Cancel Molly Maid / House Cleaning Service (2026 Guide)

Franchise cleaning services charge $200-350 per visit. Independent cleaners do the same work for $100-150. Here's how to cancel and switch.

Why Franchise Cleaning Services Cost So Much

• Franchise fees: Molly Maid, Merry Maids, and The Maids pay 5-7% of revenue to corporate + marketing fees
• Overhead: Branded vehicles, uniforms, insurance, office staff — all built into your price
• Rotating teams: You rarely get the same cleaner twice — they clean fast, not thoroughly
• Upselling: Deep clean add-ons, interior windows, oven cleaning — each $50-100 extra
• What you're paying for: A brand name and a call center, not better cleaning

How to Cancel Cleaning Services

Molly Maid

1. Call your local franchise (number on your invoice)
2. Give at least 48 hours notice before next scheduled visit
3. No contract or cancellation fee

Merry Maids

1. Call your local branch or email through their website
2. Some locations require 24-72 hours notice
3. No long-term contracts

The Maids / MaidPro / Handy

• The Maids / MaidPro: Call local franchise, no contracts
• Handy: Cancel through the app → Account → Manage Plan. Watch for auto-rebook — Handy has been fined by FTC for making cancellation difficult

Finding Independent Cleaners (40-60% Less)

• Nextdoor: Post asking for cleaner recommendations — your neighbors have vetted options
• Facebook neighborhood groups: Same approach, usually quick responses
• Yelp (filter by independent): Look for solo operators with 50+ reviews
• Care.com / Housekeeper.com: Search by zip, read reviews, book directly
• Word of mouth: Ask 3 friends/neighbors — the best cleaners don't advertise

The Math: Franchise vs Independent vs DIY

• Molly Maid biweekly (3BR): $250 × 26 = $6,500/year
• Independent biweekly: $130 × 26 = $3,380/year (48% less)
• Independent monthly: $130 × 12 = $1,560/year
• DIY with good products: $200/year in supplies + your time

Efficient DIY Cleaning (If You Want to Stop Paying)

The "20-minute zone clean" — professional cleaners use this system internally:

1. Carry a caddy: All supplies in one bucket so you never backtrack
2. Top to bottom, left to right: Start at the door, work clockwise, finish at the door
3. Spray and walk away: Apply bathroom cleaner first, let it sit while you clean other surfaces
4. Microfiber everything: One cloth per room, replace weekly (costs $15 for a 12-pack)
5. Schedule 20 min/day: Kitchen Monday, bathrooms Tuesday, etc. — the house stays clean without marathon sessions