When interviewing or hiring a new maid service, it’s important to ask a few basic questions to ensure you’re getting the right fit. You should set expectations and ask questions up front in order to set a positive relationship from the start. Below are some important questions to consider when interviewing or hiring a new maid service.

1. What does the cleaning include?

It’s important to know exactly what you’ll be getting with your cleaning package. When hiring a company to clean on a recurring basis, most people will choose a basic service. Some companies also offer additional services such as a deep clean or move in/out clean. Basic cleaning services typically cover everyday tasks like vacuuming, dusting, mopping, cleaning bathrooms, etc. It may be helpful to ask for a checklist so that both parties have the same expectation for what is covered during the basic clean. If you find that you occasionally need additional services outside of the scope of a basic clean, most companies will negotiate add-on services on an as-needed basis.

2. Is there anything that the cleaning does NOT include?

Just as it is important to know what the cleaning service does cover, it’s also important to ask what it won’t cover. Most basic cleaning services don’t cover things like loading and unloading the dishwasher, changing bedsheets or doing laundry. These are things you may want to do ahead of time so that your housekeeper can focus on the things that are agreed upon in the checklist mentioned above. If you have pets you should also ask about their pet mess policy. Most cleaning companies will not clean up pet waste, so be sure to take care of any messes before your housekeeper arrives.

3. What type of cleaning products do you use?

It’s important to know what type of cleaning products your maid service will be using in your home. Many people with small children or pets in the home prefer not to use household cleaning products with toxic chemicals that can be dangerous when ingested or when they come in regular contact with your skin or your food. At Maid to Shine, we use only green, chemical-free cleaning products that are safe on all surfaces. If there is a particular scent that bothers you or if you have a family member with an allergy to a common cleaning agent, you should let your maid service know right away so they can find a safe alternative. In some cases, you may prefer to have your maid service use cleaning products that you provide.

4. What am I expected to provide?

While most professional cleaning companies do provide their own cleaning products, you should establish upfront what you are expected to provide compared to what the service will provide. One of the many perks of hiring a maid service is the availability of high-quality cleaning tools and products. Your maid service will likely provide most of the cleaning tools for you, but there may be exceptions. For sanitary reasons, Maid to Shine asks that you provide your own vacuum cleaner. All other tools and products are provided for our clients.

5. What insurance do you carry?

Probably the most important question you can ask when interviewing or hiring a new maid service is what kind insurance they carry. In the case of an accident in your home, you want to be sure that you and your housekeeper are protected. Most professional cleaning services will carry at least general liability insurance and worker’s compensation. If an accident occurs in your home, your housekeeper will be covered by the company’s insurance policy. This will ensure that you won’t be held responsible if something happens in your home.

 

There are many things to consider when hiring a new maid service. Check out some of our other frequently asked questions here.