What questions should you ask a cleaning service before hiring them?

It goes without saying that giving a total stranger access to your home can be a bit unnerving. If you are looking to hire a professional cleaning service, below are some questions that you need to ask them beforehand to ensure that the individual or company that you are hiring is a good fit.

How much do you charge and what does that cover?

You definitely want to work with a service that is within your budget range. Thus, this one of the most important questions that you will need to ask. When you call to request a price quote from the company, they should be able to provide you with a rough estimate depending on the size of your house, and how frequently you require the service. They can charge a flat fee or charge their fees on an hourly basis. When quoting jobs, cleaning services typically use man-hours or work hours. For instance, say your house takes four hours to clean and the cleaning company sends over two cleaners, you will only be charged for a total of four hours instead of four hours from each cleaner.

Ensure that you clearly understand what items are covered in the quote – the rooms, tasks, and the level of detail. For instance, most quotes will include all of the living areas such as the family room, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms but won’t include things like sweeping the garage or the front porch. While deep cleanings typically include light switches, hand washing baseboards, and door frames, general maintenance cleanings don’t. It is also important to find out whether the cleaning company offers any kind of specialty services such as window washing or carpet cleaning and how such services are quoted and paid for.

Are you bonded and insured?

Whether you choose to hire a solo cleaner or a cleaning company, you should ensure that they are carrying both worker’s compensation and liability insurance at a minimum. Don’t fear to ask them to provide proof of this. Keep in mind that your homeowner’s insurance policy might not cut it as some policies don’t cover personnel working within your property.

Should an accident happen and an employee is injured during the cleaning or any of your property or belongings is damaged, the company’s insurance and worker’s compensation coverage will kick in.

Do bring your own cleaning supplies?

If yes, which products do you use? What if I require specialty products used on my hardwood floors or marble counters to keep my warranties intact? What if I am keen on eco/green products?

A good cleaning company will provide the cleaning supplies, and they will know how to use them safely and effectively. However, it is important to find out beforehand which products they are going to bring and whether there is anything you are expected to provide. For instance, will they come with their own vacuum, cleaning cloths, and cleaning solutions?

In case you have your own specialty products that you use for your hardwood floors and marble countertops, ensure that you inform the cleaners and confirm that they will use your products. Keep in mind that some product warranties will require you to use only specific products to avoid voiding the warranty. Also, use this chance to verify whether they use green cleaning solutions. These cleaners are non-toxic, healthier to use, and safer for your kids and pets.

How many years have you been in business?

Experience should be a key consideration when choosing a cleaning service. A cleaning company or individual who has been in the cleaning business for many years will provide far better results than one who has just entered the market.

Can you provide references?

A reputable cleaning company won’t hesitate to provide you with references from current and past clients. After getting these references, ensure that you call them and interview them. Also, remember to check online reviews of the company you are interested in and their service. Ensure that you are fully comfortable with the company before hiring them. Go for a company that has a solid reputation. They should be friendly and at the same time maintain professionalism throughout your interactions.

How is your staff screening process like?

At the very least, the cleaning company you hire should provide local and federal background checks. In case you choose to hire an independent cleaner, make sure you Google them and request them to provide their own background check. Reputable cleaning companies such as Buckets & Bows don’t compromise on the safety and security of their clients, which is why their employees undergo rigorous screening processes.

What kind of training does your staff get?

To maintain high standards of cleaning service, cleaning companies need to provide their employees with quality training programs. Try to find out how the company handles employee training. If they try to dismiss this question without a sufficient response, pass on that company. Keep in mind that proper training is necessary to achieve high-quality cleaning in the least time possible.

What kind of quality control do you have set up?

A cleaning company must have a mechanism for checking the quality of their services. This can be in the form of team leaders responsible for overseeing the work done by the cleaners on the job or managers that carry out regular random inspections. The company might also call you and request you to rate their work after every visit. A good company should have a clear way of measuring their quality and they should show dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction.

Do you provide a satisfaction guarantee?

If they do, try to find out how it works and what is included. For instance, you need to find out whether there is a time limit for raising complaints to meet the guarantee. Ensure you get the specifics of the guarantee in writing. These should be detailed in the paperwork provided by the company as well as any other details that you discussed.

Must I be present when the cleaning is going on?

Most cleaning services won’t require you to be present when they visit your home for cleaning. All you have to do is to organize for them to gain access to your home when they arrive. This may mean providing a key or access code. If you choose to be at home, it is important that you give the cleaners their space so that they can do their job properly and efficiently.

How can I get in touch with you to reschedule, offer feedback, or report issues?

Is there an easy way to get in touch with them? Some cleaning companies will be keen on securing your business but once they have you on their schedule, they start acting in a less friendly and responsive manner. If you happen to notice these signs early on in the relationship, just ditch the company and find a better company. A good cleaning company should proactively engage with you. For instance, they will send you cleaning reminders and follow-ups by phone or email. By maintaining open communication, you will be able to quickly address any issues that may arise, thus ensuring that you get the quality service that you deserve.

Are you available on the day that fits my schedule?

If you are planning on having your house cleaned on a particular day of the week, ensure that the cleaning service will have availability on the day.

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