Keeping Your Home Safe and Clean with Professional Services

Professional cleaning services have blown up in popularity recently, and for good reason. With the ever-increasing demands of our daily lives, many see cleaning as a near impossible task to keep up with. According to the American Cleaning Institute’s 2024 survey, 6% of households never engage in spring cleaning. Additionally, 21% of respondents find the task overwhelming and prefer to spend their time doing other activities. These stats only show that keeping our homes clean is a daunting task for many.

In this guide, we’ll explain the best tips for hiring professional cleaning services and how they can help you keep your home safe and clean.

Tips on How to Hire The Best Cleaning Service For Your Home

• Hire A Local Cleaning Company

Hiring a local cleaning service is a great thing. Why? Because they’re typically smaller than the large-scale cleaning companies, and they tend to offer more personalized services. They’re also more likely to have a good reputation amongst your local community. 

When hiring someone, simply look for a cleaner in your specific town, or region, i.e if you live in East London, you can opt for an East London Cleaning service. Likewise, if you live in Cape Town, a cleaner from that region will be have more knowledge and understanding of the specific cleaning needs of your area. 

Another reason for hiring local cleaners is that, unlike larger companies who are usually stretched thin, they typically have a smaller client base. This means they can give each client the time and attention they need to make sure their home is cleaned to perfection.

• Check Reviews and Ask for Recommendations

Word-of-mouth recommendations are incredibly powerful, with 92% of consumers trusting recommendations from friends. Furthermore, many cleaning companies thrive due to word-of-mouth referrals. 

You can ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations on cleaning services they’ve used and their experience with them. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to check online reviews from previous clients. Like personal recommendations, cleaning companies rely on positive reviews to build their reputation and attract new customers.

• Get a Few Cleaning Quotes

It’s fairly normal practise to accept the first quote you get from a cleaning service and assume that it’s the average price. However, you’d be surprised how much rates can vary between different companies.

It’s always a good idea to get a few quotes from different cleaning services to compare prices and services offered. This will give you a better understanding of the average cost for your specific needs and budget.

• Ask About Their Cleaning Process

Cleaning services either have their own cleaning teams or hire independent contractors. Whichever case it may be, it’s always beneficial to ask about their cleaning process.

Do they use eco-friendly products? What areas do they focus on when cleaning? Do they have specific techniques for different surfaces and materials? Asking these questions will give you an idea of the quality of service you can expect and if it aligns with your preferences and values.

Even knowing more about the cleaner’s personal habits can be helpful. For example, do they smoke while working or have any allergies? These factors may not seem significant, but they can impact the cleaning process and your overall satisfaction with the service.

• Communicate Your Expectations

Before hiring a cleaning company, it’s essential to communicate your expectations clearly. Do you want certain areas of your home to receive extra attention? Are there specific products that you prefer to be used?

By communicating these details beforehand, you can ensure that the cleaning service meets your needs and provides satisfactory results. It also helps avoid misunderstandings and disappointment down the line.

Furthermore, it sets your expectations from the very beginning, allowing the cleaning service to provide their best possible service. Remember, effective communication is key to any successful business relationship.

• Consider a Trial Run

If you’re unsure about committing to a long-term contract with a cleaning company, consider doing a trial run first. This will allow you to see if the service meets your standards and how well they maintain consistency over time.

During this trial period, pay attention to details such as punctuality, thoroughness of cleaning, and professionalism of the team. These factors can greatly affect your overall satisfaction with the service.

• Be Present on the First Visit

When hiring a cleaning service, it’s best to be present on the first visit. This will give you an opportunity to show the cleaners around your home and point out any specific areas or items that require special attention.

Furthermore, it allows you to really see how long they’ll take to clean your home and if they are following your instructions. Remember that cleaners get paid hourly,  so it’s important to ensure that they are maximizing their time and efficiency while still delivering quality service.

• Provide Feedback

Don’t be afraid to provide feedback to your cleaning service. If you have any concerns or areas for improvement, communicate them clearly and constructively. This will help the cleaners understand your expectations better and make necessary adjustments in the future.

On the other hand, don’t hesitate to give praise when deserved. Everyone appreciates recognition for a job well done, and positive feedback can also motivate the cleaning team to continue providing exceptional service.

Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore When Hiring a Cleaning Service

Now we’ve explored the necessary actions to take when hiring a cleaning service, let’s take a look at some red flags that you shouldn’t ignore. These are signs that the service is either unreliable or potentially not delivering the quality of service you expect.

• No Reviews or References

While a lack of reviews could be due to the cleaning company not setting up their online presence, it’s still a red flag. Cleaning services that have been in business for a while should have some form of review from satisfied customers.

However, if they don’t have reviews, ask for references. A reputable cleaning service should be able to provide you with at least a few satisfied customers who are willing to vouch for their services.

• Inconsistent Pricing

If you notice any inconsistencies in their pricing, i.e., constantly fluctuating quotes or hidden fees, it’s one sign that the cleaning service may not be transparent. It could also simply mean they haven’t figured out their pricing structure yet, which could be a concern for the quality of service you’ll receive.

• Lack of Equipment or Supplies

Most cleaning companies at least give the option to use their own equipment or supplies. After all, you’re not just paying for a clean, but also for the convenience of not having to purchase and maintain cleaning supplies. If a cleaning service doesn’t offer this option, it could be a sign that they’re cutting corners or not properly equipped to handle the job.

• No Insurance

Perhaps the most damaging red flag, a cleaning service without insurance is a major cause for concern. Accidents happen, and if the company doesn’t have at least public liability insurance you could potentially be held liable for any damages or injuries that occur on your property during their services.

If you’re unsure, simply ask for proof of insurance before hiring a cleaning service. A reputable company will have no issue providing this information.

• Bad Behavior

Cleaning companies, or any company for that matter, should be held to a professional standard. If you experience any rude or unprofessional behavior from the company or their employees, it’s best to steer clear and find a different service. This can range from your phone call interactions, to the behavior of cleaners in your home.

Why Should You Invest in A Professional Cleaning Service?

Now that you have some tips for hiring a cleaning service, let’s discuss the benefits of actually doing so. Here are just a few reasons why investing in a professional cleaner can be worth it:

• Saves time and energy: By outsourcing your cleaning tasks, you free up time and energy to focus on other important aspects of your life.
• Consistent results: Professionals are paid to deliver consistent results to their clients. 
• You’ll be healthier: Dirt, grime and dust can  accumulate over time, leading to potential health hazards. A professional cleaning service can help eliminate these allergens and keep your home clean and healthy.
• More focus: A cluttered home has been proven to distract and increase stress levels. By maintaining a clean and organized space, you can improve your focus and productivity.
• Professional expertise: Cleaning companies have experienced professionals who know the most effective and efficient methods for cleaning different types of surfaces and materials.
• Customizable services: Most cleaning companies offer customizable services, allowing you to tailor their services to fit your specific needs and budget.

In conclusion, hiring a professional cleaning service can provide numerous benefits while also saving you time, energy, and stress. Keep these tips in mind when searching for the right cleaning service for your home or business to ensure a positive experience for both you and the cleaners.