Frequently Asked Questions

Professional cleaning services will carry liability insurance and will be bonded. They will also have a company 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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.  Also, providing a house key for the service but ask how do they secure the key?  Make sure both you and your house cleaner are comfortable with the option you choose.

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.

Ask if there are options for additional services, such as window cleaning, oven cleaning, inside refrigerator cleaning or hand wiping baseboards and wood trim work.

Find out how long the company has been around, and how long the employees have been with the business. A brand-new company (or an old company with all-new employees) may not be the best choice.

Remember: you’re letting someone into your home. Getting as many of the details in writing can help you avoid disagreements down the line.

If a company has special training or certification, it’s quite likely they’re committed to skill, safety and professionalism.

It’s smart to ask home cleaning services for references from current clients.   At the very least look for reviews online.  Ask friends or your Facebook community, and search sites such as angieslist.com, Next Door App or Google.

Look for a company that brings their cleaning products, instead of using yours.  Cleaners know how to use familiar products safely and effectively so they’re less likely to damage surfaces.