Keeping your home clean is crucial to have a healthy and comfortable living environment. However, with busy schedules and numerous responsibilities, finding the time and energy to clean our homes thoroughly can be a daunting task. Thankfully, nowadays hiring a professional cleaning service is quite common, saving you time and effort.

But choosing the right people for the job shouldn’t be done in haste. So, consider these tips when hiring a cleaning service to find reliable and efficient cleaners that meet your needs.

1.   Determine your cleaning needs

Every cleaning service has its own technique that may or may not fit your needs. For example, NDIS cleaning services in Melbourne use the “zone cleaning” approach. This method involves dividing the house into specific zones and cleaning them one at a time.

So, when hiring a cleaning service, assess your specific cleaning requirements, taking into account the size of your home, the number of rooms, and any particular areas that require special attention. By identifying your needs, you will communicate effectively with potential cleaners, ensuring that they understand your expectations and can tailor their services accordingly.

2.   Research and read reviews

Some “detective work” may be of great help when you are trying to find a reliable cleaning service. Start by using a search engine in your browser to find cleaning service providers in your area. Once you narrow it down to a few potential choices, read online reviews and testimonials from previous clients to evaluate their reliability and the quality of their services.

Look for cleaning companies that have a strong positive reputation, excellent customer feedback, and a track record of delivering consistent results. On the other hand, you can ask friends, family, and people whose opinions you value to recommend a cleaning company they used and be satisfied with. According to a 2021 Nielsen study, 88% of participants trust recommendations from people they know, making word-of-mouth the best way to find a reputable cleaning service. 

3.   Check for insurance and their work policy

A cleaning service should have appropriate insurance coverage. Since accidents can happen during the cleaning process, like breakage or property damage, insurance coverage protects both you and the cleaners in the event of any mishaps.

Also, inquire about their hiring process and whether they conduct background checks on their employees. Ask about the training procedures they provide to their staff to ensure that they are knowledgeable, skilled, and capable of delivering a thorough and professional cleaning. After all, your home is a personal space, and you want to ensure that the individuals entering it are properly trained, trustworthy, and reliable.

4.   Ask about the cleaning products used

Some cleaning services bring their supplies, while others may request you to provide the necessary products. If you have preferences or concerns regarding specific cleaning agents, discuss this with the cleaners. It’s always best to consider eco-friendly options or products that won’t cause or inflame any specific allergies or sensitivities you or your house members may have.

Incorporating natural cleaning agents, like vinegar and baking soda, is also a common practice with many cleaning services today. Not only that these products are good for the planet, but also effective in removing stains and odors from even the most persistent spots, such as carpets and bathtubs.

5.   Inquire and negotiate pricing and services

When taking quotes from cleaning service providers, make sure you understand their pricing and what services it includes. For example, some companies use an hourly rate, while others offer flat rates for specific tasks.

If you are interested in cleaning packages, see how much you can negotiate prices, especially if you would like to add some services, like window cleaning or carpet cleaning. Understanding, negotiating, and customizing the pricing and services will help you decide to choose the right cleaners based on your budget and specific needs.

6.   Look for good communication and flexibility

You can learn a lot about the cleaning service company based on the way they communicate with their customers. For instance, responsive customer support is the first line of communication if you need them to address any concerns or specific requests you may have. Moreover, ask them about their flexibility regarding scheduling and rescheduling appointments, to accommodate your lifestyle.

When going through references from their previous customers, pay attention to how they rated communication and flexibility besides their professionalism, reliability, and quality of service. You should even personally contact those behind the references to gain firsthand insights into their experience with the cleaning company you are considering.

All in all

There are many things to consider when hiring a cleaning service to maintain a clean and healthy home without any hassle. The basic minimum is to research, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from people you know and trust. However, to make even more satisfying decisions, prioritize open communication and cleaners’ willingness to negotiate, accommodate special requests, and be flexible with their schedule.

Guest Contributor: Mike Parsons