03/16/2024
The easiest way to find a cleaner you can actually trust,
is by asking questions and meeting in person. Is hiring a house cleaner really worth that effort? Where do you start? And how do you know if a person will meet your standards?
If you go by the idea of ‘buying happier time’, most people will say it’s definitely worth it, because you free up time for things that enrich life. And suddenly those jobs you don’t enjoy (like cleaning the shower) magically disappear off your plate. Bliss!
You could spend that time exercising, cooking more often or helping the kids with their school projects. The point is that life gets a bit easier.
But let’s say you have a furry pooch, and you end up hiring a cleaner with pet allergies – chances are you won’t feel as though the effort was worth it.
And we don’t want that to happen to you!
If you haven’t hired a cleaner before, or it has been quite a few years since you did, the task can feel daunting. After all, your home is your precious sanctuary, and you don't just let anyone into your personal space.
The good news is we have lots of tips for you! We have recruited our fair share of cleaning crews, and we can hand-on-heart assure you that it is possible to find great cleaner without investing hours of your time looking for the right person.
So, to help you get started, these are our tips for hiring a cleaner that is the right fit for your home!
1. Start with a wish list of tasks
What tasks are you keen to wave goodbye to?
When you’re hiring a cleaner, be clear about your expectations and the tasks you need a hand with – whether that’s floor and bathroom cleaning or help with decluttering and washing.
There are many cleaners in the market that don’t offer a full suite of services. For example, some don’t offer laundry or organizing, so start by matching the cleaner with your wish list. Our company offers packages or bundles. These can keep the cost down as well.
If you have any other specific requests – such as someone who will get on with your elderly parents or help with heavy lifting – mention these when you are making your initial enquiries too.
2. Know what questions to ask
Even if someone you trust recommends a cleaner to you, making your own enquiries will give you peace of mind.
The trouble is that there aren’t any professional cleaning qualifications that you can ask for.
But there are other things you can ask about that will demonstrate a cleaner’s professionalism. These include:
Insurance
Service guarantee
Previous experience
What happens when the cleaner is unwell or on vacation?
This is the part of the process that is the most difficult for many people.
If you use a cleaning agency like ours, these screening checks will already be done for you. However, if you hire an individual outside of a reputable company, make the effort to request this information.
Our internal screening of cleaners isn’t limited to the checkboxes above. To find people who are natural ‘service thinkers’, we also ask questions like…
When was the last time you did something for someone without expecting anything in return?
What is one way you can help someone who has a busy life?
Are there any cleaning services that you do not provide?
Asking these questions ensures we find caring people to send into your home!
3. Communicate your preferences
If there is a specific way you like things done, let your cleaner know – they’ll be grateful for your input!
We recommend being home for your first clean, so you can show the cleaner around and point out anything that is important to you.
This could be the way you like your cutlery drawer arranged, where the linens go or how you fold your towels.
Your cleaner can only pick up so much from observation alone, which means you’ll be more satisfied with the outcome if you communicate these things from day one.
Be mindful that it may take the cleaner a few visits to get things exactly the way you like them and give them time to get used to your preferred way of doing things.
4. Speak up if something isn’t right
The best relationships are built on good communication! This is a flow-on from the point above. If your cleaner doesn’t do something in a way that you like, they’ll be grateful if you can point it out.
If you don’t speak up, you may find yourself becoming frustrated over things that can be easily resolved. Whether the cleaner is mistakenly parking in the wrong spot out the front or you would prefer they don’t dust certain things, it is easiest to say something as soon as you notice it.
5. Ask Questions
When the cleaners come to do a walk-through or assessment of your property and find out what your needs are, be upfront and ask lots of questions.
