Keeping your home clean takes time you probably don’t have. Between work, family, and everything else on your plate, scrubbing floors and dusting shelves keeps falling to the bottom of your list. That’s where professional housekeeping services come in. But before you hand over your keys to someone, there’s a lot you need to understand about what you’re actually paying for. Let’s break down everything you should know before hiring a housekeeping service so you make the right choice for your home and budget.
What Exactly Are Housekeeping Services?
At its core, housekeeping means maintaining cleanliness and order in your living space. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, it gets more detailed than that.
Domestic housekeeping focuses on keeping homes, apartments, and condos clean and organized. This includes all those maintenance chores you put off, like routine dusting, vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, and garbage disposal. Some housekeepers also handle laundry, changing linens, and light organizing tasks.
Workplace housekeeping serves offices, retail spaces, and other business environments. While we’re focusing on residential needs here, it’s worth noting the distinction because some companies offer both types of service.
Different Types of Cleaning Services Available
Not all cleaning services work the same way. Understanding the differences helps you pick what actually fits your needs.
Standard House Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning
Basic house cleaning covers your regular upkeep tasks. Think sweeping, mopping, dusting furniture, and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. This happens weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on your schedule and budget.
Deep cleaning goes way beyond the surface. It includes scrubbing grout, cleaning inside appliances, washing baseboards, and tackling areas you normally skip. Most people need deep cleaning a few times per year or when moving in and out of a place.
Residential vs Commercial Housekeeping Services
For your apartment, condo, or house, you want residential cleaning. These services understand home environments and adjust their cleaning methods accordingly.
Commercial cleaning handles businesses and uses different products, schedules, and approaches. According to Angi, residential cleaning typically costs between $120 $240 per visit, depending on home size and cleaning depth.
Specialized Cleaning Options
Some situations need more than standard cleaning. Post-construction cleanup removes dust and debris after renovations. Move-in/move-out cleaning prepares spaces for new occupants.
Then there’s biohazardous waste removal for situations involving bodily fluids or other hazardous materials. This requires specialist equipment and training that regular housekeepers don’t have.
Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Before committing to any service, get clear answers to these important questions. They’ll save you headaches later.
What’s Included in Your Service?
Every company defines its services differently. Some include disinfecting high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. Others charge extra for that.
Ask specifically about what rooms they clean, what tasks they perform in each room, and what’s considered an add-on service. Get this in writing so there’s no confusion later.
Do You Bring Your Own Supplies and Equipment?
Most professional cleaning services bring their own disinfectants, tools, and equipment. This usually costs a bit more, but it means you don’t need to stock supplies or worry about compatibility.
Some services let you provide your own products if you prefer certain brands or have allergies. Just clarify this upfront because it affects pricing.
Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?
This matters more than you might think. Insurance protects you if something breaks or someone gets hurt in your home. Bonding protects against theft.
Ask for proof of insurance and verify it’s current. Don’t skip this step even if the service seems trustworthy. Accidents happen, and you need protection.
How Do You Screen and Train Your Staff?
You’re letting strangers into your home. Background checks should be standard, not optional.
Find out how they train their cleaners, especially regarding safety protocols and proper use of cleaning products. HGTV recommends asking about training programs and quality control measures to ensure consistent service.
What’s Your Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy?
Life happens, and schedules change. Know the rules before you need to cancel or reschedule.
Some companies require 24 or 48 hours’ notice. Others charge fees for last-minute changes. Understanding these policies upfront prevents surprise charges.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay?
Pricing for housekeeping services varies widely based on several factors. Location plays a big role, as does the size of your home.
For a typical residential property, expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $50 per hour for an individual housekeeper. Companies often charge more, usually $100 to $200 per visit for a standard home.
Deep cleaning costs significantly more because it takes longer and requires more effort. Plan on paying 50% to 100% more than your regular cleaning rate.
Factors That Affect Pricing
Square footage directly impacts cost. A 1,000 square foot apartment costs less than a 3,000 square foot house.
How dirty your place is matters too. If you’re starting with a very messy or neglected space, the first cleaning costs more. After that, regular maintenance keeps prices consistent.
Add-ons like interior window cleaning, oven cleaning, or refrigerator cleaning increase your bill. Decide what’s worth paying extra for based on your needs.
Preparing Your Home for Housekeepers
Before your first visit, do some basic decluttering. Housekeepers clean around items, not organize them.
Put away valuables, important documents, and anything fragile or sentimental. While reputable services are trustworthy, it’s smart to secure items that would upset you if damaged.
Clear surfaces as much as possible. Remove items from countertops, tables, and floors so cleaners can actually clean those surfaces properly.
Special Instructions and Problem Areas
Leave notes about any specific concerns. Maybe your hardwood floors need special products, or certain furniture shouldn’t be moved.
Point out any broken items or pre-existing damage so cleaners aren’t blamed for problems that were already there. Taking photos before the first cleaning protects everyone.
Benefits of Regular Housekeeping Services
Beyond the obvious clean home benefit, regular service gives you back hours every week. The time you’d spend cleaning becomes time for things you actually enjoy.
Health improves when your home stays clean. Regular disinfecting and vacuuming reduce allergens, dust, and germs. This matters especially for people with allergies or respiratory issues.
Your home stays in better condition long-term. Regular maintenance prevents buildup that causes damage. Clean homes also feel more peaceful and less stressful to live in.
Different Needs for Different Spaces
Apartment dwellers often need less frequent service since smaller spaces stay cleaner longer. Condo owners might share some cleaning responsibilities with their HOA for common areas.
Larger residential properties require more time and possibly multiple cleaners working together. Consider your specific situation when planning service frequency and budget.
Making the Final Decision
After researching options and meeting with potential services, compare what you’ve learned. Look beyond just price to consider reliability, communication, and your comfort level.
Start with a trial period if possible. Many services offer one-time cleanings so you can test them out. This lets you evaluate their work before committing to regular service.
Read reviews carefully, but remember that every business gets occasional complaints. Look for patterns in feedback rather than isolated incidents.
Ready for a Cleaner Home?
Finding the right housekeeping services doesn’t have to be complicated. Armed with the right questions and realistic expectations, you’ll find a service that keeps your home spotless without the stress.
Next Day Cleaning understands that your home deserves attention to detail and reliable service you can trust. We customize our approach to fit your specific needs and schedule, whether you need weekly maintenance or occasional deep cleaning.
Ready to reclaim your weekends and come home to a consistently clean space? Contact us today for a FREE consultation. We’ll discuss your needs, walk through your home, and create a cleaning plan that works perfectly for your lifestyle and budget.
