Hiring a cleaning professional may be a small addition to your monthly budget, but it’s well worth the money spent. Imagine the pleasure of returning to an immaculate home after a long day at work, knowing that all that’s left for you to do is spend quality time with family, prepare dinner, or simply have a shower and call it a night. Cleaning professionals are in high demand because of our busy schedules, making the cleaning business one of the most lucrative industries around.
In short, you can find a cleaning professional by browsing through your local classified ads. She could be a local professional just starting in the business, or she might work with a reputable cleaning organization where employees are properly trained to get the job done.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Professional
So, which option should you choose? It really depends on what you’re looking for—are you prioritizing a lower price over experience and professionalism? Of course, cheaper prices don’t necessarily mean a lack of experience, but you’ll want to evaluate the person’s skills carefully. In terms of cost, you can usually expect to pay several hundred dollars per month, though the price will vary widely depending on the size of your home and the services offered.
The first step in hiring a cleaning professional is asking for references from your friends, co-workers, and family. One of them may have had a cleaning lady they were impressed with, which can help guide your selection process. After all, word of mouth is often the most effective way of finding reliable cleaning professionals. Recommendations may also come from the phone directory under “house cleaning services,” fine-print newspaper ads, or even through online searches.
During your search, narrow it down to three cleaning ladies and request their rates. Keep in mind that if you choose a cleaning lady who charges less, you might get exactly what you pay for—inferior products and all. Again, this isn’t always the case, but you may want to ask upfront about the cleaning products she uses. Generally, the more time you invest in finding the right person, the more likely you are to get quality service at a great rate.
Find out what cleaning products will be used and which services are included in the price. Does she provide general cleaning, excluding windows? Is she experienced at moving furniture when vacuuming? Does she follow your instructions precisely, or does she take liberties? These are questions you’ll want to ask. More importantly, listen carefully to the answers and make sure the person you hire can meet all your needs.
Before hiring anyone, always check the cleaning lady’s references and perform a background check. There are many online services that can help with this. The last thing you want is to hire a cleaning professional who doesn’t appear trustworthy. It may require a bit of skepticism, but it’s crucial when considering inviting someone into your home. It’s also a good idea to ensure that you or someone you trust is present during the cleaning, just to assess the quality of the service.
Make sure to ask whether the cleaning lady provides her own cleaning supplies or if she needs you to supply specific products. Often, the best professionals are receptive to consumer preferences. If she doesn’t, ask why she uses the products she does.
Remember, a cleaning lady is not a maid, so if you’re expecting her to handle laundry or cooking, you may need to pay extra. Typically, a cleaning lady will visit your home once a week or every two weeks, depending on your needs.
Ultimately, the cleaning professional must be someone you feel comfortable working with. Have your final three choices visit your home one by one for an interview in front of your family. Afterward, discuss the interviews with your family or friends. You may be surprised at how much they notice that you missed. Sometimes it takes multiple sets of eyes to see everything clearly.
