Decide what you need first
It's much easier to find the right cleaner when you know what you're looking for. Think about how often you want cleaning, roughly how many hours, which rooms and tasks matter most, whether you'll be at home, and any pets, allergies or products to avoid. Write it down – it becomes your brief for every cleaner you speak to.
Where people find cleaners
There's no single best route, and many people use a mix:
- Personal recommendations from neighbours, friends and colleagues
- Local community groups and noticeboards
- Cleaning companies and agencies covering your area
- Quote request services, where you describe the job once and hear from local cleaners
Recommendations are valuable – with checks
A cleaner who has cleaned a neighbour's house for years is often the best find of all. But still have the same conversations you'd have with anyone else: what they charge, what they include, whether they're insured and how cancellations work. Something that suits your neighbour might not suit you.
What to check
Before you agree to anything, ask about:
- Insurance – public liability insurance covers accidental damage and injury
- Experience with homes like yours and the type of clean you need
- References or reviews you can verify
- How they handle keys and security
- Whether they're self-employed or employed by a company
- What happens if they're ill or on holiday
- Their cancellation and payment terms
Have a trial clean
A first visit is the best way to see whether a cleaner is right for you. Be there for at least part of it if you can, walk them round, explain your priorities and agree a task list. Afterwards, give honest feedback. First cleans often take longer because the home needs bringing up to a standard that regular visits then maintain.
Our guide on how to prepare for a cleaner covers what to do before the first visit.
Get quotes from local cleaners
Warning signs
Most cleaners are trustworthy, but be cautious if you notice:
- Reluctance to give a clear price or say what's included
- No insurance, or vague answers about it
- Pressure to pay large amounts upfront
- Frequent last-minute cancellations from the start
- Unwillingness to agree how keys and access will work
Writing a good brief
A short, clear description of what you need makes it much easier for cleaners to quote accurately and for you to compare answers. Include the type of property, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, how often you'd like cleaning, the main jobs, any extras such as ironing or the oven, pets, parking and whether you'll be home.
Something like: 'Three-bed semi, two bathrooms, fortnightly, about three hours. Priority is kitchen, bathrooms and floors. One dog. Parking on the drive. We're out at work, so would need to arrange a key.' That's enough for a cleaner to give you a realistic quote.
Reading reviews sensibly
Reviews are useful, but look at the detail rather than just the star rating. Several reviews mentioning reliability, the same cleaner each time or good communication are more meaningful than one glowing five-star review. Look at how a business responds to criticism, too.
For independent cleaners, a couple of references from existing clients you can actually speak to are often more valuable than online reviews.
Building a good relationship
The best cleaning arrangements last for years. Clear communication helps: a note or message about anything you'd like done differently, paying on time and giving reasonable notice of changes all go a long way. Most cleaners appreciate feedback – they'd rather know than guess.
When you're ready, you can request free quotes from local cleaners who cover your postcode.
