Hiring a professional cleaning service has the potential to be one of the best decisions you can make. It can free up tons of personal time, help reduce stress, and even improve family relationships. But choosing the right company is the key to reaping all of these benefits. We want to help you understand what to look for when hiring a cleaning service, and what to avoid!
First and Foremost: Check Credentials
Many states have zero regulations on cleaning companies. This means that anyone with a broom and the mediocre talent for cleaning can begin advertising themselves as a “professional cleaner”. Often these individuals are not properly insured, and therefore able to offer cheaper rates than their local competitors. Those rates may be enticing, but be cautious! If they damage anything or injure themselves, you are liable! (That’s just scary, and should cast a major shadow on those otherwise glowing rates!)
So what, exactly, should you look for when choosing a company or individual for your cleaning needs? It’s important to check that they are:
- Licensed
- Insured
- Bonded
- Background checked
Don’t be afraid to ask to see proof of these things! These are the safety measures which will protect you! (It’s never a bad idea to run a background check yourself, should you desire to hire a solo cleaner, rather than a company who has already taken this critical step).
Finding a company who is also certified is a major bonus! Those who are certified have sought official education in the trade and have a much more extensive knowledge of chemicals, surfaces, and how the two best go (or don’t go!) together.
You’ve found a company with the proper protections in place: Now what?
Now that you’ve found a true professional, it’s time to do a little research. Look them up online and read some reviews. Make sure to read reviews on more than one platform to get the most accurate picture of their services. Don’t be turned off by negative reviews. (In fact, having only positive reviews is a bigger red flag than a few negative reviews!). Instead, see how the company or individual responds to disgruntled clients. If they’ve been professional and reasonable in their responses, keep them in the running!
Ask for references. Any professional cleaner is more than happy to offer some names of satisfied clients who will rave about their services!
Ask lots of questions. And we mean lots! Ask them what their policies are regarding deposits, cancellations, and payments. Make sure these policies are suitable to you. Ask them what guarantees they have in place regarding their work quality. What’s their “return policy”?
And, of course, discuss their rates. What services do they offer for the price? Do they have a checklist you could review? What’s the difference between their general clean and deep clean, and do they offer maid services (if you need them)? How do they give estimates? Many companies and individuals will offer free over the phone or on site estimates. It’s always good to get an idea of what your service will cost. (Be as honest as possible when answering their questions so your estimate is as accurate as possible).
Finally: Test their services
Once you’ve found a cleaning service who checks all your necessary boxes, it’s time to schedule your appointment. If things don’t go perfectly smoothly the first time, try communicating with your cleaner before deciding they aren’t the right fit for you. A little communication goes a long way, and a true professional will be open to and appreciative of your honest feedback so they may fine-tune their service for you.
If you’ve hired a company, and you didn’t love your cleaner (even after communicating your needs), ask to try a different one. Often times different individuals have different cleaning styles, and getting the results you desire may be as simple as trying another employee out who may be a better fit for you. (You’ll be trying out a different cleaner, anyway. It’s worth sticking with the qualified company!)
Now, ENJOY!
It’s time to sit back and reap those benefits we discussed at the beginning of this guide! Use your additional free time to enjoy your family or pamper yourself. Look around at your clean home and feel the stress melt away! (What’s better than a clean home? A clean home you didn’t have to clean yourself!) And, perhaps especially, enjoy not needing to yell at the kids to clean the (insert noun of choice here) for the umpteenth time! (Sweet relief!)