When you look for a cleaner

When looking for a cleaning service, there are three main options to choose from solo cleaners, large companies, and small businesses. While the price may be the most critical factor in your hiring decision, other considerations should be considered.

One of the primary differences is cleaning time versus a relationship with your cleaner. Large franchises with five or more cleaners are great for those who want their homes cleaned quickly, while solo cleaners or housekeepers are preferable for those who want to establish a long-term relationship with their cleaners. Small businesses, however, offer a balance between these two extremes. It is crucial to ask how the cleaning company vets its cleaners and asks solo cleaners for references, background checks, and if they hold insurance and any accreditations. Cleaning has come a long way from bleaching everything and using jay cloths!

The flexibility of a schedule is another factor to consider when choosing a cleaning service. If you have a specific day of the week when you want to schedule your cleaning, a single cleaner may or may not be available. In contrast, larger companies are usually more flexible since they have many available subcontractors. Small businesses will have a few small teams that will be assigned to you.

Reliability is essential when it comes to cleaning services. Single cleaners may have to cancel cleaning sessions due to car problems, illness, or other personal issues. In contrast, professional cleaning services are better equipped to handle these problems and are more likely to have a backup cleaner take the place of the usual cleaner or find a mutually convenient slot another day.

Professional cleaning companies are registered companies and have liability insurance to cover any theft or damage that may occur. Franchises will have insurance, but it does not cover their subcontracted staff, they are expected to pay for that themselves which most do not as they do not get paid enough to cover the additional expense. In contrast, solo and subcontracted cleaners may not have these basic legal necessities, putting you at risk.

Another advantage of working with a professional cleaning company is that they pay taxes for their employees, making it one less thing for you to worry about. They also handle any administrative issues that may arise, such as scheduling changes or other problems. They tend to train staff and carry out all checks, they use commercial cleaning agents that are in line with health & safety laws.

In conclusion, the decision of which cleaning service to hire depends on personal preferences and priorities. Consider factors such as cleaning time, flexibility of schedule, reliability, insurance, and knowledge. Regardless of which option you choose, be sure to do your research, ask questions, and choose the service that best meets your needs, sacrificing the odd treat to pay more may be more beneficial in the end.

If you are a homeowner who employs the services of a domestic cleaner, you might be wondering what margin of error is reasonable to expect from them. While machines have acceptable margins of error built-in, cleaners are expected to keep a high level of cleanliness with limited time and resources.

For instance, a deep clean of a 2-bedroom house can take up to 8 hours to complete, yet cleaners are typically given only 2 hours every 2 weeks to achieve and keep the same level of cleanliness. During these brief visits, cleaners are expected to wipe down handles, clean visible dirt, dust skirting boards, and vacuum floors, among other tasks. I highly recommend booking a deep clean every 6 months to allow your cleaners the time to get down to the nitty gritty dirt and grime that cannot be tackled in regular cleaning.

It is important to understand that achieving perfect results every time can be challenging, even with delicate skills and extensive practice. Despite their best efforts, cleaners may miss a bit of dust in an intricate nook or cranny, leading to payment withholding from the client.

While it is reasonable to expect a certain level of cleanliness from your cleaner, it's important to set realistic expectations and acknowledge the limitations of the cleaning process. For instance, while skirting boards may only receive a quick dusting, they may not be damp wiped during regular cleaning visits.

Similarly, while vacuuming may cover most of the floor, it may not be possible to get the nozzle around every edge without dedicating a significant amount of time. Additionally, lifting and dusting every ornament in a room can be time-consuming and may not be practical during regular cleaning visits.

Ultimately, it's important to have open and honest communication with your cleaner about your expectations and limitations. While it's reasonable to expect a certain level of cleanliness, it's important to understand that achieving perfection every time may not be feasible.

By acknowledging the challenges and limitations of the cleaning process and setting realistic expectations, you can help create a positive and productive working relationship with your cleaner that benefits both of you.