Better Business Bureau offers tips for hiring a cleaning service
Many of us are ready to do some spring cleaning after a long winter cooped up in our homes during the pandemic. But, cleaning your home is time consuming, especially deep cleaning. Some simply don’t like to clean and some people are so busy they may find it difficult to find time in the day to do it. Hiring a cleaning service is worth considering if it’s within your budget. But remember, it’s important to trust your gut and find a cleaning service that’s right for you and your lifestyle.
Better Business Bureau offers tips for hiring cleaning service:
■ Ask friends and family who have hired cleaning services in the past for recommendations.
■ Beware of businesses with poor reviews and multiple complaints.
■ Decide how often you’ll be using the cleaning service. Most services offer weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and one-time only services. Also, walk through each room in your home and decide what you want the cleaning service to do (rooms to be cleaned, what can and cannot be touched, etc.)
■ Interview more than one potential cleaning service. You want to be comfortable with individuals coming into your home. During the interview, ask if the company has any awards, accreditations or affiliations with professional organizations. Request cleaning people working in your home have a background check done. Ask for references and call them after the interview. Make certain the company you hire is bonded and insured as appropriate. Lastly, ask whether or not the cleaning service will bring their own supplies and tools or if you need to supply them.
■ Discuss cost. Determine the length of time necessary to complete the cleaning. Find out exactly what’s included in the services and make sure it encompasses everything you wish to have cleaned. If you want something specific, communicate that up front so the cleaning company is prepared to accommodate your request.
■ Get everything in writing, including satisfaction guarantees, cancellation policies and what happens if you change your service. When making a final decision, review the written agreement.
■ Be sure to put away clutter prior to the cleaning services’ arrival. Also, let the service know about pets living in your home.
■ Be present for the first few cleanings to ensure you can trust the person and the job is done to your expectations.
■ Pay with credit card, in case you need to dispute a charge in the future.
For more information about hiring a cleaning service, visit BBB.org or call 937-222-5825 or 800776-5301. BBB can provide lists of BBB Accredited Businesses in the industry and Business Profiles on businesses you may be considering.