Finding the right cleaner for your house can be quite a daunting task. Here are 5 questions to ask to help you in your decision-making process.

1. Are they operating a legitimate business? 

You want someone who is the real deal. Choose a cleaning service that has an ABN, and is insured with Public Liability insurance. There are many people advertising themselves as house cleaners who are not insured. Usually you will find that their prices are lower than the industry standard, which is why they seem like an attractive option. That is until you realize that as the person hiring them, you take on all the risk if something happens (injury, theft, property damage, your house burning down etc). Do not take that risk! Make sure they are legit and ask for proof! Legitimate cleaning services are more expensive, but your peace of mind is worth the investment. 

2. Are they trustworthy? 

Let’s think about this for a minute: You are letting a person (often a stranger to you) spend extended periods of unsupervised time alone in the most valuable asset you own. And whilst in your home, they have access to a lot of the spaces and places which contain your most valuable and prized possessions. Do you have enough trust in who they are, and their character, to have total peace of mind in leaving them alone in your home? If the answer is no, then they are not the cleaner for you.

How can you know that the cleaner you hire is going to be trustworthy? The following is a list of proofs that go a long way in helping a cleaner gain trust and credibility with you:

• A current National Police Check (within the last 12 months)

• Reviews from past and present clients (check out the reviews on their Google business profile and Facebook business pages.) 

• If they are just starting out in the cleaning industry, ask about their previous employment history. Ask for some references you can contact. Due diligence now will save you a lot of heartache later.

• Have they been consistent in their dealings with you so far? Has their communication been clear and have they followed through on what they have promised? (Did they call you when they said they would, show up at the right time for the quote etc). Character always leaves clues.

Don’t skimp on this second question. Settle in your own mind that this person can be trusted before allowing them to step foot in your home. Because if you compromise on trust and character, it will only be a matter of time before you run into issues with your cleaner.

3. Are they a good cleaner? 

Have they had previous experience as a cleaner? Are they growing in their skills and abilities to do their job competently? Ask them if they have undertaken any training to become a cleaner, and ask what they are currently studying to grow in their development to become better. And see this as an opportunity. When you hire a cleaner who is growing in their knowledge and skills, you are essentially hiring your very own home cleaning specialist who can advise you on the best ways to deal with all the different cleaning challenges you face with your home. This is a great person to have on your team!

4. Does their price fit your budget? 

If the cleaner has ticked all the boxes when it comes  to the above questions, then chances are that they are probably worth what they are charging. The cheapest, most legitimate cleaner you will probably find is someone just starting out. But make sure that you are satisfied with the answers to questions 1 to 3 if hiring a cleaner new to the industry. 

Understand, too, that when it comes to cleaners, you get what you pay for. Pay peanuts, get a monkey. 

   5. Are they a good fit for you? 

And finally, it’s important that you find a cleaner that is going to work for you. Do they use the products you agree with (eco-friendly, for example)? Are they flexible to clean what you want them to clean? Is it the owner cleaning for you or an employee? Are they open to feedback on their cleaning? 

Bottom line is this: You are paying them to provide you a service. Make sure you are happy with it, and speak up if you see something you want changed. 

So there you have it. 5 questions to ask your next potential house cleaner that will help you hire the best one.