3 essentials to a great cleaning experience

Bringing someone into your home is always a bit nerve wrecking.  Homeowners sometimes struggle with hiring a cleaner because they want to make sure their home and possessions are secure.  Besides property issues, homeowners want to be sure that the cleaning gets done to their liking.  By making sure that your cleaning candidates meet the following standards you should have a much more pleasant experience.

1. Excellent referrals and background check.

Ask your cleaning candidates for referrals.  Testimonials are nice, but a referral will come complete with contact information.  Use it!  Find out what past customers have to say about the candidate’s performance and professionalism.  Ask specific questions about the issues that are most important to you.  For example, do you want to know if the candidate is prompt?  Maybe you’d like to find out if her work performance slacks over time?  Take advantage of referrals and get answers to your most important questions.

Also ask to see a background check.  If the cleaner doesn’t have one available, ask them to submit to one that you’ll pay for.  Most homeowners are put at ease once they see that their cleaning candidate doesn’t have any convictions or a history of questionable behavior.  Excellent referrals and a background check make for a strong starting place with domestic help.

2. Bonding, insurance, and money-back guarantees.

Most companies are both bonded and insured.  Insurance and bonding takes away much of the risk of strangers coming into your home.  Independent cleaning people usually don’t have these credentials. They may, however, be members of the Better Business Bureau.  This is a big plus because you are able to call and get objective information from a reputable source.  The BBB will also be able to give you information about customer complaints.  Offering a money-back guarantee can also limit some risk associated with a new cleaner.  Either way, you want to know all of the details so that you can make an informed decision.

3.  Child and pet safe products.

If you have children or pets, using a company that places a focus on these types of products is key.  Most companies now offer some type of green or eco-friendly service.  Make sure to ask extensive questions if these services interest you.  You may want to know which product lines they use and their green cleaning procedures.

These are three of the most important aspects of cleaning services.  Getting clear answers about your candidate’s experience and background, bonding and insurance, and specific products and procedures will make your decision to move forward much easier.

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Once you’ve determined that you need to hire a cleaner, it is best to set up an interview with the candidate.  The domestic help industry is known for scams.  Take the time to discuss your expectations and requirements with the candidate.  Also, ask the following ten questions to get a good idea of whether or not you’ve found a good fit for your job.

1. Are you or your company bonded and insured?

Most cleaning companies will advertise this fact.  It is quite attractive to property owners and takes away a great deal of the risk involved with bringing someone into your home or office.  Most independent cleaners won’t have these credentials.

2.   Are you a member of any trade organizations?

There are quite a few trade organizations specifically for the cleaning industry.  These organizations require that members follow certain guidelines as well as maintain ethical business standards.  While there is no trade organization police, individuals and companies that are members usually follow the guidelines of their organization.

3.   Do you have proof of trade organization membership?

Make sure to ask for proof of membership.  Some companies will not be truthful when asked about membership in trade organizations.  Ask to see a certificate or badge and make sure it is up-to-date.

4. What training have you undergone?  What training does your company provide?

Anyone can claim to be a professional cleaner.  The best cleaners are going to have undergone training.  It cannot be assumed that everyone knows how to sufficiently clean a bathroom or kitchen.  Companies that are concerned about their reputation will definitely offer training to their employees.  Individuals can sometimes receive ongoing training as members of trade organizations.  Ask what areas she considers herself an expert and which she has just attained basic proficiency

5.  Do you have references that I can contact?

This is especially important.  Don’t take her word for it.  Ask for the name and number of any reference and actually call.  If she doesn’t have references on hand, ask her to call you the next business day with the contact information

6.  What is your physical address?

Much independent cleaning work from home.  This is acceptable; however, you should still get the address of anyone working in your home.  Just like any company, cleaning companies that don t provides an address present a red flag.  Consider how you will reach them if their phones are disconnected

7.  How long have you been in business?

This is a simple question; however it will help you determine if the company has sufficient experience.

8.  Has your company run a background check on you?  Can I have a copy?

Most reputable cleaning companies will run background checks on all of their cleaners and should have no problem providing you with one.  Independent cleaners almost never have background checks.  If you’d like to proceed with an independent cleaner running your own background check is advisable.

9.  Will I be able to customize my cleaning or are there set schedules?

This question will help you determine whether or not there is any flexibility in the work that you have done on your scheduled visits.  Some cleaners will allow for you to customize what work you’d like done at every visit.  Others will follow a checklist that you selected at the start of your services.

10.   Will you wash windows, iron, fold laundry, etc.

Are there specific tasks that you would like completed, but aren’t mentioned in the company’s literature.  Ask about them.  Independent cleaners are usually more flexible.  Companies focused on customer service will often offer extra services that can be added to your job for free or a nominal fee.

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