15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Cleaner
A ready-to-use list of questions to ask a cleaner before you book, covering scope, products, cancellations, access, pricing and how problems are handled.
A short conversation before the first clean can prevent most of the problems people have with cleaners. The aim is not to interrogate anyone but to make sure you both have the same picture of the work. Here are fifteen questions, grouped by theme, with notes on what a good answer sounds like.
About the work
1. What does a standard visit include?
A good answer lists tasks by room: kitchen surfaces, hob, sink, bathrooms, floors, dusting, beds. Be wary of "everything" with no detail.
2. What counts as an extra?
Inside the oven, inside the fridge, interior windows, ironing, wiping inside cupboards and changing beds are the usual extras. Ask how they are priced.
3. How long will it take, and what happens if it takes longer?
You want a realistic estimate and a plan for overruns, such as checking with you before continuing.
4. Do you work alone or with others?
This affects who you let in, and how quickly the work is done. A team of two can finish in half the time.
About products and equipment
5. Do you bring your own products and equipment?
Many cleaners bring everything. Others use yours. Settle this before the first visit. If you have preferences, such as fragrance-free or eco-friendly products, say so; see our eco-friendly cleaning products guide.
6. Is there anything you will not clean or use?
Some cleaners will not climb ladders, clean exterior windows, handle hazardous waste or use certain chemicals. Better to know now.
About reliability
7. How do you handle cancellations?
Both sides should know the notice period. Ask what happens if you need to rearrange at short notice, and what happens if the cleaner cannot make a visit.
8. Who covers holidays and sickness?
An individual may arrange a substitute or reschedule; a company may send someone else. Neither is wrong, but you should know which.
9. How will we communicate?
Agree whether you will message, call or leave notes, and how quickly they usually reply. Messaging within the booking platform keeps the history in one place.
About trust and access
10. How will you get into the property?
Options include being let in, a key safe or a spare key. Our guide to giving a cleaner a key covers sensible precautions.
11. Are you comfortable with pets?
If you have a dog that barks or a cat that escapes, a cleaner who is nervous can create stress for everyone.
12. What do you do if something is broken or damaged?
A professional will tell you honestly and promptly. Ask how they like to handle it, and read our guide what to do if a cleaner breaks something.
About price
13. Is the price fixed or hourly?
Understand the model and the minimum charge. Our hourly versus fixed price guide helps.
14. How and when do I pay?
Per visit, weekly or monthly, by bank transfer or through the platform. When you book through Compito you accept an offer and pay online, which keeps a record of the agreed amount.
15. What happens if I am not happy with a visit?
A reasonable provider will want to hear feedback and try to put it right. Do not assume a particular remedy exists; ask what they would do.
How to use the answers
Compare answers between two or three providers. You are looking for clarity, honesty and willingness to discuss, not perfection. If someone becomes defensive about a polite question, that tells you something. Keep the conversation in writing where possible so you can refer back to it.
Questions for different situations
If you have a pet. Is the cleaner comfortable with animals? How should they handle a dog that barks or a cat that tries to slip out? Should the pet be shut away during the clean?
If you have allergies or asthma. Which products do you use, and can you use unscented ones? Can you damp dust and use a vacuum with a good filter?
If you rent. Is the cleaner familiar with end of tenancy expectations and keeping a record of photos or a checklist?
If you run a business from home. Are you happy to agree rooms that are off limits and to leave papers untouched?
If the work is one-off or specialist. For oven, carpet or post-builders cleaning, ask about method, drying time and what results are realistic.
How to read the answers
Pay attention to how specific the answers are. "We do everything" tells you little, while "I do kitchens, bathrooms, floors and dusting in two and a half hours, and ironing is extra" tells you plenty. A cleaner who volunteers limits and asks you questions in return is usually thinking about the job properly.
Putting the answers in writing
Once you have chosen, summarise the main points in a message: the tasks, time, price, access, cancellation approach and how you will give feedback. Ask the cleaner to reply confirming. This avoids misunderstandings months later and costs you five minutes. If you are using a platform, keep it inside the booking conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to ask all fifteen questions?
No. Pick the ones that matter most to your home and situation. Scope, products, cancellations and access cover most issues.
Should I ask for references?
You can, but verified reviews from completed bookings are usually more reliable than references supplied by the cleaner. If you prefer references, ask for a contact who has used them for several months.
What if I only need a one-off clean?
The same principles apply. Focus on scope, products, price and what happens if the result does not meet the agreed list.
Is it rude to ask about insurance?
No. It is a reasonable question, and a professional will be used to it. Ask what cover they hold and request proof if it matters to you, rather than assuming.