A cleaning company checklist should cover licensing and insurance, services offered, pricing structure, supplies and equipment, staff screening, quality guarantees, and contract terms. Use the 15-point checklist below to compare providers before you book, and keep it handy during the first few cleanings to verify they meet your standards.
Why a Checklist Matters for Hiring Cleaners
Most people hire a cleaning service without a written plan, then discover mid-contract that the company doesn’t vacuum under furniture or charges extra for the oven. A checklist turns a vague “deep clean” into a concrete set of expectations. It also gives you a fair basis for requesting a redo if something is missed. For the cleaning company itself, a checklist standardizes work across different staff members, so the service you get on Tuesday matches the one you get on Friday.
The 15-Point Cleaning Company Checklist
Work through these items before signing anything. Each one addresses a common point of confusion or dispute.
- 1. License and insurance: Ask for a copy of their business license and proof of general liability insurance. If they employ staff, they should also carry workers’ compensation. You are not being paranoid; a fall in your bathroom can become your medical bill if they are uninsured.
- 2. Background checks: Do they run criminal background checks on cleaners? Are cleaners employees or subcontractors? Subcontractors are common, but you want to know who is entering your home.
- 3. Services in writing: Get a list of what is included in a standard clean. For example, do they wipe baseboards, clean inside the microwave, or make beds? If a task is not listed, assume it costs extra.
- 4. Supplies and equipment: Do they bring their own vacuum, mop, and cleaning products, or do you supply them? If they bring their own, ask what brands they use, especially if you have allergies or pets.
- 5. Pricing model: Is it a flat rate per visit, an hourly rate, or based on square footage? Ask what happens if the job takes longer than estimated—do you pay the hourly rate or the quoted flat fee?
- 6. Payment terms: When is payment due? Do they require a contract for a minimum number of visits? Are there late fees or cancellation penalties?
- 7. Cancellation policy: How much notice do you need to give to skip or reschedule a visit? Most companies want 24–48 hours. Some charge a fee for last-minute cancellations.
- 8. Satisfaction guarantee: If you are unhappy with a cleaning, will they come back within 24 hours to fix it at no charge? Get this in writing.
- 9. Entry method: How will they get in? A key, a lockbox, a garage code, or someone must be home. Ask how keys are tracked and stored.
- 10. Pets and children: Tell them about pets and kids. Ask if cleaners are comfortable with animals and if they use pet-safe products.
- 11. Special requests: Can you add tasks like oven cleaning, refrigerator cleaning, or interior windows? How much extra do they cost?
- 12. Communication: Who is your point of contact? Can you text or email the office, or do you have to call? How quickly do they respond to complaints?
- 13. Green cleaning options: If you prefer eco-friendly products, ask if they offer that. Some companies use only non-toxic products, while others charge a premium.
- 14. Reviews and references: Check Google, Yelp, or Nextdoor. Ask the company for two or three references from current clients with homes similar to yours.
- 15. Contract length: Is it a one-time clean or a recurring service? Recurring often comes with a discount, but you want to know how long you are locked in.
What a Standard Cleaning Includes (and What It Doesn’t)
A standard weekly or bi-weekly clean usually covers: dusting all surfaces, vacuuming floors and rugs, mopping hard floors, cleaning the bathroom (toilet, shower, sink, mirror), wiping the kitchen counters, and taking out trash. It does not usually include: washing dishes, doing laundry, cleaning inside the oven or refrigerator, washing windows, or organizing clutter. Those are “deep clean” or “add-on” services. If you want your blinds dusted or your baseboards wiped, say so upfront—many companies will do it for a small extra fee, but they will not do it automatically.
How to Compare Quotes and Avoid Hidden Fees
Get at least three quotes, and make sure each company is quoting for the same scope of work. Ask each one: “What is your price for a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment, 1,200 square feet, with two pets, and I want the oven cleaned on the first visit?” Then compare apples to apples. Hidden fees to watch for: stairs (some charge per flight), long-term grime (they may add a “heavy soil” surcharge), and supplies (some charge extra if you want them to bring their own). If a quote seems too low, ask what is excluded—a $50 cleaning for a 4-bedroom house is a red flag.
Common Problems and How to Handle Them
The most common complaint is that the cleaner missed a spot or didn’t do a deep enough job. The second is scheduling confusion—cleaner shows up on the wrong day or not at all. The third is damage to items or surfaces. For all three, the fix is the same: document it immediately (take photos), contact the office within 24 hours, and reference your checklist. Most reputable companies will send someone back to fix the issue. If you have a recurring service, don’t wait until the next visit to complain—by then, the problem is compounded. If damage occurs, ask for their insurance claim process. If they are uninsured, you may need to take them to small claims court, which is why the insurance check on the list is so important.
Costs and How to Budget
Cleaning service prices vary wildly by region, home size, and frequency. A rough national average for a standard clean is $100–$150 for a 2-bedroom apartment, and $200–$350 for a 4-bedroom house. Deep cleans run 50–100% more. Hourly rates are typically $25–$50 per cleaner. Recurring weekly or bi-weekly service is often 10–20% cheaper per visit than one-time cleans. You can save money by supplying your own products, doing a quick declutter before they arrive, and booking during the week (many companies charge less for midweek slots). But do not sacrifice insurance or a satisfaction guarantee to save $20—that is a false economy.
Safety and Security Considerations
You are letting strangers into your home, so take basic precautions. First, lock away valuables, prescription drugs, and sensitive documents. Second, if you have a security camera, tell them it is recording—most states require consent for audio, and video is usually fine but it’s polite to disclose. Third, ask about their COVID-19 or illness protocols: do cleaners wear masks if you request it? Do they use disposable gloves? Fourth, if you have severe allergies, ask them to use fragrance-free products and to vacuum with a HEPA filter. Finally, if you feel uncomfortable with a specific cleaner, request a different one—you are the customer, and you don’t need to give a reason.
DIY vs. Hiring a Cleaning Company
If you are on a tight budget or prefer to control every product that touches your surfaces, DIY cleaning makes sense. But consider the hidden costs of DIY: your time (a 2-hour clean per week adds up to 104 hours a year), your supplies (which cost more than you think), and your energy. Hiring a company frees up your weekends and often gets a deeper clean because professionals have industrial-grade equipment. A middle path is to hire a one-time deep clean every month and do light maintenance yourself in between. That way, you get the benefits of a professional without the recurring cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cleaning company cost per hour?
Most independent cleaners charge $25–$50 per hour, while larger companies charge $40–$80 per hour. The rate depends on your location, the cleaner’s experience, and whether they bring their own supplies. Always ask for a flat quote for your specific home, not just an hourly rate, so you know the total before they start.
Do I need to be home during the cleaning?
No, many clients give a key or a garage code and let the cleaners work unattended. If you are not home, make sure you have a clear entry plan and that they know how to secure the house when they leave. Some companies require someone over 18 to be present for the first cleaning, so ask in advance.
How often should I have my house professionally cleaned?
For most households, bi-weekly is the sweet spot—it keeps things tidy without being wasteful. Weekly is great for families with kids or pets, or for people who work from home. Monthly is fine if you do light cleaning yourself in between. If you have allergies or asthma, more frequent cleaning can help reduce dust and allergens.
What’s the difference between a standard clean and a deep clean?
A standard clean maintains an already-clean home: dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and bathroom/kitchen wipe-downs. A deep clean tackles built-up grime: scrubbing grout, cleaning inside appliances, washing baseboards, and moving furniture to vacuum under it. Deep cleans take longer and cost more, and most companies recommend one every 3–6 months even with regular service.
Can I tip my cleaning person?
Tipping is not required, but it is appreciated. If you have the same cleaner regularly, a tip of $10–$20 per visit, or a larger tip at the holidays, is common. If the cleaner is the owner, tipping is optional—they set their own prices. If you are unhappy with the service, don’t tip, but do complain.
Cleaning Company Checklist Template
| Item | Question to Ask | Company Response | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| License | Please provide your business license number. | ||
| Insurance | Do you have general liability and workers’ comp? Can I see a certificate? | ||
| Background checks | Do you run background checks on all cleaners? | ||
| Services included | What is included in a standard clean? | ||
| Supplies | Do you bring your own products and equipment? | ||
| Pricing | Is this a flat rate or hourly? What is the total for my home? | ||
| Payment | When is payment due? Do you accept credit cards? | ||
| Cancellation | How much notice do you need to cancel or reschedule? | ||
| Guarantee | What if I’m not satisfied? Will you come back and re-clean? | ||
| Entry method | How will you get in? How do you handle keys? |
Sample (fictional): Company: Sparkle & Shine, License #12345, Insurance: Yes, Background checks: Yes, Standard clean includes: dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bath/kitchen, trash. Supplies: Bring their own. Price: $120 flat for 2-bed/2-bath. Payment: Due at service, credit card accepted. Cancellation: 24 hours. Guarantee: 24-hour re-clean. Entry: Lockbox.