We get a lot of calls from people who are hiring house cleaners for the first time. We would like to share the frequently asked questions!
Hiring a House Cleaner FAQs
What is the benefit of hiring a house cleaning company instead of an independent cleaner?
House cleaners who work for a company are professionally trained to provide a first-rate, consistent cleaning experience for clients. A professional cleaning company is licensed, bonded, and insured and the house cleaners are protected with workers’ compensation.
Do I need to be home during the house cleaning?
Your house cleaner can provide cleaning services when you are at home or away – it depends on what you are more comfortable with.
How does the house cleaner know what I want if I’m not home to tell them?
Having a professional house cleaner means that the house cleaner knows what is needed to make your home shine, however, if you have any special requests please share them with your house cleaner.
How do I make a special request of my house cleaner?
If you have new or special requests, leaving a note on the kitchen counter is a helpful way to communicate information. If you have instructions you want followed every visit, it’s best to have a standard checklist for regular cleaning. With The Cleaning Crew, you can call our office and we’ll update your file so that your cleaner(s) know what you like each time.
How does the house cleaner get into the house?
For your convenience, you can provide your cleaner with a copy of your house key. Another option is to schedule the cleaner to arrive when you are home and have them lock the door when they leave.
How does the house cleaner access my home if I have a security alarm?
We recommend assigning a unique security code to your cleaner.
Do I need to do anything before a house cleaner arrives?
It is best to tidy up all dishes, toys, clothes, and personal items before a house cleaner arrives. If you do not have a chance to do so, the house cleaner will always try to do this for you, however, this may take away from the deep cleaning that can be done in the allotted time frame. If you would like your house cleaner to tidy up for you, please notify them in advance.
Do I need to do the dishes before the house cleaner arrives?
Most house cleaners ask that you do dishes before the house cleaner arrives. Some house cleaners will include dishes in their cleaning, just be sure to ask so that they can estimate time accordingly.
What if I don’t want to tidy up before the house cleaner arrives?
Depending on the cleaning company, you can make a special request for the house cleaner to clean up toys, clothes, dirty dishes, etc.
What is the best way to pay for cleaning services?
Most customers find it convenient to simply leave a check on the kitchen counter or to pay ahead of time with a credit card.
Should I tip?
Cleaners don’t expect regular tips, but tips are a nice way to show appreciation and can be anywhere from $10 to $20 or you can use the service industry standard of 15-20% of the cost of service.
When is the appropriate time to tip?
You can tip with each cleaning, once a month, or once a year, such as during the holidays.
What if my cleaner goes on vacation?
If your house cleaning is through a cleaning company, you can expect your cleanings to go as planned. The cleaning company should send a back-up cleaner for all of your regularly scheduled. If you work with an independent house cleaner, you may need to find someone else while they are on vacation.
How often should a house cleaner clean?
Depending on your lifestyle and budget, you might like your house to be cleaned, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. If you have kids and pets, then you might want more frequent cleaning. Two adults without any children in the household will often be fine having a house cleaner clean every two weeks. A person who has no children and no pets and maintains the house throughout the month might only want someone to do a monthly deep clean of the bathrooms and Kitchen.
Let us know if there are any others questions you’d like to see answered! As well as cleaners, its important to research local tradesmen in case of emergencies, for example visit absolutedp.com to see how they can also help you to look after your home.