Finding a house cleaner can be a time-consuming process, but it’s important to make sure you find the right fit for your household and budget. Before you start your search, it’s important to know what questions to ask to ensure you find the right person for the job; after all, you’re trusting this person with your home and the possessions in it. With an online search, you can find the many local house cleaning professionals and companies offering deals right now.
1. Can you tell me about your experience?
When you’re hiring a house cleaner, it’s important to know how much experience they have. Ask about their previous jobs, how long they’ve been cleaning homes, and what kind of cleaning they specialize in.
You can even ask more specific questions about their experience, such as:
- How long have you been in the cleaning business?
- What kind of training do your cleaners undergo?
- Have you handled homes similar to mine?
2. What services do you offer?
Different house cleaners offer different services. Some may only clean certain rooms or areas, while others may offer more comprehensive cleaning packages.
Be sure to ask about the specific services they offer and what is included in each package. Do they wash the baseboards? Will they put in laundry or empty the dishwasher? Many cleaners will add services for an extra fee, but you also need to know what to expect from the basic package.
3. Are you licensed and insured?
Hiring a licensed and insured cleaning service is non-negotiable for many homeowners, and for good reason. Licensing generally means that the company meets specific regulatory criteria and adheres to industry standards, providing a layer of credibility and professionalism.
Insurance, on the other hand, safeguards your interests in the event of accidental damage to your property or if an injury occurs while the cleaner is on your premises. Without insurance, you could be financially responsible for medical costs or repair bills.
4. How do you handle a change in the schedule or cancellation?
Life happens, and sometimes you may need to make changes to the cleaning schedule or even cancel. Ask the house cleaner how they handle these situations, whether there are any fees associated with rescheduling or canceling, and how much notice they need for changes. Knowing this information ahead of time can help you plan and avoid any potential misunderstandings or conflicts.
5. Do you have references?
Don’t be afraid to ask for references from previous clients. This can give you a better sense of the quality of their work and their reliability. You can skip this step if you’re hiring someone that comes recommended by a family member or friend, as they’ve likely vouched for the cleaner’s work.
6. What kind of scheduling options do you offer?
Ask about their availability and scheduling options. Some house cleaners may only offer certain days or times, so make sure their availability works with your schedule. This is also a good time to inquire about discounts for weekly or bi-weekly cleans, as you may get a better hourly rate if they are coming more frequently.
7. How do you handle pets during the cleaning process?
If you have pets in your home, it’s important to know how the house cleaner will handle them during the cleaning process. Some cleaners may be comfortable with pets, while others may not want them in the home or loose in the home during the cleaning.
Similarly, not all pets will be comfortable with a stranger in the home. Make sure to discuss your pets and their location in the home ahead of time.
8. What is your pricing?
Make sure to ask about their pricing, preferred payment methods and payment structure. Some house cleaners may charge by the hour, while others may charge a flat fee. The national hourly average is between $40-$50, while the overall average cost per cleaning is $180.
9. Do you have a satisfaction guarantee?
It’s important to hire a house cleaner who stands behind their work. Ask if they offer a satisfaction guarantee, and what their policy is if you’re not happy with the cleaning.
10. What type of cleaning products do you use?
Different cleaning products can have different effects on your home and health, so it’s important to know what will be used in your space. Some house cleaners may use more natural, eco-friendly products, while others may use more traditional cleaning products.
If you have any allergies or sensitivities, make sure to let them know so they can use products that won’t trigger any reactions. Some house cleaners bring their own supplies, while others may use what you supply. Getting clarification about this ahead of time is important.
Peace of Mind
These questions may seem a bit intense, listed off in quick succession, but they’re intended to help you gain as much information about each service as possible. With an online search, you can explore additional angles of questioning to ensure you have peace of mind.
Remember, it’s always advisable to ask for proof of both licensing and insurance; reputable companies should have no problem supplying this documentation. Confirming these credentials not only protects you but also ensures you’re hiring a qualified, legitimate service that takes its responsibilities seriously.