6 Ways To Know If You Hired The Best Cleaning Agency
Thinking about hiring a professional cleaning agency but don't know how to start looking? This guide helps you choose the best cleaning service provider in London!
With so many professional cleaning service providers in London, it can be difficult for customers to choose a housekeeping agency that is the right fit for them. This is especially true for customers who are new or inexperienced at hiring cleaning agencies and don't know what to expect.
Whether you need a housekeeper or a professional cleaning service for the end-of-the-tenancy cleaning, this guide tells you everything you need to know about hiring the best professional cleaning service agency in central London.
1. They'll Listen to Your Needs
Professional cleaning agencies listen to their customers and ask them why they need housekeeping services in the first place. Depending on your home and your lifestyle, a housekeeping service provider will offer you a package that is right for you. They'll ask you specifically which rooms and areas of your home you need to get cleaned and which are off limits. Also, instead of trying to sell you an expensive package or a higher quote, a professional agency will give you exactly what you need, nothing more, nothing less. If you're a family of two working adults, they'll offer you a 2-day service instead of pushing you to hire them for a 5-day cleaning service!
What to Look For:
- Detailed consultation about your specific needs
- Customized service packages
- Transparent pricing without hidden fees
- Flexibility to adjust services as needed
2. You Won't Have to Ask for Referrals
A reputable cleaning company will offer you referrals from current and previous customers, without you having to ask them for it. Referrals mean they have a proven track record and are reputable among their clients. This transparency is a strong indicator of a trustworthy service.
Red Flags to Avoid:
- Companies that can't provide references
- Vague or evasive responses about past clients
- Reluctance to share customer testimonials
- No online reviews or social proof
3. Free Consultations Provided
Reputable cleaning agencies will offer free consultations before providing you with a quote. They are likely to ask you questions over the phone to learn more about your needs and then come in for a visit to take a look around your house and assess how many team members they would need to send over to do the job. In your initial stages of research, if a company is not willing to give you a free estimate, then it's probably a good idea to pass them over.
What a Good Consultation Includes:
- In-home assessment of cleaning needs
- Detailed discussion of your requirements
- Transparent pricing breakdown
- Timeline and scheduling options
- Questions about your preferences and priorities
4. They Have a Team of Cleaners
Best cleaning agencies send in a team of professional cleaners to do the job. If you are a large family and need your entire house cleaned, they will usually send a team of 2-3 people. If you are a single person living in a loft or small apartment, they are likely to send in one cleaner. Watch out for certain companies that claim to be professionals with a dedicated team of cleaners but are actually run by single housekeeping professionals.
Team Benefits:
- Faster completion times
- Specialized expertise in different areas
- Better coverage of large properties
- Consistent quality standards
- Backup coverage for sick days or holidays
5. It's an Insured Company
Accidents are prone to happen, so proper insurance is vital. Make sure that the housekeeping agency you hire is insured and bonded, so in case there is any damage during a routine cleaning appointment, you are covered. Most professional cleaning services in London are insured and bonded and let their customers know about this essential feature. Uninsured companies are likely to be cheaper, but this won't be a consolation if the cleaner ends up causing costly damages to your home.
Insurance Coverage to Verify:
- Public liability insurance
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Employer's liability insurance
- Bonding for theft protection
- Coverage for accidental damage
6. They Don't Use Harmful Cleaning Products
Many housekeeping companies have switched to greener cleaning products. Ask your company what products they use and if they are harmful or toxic to human health and the environment. If they haven't switched to environmentally friendly and greener cleaning products, ask them if they are willing to change the type of products they use. We can't stress the importance of using green products because not only is it good for the environment, it is good for the health of you and your children as well.
Eco-Friendly Benefits:
- Safer for children and pets
- Better indoor air quality
- Reduced environmental impact
- Hypoallergenic options available
- Professional-grade green products
7. The Workers Are Background Checked
Because you'll be letting people in your home, often unattended, it's important to know that workers of the cleaning agency you hire have thorough background checks done and have no criminal history. This is very important and you should always be sure that whoever cleans your home is reliable and authorised to work in the country.
Security Measures to Confirm:
- DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks
- Right to work verification
- Reference checks from previous employers
- Identity verification
- Regular re-screening processes
Additional Considerations
Communication and Reliability
- Clear communication channels
- Punctual arrival times
- Consistent service quality
- Easy scheduling and rescheduling
- Responsive customer service
Pricing and Value
- Transparent, upfront pricing
- No hidden fees or surprise charges
- Competitive rates for quality service
- Flexible payment options
- Value for money assessment
Service Guarantees
- Satisfaction guarantee
- Re-cleaning policy if needed
- Equipment and supply provision
- Regular quality checks
- Long-term relationship building
Making Your Final Decision
When choosing a cleaning agency, consider all these factors together. The best agencies will excel in multiple areas, not just one or two. Don't be afraid to ask questions and request documentation to verify their claims.
Questions to Ask:
- Can you provide references from similar properties?
- What insurance coverage do you carry?
- How do you screen your cleaning staff?
- What cleaning products do you use?
- What happens if I'm not satisfied with the service?
- Do you offer flexible scheduling?
Related Cleaning Guides
- The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Home Cleaning - Elevate your home's cleanliness to professional standards
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions - Discover the benefits of green cleaning for your home and health
- Seasonal Deep Cleaning Checklist - A comprehensive guide to maintaining a pristine home year-round
- 6 Ways to Keep Your Home Tidy (And Your Sanity Intact!) - Practical tips for busy families to manage household mess
Tried implementing these tips and still find yourself drowning with cleaning duties? Contact St Anne's Housekeeping today and find out how we can help you maintain a clean and organised home. We offer cleaning services in central London and have tailored packages for clients with different cleaning needs.