1. Start with Referrals
One of the best ways to find a reliable cleaning service is through referrals. Ask friends, family, or neighbors who they use for cleaning services. Personal recommendations give you a starting point with providers that others have trusted. A word-of-mouth referral can also help you gauge a company’s consistency and the quality of their work.
Example: Let’s say your friend has used “Sparkle Cleaners” for years, and their house always looks pristine. This recommendation gives you a starting point, but it’s still important to research further.
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2. Interview Multiple Cleaning Services
Even if you’ve received recommendations from multiple people, it’s a good idea to interview at least two or three cleaning services. This allows you to compare prices, services offered, and company practices. By interviewing different services, you can ask specific questions and make a more informed decision. Don’t just settle on the first service you come across.
Things to Ask:
- How long have they been in business?
- Do they have references or testimonials from previous clients?
- What are their specialties (e.g., deep cleaning, eco-friendly cleaning)?
- Are they willing to provide a walk-through of your home before providing a quote?
Example: After interviewing two different services, you find that Service A has a 10-year track record, while Service B is a newer company but offers highly rated eco-friendly cleaning options. Comparing these services will help you make a more informed decision.
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3. Check Licensing, Bonding, and Insurance
A reputable cleaning service should be properly licensed, bonded, and insured. This protects both you and the cleaning company in case of accidents, damage, or theft. Licensing ensures the company is legitimate, bonding offers financial protection in case of theft, and insurance protects against potential property damage or injury.
Things to Ask:
- Are you licensed to operate in my area?
- Do you have insurance that covers any accidents that might occur in my home?
- Are your workers bonded, and do you conduct background checks on your employees?
If a cleaning service cannot provide clear documentation of their bonding and insurance, it’s a red flag.
4. Understand Their Rates and Pricing Structure
Cleaning services can charge in different ways, such as hourly rates or flat fees for specific jobs. Rates can also vary depending on the size of your home and the level of cleaning required. Some companies offer discounts if you schedule regular cleanings, while others may charge more for one-time services.
Things to Ask:
- Do you charge by the hour or per job?
- Can I get a better price if I book regular cleanings (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly)?
- What’s included in your pricing? Is it just cleaning, or does it include things like deep cleaning, appliance cleaning, etc.?
Example: You might be quoted $100 for a one-time cleaning of a 2-bedroom apartment, but if you commit to regular cleanings every month, the price could drop to $80 per visit.
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5. Inquire About Green Cleaning Practices
If environmental sustainability is important to you, ask the cleaning service if they use eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products. “Green” cleaning options are better for your health and the planet, especially if you have children or pets.
Questions to Ask:
- Do you offer green cleaning services?
- Are your products non-toxic and environmentally friendly?
- If I prefer eco-friendly products, will you accommodate that request?
Example: If you’re environmentally conscious, you might prefer a company that uses biodegradable products, reduces plastic waste, and avoids harsh chemicals like bleach.
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6. Clarify Terms and Conditions
Before you sign a contract or book a cleaning service, it’s essential to fully understand their terms of service. Confirm their payment structure, cancellation policy, and what happens if something goes wrong. Will they fix any issues if you’re not satisfied with their work? What happens if a cleaner breaks something in your home?
Things to Ask:
- What’s your cancellation policy?
- How and when do I pay for services?
- What happens if I’m not satisfied with the cleaning?
- If something is broken during the cleaning, what is your policy?
Example: A reputable service will usually offer a satisfaction guarantee, meaning they’ll return to fix any issues within a specified time frame, such as 24 hours.
7. Establish Clear Expectations with Your Cleaners
Once you’ve hired a cleaning service, it’s vital to establish clear expectations. This includes setting guidelines for which areas should be cleaned and which should be skipped, if any. You can also specify certain products or methods you prefer (e.g., no bleach, hypoallergenic products).
Things to Discuss:
- Areas of your home you want cleaned regularly (e.g., kitchen, bathrooms) and any areas you want excluded.
- Special cleaning requests like washing windows or cleaning the refrigerator.
- Any items or furniture you want to be handled with extra care.
Example: You may want the cleaners to focus on the high-traffic areas, like the kitchen and living room, while skipping the guest room unless you specifically request it.
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8. Prepare Your Home for Cleaning Day
While you don’t need to tidy up every inch of your home before the cleaners arrive, preparing your space will make their job easier and help ensure a thorough cleaning. Make sure to clear away personal items, put away dirty dishes, and tidy up any clutter. It’s also a good idea to clear bathroom vanities and countertops so the cleaners can focus on actual cleaning.
Things to Do Before the Cleaning Service Arrives:
- Pick up any toys, clothing, or personal items on floors.
- Empty trash cans.
- Clear off kitchen counters and bathroom vanities.
This small effort will save time and help your cleaners focus on the areas that need it most.
9. Make Arrangements for Home Access and Pets
How will the cleaners access your home? Will they need a key or an access code? Ensure that you provide clear instructions on how they can get in if you’re not home.
Additionally, if you have pets, let the cleaning service know. Some pets might be sensitive to the presence of strangers, so make sure your cleaners are aware of any pets in the home and how best to handle them.
Things to Confirm:
- Will you need a key or an access code to enter my home?
- How will you ensure my pets are safe and comfortable while cleaning?
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The Bottom Line
Choosing a cleaning service is not a decision to be taken lightly, as you are inviting someone into your home to handle your personal space and belongings. Take your time to gather recommendations, ask lots of questions, and ensure you fully understand the terms before hiring a company. Establish clear expectations on both sides, and prepare your home for cleaning day. With these steps, you’ll be able to find a cleaning service you can trust and feel comfortable with, making your home a cleaner, happier place.
Need help finding a reliable cleaning service? Don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re always happy to provide recommendations and answer any questions.
Need a recommendation for a cleaning service? Please reach out. We’re always happy to help!
