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Your life has gotten more complicated, and the laundry pile is out of control. In addition, the dishwasher broke, and your family had an unexpected family emergency to address. Combining these things has left your family constantly playing catch up with the chores and feeling stressed every time you attempt to clean something. It might be time to consider a weekly cleaning service. However, before signing up, don’t forget to ask some key questions.
Before hiring, meet prospective house cleaners in person and find out how they set their rates and ask these key questions! Click To TweetQUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN INTERVIEWING A HOUSE CLEANER
1. What is the list of services included in the weekly cleanings?
Each cleaning company is a little different in what they offer when they come to your home.
For example, some companies will do the dirty dishes, clean the bathroom, wash and fold the laundry, and wash windows. Other companies will do far less.
It’s worth asking the company if they will do one-off chores or arrange to do specific tasks once a month, rather than every week if your home or the occupants have special needs.
For example, requesting one-off services can be beneficial if you’re older or are less capable of lifting heavier items due to a temporary medical issue.
2. Do you offer complementary services like grocery shopping?
Some cleaning services for a comparable price will offer small grocery pick-ups or run other small errands. You’ll want to get specifics on their limitations and restrictions so you can plan.
3. Do you have a 24/7 emergency hotline for use during business hours?
An emergency hotline is helpful should extreme circumstances arise with the cleaning employee in a home or if the weekly cleaning services will be used on a business location.
With the rise of home businesses, sometimes a person’s home is attached to where the interaction occurs, such as in a home hair salon or barbershop.
Using the 24/7 emergency hotline might require seeking a refund in some cases or proving due diligence if an insurance claim needs to be made.
4. What is the refund or carry-over policy for unused appointments booked in advance?
Booking appointments in advance is helpful, but life can change quickly. You’ll want the cleaning service to be able to retain these unused appointments for you if you’ve already paid for them.
5. How much advance notice is required for last-minute cancellations, and is there a fee for this?
Every cleaning company is different regarding cancellations and the lead time the company needs to adjust. Search for a weekly cleaning service that has an agreeable last-minute cancellation policy.
6. Are your employees insured and bonded, so I know my home is protected?
Cleaning companies’ employees should be insured and bonded for your protection. Some states even require this for the company to operate legally.
7. Do you offer all-natural and chemical-free cleaning products?
Chemical-free cleaning products are perfect for anyone who wants to reduce their use of chemicals in their home. In addition, standard access to organic cleaning substances is increasing, so many more cleaning services should offer them.
Do you know questions to ask housekeeper references?
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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If I am ever financially stable enough to get this..I will be sure to ask these questions..lol. This sounds like heaven! Thanks for the advice!
I know right? Having someone else clean your house on a regular basis sounds amazing
Life is a hassle sometimes and doesn’t always leave a lot of time or energy for cleaning. I have been considering affording myself the treat of having a cleaning service to come in to do the heavy cleaning twice a year. So glad to have read the article so I will be well-prepared!
I think that’s an awesome idea!! Hiring a cleaning service just twice a year would be a huge help