Hiring a house cleaning service can feel like a huge leap. The idea of walking into a spotless, fresh-smelling home is undeniably exciting, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Behind the allure of a pristine space, there are several critical factors I wish I had known before hiring a cleaning service for my own home. These lessons have transformed the way I view professional cleaning, and they could make all the difference in your own experience. Here’s what I’ve learned—what I wish I had understood from the start—that can truly change your perspective on choosing a cleaning service.
- Not All Cleaning Services Are Pet-Friendly – If you have pets, the stakes are higher than you might think. I wish I had known earlier that not all house cleaning services are equipped to work around animals or feel comfortable doing so. If your pets are part of the family, finding a team that genuinely loves animals is essential. They should respect your pets’ space, know how to handle the messes that come with furry friends, and, most importantly, ensure the safety of your animals while they clean. If you value the bond you have with your pets, it’s worth investing in a team that will be kind and considerate toward them.
- Bonded and Insured Is a Must– Don’t overlook the importance of hiring a house cleaning service that is bonded and insured. It may seem like a formality, but it’s a game-changer for your peace of mind. When something goes wrong—whether it’s a broken vase, a misplaced item, or an accidental spill—you want to know you’re protected. An insured service guarantees that they’ll cover the cost of repairs or replacements. And being bonded means they’ve committed to upholding their contractual promises. This simple step can be the safety net you never realized you needed, and it protects both you and the cleaning team from potential mishaps and that workers company protects them if someone hurts themselves on their property
- Eco-Friendly Products Matter- We’ve all heard it before—“eco-friendly cleaning products”—but do we really understand what it means? Some cleaning services use harsh, chemical-laden products that can wreak havoc on your skin, eyes, and even linger with unpleasant scents for days. Trust me, you don’t want that in your home. What I wish I had known is how much of an impact eco-friendly cleaning products could have, not just on your health, but on the environment too. At Going GreenHouse, we offer natural, non-toxic products, which is like a breath of fresh air (literally and figuratively). These products work just as well as the harsh chemicals, but they’re safer for your family, your pets, and the planet. It’s a choice that’s not just good for your home—it’s good for the world. If you’d like to know more about the effects of toxic chemicals read our blog (Read here)
- Background Checks: Protecting Your Home and Peace of Mind – Let’s be real. You’re inviting strangers into your home, often with access to your most private spaces. The importance of background checks cannot be overstated. A professional and trustworthy service should conduct thorough background checks on their team, ensuring that you’re not just getting cleaning professionals—but reliable, trustworthy individuals. It’s an extra layer of security that helps protect you and your home.
- Good Communication Is Key – How many times have you tried to book a service, only to be left in the dark about when they’ll arrive, what to expect, or how much it’ll cost? It’s frustrating, to say the least. But here’s the thing: good communication is EVERYTHING. Whether it’s scheduling, discussing special cleaning needs, or working through issues, it’s essential that your cleaning team is responsive, flexible, and transparent. From booking your appointment to following up after the job is done (each and every time), smooth communication ensures that you’re always in the loop and the entire process goes off without a hitch.
- Professionalism and Reliability Should Be a Given—Not a Bonus– Reliability was something I took for granted. The last thing you want is to hire a cleaning service that shows up late, cancels last minute, or doesn’t show up at all. Time is precious, and you need a service that values yours. If they say they’ll arrive at 9 AM, you should expect them at 9 AM, not 9:30 or later. If something goes wrong on their end, they should notify you immediately and work to reschedule at your convenience. A professional, reliable, and punctual cleaning service is what you need to ensure that your experience is as stress-free as possible.
- Customer Reviews and Word-of-Mouth Are Your Best Resource- Take note in how important it is to check customer reviews and recommendations before hiring a house cleaning service. Don’t rely on what’s on the company’s website, search reviews in social media or google reviews. Reading real feedback from actual customers can give you valuable insights into the service’s quality, customer care, and reliability. Word of mouth and honest reviews will often give you the best idea of what to expect.
- Flexibility is a Game-Changer- Sometimes, life gets in the way. Appointments run late, emergencies arise, or your schedule just doesn’t go as planned. A service that understands that life happens, and works with you to accommodate last-minute changes, rescheduling, or even special requests, will make your life a whole lot easier. Look for a house cleaning service that offers flexibility, so you’re never left scrambling if plans change unexpectedly.
Hiring a house cleaning service is a decision that requires careful thought and consideration. By keeping these factors in mind you’ll be well on your way to finding a service that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. Taking these steps will ensure that your home is not only clean but that your experience with the cleaning service is positive, stress-free, and above all, secure.
