How to Find the Right Maid, House Cleaner, or Cleaning Service Provider
You’d love nothing more than to come home to a clean and tidy space at the end of a long, stressful day. However, finding the time and energy to keep up with ALL THE THINGS is a different story. It’s easy to put off the cleaning and organizing because let’s face it, it doesn’t rank too high on your list of priorities.
If things are accumulating rather than getting checked off your cleaning to-do list and it’s been a few springs since your last spring cleaning, then it’s time to hire a maid, house cleaner, or cleaning service provider for your home.
You’ve Got To Know What to Look For
When hiring someone to clean your house, look for someone experienced that appears to be open to direction and feedback. Someone who communicates with you. Someone you feel you can rely on. Your home is such an intimate and private space, so it's important to choose someone discreet and trustworthy.
You’ll want to make sure the cleaner's schedule lines up with yours as well, so you don’t have someone working around you while you're in meetings or sitting down for dinner with your family.
Gather Recommendations, Check Out Reviews, Ask Questions
Personal referrals from friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors are your best bet for linking up with a reputable maid, house cleaner, or cleaning service provider. Comparing reviews online can also be helpful, but keep in mind, you have to take everything you read with a grain of salt. Remember, there are two sides to every story.
Sometimes, people do not have realistic expectations, or they do not know what’s achievable in the amount of time they are scheduling for. They may be on a budget and therefore, the cleaning time is fixed and the cleaner has to prioritize what gets done, in an attempt to cover as much ground as possible before the time is up. Yet, people will leave a bad review for a good cleaner or cleaning company because they are upset that more didn’t get done or the results weren’t what they were hoping for. It isn’t fair and without having all the facts, it certainly isn’t something you should base your decision on.
You should talk with a few different people/companies, so you can get a feel for who will be the best fit for you.
Questions For Your Potential Maid Or House Cleaner
It’s a good idea to conduct a short interview when hiring a professional cleaner so you can learn about the skills and experience they possess. Below is a list of questions you can ask so you’ll be better equipped to make a decision.
Q: How long have you been working in the cleaning industry?
They may have 10 years of experience, but only a few years as a cleaning business owner. It’s important to know the total amount of time they have in the industry. Experience matters.
Q: How long have you been in business?
How long someone has been in business for themselves vs. their time in the industry may vary greatly. Just because someone holds the title “business owner” does not make them reputable or experienced.
Q: Do you have references or reviews?
While some maids/house cleaners might be new to the industry, and therefore lacking in the reference and review department, that will not be the case when it comes to an experienced professional that’s been in the industry a while. However, it’s important to note that for confidentiality reasons, providing references from former/current clients may not be an option, and you may need to look on Google and/or social media for reviews.
Q: Do you provide the cleaning supplies and equipment?
Everyone does things a little differently. Some cleaners will show up with everything they need to do the job, while others may ask that you provide the supplies and equipment. Others may provide some things but may require you to provide the rest. If there’s anything you do or do not want to be used to clean your home, if you have delicate surfaces, etc. be sure to discuss this with the cleaner beforehand.
Q: What services do you offer?
Basic or standard cleaning services typically include dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and touching up bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. However, every maid or cleaning service provider is different. What’s included in a basic or standard cleaning, a deep cleaning, an apartment turnover, or a move-in/move-out cleaning is going to vary from one person or company to another.
It’s important to ask ahead of time what you can expect to be covered during your cleaning, what the service provider deems extra, what tasks will warrant additional time or a higher budget, etc. Some cleaners may have packages, while others may put a custom work order together for your house based on your priorities.
Q. Are you insured?
Your home is likely your most expensive investment. Accidents happen and some are more costly than others. Also, someone that does not know what they are doing when it comes to certain surfaces, cleaning products, or equipment can cause costly damage. You might not think hiring someone with insurance matters until something happens.
Q: How does scheduling work?
Do you need to reach out when you want to schedule with them or when you need cleaning? Will appointments always be on the same day, at the same time? Are they using a pen and paper to keep track of clients, jobs, and scheduling? A Google calendar? An app, such as Calendly? A software, that will send you automated appointment reminders and follow-ups?
While there are certainly pros and cons to technology, having certain things automated is a major perk and things are less likely to be forgotten or fall through the cracks.
Q: Do you have a cleaning contract or terms and conditions I need to review and sign?
Some cleaners/cleaning companies might require you to sign a contract before getting on their schedule, and that contract might come with penalties if broken. Others may have terms and conditions you’ll need to review and sign before your first appointment. Make sure you read what they send you and ask questions if you need clarification.
Q: Is there anything I should put away before you get here?
It’s never a bad idea to reach out to the cleaner or cleaning company ahead of time to see what you can do on your end to ensure the appointment goes smoothly. For example, you could ask the cleaner if they want things picked up off the floor or surfaces cleared before their arrival. Don’t look at it as “cleaning before the cleaner arrives” but rather as helping the cleaner to be as efficient as possible.
Although, some people do require additional help when it comes to picking up, putting things away, etc. So, if this is important to you and would make your life a little easier, be sure to communicate that you’d like to have some extra help with tidying included in your routine service.
It’s important to note that some cleaners and cleaning companies will avoid (as in not touch) heavily cluttered rooms and/or surfaces, so be sure to discuss this ahead of time, to avoid any frustration.
Q: What type of cleaners do you use?
If you or someone in your family have allergies, sensitivities, or any concerns about what’s going to be used to clean your home, be sure to discuss it with your cleaning professional. Delicate surfaces or surfaces that require the use of specialty products or equipment should always be pointed out before any cleaning takes place. If you’d like environmentally friendly products to be used, be sure to mention it ahead of time. Some companies will provide natural, or fragrance-free products but may charge extra to cover the cost.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
Sometimes plans change and you need to cancel an appointment. It helps to know upfront how to handle things with your cleaner or cleaning company. How much notice is needed to cancel a scheduled cleaning? What happens if you’re sick or need to cancel at the last minute? Is there a cancellation fee?
Last-minute schedule changes or cancellations are typically subject to a fee at the company’s discretion. For example, someone who has never canceled a cleaning last minute is probably not going to be charged a fee if they have a good reason for having to do so. Whereas someone who is repeatedly canceling their appointments last minute will be charged a fee and will most likely have their service terminated.
If there weren’t any penalties for last-minute cancellations, it would be a recurring issue. Not only would the cleaner be out of a job for the day, but a cleaning company would have a hard time retaining help if it were to happen consistently, and nobody would make any money. It is a business after all and having policies such as this in place offers protection to business owners.
It’s important to note that every service provider does things differently and the fees will vary.
Q: How will you access my home?
It’s normal to feel anxious when making the decision to allow someone to enter your home with or without you present, which is why asking all of these questions and doing your research is so crucial.
You need to figure out beforehand how the cleaner(s) will enter and who will have access to codes and keys (if they even retain keys).
Do you plan on being home to let them in? Will you let them in and then leave for work? Do they need to lock up after themselves or alarm the house? Do they enter through a front door, side door, back door, or garage door? Is there a key hidden somewhere and do you want that key put back where it was or locked up inside the house afterward? Is there a door code or garage code you plan on giving the cleaner(s)?
Be sure to let them know how and where to enter and what to do when it’s time to leave.
Q: What do I do with my pets?
It’s extremely important to let the cleaner(s) know before they arrive to perform the cleaning if you have animals residing in the home. If they know ahead of time that they need to be cautious when entering and exiting because there is a cat or dog that likes to bolt when a door is opened, a crisis can be avoided.
If you have a pet that is even the slightest bit aggressive, an animal that has previously displayed signs of aggression out of anxiety or fear, or a dog who clobbers people (jumping, scratching) when they arrive, it would be in everyone’s best interest to have the animal put in a secure space or removed from the home for the duration of the cleaning to avoid any issues.
Also, a majority of cleaners charge more to clean a home with pets, because it inevitably creates more work for them and costs them more to do the job (extra products and wear and tear on equipment). How many/what types of animals you have will usually make a difference as well. If you are not forthcoming with this information, a cleaner or cleaning company may very well retract the previous estimate given or refuse to do the job and charge a cancellation fee. Honesty is the best policy.
Find out if they charge extra for cleaning up after your pets and/or what their protocol is when they come across a pet mess. Communicate with the cleaner so you are both on the same page. You should be aware, however, that many cleaners and cleaning companies will not clean your litter boxes or touch things like vomit, urine, or feces and if they do, it will likely come at a cost.
A single incident may be something the cleaner will address free of charge. However, when people start taking advantage, “repeat offenders” may be charged a fee, pet messes might be left untouched, rates may be increased, or services might be terminated. A house cleaner’s job description does not include cleaning up after other people’s animals when they’ve thrown up or gone to the bathroom inside the home, no matter how pet-friendly the cleaner might be. This is the homeowner’s responsibility.
While some cleaners don’t mind cleaning with your fur babies out and about, others do. Some may require you to make arrangements for your pet (doggie daycare) or secure them in a crate, or an area of the house that is not being cleaned. It may be all dogs or just big dogs that bother them. They may just not be an animal person in general. Whether it be fear or just wanting to avoid any incidents, every cleaner and cleaning company has their own policy surrounding animals in the home. If an animal is shut in a bedroom or crate, be sure to let the cleaner(s) know why. Is that area being avoided? Can they be let out or do you prefer they be left alone?
Be sure to let the cleaner(s) know if any of your animals are allowed outside (fenced-in yard/electric fence) or if that’s where you’d prefer they spend their time while the cleaning is happening. That might seem odd, but it is asked of us more often than you may realize. It’s something you and your dog(s) will likely appreciate if nobody is home during the day and your fur babies have to wait until someone comes home before they can get some fresh air, romp in the yard, or go potty. While walking your dog(s) might come at a cost or be something a house cleaner refuses to help with, letting an animal out into the yard (so long as it is 100% secure - to avoid liability) might be something worth mentioning if it would be helpful.
It’s best to give the cleaner(s) your pet’s names and let them know if they have any quirks, such as chasing or biting at the vacuum cleaner. They (the cleaner(s) and your pets) will feel far more comfortable and confident if they are on a first-name basis. If there are certain rooms they aren’t allowed in, make your cleaner aware of that in advance. If rules are known ahead of time and certain character traits can be anticipated, things will go more smoothly. Knowing where the treats are kept helps as well.
If you and your family are an animal-loving bunch, it might be best to find a pet-friendly cleaner so you can ensure the person or people coming to your home as well as your pet(s) will be comfortable. Locking up your well-behaved and super social dog will likely get old for both you and your dog, should you decide to do business with someone who has a fear of animals or a policy in place that doesn’t allow for them to be loose in the home during the cleaning.
The fact of the matter is that some cleaning professionals are just more pet savvy and comfortable around animals than others, and for that reason, they can pick up on things like body language, and they know how to enter/exit your home confidently and avoid your pet escaping. They’ll establish a relationship with your pet(s). They won’t lean over your animal trying to pet them, they’ll avoid eye contact until your pet is comfortable, they’ll know what to do in certain situations, etc. However, you know your pet(s) better than anyone else. Discussing these things ahead of time will not only help to ensure there aren’t any issues involving your cleaner and/or pet(s), but it should also help you narrow down your list of potential candidates/cleaners.
We’re super pet-friendly around here - if you haven’t noticed!
Wrapping This Up
At the end of the day, trust your instincts. And remember, there is no such thing as too much information (TMI). Well, there is, but not when it comes to communicating with someone who will be in your home providing these types of services. Communication, however, is a two-way street. Both the cleaner and the client need to participate for things to run smoothly. This way you will avoid any scheduling conflicts, confusion as to priorities, things falling through the cracks, etc. And be honest. Let them know if you have any questions or concerns upfront as well as throughout your relationship with the cleaner or cleaning company.
You should be comfortable and confident in your decision and feel like you have found the perfect fit for yourself, your home, and your needs. The right person will make note of your priorities and preferences. They will get to know you, your family, and your pets. They will be someone you can trust and rely on. They will respect you and your home. They will take pride in what they do and there will be many clear indicators that show you they genuinely care.
Your home is your sanctuary, your safe space. Do not trust your home with just anybody. Take your time, do your research, and don’t just go with someone based on the numbers alone, because “you get what you pay for.” Good help may cost you more, but cheap help may cost you more in the long run.
