Hiring A Cleaning Service? Here’s What You Need To Know

Fall is in full bloom here in Rhode Island. Don’t spend all your free time cleaning and doing household chores. Use a housekeeping service to do the cleaning for you so you can get out and spend more time with family and friends.

Cleaners offer a variety of services, all the way from basic housekeeping such as dusting and vacuuming to cleaning appliances and doing laundry. They can also be hired to do optional and customized services such as window cleaning or floor waxing.

Professional house cleaning services can be provided by a private housekeeper or a larger cleaning company. Rates will vary, with private housekeeping rates between $25 to $40 for one hour while companies charge $50 to $90 per hour for what is usually a team of two.

One of the advantages of a private housekeeper is that they can provide consistent and customized cleaning with the same cleaner each time. Larger companies also have several benefits, such as being bonded and insured and having a more flexible schedule.

Ready to hire a cleaner? Use these tips to choose the right housekeeping service for your home and lifestyle:

1. Interview housekeeping services

Before choosing a cleaner, interview at least three private housekeepers or companies. Find out how long they’ve been in business and ask for references, calling them to find out how satisfied others are with the service. You need to feel comfortable with the people you’re allowing into your home.

2. Ask questions

Asking the right questions ensures that you’re hiring a cleaner who meets your needs:

• What are your rates?
• Do you bring your own cleaning supplies and equipment?
• Do you have a satisfaction guaranteed policy?
• Are you bonded and insured?
• How will you access my home?
• What should I do with my cat or dog?
• Can you provide a written contract?

3. Be clear in your expectations

Be specific and get in writing the types of services you require. Be clear on cleaning responsibilities so cleaners know exactly what you expect. This is also the time to talk about schedules. Can your cleaner come when you need them and is their schedule flexible if yours should change?

4. Determine what you want cleaned

Make a list and go over what you want cleaned. Do you want the kitchen cleaned and organized? Do kid’s bedrooms and playrooms need both tidying and cleaning? Go over what areas in your home you want cleaned and how you want them cleaned. You’ll also want to hire a service that not only includes regular cleaning done with each visit but that also accepts custom cleaning requests when needed.

Hiring a cleaner doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming. Use recommendations and reviews to learn more about housekeeping services in your area and contact HomeAdvisor for a listing of reliable and professional cleaning services throughout Rhode Island.

This Patch article is sponsored by Home Advisor.