OP, I have my independent cleaner and they pay their taxes-so you don't have to pay taxes for the service. It is a great couple-we have been working together for more than 5 years.

the number is 703-5089860 if you are interested.

I am very happy with Purrfectly Kleen, which is a small cleaning company.

Those rates don't seem that high to me for that size.

I second PP on looking at smaller companies. I've been happy with A Better Cleaning Service -- I'm in Fairfax, and they also do my mom's house in Reston, so I think they'd be in the right area for you.

Remember, if you hire someone without a company, that person is your employee and (if you exceed the nanny tax threshold) you'll need to pay taxes, do withholding, check that the person is legal to work, etc. That's a big part of why I use a company - so that that's all their burden, not mine.

That said, the quotes you're getting do seem high - I'm paying about that for a SFH that's about 1000 square feet larger. Try a smaller company rather than the Merry Maids type operations. Check Washington Consumer Checkbook (you can get it at the library if you don't want to subscribe).

I've called around to a few companies, and they want $130-$150 for each cleaning to clean my 2,500 sq. ft. townhouse. Way too much!! I have no clue how to find an independent cleaner. Any recs for one?