Before you bring anyone into your home for a cleaning, there are some basic questions you should ask. We have compiled a list of cleaning questions that you should ask your house cleaner. Trust is our #1 goal. Building trust is everything and our goal is to make sure our clients are confident that we will perform the job at hand quickly and to your specifications.
Here are some questions we suggest asking any housekeeper
How do you set your rates?
Most cleaning services charge an hourly rate for the initial visit, but may also charge by the project, or by the number of employees they send.
Get the cleaning service to give you an estimate on how long it will take to clean your home. Cleaning services should give you a flat rate for each subsequent visit depending on the condition of your property, needs and how often you will need the service.
You should also be able to avoid unwanted costs by putting a cap on the number of hours the cleaners will be in your home. Find out if the cleaning service has a “not to exceed this price” clause.
Do you conduct a background check on employees?
Most reputable services perform background checks on all of their employees. When you hire an independent cleaner, you act as their employer; therefore making you responsible for doing any background screenings. A background check can ensure the safety of you and your home by allowing you to know who is entering your home.
A cleaning company should also be able to tell you whether the same house cleaner will be sent to your home each time.
Are you insured and bonded?
Professional cleaning services will carry liability insurance and bond and have a policy in place in case something gets broken, damaged or goes missing in your home.
This will provide you with security and peace of mind during the cleaning service. You may want to inform the cleaning service if you have any items that require special care.
Do you carry worker’s compensation?
Companies that hire employees versus contractors that are on their payroll and pay federal, state and social security taxes will provide their employees with worker’s compensation in the event that an employee gets injured — so you as the homeowner won’t be liable.
Do you bring equipment and cleaning supplies?
Some companies bring their own equipment and supplies, while others may only bring the equipment, and you may be responsible for providing cleaning supplies. In the event that you are unhappy with the provided cleaning supplies, you should be able to substitute your own.
These days, companies can use both conventional and environmentally friendly products. Therefore, make sure to know the distinction beforehand.
Do you have a satisfaction guarantee?
Companies should be open to your suggestions and feedback. They should also be able to provide you with a satisfaction guarantee in the event that you are unhappy with a particular service.
You should be able to openly communicate with them by email or phone to ensure your cleaning needs are being met.
How will you gain access to my home?
Options include leaving a key under the mat and asking the house cleaner to leave it inside when they’re done, granting access via a keypad or choosing to be home during the cleaning. Make sure both you and your house cleaner are comfortable with the option you choose.
I have pets, what should I do with them during the cleaning?
If possible, introduce your pet to the house cleaner before their first visit, especially if you won’t be home during the appointment. Depending on the introduction, you may want to crate the animal or ask the cleaner to leave the animal in a safe spot outside and then let them back in before leaving.
You should also ask if there’s an additional fee for cleaning a household with pets
What tasks are included in your house keeping services?
Ask what cleaning services are included in a route visit.
If you’d prefer to take care of the basic day-to-day chores and you really want a housecleaner to take responsibility for dusting, window-washing, base board cleaning and floor scrubbing, make sure you let them know as it may affect the cost.
Can I get all this in writing?
Remember: you’re letting someone into your home. Getting as many of the details in writing can help you avoid disagreements down the line.