How To Find A Cleaner For Your Home

There are countless individuals and companies offering cleaning and housekeeping services, but how can you ensure you choose the right one for your home, business or holiday rental? I always recommend doing thorough research when selecting a cleaner to invite into your home, as it's not always as straightforward as it seems. After all, you might think, "they're just a cleaner", but are they really? While there are many cleaners available, they often offer a wide range of services with varying levels of quality within the industry. Whether you hire me or someone else, be sure to keep these key points in mind before making your choice to ensure everything goes smoothly.....

• Start your search early if you can - cleaners and companies with great reputations and high demand often have waiting lists and may already be booked for the dates you need them.
  

• Always do your research - Take the time to explore who's available in your area, the services they offer and check out examples of their work before making a booking. Look closely at their social media and website, read reviews and browse through any posts they've shared. Pay attention to signs of professionalism and a commitment to high standards. Experience and training are crucial in the cleaning industry - a subpar cleaner can end up doing more harm than good. Consider why one cleaner might have a waiting list while another doesn't. How long have they been in business? Keep in mind that cleaning is often seen as a temporary job, so new cleaners might not stick around long before moving on to something else.
  

• What makes a good cleaner? - There are many qualities that set excellent cleaners apart, and here are a few that I believe are essential - reliability, consistency, integrity, trustworthiness and discretion. Good cleaners are also polite, respectful and have a friendly, approachable demeanour. Strong time management skills and a keen eye for detail are crucial, as is the ability to work independently. Additionally, a great cleaner is always willing to learn, adapt and improve their skills. These qualities ensure they deliver high-quality, dependable service every time.
  

• Think about what matters most to you - Is it reliability, consistency or a professional attitude? Do you want someone who's good with people or great with pets? Are you looking for eco-friendly or chemical-free cleaning? Maybe experience and insurance are top priorities, or perhaps an eye for detail is most important. Make a list of what's most important to you and your family, and rank them in order of priority. This will help you choose the right cleaner for your home. Be clear about your needs and expectations. Communicate exactly what you want done, highlighting priority areas and essential tasks. Remember, good communication doesn't end after the first clean – it's key throughout the entire process!
  

• What services are included? - It's important to remember that not all cleaners offer the same services, and some may provide things that others don't. Always ask or clarify upfront. What exactly will they clean? Are they flexible with the tasks, or do they follow a very set routine? Can you customise the tasks each week? Will they handle the little extras? Is the service tailored to your specific needs? There can be different standards of cleaning, and opinions vary on what should be included in a standard or deep clean. Communication is key - make sure to express your expectations clearly so they can meet your needs. Keep in mind that some cleaners may be under pressure with limited time, support and pay. I always recommend meeting your cleaner in person for an initial, no-obligation conversation to align expectations before work begins. An experienced cleaner will be able to estimate how long it will take to clean your home to a professional standard.
  

• What are others saying? - It's always a good idea to check reviews or feedback from previous and current clients. Have they been recommended to you by someone you trust or by someone who currently uses their services? Can they provide references? These insights can give you a better understanding of their reliability, quality of work and how they treat their clients.

• Meet them first - Always ask to meet the business owner or cleaner before committing to a service or making a booking. I've heard of people being let down at the last minute for an end-of-tenancy clean, clients who've had their property damaged by cleaners and others who booked cleaners that didn't do a great job. Once you've decided on a cleaner or company, make sure you know the full name of the person coming to your home. You'd be surprised how many people only know a first name or the business name without getting the details of who will actually be doing the work.

• Are they insured? - This is something you might not have considered, but having a cleaner who is fully insured can give you peace of mind in case something unfortunate happens. A clean DBS check can also offer extra reassurance. Your home is your sanctuary, and allowing a cleaner free access (often unsupervised) is a big responsibility. Don't hesitate to ask to see the documentation proving that the cleaner is insured and properly vetted. A responsible cleaner will be more than happy to provide this. If they hold your keys, ask about the systems in place to ensure your keys are always safe and secure. When inviting someone into your home, you want to check as many boxes as possible in terms of integrity and trust. This shows you're working with someone who takes pride in their work and values their role. If you're hiring through a company that uses staff or subcontractors, ask about their employee screening process to ensure trustworthy individuals will be entering your home or office.
  

• Price - When considering a cleaner, it's important to think about your budget, what's included in the cost, and what constitutes a fair and sustainable wage for the cleaner. Be cautious of cleaners offering services at a price significantly lower than the average in your area or dropping their rates just to secure your booking. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Ultimately, you're paying for the quality of service. If a cleaner's quote is outside your budget, please respect their pricing and avoid haggling. You wouldn't try to negotiate with your hairdresser or at the checkout in a store, so extend the same courtesy to small businesses. Also, remember that it's not fair to compare current prices with what you might have paid in the past for cleaning services, as rates can vary based on many factors.

• Terms of service - A professional cleaner or cleaning company should provide a contract or service agreement outlining their business terms. Be sure to review the terms and conditions carefully. Are you committed to a long-term contract? What is their cancellation policy? Will you be charged if you cancel? Do they offer any guarantees for their service? It's important to clarify these details upfront to avoid any surprises and ensure you're comfortable with the terms before moving forward.

• Finally - Never hand over cash to cleaners in advance. There's a risk you may never see them again, or your money for that matter! Always make sure payment arrangements are clear and secure before committing.

Taking these extra steps will help you find the perfect cleaner or cleaning company for your needs. With more people entering the cleaning industry every day, it's important to be cautious when seeking a professional service. I can't stress this enough - I've seen first-hand the damage that can be caused by a poor cleaner. It can be overwhelming, especially if you've never hired a cleaner before, but don't be afraid to ask any questions. There's no such thing as a silly question, and it's better to be fully informed before making a decision.

Any good cleaner or company will be more than happy to answer your questions and help you make an informed, well-rounded decision to ensure you get the service that's right for you and your family. If it turns out that your needs are a better match with someone else, they should be open and honest with you about it. Every cleaner has their own methods, schedules and processes, so while one cleaner might not be the right fit for someone, they could be perfect for you. It's all about finding the right person for your needs.

I hope these tips help you find a cleaner or housekeeper with whom you can build a positive and trusting working relationship. You'll feel confident knowing they are professional, respectful and dedicated to getting the job done exactly the way you like it!