Professional housekeepers can save you time and help create a cleaner, more bragworthy home. But you don’t want just anyone entering your private space with a bucket and mop. You need to ask critical questions before hiring a cleaning service so you get the right blend of qualities to meet your needs. And, of course, you don’t want to be blindsided by unexpected costs.
What should you ask before booking a professional cleaning service? Read on to find out!
Are Cleaning Services Customizable?
While a cleaning service might have packaged cleaning plans, those plans might not fit your needs. A good company will be willing to accommodate your special cleaning preferences.
Maybe you’d like less frequent visits than what a plan includes. Or perhaps you’d like a company to use products that are ecofriendly and safer for pets and kids. Specify your requests and choose a company that can tailor a plan to your wishes.
Do You Have Proper Licensing and Insurance Coverage?
The last thing you want to have happen is for a cleaner to sustain an injury while working in your home if they are uninsured. You could be liable for medical costs in that situation. That’s why it’s so important to verify that a company has insurance coverage.
They also should be licensed to do business in your city and state. If a company is unwilling to show you their licenses and proof of insurance, move on to another option.
Do You Use a Digital Portal for Communication?
Whether you’re paying for weekly cleanings or the occasional deep clean, you’ll need to communicate clearly with your cleaning company. Ideally, a company will use a digital portal to manage everything from schedule confirmations to billing. And these portals enable easy communication in case a scheduling change is necessary.
You’ll also be able to see your appointment and billing history. Solid housekeeping business tools reflect well on a company’s sense of organization and professionalism. It’s fair to ask how a prospective company will approach communication with you.
What Kinds of Cleaning Products Do You Use?
Inquire about the products and equipment a cleaning company will use. After all, if you have kids and pets, you probably will want to ensure that the products are non-toxic. Similarly, if you have allergies or sensitive skin, hypoallergenic products will make the most sense. Confirm that the cleaners you hire can meet this need, and also confirm that they will have the specialized equipment necessary for your cleaning jobs.
How Do you Train Your Employees?
When you let strangers into your home, you take a risk. Consequently, it’s smart to ask a potential cleaning company about their hiring and training process. For instance, you can ask if background checks are performed.
Do employees know the latest safety procedures and cleaning standards? When a company can reassure you that they’re taking steps to hire the best individuals, you can feel better knowing that they’ll be in your home.
What Does Pricing Look Like?
Even package deals can come with hidden costs. Cleaning stubborn areas, like refrigerators or windows, may cost extra beyond what is stated. It’s always best to ask for an itemized quote so you know exactly what you’re paying for before you hire someone.
Do You Guarantee Your Quality?
Sometimes miscommunications or other issues can lead to cleaning errors. Or you might simply not be satisfied with the level of cleanliness after a session. Be sure to ask a prospective cleaning company how they deal with this situation.
They should offer a re-cleaning at no extra cost, or a refund if you’re really unhappy. Stay away from companies that are vague about their policy.
Do You Have References?
When you’re taking on an extra expense like professional cleaning services, you want to be as sure as possible that you’re making the right choice. It’s totally fine to ask a company for references from current or recent customers.
If a company declines, take your business elsewhere. It’s also smart to look on search engines for reviews, as these may be less biased than testimonials on the company’s website.
Book the Best Cleaning Services
The right professional cleaning service will leave your home spotless so you can focus on more enjoyable experiences. You just want to know you’re hiring a reputable company that will be worth the investment. Ask about cleaning products, pricing, and communication. And look for a company that is willing to go above and beyond to honor your wishes!
