Four things to consider when hiring a cleaner

November 9, 2023

Written by: Terry Stevens

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Welcome home. It's the end of a long day, and as you open your front door, you're greeted by the gleam of polished surfaces and the clean, crisp scent of a well-kept space. No, it's not just wishful thinking—it's the real-life comfort that comes with having a professional cleaner who knows their craft.

The challenge, though, lies in finding that perfect match—a cleaner who aligns with your standards and expectations. It's about striking the right balance between skill, reliability, and trust. As we navigate the plentiful options, it’s crucial to zone in on what truly matters in your hunt for the best fit for your cleaning needs.

Self-sufficiency in home upkeep is a point of pride for many, but there’s no denying the sheer ease that comes with professional help. Whether it's for a bustling family home or a fast-paced office environment, a regular cleaning service can keep your space orderly and make it easier to focus on what's important.

But how do you sift through the crowd to find 'the one'? The process can seem overwhelming, but don’t worry—we've got you covered. Keep reading for four essential factors to consider that will help you cut through the clutter and select a cleaner who will leave your space spotless and your mind at ease.

1. What standard of cleaning are you looking for?

Every home or office will require different levels of cleaning, and it’ll also depend on your own personal preferences. You might be completely happy with a regular surface-level clean, whereas others might want someone to scrub every inch of their space. It’s also important to consider the frequency of cleaning that you’ll be looking for going forwards, and if your cleaner will be able to commit to regular appointments.

It’s a good idea to start your search for a cleaner based on your specific needs, rather than assuming your new hire will be able to meet your expectations. For example, are you looking for someone to deep clean your carpets and furniture? If so, you’ll need to make sure your cleaner has the experience and equipment to do that.

2. Are they reliable?

As with any service, reliability is crucial. You’ll need someone who you can depend on, and who will show up to every appointment on time. A great indicator of whether someone is reliable is their communication style. Someone who responds to your inquiry quickly and clearly is likely to be professional, and will easily address any questions or concerns.

On the other hand, a cleaner who is vague or delayed in responding to you might not be such a good fit, as it could indicate that they struggle with similar challenges in person. Hiring someone like this could leave you waiting around for them to arrive, or even having to arrange for someone else to attend should they fail to show.

black and grey cleaning cart in hallway

3. Do they seem trustworthy?

A cleaner will be tidying and cleaning lots of places in your home that wouldn’t typically be exposed to guests, and it can be tricky to keep a constant eye on them as they work. As a result, it’s vital that you hire a cleaner that you can trust to be respectful and honest.

If you’re particularly worried about damage or some of your valuables going missing, you could opt to carry out a background check on your cleaner, if the business hasn’t already. Many cleaning companies will do this as standard practice, so you can easily find out if the person seems trustworthy. If not, an independent background check can offer some peace of mind.

4. Do they have the appropriate certifications or insurance?

All independent cleaners or cleaning companies should have some level of insurance to protect both themselves and the client if something were to go wrong. Cleaning is an intensive process, and it’s not uncommon for damage to occur. Perhaps they knock something over as they’re dusting, or spill a chemical onto some furniture.

It’s important for the cleaner to have insurance so that this doesn’t become an issue. With insurance, you can easily make claims and get your money back for any accidents, meaning you’re protected. It also works the other way too, and can help cleaners get back on their feet if they were to get injured during a clean.

a woman in a green shirt and black gloves vacuuming a grey ottoman

Casting the Final Spell: Securing Your Cleaning Champion

Hiring a cleaner is not a decision that should be taken lightly. After all, they’ll be in your space and working amongst your belongings, so it’s important that you feel happy and comfortable while they work. By taking the time to ask yourself these questions before you employ a new cleaner, you can ensure that you’re both on the same page, reducing the chance of any misunderstandings or anxiety in the future.


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Expert Guide, Healthy Home Tips, Living Tips


About the author 

Terry Stevens

The owner and founder of Sparkle and Shine. He is a seasoned professional in the home services industry with a decade of experience. He is dedicated to providing top-notch services for residential and commercial properties and has a wealth of knowledge to share on topics such as tips, tricks, industry trends, and the importance of loving your space.