Finding a cleaner who has Insurance, police vetting, has been drug tested, and is reliable—Thats the hard part!
I have been in the cleaning Industry long enough to know how a typical cash cleaner operates. Let me share an all too familiar scenario…..
You find a lovely lady advertising housekeeping for a reasonable rate so you give her a call. The price seems too good to be true, the first clean- flawless!
You are excited—YAY! No more housework for you, what a win.
Three weeks down the track you notice the floors aren’t cleaned properly and she left 12 minutes early, you let it slide, she’s a lovely person. Your sure she didn’t mean to.
But a week later she changes the day on you—the next week she can’t make it- she’s got the flu. That’s ok, your a reasonable person, you understand.
The next time she comes she spends 17 minutes of your paid time telling you all about her car troubles, you nod empathetically while you watch the money tick away.
Than your lovely cheap cleaner accidentally spills a small amount of bleach on your bathroom lino the stain spreads to the size of a dinner plate while she’s apologising profusely and explaining she will work half price for the next 3 months to pay it off as she has no Indemnity Insurance. Oops.
Now this is an exaggeration but all the problems above are common complaints from our customers. Customers who after experiencing CCS (cheap cleaner syndrome) have decided to use a Company.
Want to avoid this happening to you? Follow our tips on how to avoid being disappointed with your cleaner.
#1 Relationship
You must build a relationship with your cleaner, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Where are they from? What do they do outside of work- hobbies, interests.
Do they have dependants, children or elderly parents? Look for key indicators that may prevent a consistent service.
I recommend you spend time on the first visit speaking to them, get a feel for personality- are they integral, do they answer questions without hesitation. Remember you are letting them into your home, you must be able to trust them and feel safe.
#2 Consistency
The most important trait on the list, and the biggest issue you may have come across. Wether you use a cleaner or a company-consistency is key.
You want the same cleaner/s coming at the same time every week delivering the same service for the same price!
#3 Quality Products
Have you got 10k to spare on repairs? This is how much it could cost you to replace your septic tank or pay for damages to your home caused by misuse of products or the wrong type of products. Make sure if you’re on a well or septic tank you ensure your cleaner is using products that are biodegradable.
#4 Knowledge
When choosing a cleaner make sure they are qualified. In order to clean your home effectively they need to know which products are safe but powerful enough to do the job.
Product knowledge extends to understanding the chemistry of chemicals, how they will react together and what products should not be used on certain surfaces. It isn’t rocket science but it requires common sense. An industry trained cleaner should be the only cleaner you allow into your home.
#5 Indemnity Insurance
Does your cash cleaner or the company you use cover you in the event of accidental or intentional damage?
Picture this- you just brought a beautiful brand new home, expensive stylish finishes throughout.
Your click together wooden floorboards gets water damaged by a steam mop. Or your tiles get discoloured by ammonia in the bathroom, or my favourite, a combo- your cleaner smashes a mirror off the wall as she’s dusting causing dents and rips in the Lino.
Do not take the risk, accidents happen and you cannot hold your cleaner legally liable without a contract.
#6 Reputation
Get a company who comes recommended, who’s clients are advocates and can vouch for the integrity of the cleaner/ company.
Ask friends/ family colleagues who they use and what they like about the company. Reputation among other cleaning companies is important too—I have two very good friends who own their own respectable companies and who’s services I would not hesitate to recommend if we couldn’t do the job.
#7 Care
Ensure your cleaner takes care in their work, not only in the cleaning but house-dressing. You are paying hard earned money for an excellent service- so expect the cushions to be fluffed, the frames to be dusted and the cat bowl to be cleaned out… small thoughtful touches are the sign of a mature and experienced cleaner.
Here at Gold service cleaners we challenge our employees to add value at every service. Because we care!
#8 Intuition
I’m not talking sixth sense and ghosts, an intuitive cleaner will clean with initiative, she will go back and wipe that fingerprint off the glass coffee table, she will turn your cushions weekly for equal wear and hang your washing in front of the fire if it looks like rain. An intuitive cleaner saves frustration and will surprise you when you come home … ensure your cleaner can think for herself AND follow your instructions because both means bliss!
#9 Punctuality
Ensure you are getting a cleaner who will utilise every minute of the time they are paid to be at your property. There are a lot of cleaners who given the chance will leave early, avoid this by being clear how extra time can be spent should they complete everything under the time frame. In our company if a cleaner is late by ten minutes they stay ten minutes late. Make this the rule in your agreement.
#10 Professionalism
Choose a company that refers to you by name, is polite, concise and always professional. When a problem arises or when information needs to be clarified you need to be able to depend on the company you are using. A professional company owner will take your concerns and complaints seriously. Key indicators for professionalism will show in marketing, booking processes, quotes, enquiries and interactions. If it doesn’t feel professional don’t use the company/cleaner.
And if all else fails—call us!