Finding the right house cleaner isn’t just about sparkling floors and spotless counters—it’s about trusting someone in your personal space.
I’ll guide you through the questions that will help you find a reliable cleaner who ticks all the boxes.
Whether you’re curious about their cleaning methods, how they handle pets or the details of their service agreements, these questions ensure you cover all your bases.
Table of Contents
Initial Screening and Qualifications
- How long have you been working as a professional house cleaner?
- What types of homes have you cleaned in the past?
- Can you provide references from previous clients?
- Have you ever worked with a client who had specific cleaning preferences or needs?
- Do you have experience cleaning homes with pets?
- How do you handle homes with children or elderly residents?
- Are you familiar with using eco-friendly cleaning products?
- How do you approach deep cleaning versus regular cleaning?
- What is your experience with handling delicate or antique furniture?
- Have you ever had to clean up after renovations or construction work?
- How do you ensure you meet a client’s expectations?
- How do you prioritize tasks when cleaning a home?
- What is your approach to time management during a cleaning session?
- Do you work independently, or do you bring a team?
- How do you handle unexpected challenges or issues during a cleaning session?
Safety, Security, and Trustworthiness
- Are you insured against accidents or damages that might occur during cleaning?
- Do you keep a record of items or areas you have cleaned?
- Can you ensure minimal disruption to my workspace or sensitive areas?
- How do you ensure that personal information seen in the house remains confidential?
- What steps do you take if you accidentally break something?
- What protocol do you follow in case of an emergency while you are in the house?
- Are you trained in first aid?
- Do you carry any ID or wear a uniform for easy identification?
- Can you provide documentation proving your right to work?
- What is your policy regarding handling household keys or security codes?
- How do you ensure that my home is locked and secure after you leave?
- Have you ever lost items from a client’s home?
- How do you manage privacy concerns when cleaning personal areas like bedrooms?
- What do you do if you encounter pets that are aggressive?
- How do you ensure that you are not a disturbance to neighbors or others in the home?
Pricing and Payment Information
- What is your hourly rate, or do you charge a flat fee?
- Are there any additional fees for special cleaning tasks?
- How do you handle payment – cash, check, or electronic transfer?
- Do you offer any discounts for regular or long-term clients?
- What is your policy on tipping?
- How do you handle cancellations or rescheduling, and are there any fees involved?
- Do you provide a written estimate before starting work?
- Are there any charges for providing your own cleaning supplies?
- What happens if the cleaning takes longer than expected?
- Do you require a deposit before starting a new client?
- How do you handle payments for last-minute or emergency cleanings?
- Are there any extra costs for cleaning larger homes or specific rooms?
- What is your policy on late payments?
- Can you provide a receipt or invoice for your services?
- What is your policy if a client is unsatisfied with the cleaning service?
Scope of Cleaning Services
- What specific areas of the home do you clean?
- Do you offer specialized services like window cleaning or carpet shampooing?
- Can you handle large appliances like ovens and refrigerators?
- What tasks are excluded from your standard cleaning package?
- How long does a typical cleaning session last?
- Are you equipped to handle high ceilings or outdoor areas?
- Can you manage cleaning antique or delicate furniture?
- Do you organize rooms as part of your service or strictly clean?
- How do you deal with hard-to-reach areas?
- Can you work around home offices or during work hours with minimal disruption?
- Do you assist with decluttering services before cleaning?
- What is your process for handling laundry or ironing?
- Are you experienced with pet hair removal?
- Can you manage mold and mildew cleanup?
- Do you offer any post-renovation cleaning services?
Scheduling Flexibility and Availability
- What are your standard working hours?
- Are you available for weekend cleanings?
- How do you handle requests for early morning or late evening cleanings?
- Can you accommodate last-minute or emergency cleaning requests?
- How flexible are you with changing scheduled cleaning days?
- Do you offer regular weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly cleaning services?
- How far in advance do I need to book your services?
- What is your policy for holiday or peak season scheduling?
- Are you able to clean while I’m away or at work?
- Do you offer one-time cleaning services for special occasions?
- How do you manage your schedule if you have multiple clients in one day?
- What is your process if you need to cancel or reschedule?
- Can you provide a consistent cleaning schedule with the same time and day each week?
- Do you have any blackout dates when you are unavailable?
- Can you adjust your schedule for seasonal deep cleaning?
Cleaning Products and Equipment
- Do you provide your own cleaning products and equipment?
- Can I request specific cleaning products to be used in my home?
- Are your cleaning products safe for children and pets?
- What type of equipment do you use, and how is it maintained?
- Can you accommodate homes with allergy concerns?
- Do you have equipment to handle large or multi-story homes?
- How often do you replace or clean your cleaning tools?
- Do you charge extra for using special cleaning technologies?
- Can you use products provided by me if I have preferences or sensitivities?
- What happens if your equipment damages any part of my home?
- How do you ensure your cleaning products are safe and effective?
- What is your policy on using harsh chemicals like bleach?
- Can you handle stain removal without damaging surfaces?
- How do you dispose of waste or used cleaning materials?
- What measures do you take to prevent cross-contamination between rooms?
Communication and Feedback
- How do you prefer to communicate with your clients – phone, text, or email?
- What is the best way to reach you for any last-minute changes or requests?
- How do you handle feedback or suggestions from clients?
- Can I contact you outside of regular hours if there’s an urgent matter?
- How often do you check in with clients to ensure satisfaction?
- Do you provide any reports or updates after each cleaning session?
- How do you handle any complaints or issues that arise after a cleaning?
- How do you keep track of client preferences or special requests?
- Are you comfortable with receiving feedback in person or only in writing?
- Can I request changes to the cleaning plan, and how would you accommodate that?