What to Ask Before Hiring a House Cleaner

Life in London is busy. Between work, family, and commuting, many people simply don’t have the time or energy to keep their homes spotless. Hiring a house cleaner can be a game-changer—saving you hours every week and giving you peace of mind knowing your home is fresh and welcoming.

But letting someone into your personal space is a big step. You want to make sure you’re choosing a reliable, trustworthy professional who will deliver the results you expect. That’s why it’s important to ask the right questions before hiring a house cleaner.

In this guide, we’ll cover the essential questions to ask, give real-life examples of why they matter, highlight red flags to watch out for, and share tips for choosing the best cleaning service in London.

Why Asking Questions Matters

It’s tempting to just go with the first cleaner who offers you a low price, but here’s why doing your homework pays off:

• Protect your home and belongings – If something is broken or goes missing, you want to know you’re covered.

• Avoid surprises – Clear communication helps you understand exactly what services are included.

• Get value for money – The cheapest option isn’t always the best. Asking about guarantees and training ensures quality.

• Build trust – A professional cleaner should be happy to answer your questions openly and honestly.

Example: Sarah, a busy mum in North London, hired a cheap cleaner she found online without asking about insurance. Unfortunately, a glass coffee table was scratched during cleaning, and she had no way to recover the cost. If she’d asked about insurance up front, she could have avoided the stress.

Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a House Cleaner

A. Questions About the Company or Cleaner

1. Are you insured and bonded?

This is the number one question. Insurance protects you if something breaks or if the cleaner gets injured in your home. Bonding covers theft or dishonesty.

Example: A professional cleaning company in London will usually provide a copy of their insurance certificate on request. If they hesitate, that’s a warning sign.

2. Do you run background checks on staff?

If you’re hiring through a cleaning company, ask if employees are screened and vetted. If hiring an independent cleaner, ask for personal references.

3. How do you train your cleaners?

Companies with training programmes usually have higher standards. Training ensures cleaners know how to handle delicate surfaces like marble countertops or antique furniture.

4. How long have you been in business?

A company with years of experience is often more reliable. However, new businesses can also be excellent—just make sure they provide testimonials.

B. Questions About Services Offered

1. What’s included in a standard cleaning?

Don’t assume! Some companies only cover basic dusting and vacuuming, while others include bathroom scrubbing, kitchen cleaning, and more.

Example: Many London cleaning companies offer “end of tenancy cleaning,” which is far more thorough than a regular weekly clean.

2. Do you bring your own supplies and equipment?

Some cleaners bring everything (vacuum, sprays, cloths), while others expect you to provide them. If you want eco-friendly products, ask if they supply those.

3. Do you offer eco-friendly or allergy-safe cleaning options?

This is especially important if you have children or pets. Many London cleaners now offer “green cleaning” with natural products.

4. Can I request extras?

Common extras include cleaning inside the fridge, oven, or windows. These often cost more but can save you hours of work.

C. Questions About Scheduling & Flexibility

1. What is your cancellation policy?

Life happens. Ask how much notice you need to give to cancel without a fee.

2. Can you work around my schedule?

Some people need evening or weekend cleaning, especially busy families or professionals.

3. Do you offer one-time, weekly, or monthly services?

Regular bookings are often cheaper. For example, many London cleaning companies give discounts for weekly cleans compared to one-off visits.

Example: John, who works long hours in Canary Wharf, booked a fortnightly cleaner. But when his schedule shifted, the company was flexible enough to adjust him to weekly cleans. Always ask about flexibility before committing.

D. Questions About Pricing & Payment

1. Do you charge hourly or by the job?

Hourly rates can add up if the cleaner works slowly. Flat rates are predictable but may not cover “extras.”

2. Are there any hidden fees?

Always ask about travel fees (especially if you’re outside central London), equipment fees, or charges for extras like ironing.

3. What payment methods do you accept?

Most professional services in London accept card payments, which are more secure than cash.

4. Do you provide written quotes or contracts?

A contract protects both sides and avoids disputes later.

E. Questions About Quality & Communication

1. How do you handle special requests?

A good cleaner should be willing to follow your preferences, like using a specific product on wood floors.

2. What happens if I’m not satisfied?

Many professional companies offer a “satisfaction guarantee” and will return to fix anything you’re unhappy with.

3. Who do I contact if I need to make changes or give feedback?

If you’re hiring a company, make sure they have a customer service team or a dedicated point of contact.

Example: A cleaning company in London may send you a follow-up email after your first clean to check you’re happy. That’s a good sign of strong communication.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• No proof of insurance.
• Extremely low prices that seem too good to be true.

• No reviews, references, or online presence.

• Poor communication before booking.

• Vague or evasive answers to your questions.

• If you notice these signs, move on—it’s not worth the risk.

Tips for Making the Final Decision

• Compare at least 2–3 cleaners or companies – Don’t settle for the first quote.

• Check reviews online – Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and Facebook are good places to start.

• Ask for references – A good cleaner should be able to provide at least two happy clients.

• Do a trial clean first – Book a one-time service before committing to a regular schedule.

• Trust your instincts – You should feel comfortable with the cleaner coming into your home.

Local Insight: Hiring a Cleaner in London

In London, the demand for cleaning services is high, especially for services like:

• End of tenancy cleaning (a must for renters moving out).

• After builders cleaning (post-renovation dust and debris removal).

• One-off deep cleaning before special occasions.

• Regular weekly or bi-weekly cleaning for busy families and professionals.

Example: If you’ve just finished a kitchen renovation in Hackney, you might book an after builders cleaning service to handle the heavy dust and paint splatters that regular cleaning won’t cover.

Conclusion

Hiring a thrustworthy house cleaner is more than just ticking a box—it’s about finding someone you can trust with your home. By asking the right questions about insurance, services, pricing, and communication, you’ll avoid headaches and enjoy a sparkling clean home.

Remember: Make a checklist before calling or meeting with a cleaning company so you don’t forget important questions.