5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Domestic Cleaner

Many people start their search by looking at the qualities of a good cleaner, but understanding what makes a positive working relationship is just as important. Below, you’ll find five essential questions to ask before hiring a domestic cleaner. These questions will help guide your decision and ensure your expectations are aligned from the very beginning.

1. What Services Do You Provide?

Before hiring any cleaner, it’s vital to understand what their service includes. Domestic cleaning isn’t a one-size-fits-all offering, so a clear conversation at the start can help prevent misunderstandings later.

General vs. Specialist Cleaning

Most cleaners offer standard household tasks such as:

• Dusting
• Vacuuming and sweeping
• Mopping floors
• Cleaning bathrooms and toilets
• Wiping kitchen surfaces
• Emptying bins

However, you may require more detailed or specialist cleaning. It’s helpful to ask whether they also provide:

• Deep cleaning (skirting boards, behind appliances, descaling taps, intensive bathroom cleaning)
• Cupboard and drawer cleaning
• Inside-oven or fridge cleaning
• Internal window cleaning
• Laundry and ironing
• Tidying and light organisation

Some cleaners happily include these as add-ons, whereas others may charge extra or may not offer them at all. If you’re unsure what is typically included, reading about what to expect from a professional cleaner can help guide your conversation.

Customisable Cleaning Plans

Homes vary significantly in layout, surface types, and lifestyle needs. A cleaner who adapts to your preferences can be especially beneficial. Consider discussing:

• Rooms you want prioritised
• Areas you prefer to handle yourself
• Rotating deep-clean tasks
• Frequency of visits
• Whether certain products or tools should be used on specific surfaces

Clear expectations at the start help ensure the service matches your home’s requirements.

Checklist: What to Clarify About Services

•  Do you offer deep cleaning?
• Are specialist tasks available?
• Do you bring products and tools?
• Can I customise or rotate tasks?
• Are certain services charged separately?

2. How Much Do You Charge, and What Are Your Payment Terms?

Pricing varies widely depending on experience, location, and service level. Understanding how payment works will help you budget confidently and avoid surprises.

Hourly vs. Fixed Pricing

Cleaners generally offer one of two pricing structures:

Hourly rates

• Simple and flexible
• Ideal for changing or unpredictable workloads
• You may want to clarify how efficiency is managed

Flat or session-based fees

• Predictable cost
• Helpful for weekly or fortnightly bookings
• Important to confirm exactly what the flat rate includes

Additional Costs to Ask About

Some cleaners or services may apply additional fees for:

• Travel
• Use of premium cleaning products
• Special requests (e.g., oven cleaning)
• Extended sessions
• Last-minute bookings

Understanding these details in advance helps avoid misunderstandings later.

Payment Methods and Policies

Check the practicalities:

• Accepted payment methods (bank transfer, card, cash)
• Whether payment is due per session or monthly
• Deposits or cancellation charges
• Minimum booking times

Checklist: Pricing and Payment Essentials

• What is your standard rate?
• Are any tasks charged extra?
• How do I pay you?
• Is there a cancellation fee?
• Is a regular schedule cheaper than ad-hoc?

3. Are You Vetted, Insured, and Experienced?

Allowing someone into your home requires trust, so this is one of the most important areas to discuss. A reputable cleaner should be comfortable explaining their background, checks, and level of experience.

Vetting and References

You may want to ask:

• Do you have references from current or previous clients?
• Have you undergone any background checks?
• How long have you been working as a domestic cleaner?
• Are you experienced with homes similar to mine?

If you’re still at the beginning of your search, it may help to learn more about how to find a reliable cleaner, particularly if you’re choosing between multiple candidates.

Insurance and Liability

Accidents are rare but can happen. Insurance protects both you and the cleaner in situations such as:

• Accidental damage to your property
• Injury while working in your home

Ideally, a cleaner should have public liability insurance. If they don’t, you can still hire them, but it’s important to be aware of the risk and decide whether you’re comfortable with it.

Checklist: Safety and Professionalism

• Can you provide references?
• Do you have public liability insurance?
• Do you have experience with similar properties?
• Are you comfortable working without supervision (if needed)?

4. How Flexible Is Your Scheduling?

Modern life is unpredictable, so flexibility is a valuable trait when working with a domestic cleaner. Talking through scheduling upfront helps avoid frustration later.

Regular vs. Occasional Cleaning

Discuss how often you’d like your cleaner to come:

• Weekly
• Fortnightly
• Monthly
• One-off or seasonal deep cleans

Some cleaners reserve regular time slots, which ensures consistency. Others may work on a more flexible basis.

Rescheduling and Cancellations

Ask about:

• How far in advance sessions can be moved
• Whether there are late-cancellation fees
• How holidays are handled
• What happens if the cleaner is unwell

A cleaner with clear policies will typically have a smoother working system, which benefits everyone.

Emergency or Extra Requests

If you occasionally need help before events, parties, or unexpected visitors, it’s worth checking whether they can handle:

• Same-week requests
• Extra one-off cleaning sessions
• Seasonal or pre-holiday cleans

Checklist: Scheduling Preferences

• Do you offer fixed weekly or fortnightly slots?
• How much notice do you need for changes?
• Do you charge for cancellations?
• Can you take extra bookings if needed?

5. Do You Provide Cleaning Products, or Should I?

How products are handled is an important practical detail. Different cleaners follow different approaches.

If the Cleaner Brings Supplies

Pros:

• Convenient if you don’t want to keep lots of products at home
• Cleaner may know their products well
• Often standardised for efficiency

Cons:

• Might increase the overall cost
• Products may not suit your preferences
• Some homes require specialist surface care

If You Provide the Products

Many households prefer this arrangement because:

• You choose the brands and scents used in your home
• Surfaces like natural stone or hardwood can be cleaned with the correct products
• It avoids allergic reactions or sensitivities
• It can reduce overall cleaning costs

To make things easy for the cleaner, consider preparing:

• A general-purpose spray
• Bathroom cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Furniture polish (if used)
• Cloths and sponges
• Vacuum, mop, and broom

Checklist: Products and Equipment

• Do you bring your own cleaning products?
• If not, what do I need to provide?
• Do you have any product preferences?
• Are there any surfaces that require special care?

Conclusion

Hiring a domestic cleaner is a fantastic way to reduce stress and maintain a clean, comfortable home, but it’s worth taking the time to make an informed decision. By asking about services offered, pricing, vetting, flexibility, and cleaning products, you’ll gain a clear understanding of what to expect and how well a cleaner fits your needs.

With thoughtful preparation—and by using practical resources covering qualities of a good cleaner, how to find a reliable cleaner, and what to expect from a professional cleaner—you can approach the process confidently and find someone who helps keep your home running smoothly and happily.