Hiring a Professional Cleaner? Questions to Ask

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

19 Mar 2009 11:15 AM

If the thought of spring cleaning leaves you with chills or you just want to free up some valuable weekly time that you might otherwise spend dusting and scrubbing, then it could be time to hire a professional cleaner for your home.

Hiring a professional cleaner can be tough. first you actually have to find someone, and then you actually have to trust them to come into your home. I once knew one woman who booby trapped her house to see if her cleaner looked anywhere she wasn't supposed to look.

Some families skip the stress of a stranger by hiring a trusted friend or a relative to do the cleaning. If this isn't an option for you, then be sure to ask the following questions when researching professional cleaners.

Will you be the one cleaning my home?

This is a question to ask especially if you are hiring a larger service. Having the same person or people come each time will go a long way at easing any stress you might have. The person you interview may not be the person doing the cleaning. You should get to know your professional cleaner and feel comfortable.

Are you insured?

Professional cleaners should carry both general liability insurance and worker's compensation insurance. You don't want to wind up paying for an expensive item of yours that breaks during cleaning, or be sued if your professional cleaner slips on the soapy water while in your home.

May I see some references?

If your professional cleaner is good, he or she will be proud to show off any references. Make sure that you actually call the references and ask specific questions about how they contracted the service, how long they have used the service, etc.

What products do you use?

If you are concerned about exposure to chemicals or if anyone in the household has allergies or asthma, you will want to know what products will be used in your home. Be very specific about what won't be acceptable to you or product preferences. You may need to supply special cleaners yourself, but this can also give you peace of mind.

How much will it cost?

You should be able to get an estimate before the cleaning starts. Do not sign an extended contract until after the first session of cleaning is completed. Also, some smaller cleaning companies may not take credit cards. This may increase your risk if your credit card offers a consumer protection plan.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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