There are many reasons why you should do your research before hiring a cleaner to come into your home. For starters, it’s your personal space where you keep your most precious (and private) belongings, so a high level of trust and professionalism is required. You might have young children or pets who will be around, or work from home in a role that requires discretion. Then there’s the question of what sort of products they use, particularly if you’re a chemical and eco-conscious family, and the potential for cost blow-outs if the price isn’t clear from the outset.
Research from hipages shows that Australians spend $4 billion annually on professional cleaning services, and each year 20 million cleaning jobs are commissioned by Australian households. In particular, baby boomers and older generations organise an average of three cleaning jobs per year, millennials commission an average of two. “Many of us hire professional cleaners to give us a helping hand when it comes to various cleaning jobs both inside and outside the home, with high demands for professional cleaners across the country,” says Stuart Tucker, Chief Customer Officer at hipages.
So, whether you need a deep clean or regular once-over, Stuart covers the five things you need to tick off before you welcome someone into your space to clean it.
1. Check the reviews
It’s a good idea to go with a professional cleaner who has a website or presence online where you can check reviews. “Our research has found that 77 per cent of homeowners want to see recommendations from other people before hiring a cleaner or other tradesperson. This is a really useful tool which can help you decide who’s best for the job based on their previous work,” says Stuart.
2. Double check
If you won’t be home while the cleaner is there, make sure all the relevant checks have been done so you can be as sure as possible that your property and belongings are in safe hands. “Always check that your cleaner has been security screened and has the appropriate police checks complete,” says Stuart. “This will give you peace of mind when leaving them alone in your home.”
3. Ask ‘How much is the job going to cost?’
You hear horror stories about cleaners being hired at an hourly rate then showing up with three team members and tripling the expected costs. For this reason, fees need to be clearly stated, transparent and agreed upon beforehand.
“There are quite a number of cleaning services which you can hire professionals for, both inside and outside the home,” says Mr Tucker. “Some cleaners charge per visit and others per hour, it’s important to confirm this upfront. You should also check if the cleaner provides their own products and equipment or if you are expected to provide them,” says Stuart.
When getting a quote for the job, Stuart suggests following these three simple steps:
- Tell the cleaning services what you need in a few words (i.e. – “washing and ironing“).
- Tell the cleaning services where and when their services are needed.
- Describe in detail the work that needs to be done and the scope of the work. Do you need someone to come in weekly to clean your 3 bedroom/2 bathroom house or do you need a one-off thorough cleaning after renovations?
4. Check the cleaner’s toolbox
“Before hiring a cleaner, you may want to consider what type of products they use. This is especially important for anyone who suffers from allergies of any kind,” says Stuart. “Most cleaners will now use environmentally-friendly and sustainable products that are non-toxic. These are preferred products, especially if you have children or pets in your house.”
5. Who will do the cleaning?
“Often the person you speak to for a quote isn’t the same person who’ll be completing the job. If you’re planning to hand over a spare key to your home, it’s good to know who’ll actually be doing the cleaning,” says Stuart. “Consider asking some background questions about the cleaners and the hiring process, such as ‘does the company do a police check on cleaners before they are hired?’”
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