How to Choose a Cleaning Service
How to find a cleaning company you can trust in your home.
How to find a cleaning company you can trust in your home.
What to Check Before You Hire
How to find a cleaning company you can trust in your home.
1. Decide what kind of clean you actually need
Standard recurring cleaning, a one-time deep clean, and a move-in/move-out clean are different services with different pricing and time requirements. Be specific about what you want covered so your quote is accurate — a company quoting a standard clean when you actually need a deep clean will lead to a mismatched expectation on day one.
2. Ask about bonding, insurance, and background checks
Since cleaners work unsupervised in your home, ask directly whether staff are bonded and insured, and whether the company runs background checks on employees. A trustworthy company will answer this without hesitation, and many will proactively mention it as part of their pitch.
3. Clarify what's included, in writing
Confirm which rooms and surfaces are covered each visit, whether cleaning supplies and equipment are provided or you supply them, whether the same cleaner or team returns each visit, and their policy if you're not satisfied with a visit.
4. Ask about their cancellation and rescheduling policy
Life happens — make sure you understand the notice required to reschedule or cancel a visit without a fee, especially for recurring service.
5. Consider consistency of staff
Many homeowners prefer the same cleaner or team returning each visit, both for consistency of work quality and comfort having someone familiar in their home. Ask directly whether this is something the company can offer.
Red Flags to Watch For
Any one of these on its own isn't necessarily disqualifying, but more than one together is a real signal to look elsewhere.
- Can't answer directly whether staff are background-checked.
- No clear cancellation policy, or a policy that changes depending on who you ask.
- Reluctant to put the scope of what's cleaned each visit in writing.
- No insurance in case something is damaged during a visit.
- Pressure to sign a long-term contract before a single trial visit.
What It Typically Costs
Knowing the general price range helps you spot a quote that's suspiciously low (often a red flag on its own) or confidently high.
Before committing to a recurring contract, a single trial visit lets you evaluate quality and communication with much lower commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between standard and deep cleaning?
Standard cleaning is a lighter maintenance pass on a recurring schedule; deep cleaning covers more detailed work like baseboards, inside appliances, and buildup that accumulates over time.
Do I need to be home during the cleaning?
No, many homeowners provide access instructions and aren't home, especially once they've built trust with a regular cleaner or team.
How often should I schedule recurring cleaning?
Weekly, biweekly, and monthly are all common — it depends on household size, pets, and your own preferences.
Is it normal to tip a cleaning service?
It's appreciated but not required — many homeowners tip 15-20% for a particularly thorough job.
What should I do with valuables before a cleaner arrives?
Most homeowners secure or put away anything particularly valuable or fragile as a matter of general practice, regardless of how much they trust the company.
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