When searching for a house cleaner, you want to ensure that you find someone who not only cleans well but also matches your lifestyle.
For instance, if you try to keep a household that is free of any chemicals, you will want to find a cleaner consistent with that.
The first step is knowing what questions to ask. Here are eight to ask when interviewing a cleaner or service.
- What is your pricing?
This is likely one of the first questions you will want to ask. Before you get any further into the interview process, you should determine whether the house cleaner fits within your budget. That way, nobody’s time is wasted if the price is too high.
“Discussing price is extremely important,” says Kristine Kehl, owner of Enchanted Mermaid Cleaning Services, a company with clients throughout the DMV area. “That way, if you are not comfortable with a quote, you can call around and find another person who may be a better fit for your needs.”
Keep in mind that a cleaner’s price typically reflects licensing, taxes, supplies, gas, labor, insurance, and networking costs.
- Are you licensed and bonded?
“This is vital because you have no recourse if someone breaks something or uses a product on an item they shouldn’t have and damages it,” says Kehl. “The reason to ask this question is really for your own protection of your investment.”
Being licensed and bonded indicates cleaning is not just a side hustle for the cleaner.
“If they’re serious about their business, they’re going to get insurance. They’re going to get licensed,” Kehl says.
- Are you informed and knowledgeable about the products you use?
A cleaner should be familiar with the products used and be able to determine what can and cannot be used on various surfaces in your home.
“There are certain products that cannot be used on certain surfaces,” says Kehl.
For example, if something not meant for wood is used on unfinished wood floors, it can cause permanent damage.
“There are also some things that should never be mixed because they can cause chemical reactions,” says Kehl. “Like you can’t mix ammonia and bleach, for instance.”
“Just because the bottle doesn’t say bleach on the front doesn’t mean it doesn’t have any in it,” she says. “That’s why a cleaner really has to be knowledgeable and check all of the ingredients before they do any mixing.”
- Are you open to using different cleaning products?
Kehl says she sometimes has clients who request that she use all organic products in their home.
“The price will typically reflect this cost,” she says. If the owner has the products on hand, then the price goes down. If she has to purchase the products, that expense is factored into the cost of service.
“I never have a problem with letting people know what I use,” she says. “Communication is key and different homes have different needs with pets or children or potential health issues. You never want to use a product that is going to trigger something.”
- What is your experience level?
It’s essential to discuss any expectations for the scope of the work. Hearing about a house cleaner’s past experience can be a good indicator as to whether the firm or person fits your needs.
‘Be precise with what you want and want you expect,” says Kehl. “This is key because what you are looking for may not fit into the packages they offer, and nobody likes to work for free. Never assume that something will be done that wasn’t discussed or confirmed.”
- Do you have any references?
“References. References. References,” says Kehl. “I can’t say it enough.”
A reference can sometimes be even more important than a business card, Kehl says.
“When considering someone to come into your home, you want as much information as possible on their work,” she says.
Do your due diligence and double-check any references they give.
- What is your cancellation policy?
It is a good idea to make sure you know what the cancellation policy is in case of an emergency or if you don’t need the cleaner to come.
Some companies may charge a cancellation fee or have a certain notification period for cancellations.
“A lot of times, people forget that many of us work for ourselves, so we don’t have paid time off,” says Kehl. “It’s always best to let a cleaner know as soon as you can so that they have time to make other arrangements.”
- Would you be willing to undergo a background check?
While this can be a tough question at times, it is also a crucial one.
“As much as I hate to say it, it’s necessary these days,” says Kehl. “Your home is your investment. Maybe it’s where your children live. You want to know exactly who you’re allowing into your home.”
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Home & Real Estate newsletter.
