How Much Does March Out Cleaning Cost in London? (2026 Pricing Guide)
Published by Nice and Clean London — London’s specialist military move-out cleaning service, covering all 32 London boroughs since 2010.
Useful Information About March Out Cleaning
March out cleaning is not something most service members think about until the posting order arrives — and then it becomes urgent. How much will it cost? What’s included? Can you get stung with hidden extras? Will it actually be cheaper to do it yourself?
This 2026 pricing guide answers every one of those questions. It is written specifically for military personnel and their families in London — the most expensive city in the UK for cleaning services — where prices vary significantly by borough, property size, and service scope.
We have published this guide because we believe you deserve complete transparency before you book. At the end, you will find our own price structure for professional March Out Cleaning across London — but everything in this article applies equally whether you use us or another provider.
What Factors Affect the Cost of March Out Cleaning in London?
No two march out cleans are identical, and the price reflects this. These are the key variables that determine what you will pay:
1. Property Size
The single biggest factor. A studio SLA room takes two to three hours; a four-bedroom family SFA with garden, garage, and shed can take a full day for a two-person team. Larger properties require more labour time, more cleaning products, and more equipment — all of which feeds into the price.
2. Property Condition
Condition is often more important than size. A well-maintained 3-bedroom SFA where the occupant has cleaned regularly throughout their tenure will take significantly less time — and therefore cost less — than a 2-bedroom flat that has had no maintenance cleaning for two years. Heavy limescale, carbon-encrusted ovens, pet hair embedded in carpets, or extensive mould in bathrooms all add to the time and cost.
3. London Borough Location
London cleaning prices are not uniform across the capital. Companies operating in prime central and inner London zones — Westminster, Chelsea, Kensington, Canary Wharf — generally charge more than those working in outer London boroughs. At Nice and Clean London, we apply consistent pricing across all boroughs, but you should be aware that other providers may charge a zone premium.
4. Add-On Services
The base march out clean covers all surfaces, kitchen, bathrooms, floors, and windows as standard. However, several add-ons can significantly affect the total price:
- Professional carpet cleaning: Steam extraction carpet cleaning is frequently required to meet MoD standards, especially where pets have been in residence or staining is present. This is charged separately.
- Oven deep clean: Most packages include oven cleaning, but heavily soiled ovens with severe carbon deposits may carry a supplement.
- Upholstery cleaning: If MOD-provided furniture has been used, it may need cleaning to the same standard as the rest of the property.
- Window external cleaning: External window cleaning is generally not required by the MoD checklist, but if requested it will add to the price.
- Garden/outdoor clearance: If the garden requires more than mowing and sweeping — for example, removal of accumulated rubbish or garden waste — this may be charged as an extra.
- Pressure washing: For heavily soiled driveways, paths, or patios.
5. Urgency and Notice Period
Standard bookings made with reasonable notice (two or more weeks ahead) attract standard pricing. Emergency or same-day bookings — common when posting orders arrive at short notice — may attract an urgency supplement of 15–25% depending on the provider. At Nice and Clean London, we try to absorb this for military personnel where possible.
6. Whether Carpet Cleaning Is Included
This is one of the most common sources of confusion when comparing quotes. Always check whether carpet cleaning is included or excluded from any price you are given. Some companies quote a headline price that excludes carpet cleaning, then add it back at checkout. A proper like-for-like comparison requires you to know exactly what each quote covers. Our carpet cleaning service is always quoted separately and transparently.
7. Number of Bathrooms
Bathroom cleaning — particularly limescale removal, grout cleaning, and sanitisation — is time-intensive. Properties with multiple bathrooms or en-suites will cost more than those with a single bathroom of the same overall square footage.
2026 March Out Cleaning Prices in London — Full Breakdown
The tables below show our current 2026 pricing for March Out Cleaning across London, broken down by property type and service configuration.
Standard March Out Cleaning (Clean Only — No Carpet Cleaning)
| Property Type | Est. Duration | Price From | What’s Included |
| Studio / SLA Room | 2–3 hrs | £150 | Kitchen, bathroom, all surfaces, floors, windows, cobwebs, radiators |
| 1-Bed Flat / SLA | 3–4 hrs | £180 | As above + bedroom, living area, hallway, cupboards |
| 2-Bed SFA / Flat | 4–6 hrs | £240 | All above + 2nd bedroom, outside bins, garage sweep |
| 3-Bed SFA / House | 6–8 hrs | £320 | All above + 3rd bedroom, garden check, shed, full garage |
| 4-Bed SFA / House | 8–10 hrs | £420 | Full property + all external areas, multiple bathrooms |
| 5-Bed+ / Large SFA | 10–12 hrs | £520+ | Full property assessment — bespoke quote on request |
March Out Cleaning + Professional Carpet Cleaning (Combined Package)
Where carpets have any staining, pet odours, or visible soiling, the MoD inspector will identify this. A standard vacuum is not sufficient — steam extraction or hot water extraction carpet cleaning is required. The table below shows combined package prices:
| Property Type | Clean Only | With Carpet Clean | Saving vs Separate |
| Studio / 1-Bed SLA | £150–180 | £210–250 | ~£30–50 vs booking separately |
| 2-Bed SFA | £240 | £310 | ~£40 vs booking separately |
| 3-Bed SFA | £320 | £420 | ~£50–60 vs booking separately |
| 4-Bed SFA | £420 | £540 | ~£60–80 vs booking separately |
| 5-Bed+ SFA | £520+ | POA | Bespoke — call for quote |
Tip: Booking carpet cleaning at the same time as your march out clean always works out cheaper than booking separately — the team is already on site and mobilised.
Add-On Services Pricing (2026)
| Add-On Service | Price From | Notes |
| Oven deep clean (standard) | Included | Included as standard in all packages |
| Oven deep clean (severe carbon) | £25 supplement | For ovens with extreme built-up carbon deposits |
| Professional carpet clean — 1 room | £60 | Per room, hot water extraction |
| Professional carpet clean — 2 rooms | £100 | Two rooms, same visit |
| Professional carpet clean — whole flat/house | From £120 | Whole property; priced on size |
| Upholstery cleaning — sofa (2-seat) | £75 | For MOD-provided furniture |
| Upholstery cleaning — sofa (3-seat) | £95 | For MOD-provided furniture |
| Pressure washing — path/patio | From £80 | Per session; size dependent |
| External window cleaning | From £60 | Not required by MoD checklist but available |
| Mattress cleaning | From £55 | Per mattress; hot water extraction |
| Garden clearance (light) | From £80 | Mow, weed, sweep, bag — per session |
Does Location Affect March Out Cleaning Cost in London?
The short answer is: it depends on the provider. Some London cleaning companies apply zone-based pricing — charging more for inner London postcodes and less for outer London. Others, like Nice and Clean London, apply a single consistent price structure across all London boroughs.
Here is a breakdown of how location-related factors can affect your march out cleaning cost:
| London Zone | Key Military Areas | Typical Range (3-bed) | Our Price (3-bed) |
| Central London | Westminster, Chelsea, Mayfair, Southwark | £350–£500 | £320 |
| Inner North | Islington, Highgate, Holloway, Finchley | £310–£420 | £320 |
| Inner South | Greenwich, Woolwich, Camberwell, Herne Hill | £300–£420 | £320 |
| West London | Hounslow, Twickenham, Ealing, Paddington | £290–£400 | £320 |
| East London | Whitechapel, Poplar, Canary Wharf, Stratford | £290–£400 | £320 |
| Outer South | Wimbledon, Bromley, Croydon, Kingston | £270–£380 | £320 |
| Outer North | Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, Waltham Forest | £260–£370 | £320 |
As the table shows, market rates in central and inner London can be significantly higher than our fixed pricing. If you are based in a high-demand zone — Westminster, Chelsea, or Canary Wharf — booking with Nice and Clean London can represent a meaningful saving versus the local market rate. Check our areas page for full coverage details.
We also have a dedicated Hounslow March Out Cleaning team for personnel near RAF Northolt and Uxbridge MOD sites in West London — one of the highest-demand areas for military cleaning in the capital.
DIY vs Professional March Out Cleaning: Real Cost Comparison
One of the most common questions we hear is: “Can I save money by doing the march out clean myself?” The honest answer is: sometimes — but less often than people expect, and the risks are higher than most people realise.
The True Cost of DIY March Out Cleaning
Before deciding to clean your march out property yourself, you need to account for all actual costs — not just cleaning products:
| DIY Cost Item | Typical Cost | Notes |
| Professional oven cleaner + degreasers | £25–£45 | Off-the-shelf products rarely match professional-grade chemicals |
| Carpet cleaner hire (1 day) | £40–£70 | Machine hire only; excludes shampoo, your time, and transportation |
| Carpet shampoo / solution | £15–£30 | Additional cost on top of machine hire |
| Limescale remover (strong) | £10–£20 | London hard water requires acid-based products |
| Microfibre cloths, mop, bucket, etc. | £20–£35 | If not already owned |
| Cobweb brush, radiator brush | £10–£15 | Specialist tools needed for MoD checklist items |
| Your time (3-bed, 2 people) | 8–14 hours | This is the biggest hidden cost — often not factored in |
| Annual leave or unpaid time | Variable | Using leave for cleaning vs posting admin is a real trade-off |
| Failed inspection rechargeable cost | £150–£400+ | If you miss items and the MoD arranges a clean |
| Second attempt cost | £80–£200 | Your time + products for a second clean before re-inspection |
| TOTAL (realistic DIY — 3-bed) | £270–£615+ | Before accounting for the risk of failure |
Compare this to a professional 3-bedroom March Out Clean at £320 — which includes all equipment, professional-grade chemicals, an MoD-standard checklist, an experienced team, and a first-time pass guarantee. When you factor in the risk of failure, the time cost, and the full DIY equipment cost, professional cleaning often works out cheaper in practice — and always works out less stressful.
When DIY Is Reasonable
There are situations where a DIY clean can work:
- ✓ The property is a small studio or 1-bed SLA room
- ✓ You have maintained it well throughout your occupancy
- ✓ There are no carpets that require professional treatment
- ✓ You have access to a carpet cleaning machine
- ✓ You have at least a full day available with another person helping
- ✓ You are confident the oven, bathroom, and all external areas can be addressed to MoD standard
When Professional Is Essential
Our recommendation is always to use a professional team if any of the following apply:
- ✗ You have a 2-bedroom or larger SFA property
- ✗ Any carpets have staining, pet odours, or visible soiling
- ✗ The oven has significant carbon build-up
- ✗ There is mould anywhere in the bathrooms or kitchen
- ✗ You have a garden, garage, or shed that needs to be addressed
- ✗ Your posting timetable does not give you sufficient time for a multi-day DIY clean
- ✗ You have had a previous march out failure or a particularly strict Housing Officer
What Is Included in a Professional March Out Clean — and What Is Not
Transparency on scope of work is essential for comparing quotes. Here is a clear breakdown of what our March Out Cleaning packages include and exclude:
Always Included as Standard
- ✓ Full kitchen clean: oven, hob, cooker hood, filters, work surfaces, tiles, sink, cupboards (inside and out), fridge/freezer
- ✓ Bathroom(s): bath, shower, sink, WC, tiles, mirrors, extractor fan, floor
- ✓ All bedrooms: carpet vacuuming, wardrobes/storage inside and out, windowsills, radiators
- ✓ Living areas and hallways: floors, skirting, doors, light switches, plug sockets
- ✓ Windows internally: glass cleaned streak-free, frames and channels cleaned
- ✓ Radiators: front, sides, and behind all radiator bodies
- ✓ Cobweb removal: every room, every ceiling corner
- ✓ Lighting: all light fittings and shades cleaned
- ✓ Garage: swept clean and free of cobwebs
- ✓ Bins: cleaned inside and out
- ✓ Shed (where applicable): swept, cleaned, and cobweb-free
Available as Add-Ons (Quoted Separately)
- Professional carpet steam cleaning: Per room or whole-property pricing
- Upholstery cleaning: For sofas, armchairs, and MOD-provided furniture
- Mattress cleaning: Hot water extraction per mattress
- Pressure washing: Driveways, patios, and exterior paths
- External window cleaning: Not required by MoD checklist but available on request
- Deep garden clearance: Where more than standard mowing and sweeping is required
Not Included (and Why)
The following are not included in march out cleaning packages because they fall outside the scope of cleaning:
- Painting or decorating: Wall touch-ups and repainting must be agreed with your Housing Officer separately — unauthorised painting can make things worse
- Repairs or maintenance: Broken fixtures, damaged fittings, or faulty appliances are maintenance issues, not cleaning issues
- Removal of bulky items: Furniture, appliances, or belongings left in the property must be removed before the clean begins
- External window cleaning: Not required by the MoD Pre-Move Out Advisory Leaflet for external surfaces
How to Get an Accurate March Out Cleaning Quote in London
To get the most accurate quote — from us or any other provider — have the following information ready before you call or enquire:
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Whether there is a garden, garage, or shed
- Whether there are any pets, or pet-related odours or staining on carpets
- Approximate condition of the oven (light use, moderate, or heavy carbon build-up)
- Whether carpets need professional cleaning or just vacuuming
- Your march out date (and how much flexibility you have)
- Your postcode or borough
With this information, we can give you a firm fixed price — not an estimate that grows on the day. Request a free quote online or call us directly on 020 3670 2141.
Red Flags When Getting Quotes from Other Providers
Not all cleaning companies in London offer the same quality or transparency. Watch out for:
- ✗ Quotes given without asking about property size, condition, or scope — these are estimates, not prices
- ✗ Prices that exclude carpet cleaning without making this clear upfront
- ✗ No guarantee offered against the march out inspection result
- ✗ No evidence of experience with MoD or military housing inspections
- ✗ Hourly pricing rather than a fixed price — risk of the bill growing on the day
- ✗ No written confirmation of what is included in the price
8 Ways to Reduce Your March Out Cleaning Cost in London
Even if you are using a professional service, there are smart ways to reduce the overall cost without compromising on the result:
- Book early. Emergency or last-minute bookings often attract a premium. Book as soon as your posting date is confirmed — ideally four to six weeks ahead.
- Remove all belongings first. Cleaning companies charge for access, not time spent moving furniture. An empty property is always faster and cheaper to clean.
- Pre-clean what you can. If you handle basic sweeping, removing loose rubbish, and clearing shelves yourself, the professional team can focus on the areas that genuinely require their expertise and equipment.
- Bundle carpet cleaning with the march out clean. Booking both at the same time with the same company is consistently cheaper than booking separately.
- Address mould early. If you spot mould growing in a bathroom or kitchen during your occupancy, treat it promptly with a mould killer — a small DIY job now can save significant professional time (and cost) at march out.
- Maintain the oven. An oven cleaned every few months is a thirty-minute job at march out. An oven not cleaned for two years is a two-hour job — or a rechargeable cost.
- Attend the Pre-Move Out Advisory Visit (PMOAV). This free walk-through with your Housing Officer flags any issues before they become rechargeable defects. It could save you hundreds of pounds.
- Compare quotes — but compare fairly. Always make sure you are comparing like for like. A quote that excludes carpets looks cheaper than one that includes them — until you add the carpet cleaning back in.
Can You Reclaim March Out Cleaning Costs?
In some circumstances, service members may be able to reclaim the cost of professional march out cleaning. The rules around this are set by your branch of the armed forces and your specific posting terms — they are not administered by us. However, the key points to be aware of are:
- Keep your invoice and receipt. Regardless of whether you can claim, always obtain a written invoice from your cleaning company — this documents the cost and scope of work.
- Check your Joint Service Publication (JSP) entitlements. JSP 464 (Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations) sets out entitlements related to accommodation and associated costs during postings. Some cleaning costs may be claimable under movement or disturbance allowances.
- Speak to your unit welfare officer or admin staff. They will have the most current information about what can and cannot be claimed under your specific circumstances.
- Use the PMOAV. Attending the Pre-Move Out Advisory Visit is the best way to understand exactly what cleaning is required — and therefore what professional costs are genuinely necessary rather than precautionary.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean — and What Does That Actually Cost?
Some service members — particularly those on very short notice postings — consider simply leaving the property and accepting the rechargeable costs. This is almost always a mistake when you understand what those costs actually look like.
When the MoD arranges remedial cleaning after a failed or incomplete march out, the cost is typically charged at commercial contract rates — which are significantly higher than what you would pay for a market-rate professional clean. These costs are deducted directly from your service pay and cannot easily be disputed after the fact.
Our March Out Cleaning Guarantee
Every March Out Cleaning booking with Nice and Clean London includes a first-time pass guarantee. This means:
- ✓ If your Housing Officer or DIO inspector raises any cleaning-related issues after our clean
- ✓ And you notify us within 48 hours of the inspection
- ✓ We will return to the property and rectify the specific areas at no additional charge
This guarantee is only possible because we use the MoD Pre-Move Out Advisory Leaflet as our working checklist — not a generic residential cleaning list. We know what inspectors look for, because we have worked in military housing across London for over fifteen years.
Frequently Asked Questions About March Out Cleaning Costs in London
Q: Is march out cleaning more expensive than end-of-tenancy cleaning in London?
Marginally — yes. March out cleaning typically costs 10–15% more than an equivalent end-of-tenancy clean because the scope of work is slightly broader (garage, shed, bins, behind radiators, cobwebs in all rooms). However, it is not dramatically more expensive. For a full comparison, see our March Out vs End of Tenancy Cleaning guide.
Q: Do I have to pay for carpet cleaning on top of the march out clean?
Professional carpet cleaning is not included in a standard march out clean package — it is an add-on. Whether you need it depends on the condition of your carpets. If there is any staining, pet odour, or visible soiling, we strongly recommend adding it — inspectors check carpets closely and a standard vacuum is not sufficient for damaged carpets. If your carpets are in excellent condition and free from staining, a thorough vacuum as part of the standard clean may be sufficient.
Q: How do I know if I’m getting a fair price?
A fair price for a 3-bedroom march out clean in London in 2026 is broadly in the range of £280–£400 for the clean only. Be cautious of quotes below £200 for a 3-bedroom property — these either exclude significant scope (carpets, garden, garage) or are priced on an hourly basis that will grow on the day. Equally, prices above £500 for a standard 3-bedroom property are above market rate for most London boroughs.
Q: Can I pay by card?
Yes. We accept all major credit and debit cards, bank transfer, and PayPal. Payment is typically taken on completion of the clean, once you have had the opportunity to inspect the work.
Q: What if the property is larger or in an unusually poor condition?
We always recommend a brief consultation call before booking for larger properties or those in significantly poor condition. This allows us to give you an accurate fixed price rather than a quote that may need to be revised on the day. Call us on 020 3670 2141 and describe the property — we can usually give you a confident figure within a few minutes.
Q: Do you charge extra for Hounslow or outer London areas?
No. We apply the same pricing across all London boroughs. Our Hounslow March Out Cleaning team serves RAF Northolt and surrounding areas at exactly the same rates as central London — no zone premium, no travel surcharge.
Q: What payment is needed upfront?
For standard bookings, we do not require any upfront payment. For emergency or same-day bookings, a small booking deposit may be requested. Full payment is due on completion of the clean.
Get Your March Out Cleaning Quote Today
Whether you need a quick estimate or a firm fixed price for your march out clean in London, we are ready to help. Our team answers enquiries seven days a week and can usually confirm availability and pricing within minutes.
Call our heritage care line: 020 3670 2141. We do offer bookings on short notice!
Internal links: March Out Cleaning London | End of Tenancy Cleaning | Carpet Cleaning | Oven Cleaning | Hounslow March Out | Areas Covered | Get a Quote
External links: MoD Pre-Move Out Advisory Leaflet (GOV.UK) | Service Family Accommodation (GOV.UK) | Defence Infrastructure Organisation
