7 Must-Ask Questions Before Booking a Cleaning Service in London

A spotless home or office is priceless, but choosing the wrong cleaning company can cost you time, money and peace of mind. This guide helps Londoners hire with confidence. It highlights seven key questions that distinguish true professionals from others. Ask them before you sign—and watch how fast uncertainty turns into clarity and sparkling results.

1. Are You Properly Insured, Accredited and Compliant?

Professional cleaners work with chemicals, expensive furnishings and sometimes confidential material. That risk demands robust cover and recognised credentials. A reputable firm should:

• Hold public liability insurance (typically £1-5 million) and legally required employers’ liability insurance if they have staff.
• Show current ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 14001 (environment) certificates, plus sector badges such as BICSc or SafeContractor.
• Demonstrate compliance with UK employment law and right‑to‑work checks for all staff.

If paperwork is vague or missing, treat it as a red flag.

2. What’s Your Vetting and Training Process for Staff?

Your cleaners will have access to your private space, valuables and even sensitive business data. Always ask:

1. How do you screen employees? Look for DBS (criminal‑record) checks or a documented background‑check policy.
2. What training do operatives receive? Industry standards call for initial coursework plus ongoing refreshers in COSHH, colour‑coding and safe equipment use.
3. Do you invest in upskilling? Firms that offer City & Guilds, BICSc or in‑house certification usually deliver better retention and consistent results.

A provider unable to articulate its vetting or training system is unlikely to deliver excellence.

3. Do You Provide a Clear Scope of Work and Written Contract?

Crystal‑clear contracts protect both parties. Before booking:

• Ask for a detailed checklist outlining every task, frequency and quality standard.
• Confirm service windows, security protocols for keys and alarms, and contingency cover for sickness or holidays.
• Ensure the agreement includes termination, notice and refund clauses so you never lock yourself into poor performance.

Skipping written terms is the single biggest cause of disputes—and grounds to walk away.

4. Can You Show Transparent Pricing—And What’s Included?

In London, hourly rates usually range from £15-£25 for regular cleaning. For special tasks such as deep or post‑construction cleaning, rates are £20-£35. Reputable companies will:

• Provide itemised quotes free of hidden surcharges.
• Explain how property size, frequency and add‑ons (e.g., oven or carpet cleaning) affect the final bill.
• Offer written guarantees that prices won’t change without notice.

Below‑market “bargain” rates often mask poor quality or unexpected extras at invoice time.

Average end‑of‑tenancy cleaning costs for London rentals in 2025

5. What Quality Assurance and Satisfaction Guarantees Do You Offer?

True professionals prove their worth through data—not promises. Ask to see:

• KPIs & inspection reports (e.g., results of random audits, pass/fail rates, customer surveys).
• A 100% satisfaction guarantee that includes free re‑cleans within 24-48 hours if standards slip.
• Membership in recognised quality programmes such as ISO 9001, which mandate documented monitoring.

A provider that won’t guarantee their work is hoping you won’t speak up. Don’t take that risk.

6. Which Products and Methods Do You Use—Are They Eco‑Friendly?

London residents increasingly demand cleaning that’s tough on grime yet kind to people and planet. When you interview companies:

• Request details on biodegradable, phosphate‑free or plant‑based detergents.
• Check whether microfibre systems, HEPA vacuums and water‑saving equipment are standard.
• Ask if the firm holds ISO 14001 certification or follows low‑impact, documented protocols.

Eco‑friendly products are safer for children, pets and allergy sufferers, and can boost your own ESG credentials.

7. Can You Provide Local References and a Proven Track Record?

Nothing beats word‑of‑mouth. Established London cleaners will gladly supply:

• Recent client testimonials—ideally from homes or offices similar to yours.
• Online review links (Trustpilot, Google, Checkatrade) showing consistent 4-5‑star ratings and prompt issue resolution.
• Case studies, before‑and‑after photos and performance metrics illustrating long‑term reliability.

If feedback is mixed, or past customers hesitate to recommend, keep searching.

Final Word: Turn Questions into Confidence

Choosing a cleaning partner is not just about a shiny surface today—it’s about trust, safety and lasting value. You can find good companies by asking seven questions. These companies should have strong insurance, clear pricing, thorough training, eco‑friendly practices, and measurable quality.

When you find a London provider who answers every point with evidence—not excuses—you’ve struck gold. Book with confidence, enjoy the gleam, and spend your reclaimed hours on what matters most.

Need expert housekeeping or deep‑clean help right now? St. Anne’s Housekeeping holds insurance and accreditation. We are ready to answer all your questions. You can relax while we make London shine.