It can be a real challenge to find the right cleaning service to fit your needs. Key to finding the right fit for you is determining what you hope to gain from the service and then where to find a cleaning service provider with values that will fit your requirements.
We Have provided a brief list of questions to help. The 7 point check that follows will find you your perfect cleaning match.
Do they provide their own equipment and products?
If you are required to provide the cleaning products yourself this does mean that you are able to choose what you think will be the most effective products. However this control come with a cost and the price you are charged by your cleaner should reflect the fact that the do not have to purchase the products themselves.
What kind of equipment and products do they use and does that conform with your values or lifestyle?
Many cleaners use harsh and potentially toxic chemicals in their work because they are fast and effective. Although it is true that those products are effective their are many eco-friendly alternatives that work well.
It is important to consider the long term effects that your choice of cleaner will have particularly if you have children or pets using the space shortly after cleaning.
Eco-Friendly products can also be much less abrasive meaning that they have less wear on your home and furnishing than harsher cleaners would.
What services are included?
Each household has different needs. It is important that you find the cleaner that meets your needs.
Some cleaners will include high dusting and skirting board cleans, others will just do a basic straighten up and vacuum. Extra services are usually reflected in the price so it is smart to pay for what you actually need.
Pricing… How do they Set their rates?
Their are two main pricing structures used in the cleaning industry. Hourly rate and Fixed rate.
Hourly rate can mean a more affordable clean but you may not get everything done if there is not enough time. Quality can also suffer as cleaners are usually rushed only having a limited amount of time
Fixed rates mean that you are guaranteed to have everything you paid for done to a high standard and their will be no nasty surprises come bill time.
Are they an Individual or a company?
Individuals generally provide a higher standard of clean because their personal reputation is involved. This can be an advantage as you can often get a service tailor made for your individual needs.
Companies can provide consistency and peace of mind as they often have extra staff that can cover sick days and leave.
Recommendations and reviews
Trust is very important in the cleaning industry, after all you are inviting someone into your personal space. Recommendations from friends and family can be a great way to find a trustworthy and reliable cleaner. Reviews can also be a helpful tool in finding a cleaner but they should be taken with a grain of salt. People are more likely to leave a negative review than positive ones so you shouldn’t be put off by a few negative comment. More important is to take note of how the cleaner handled the negative feedback. This can tell you allot about the cleaner and what they are like to work with.
Insurance and guarantees
Get it in writing. This is a protection for you and your cleaner. Before they begin make sure they are able to provide you with a written statement that includes both what they require of you as the client and what you can expect of them as the service provider.
Insurance. Its a personal choice if this is important to you. Likely you will already have you own insurance which will cover damages to your property or contents. Some cleaners will have liability insurance but this will be built in to the cost of your clean. Other cleaners have a bond arrangement where they are able to pay your excess if they are the cause for accidents or damage.
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