Learning how to choose a cleaning service starts with checking their insurance, verifying their employees, and understanding the types of cleaning services they provide. This process helps you find a professional who’s not only skilled but also safe and reliable here.
You want a spotless home, but letting a stranger inside takes trust. Handing over your keys is a big step. This 15-point guide helps you make smart choices, remove the guesswork, and avoid costly risks when hiring a cleaning company for your home.
Cleaning Agency vs. House Cleaner
Your first decision is to choose between a cleaning agency and a house cleaner. This determines how much risk, reliability, and responsibility you’ll take on.
What to Look for in a Cleaning Company (Agency)
A professional cleaning agency offers structure, responsibility, and peace of mind. Here’s what sets them apart:
- Background-checked and trained employees: Agencies hire professionals who have been thoroughly checked and follow company standards.
- Fully insured and bonded: They carry general liability, bonding, and workers’ compensation coverage.
- Reliable replacements: If your regular cleaner is unavailable, they have trained replacements available.
- Legal protection included: You don’t have to worry about payroll taxes or compliance; the agency handles it.
- Higher upfront cost, lower long-term risk: The added price covers insurance, payroll, and your complete peace of mind.
Hiring an Individual House Cleaner
An independent cleaner might seem more affordable or personal at first, but there are serious risks to consider:
- You handle all vetting: Background checks and reference calls are entirely your responsibility.
- No backup support: If they’re sick or on vacation, you’re left without service.
- Tax Duties: Paying over the IRS threshold can make you a “Household Employer,” requiring you to file Schedule H (Form 1040) and pay FICA and FUTA taxes.
- No insurance or bonding: If they get injured in your home, they could sue you.
- Limited financial protection: Damages or theft must be claimed under your homeowner’s insurance.
An agency may cost more, but that extra cost transfers all legal and financial risk away from you, ensuring protection, reliability, and peace of mind.
This video helps you weigh these risks:
11 Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask
Once you choose a cleaning agency, verify their trust, safety standards, and professionalism. Asking the right questions protects your home, your valuables, and your peace of mind. If they answer “no” to any must-have, treat it as a dealbreaker.
1. Are you insured, bonded, and covered by workers’ compensation?
These three protections are non-negotiable because they protect your home, finances, and personal liability from damage, injury, or theft.
| Protection Type | What It Covers | Why It Matters |
| General Liability Insurance | Accidental damage to property or injury to the client | Protects your belongings and home from costly accidents |
| Workers’ Compensation Insurance | Cleaner’s medical bills or lost wages if injured on your property | Shields you from being sued for their medical expenses |
| Fidelity / Janitorial Bond | Reimburses you for employee theft | “Insured” doesn’t cover theft; this bond does |
2. Can you show a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
A real cleaning company will provide a COI directly from their insurer showing active coverage and valid business information.
- The business name must match the company you hired
- The expiration date should be current
- Both General Liability and Workers’ Compensation must be listed
3. Do all employees pass a national background check?
A trusted cleaning agency performs full background checks that include criminal records, SSN checking, and sex offender databases.
- Ask about their screening process and how often it’s renewed
- Ensure all staff are verified before entering your home
4. What do your online reviews say?
This question is something you can answer on your own by doing research. Customer reviews reveal a company’s true reliability, so look for repeating issues, how they handle complaints, and overall professionalism.
- Look for repeat problems like missed spots or lateness
- Review responses to negative feedback and the tone used
5. How do you manage keys and home access?
A professional service uses a secure and tracked key policy, where coded labels, locked storage, and strict tracking protocols protect your property.
- Keys are stored in a lockbox, never with personal labels
- All access is logged to prevent misuse or loss
6. What’s included in a standard cleaning?
Request a written checklist to understand what’s covered, which prevents confusion between basic maintenance, deep cleaning, and regular cleaning.
- Standard cleaning: routine upkeep and tidying
- Deep cleaning: detailed scrubbing and baseboards
- Add-ons: fridge, oven, or detailed window work
7. Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee?
A dependable cleaning service offers a clear guarantee, giving clients the right to report issues within 24 hours and receive a complimentary re-clean.
- Guarantees must include time limits for feedback
- A re-clean, not a refund, shows real responsibility
8. Who provides the cleaning products and tools?
Professionals supply their own OSHA-approved tools and cleaners, ensuring product safety, consistent results, and surface protection.
- Supplies should be eco-safe and company-provided
- Avoid teams that rely only on your materials
9. Can you handle special requests?
A professional agency can handle green cleaning, address allergies, and offer pet-safe options, all while customizing products to meet your specific needs.
- Offers eco-friendly or non-toxic solutions
- Adapt services to pets or sensitivities
10. How do you handle scheduling, payments, and cancellations?
Reliable companies use secure online systems and clear policies, avoiding cash-only setups that signal unprofessional operations.
- Clear cancellation rules and digital payments are key
- Cash-only requests are red flags for uninsured services
11. Will I get the same cleaner every time?
Getting the same result improves service quality, and professional agencies assign a regular cleaner or backup team to maintain results and trust.
- Expect a dedicated team whenever possible
- Backups are trained to ensure no missed visits
Red Flags That Signal “Walk Away”
Even if a company looks appealing, certain warning signs reveal hidden risks. Knowing these red flags protects you from liability, poor service, and financial loss.
1. Cash-Only or Vague Pricing
A “cash discount” may seem like a deal, but it usually means the company is avoiding taxes and insurance, leaving you responsible for any damages or injuries.
2. No Website or Poor Reviews
A professional service maintains a visible online presence and solid reviews. If you can’t verify them or see repeated complaints, it’s best to keep looking.
3. Refusal to Provide a COI
Any hesitation or delay in sending a Certificate of Insurance is a serious warning. A legitimate company provides proof of coverage immediately upon request.
4. Using Subcontractors Instead of Employees
Always ask if the cleaners are W-2 employees or 1099 subcontractors. Referral agencies often hire uninsured workers, placing all legal risk on you.
Make Your Choice with Confidence
Hiring a cleaning service is about trust, safety, and professionalism. The right company understands your needs, values your time, and offers dependable quality across all types of cleaning services.
Katie’s Cleaning Service Inc. was built to provide insured, checked, and guaranteed service from day one. Choose with confidence, request your free estimate today, and enjoy a spotless home without stress from trusted cleaning services near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when hiring a cleaning service?
Choose a service that’s insured, bonded, and provides workers’ compensation. These protect you from property damage, injury claims, and theft.
How can I tell if a cleaning company is trustworthy?
Check their online reviews, verify their Certificate of Insurance (COI), and confirm that all cleaners pass national background checks.
What’s included in a standard cleaning service?
A standard cleaning usually includes dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and sanitizing bathrooms. Deep cleaning and appliance interiors are often add-ons.
Is it safe to give a cleaning service access to my home?
Yes, as long as they’re bonded and insured. Keys should be coded and securely stored, and the company should track all home access.
What’s the difference between a standard and deep cleaning?
Standard cleaning focuses on routine upkeep, while deep cleaning includes detailed tasks like baseboards, grout scrubbing, and inside appliances.
