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Quick answer
To hire a good cleaning service, decide what you need (regular, deep, end-of-tenancy or office cleaning). Get two or three quotes after a walkthrough or video call. Check reviews, insurance and how staff are vetted. Agree a written checklist of tasks, supplies, price and cancellation terms before the first visit. After the first clean, give clear feedback so the service can match your standards.
Key takeaways
- Be specific about what "clean" means to you. A written checklist avoids most disputes.
- Ask whether the company is insured and how it vets and trains its cleaners.
- Quotes may be per hour, per visit or per square foot. Compare like with like.
- Agree who supplies the products and equipment, and how keys or access codes are handled.
A reliable cleaner gives you back hours every week, but letting someone into your home or workplace needs trust. This guide walks through how to find, vet and work with a cleaning service, whether you need a weekly tidy or a one-off deep clean.
Types of cleaning services
| Service | What it usually covers |
|---|---|
| Regular cleaning | Weekly or fortnightly dusting, vacuuming, mopping, kitchens and bathrooms |
| Deep cleaning | Inside appliances, behind furniture, skirting boards, limescale and grout |
| End-of-tenancy or move-out | A thorough clean to meet landlord or letting agent standards |
| After-builders cleaning | Dust, debris and paint marks after renovation work |
| Office and commercial | Desks, kitchens, washrooms and common areas, often out of hours |
| Specialist | Carpets, upholstery, windows, ovens, pressure washing |
Independent cleaner or cleaning company?
- Independent cleaners are often cheaper and you get the same person each time. Check they have their own insurance and decide who handles holidays or sickness cover.
- Cleaning companies usually handle insurance, vetting, training and replacements, but they can cost more and the cleaner may change.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you insured for accidental damage and injuries? Can I see proof?
- How do you vet and train your cleaners? Will I get the same person each visit?
- How do you price: per hour, per visit or per room? What is the minimum booking?
- Do you bring products and equipment? Can you use eco-friendly or fragrance-free products?
- What happens if something is missed, damaged or broken?
- What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
- How do you keep keys or access codes secure?
Red flags to avoid
- A quote given without asking about the size or condition of the space.
- No insurance, no written agreement, or cash-only with no receipts.
- Only a handful of reviews, or reviews that all sound the same.
- Pressure to pay large amounts upfront for regular cleaning.
How to get the best results
- Write a checklist room by room, with your top priorities marked.
- Declutter first so the cleaner's time goes on cleaning, not tidying.
- Point out delicate surfaces such as natural stone, wood and antiques, and say which products to avoid.
- Do a review after the first clean and give specific, friendly feedback.
- Keep communication simple: one channel for changes, access and payments.
Find vetted local cleaners by browsing cleaning services on Trades Area, and read reviews from other customers before you get in touch. For tips that keep your home fresh between visits, see Hygiene Tips.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I book a house cleaner?
Weekly or fortnightly suits most busy households. A deep clean every few months helps with areas a regular clean doesn't cover.
Should I tip my cleaner?
Tipping customs vary by country. Where tipping is common, many people tip for one-off or deep cleans, or give a holiday bonus to a regular cleaner.
Do I need to be home when the cleaner comes?
Not necessarily. Many clients provide a key or access code once trust is built. Agree how access is stored and returned.
How long does a regular clean take?
It depends on the size and condition of the home. A typical two-to-three-bedroom home often takes two to four hours for a regular clean.
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