewer gaps in your monthly cashflow.
- Less chasing
Clear systems reduce how often you need to remind clients.
- Fewer awkward conversations
Automated reminders and consistent messaging protect your boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common way cleaners get paid in the UK?
Many cleaners still receive a mix of cash and bank transfers, but payment links are becoming more popular because they work even when clients are not home.
Are payment links safe for clients?
Yes. They use secure online checkout pages and allow clients to pay by card or wallet. Clients do not need an account or app.
Do I have to choose one payment method only?
Not at all. Most cleaners use two or three depending on the job type and client preferences.
Can payment methods reduce cancellations or late payments?
Yes. Combining deposits with payment links and reminders makes your system more reliable and reduces last minute issues.
Related Guides
Continue learning with these related guides:
Payment Links for Cleaners — Complete UK Guide
The complete UK guide to payment links for cleaners. Learn how to take deposits securely, reduce cancellations, and get paid faster.
Read guideHow Cleaners Can Request a Deposit Professionally
A professional UK guide for cleaners on requesting deposits using payment links.
Read guideHow Cleaners Can Reduce Cancellations
A practical guide to reducing cancellations and no-shows as a UK cleaner.
Read guideHow to Send Payment Links as a Cleaner
A simple guide for UK cleaners on how to send payment links by text, WhatsApp and email.
Read guideCreate a Simple Payment System for Your Cleaning Business
If you are ready to reduce chasing, take deposits upfront and get paid faster, Simply Link helps you send payment links in seconds with friendly automatic reminders. Create your free account and send your first payment link today.
Start Free TodayNo card required · Cancel anytime