Keeping Your Home Clean with NDIS Support
Maintaining a clean home can be challenging when you’re living with a disability. Simple tasks like vacuuming, mopping, or cleaning the bathroom might be difficult or impossible to do safely on your own.
That’s where NDIS cleaning services can help. If your disability makes it hard to keep your home clean, the NDIS might fund professional cleaning support through your Core Supports budget.
At Mambourin, we understand that a clean home isn’t just about appearances. It’s about safety, health, and feeling comfortable in your own space. We’re here to help you access the support you need to maintain a home that works for you.
What NDIS Cleaning Services Include
NDIS home cleaning services cover essential household tasks that you can’t safely do yourself because of your disability.
Regular House Cleaning
Basic house cleaning includes the everyday tasks that keep your home hygienic and safe.
- Vacuuming and mopping keep floors clean and reduce trip hazards. This is especially important if you use mobility aids or have balance concerns.
- Bathroom cleaning includes sanitising toilets, showers, baths, and sinks. A clean bathroom reduces health risks and makes personal care safer.
- Kitchen cleaning covers wiping benchtops, cleaning appliance exteriors, and keeping food preparation areas hygienic. This helps prevent illness from bacteria or mould.
- Dusting removes allergens from surfaces. For people with respiratory conditions or sensitivities, regular dusting makes breathing easier at home.
- Bin emptying and taking out rubbish helps maintain hygiene and prevents pest problems.
Laundry Assistance
If your disability makes laundry difficult, cleaning services can include:
- Washing and drying clothes
- Folding and putting away clean items
- Changing bed linen
- Ironing if needed
Deep Cleaning Tasks
Beyond regular cleaning, support can include periodic deep cleaning:
- Oven and fridge cleaning tackles built-up grime that regular cleaning might miss.
- Window cleaning (interior) improves natural light and makes your home more pleasant.
- Cupboard and pantry organisation helps you find things easily and reduces clutter.
- Wall and skirting board cleaning removes marks and keeps your space looking tidy.
What’s Not Covered by NDIS Cleaning
The NDIS funds essential cleaning, not general household improvements.
- Specialist services like carpet steam cleaning, bond cleaning, or pest control usually aren’t covered. These are considered one-off services that anyone might need, not ongoing disability support.
- Shared living spaces might not be fully covered. If you live with others who can help with cleaning, the NDIS typically only funds cleaning of your personal spaces.
- Cleaning supplies generally aren’t covered as a separate cost. Most cleaning providers include the cost of basic supplies in their hourly rate.
- Home repairs or maintenance aren’t cleaning services. Tasks requiring tradespeople (plumbers, electricians) aren’t part of cleaning services NDIS funding.
How NDIS Cleaning Fits in Your Plan
Core Supports Budget
NDIS cleaning services Melbourne residents and others across Australia access come from Core Supports under “Assistance with Daily Life” (Support Category 01).
Core funding is flexible. If you have Core Supports in your plan, you can use this funding for cleaning when it’s reasonable and necessary for your situation.
The Support Item Code
Cleaning falls under line item 01_020_0120_1_1 – House Cleaning and Other Household Activities. This covers performing essential house cleaning activities that you can’t do yourself.
Reasonable and Necessary
The NDIS asks: Does your disability prevent you from doing these cleaning tasks safely? If yes, and you don’t have other support available (like family who live with you), cleaning services are usually considered reasonable and necessary.
NDIS Cleaning Costs and Rates
Current Pricing in 2025
As of July 2025, the capped hourly rate for NDIS cleaning services is approximately $56.23 per hour in metropolitan areas, including Melbourne.
This rate includes:
- Labour by qualified cleaners
- Basic cleaning supplies
- All standard cleaning equipment
How Long Does Cleaning Take?
Most participants book:
- 2-hour sessions for regular weekly cleaning of a small to medium home
- 3-4 hours for larger homes or fortnightly deep cleans
- 1.5 hours for quick maintenance cleans of small apartments
This means a typical 2-hour weekly clean costs around $112-115.
Travel Costs
Providers can charge for travel time to reach your property:
- Up to 30 minutes in metro areas like Melbourne
- Up to 60 minutes in regional areas
Travel charges use the same hourly rate as cleaning. Always discuss travel costs with your provider before starting services.
Invoicing Requirements
Cleaners must invoice by the hour. The NDIS doesn’t accept flat fees for “whole house” cleaning.
Any extra costs – like special cleaning products or equipment – need to be included in the hourly rate, not charged separately.
Finding an NDIS Cleaning Provider
Registered vs Unregistered Providers
- If you’re NDIA-managed, you must use registered NDIS providers. These providers are registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
- If you’re plan-managed or self-managed, you can use any cleaner with a valid ABN (Australian Business Number). Many local cleaning businesses aren’t NDIS-registered but can still provide services.
What to Look For
When choosing a cleaning provider, consider:
- Experience with disability support means cleaners understand how to work respectfully in your home and accommodate your specific needs.
- Flexibility matters. Can they clean at times that suit your routine? Can they adjust their service if your needs change?
- Clear communication ensures you’re comfortable with who’s coming to your home and what they’ll be doing.
- Insurance protects both you and the cleaner if something goes wrong.
Questions to Ask
Before hiring a cleaning service, ask:
- What’s your hourly rate, including GST?
- Do you charge for travel time?
- What cleaning products do you use? Can you use mine if I prefer?
- How do you handle keys or access to my home?
- What happens if my regular cleaner is unavailable?
- Can you provide a service agreement?
Setting Up Your Cleaning Service
Creating a Service Agreement
A service agreement is a written contract that protects both you and your cleaning provider.
It should include:
- What specific cleaning tasks will be done
- How often will cleaning happen
- The hourly rate and any travel charges
- How will it be handled
- Notice period for changes or cancellations
This document ensures everyone understands the arrangement and prevents misunderstandings.
Your First Clean
During your first cleaning session:
- Show the cleaner around your home. Point out any areas that need special attention or should be avoided.
- Explain your preferences. Do you want things put back in specific places? Are there products you prefer not to use?
- Discuss your routine. Let them know about any schedules or patterns that affect cleaning (like medication times or therapy appointments).
- Be clear about access. Will you be home during cleaning? If not, how will they access your property?
Ongoing Communication
Good cleaning relationships work because of clear communication.
- Provide feedback after the first few cleans. If something isn’t quite right, speak up early so it can be fixed.
- Update your provider if your needs change. Your disability might fluctuate, or you might develop new sensitivities.
- Plan ahead for changes. If you need extra cleaning before visitors or after illness, give your provider notice.
Benefits of Professional Cleaning Support
Health and Safety
A clean home reduces health risks. Dust and allergens can worsen respiratory conditions. Mould and bacteria cause illness. Clean floors prevent falls.
Regular professional cleaning maintains hygiene standards that support your wellbeing.
Independence and Dignity
When you can’t clean your own home, it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost control. Professional cleaning support helps you maintain your independence.
You’re not asking family for help. You’re not living in an uncomfortable environment. You’re using your NDIS funding to maintain the home you deserve.
Mental Wellbeing
Living in a clean, organised space reduces stress and anxiety. You can relax in your home instead of feeling overwhelmed by the mess.
Many people find that professional cleaning support significantly improves their mood and quality of life.
More Time for What Matters
Time spent cleaning is time you can’t spend on other activities. Professional cleaning frees you up to focus on your goals.
You might use that time for community participation, developing life skills, or simply resting and enjoying your home.
Managing Your Cleaning Services
Scheduling Regular Cleans
Consistency helps keep your home manageable. Most people benefit from:
- Weekly cleaning for regular maintenance
- Fortnightly cleaning for smaller spaces, or if you can do some tasks yourself
- Monthly deep cleans in addition to regular services
Find a schedule that keeps your home comfortable without using all your Core funding.
Tracking Your Budget
Keep records of:
- When cleaning services happen
- How much does each session cost
- Your remaining Core funding balance
Your plan manager can help track this if you find it difficult. Regular tracking prevents running out of funding before your plan renews.
Adjusting Services
Your cleaning needs might change over time. Your disability might worsen, or you might develop new skills.
Don’t hesitate to adjust your cleaning service. Increase hours if you need more support. Reduce hours if you can manage more yourself.
The goal is to have the right amount of support at the right time.
Getting Started with NDIS Cleaning Services
If You Have Core Funding
Check your NDIS plan to confirm you have Core Supports funding. If you do, you can start accessing NDIS-approved cleaning services right away.
Contact cleaning providers to discuss your needs. Tell them about your home size, cleaning requirements, and how often you want services.
Once you agree on terms, set up a service agreement. Your provider can then start work and invoice through your plan.
If Cleaning Isn’t in Your Current Plan
You can request a plan review if your circumstances have changed. This might be because:
- Your disability has affected your ability to clean
- You’ve moved to a larger property
- Your support needs have increased
- You’re living more independently and need household support
Talk to your support coordinator or LAC about including cleaning in your next plan. Explain how cleaning support will help you achieve your goals.
Working with Your Plan Manager
If you have a plan manager, they can:
- Find suitable cleaning providers
- Check invoices are correct
- Track your Core funding balance
- Manage payments so you don’t have to
Plan managers make accessing cleaning services much easier, especially if invoicing and budgets feel overwhelming.
Common Questions About NDIS Cleaning
Can I choose my own cleaner?
If you’re plan-managed or self-managed, yes. You can use any cleaner with a valid ABN. If you’re NDIA-managed, you need to use a registered provider.
What if I’m not happy with the cleaning?
Talk to your provider straight away. Good providers want you to be satisfied and will work to fix any problems. If issues continue, you can change providers.
Can I use my cleaning funding for other things?
Core funding is flexible. If you don’t use all your cleaning allocation, you can potentially use it for other Core Supports. Your plan manager can explain your options.
How often should I have cleaning services?
This depends on your home size, your needs, and your budget. Most people find that weekly or fortnightly cleaning maintains a comfortable home.
What if my cleaner gets sick?
Ask about backup arrangements when choosing a provider. Good cleaning services have backup staff or will reschedule at no charge.
Do I need to be home during cleaning?
This is up to you. Some people prefer to be home, others give their cleaner a key. Discuss access arrangements in your service agreement.
How Mambourin Supports Your Daily Living Needs
At Mambourin, we provide comprehensive support that helps you live comfortably and independently.
While we specialise in individual daily living support, we can connect you with trusted local providers for NDIS cleaning services when needed.
We work with you to understand all your support needs – not just cleaning, but everything that helps you maintain your home and achieve your goals.
Our team can help coordinate multiple services, ensuring you’re getting comprehensive support that works together. Whether it’s cleaning, community participation, or developing new skills, we’re here to support your journey.
Your Home, Your Way
A clean, comfortable home supports everything else you want to do in life. With NDIS home cleaning services, you don’t have to struggle with tasks that your disability makes difficult or dangerous.
Professional cleaning support isn’t about not being capable. It’s about using your NDIS funding wisely to maintain a home that supports your health, safety, and independence.
If you’d like to discuss how Mambourin can support your daily living needs, including connecting you with quality cleaning services, reach out to our team.
Everyone deserves a clean, safe home. We’re here to help make that possible.