How to Choose a Cleaner: Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Hiring a cleaner should feel like a relief. Instead, many people find themselves stressed within weeks—dealing with missed spots, broken items, or someone who simply doesn't show up. Getting the hire wrong costs you money, time, and peace of mind.
The good news? A bit of homework upfront saves you from months of frustration. This guide walks you through exactly what to look for and what to ask, so you can hire someone reliable, trustworthy, and good at their job.
Qualifications and Accreditations That Matter
Not all cleaners have formal qualifications, and that's okay—experience counts for a lot. But certain accreditations do signal professionalism and commitment to standards.
- COSHH Training – Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. This shows a cleaner understands how to use cleaning chemicals safely, which matters for your home and their health.
- Health and Safety at Work certification – Look for evidence they've completed formal H&S training. It demonstrates they think about risk and liability seriously.
- DBS Clearance (Disclosure and Barring Service) – This is crucial if they'll have unsupervised access to your home. Ask for proof, not just their word.
- Public Liability Insurance – If they accidentally damage something, this covers it. Always ask to see the certificate.
- Membership of professional bodies – The Association of Professional Cleaners (APC) or the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) aren't mandatory, but membership shows they're committed to the industry and ongoing standards.
Don't be shy about asking for evidence. A professional will have these things ready to share.
10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire
1. How long have you been cleaning professionally?
Experience matters. Someone with 5+ years has seen every type of mess, problem, and customer expectation. They're less likely to panic or disappear when things get tricky.
2. Are you self-employed or part of a company?
Both can be excellent. Self-employed cleaners often offer flexibility and personal service. Companies offer continuity—if your regular cleaner is ill, someone else covers. Understand which you're getting, and what happens if they're unavailable.
3. Do you have DBS clearance and public liability insurance?
Non-negotiable for someone entering your home. Ask to see the documents. DBS clearance should be recent (within three years).
4. What does your standard cleaning service include?
Don't assume. Get clarity on whether they vacuum, dust, mop, clean bathrooms, change bed sheets, or clean inside appliances. Some cleaners have set service packages; others are flexible. Know exactly what you're paying for.
5. How do you handle fragile or valuable items?
This reveals whether they think carefully about your home. Good cleaners will ask about delicate items, move things mindfully, and use appropriate techniques for different surfaces. Vague answers here are a red flag.
6. What's your cancellation policy, and what happens if you're ill?
Life happens. A good cleaner will have a clear policy—typically 24–48 hours' notice for cancellations. For illness, ask how they handle continuity. Do you get notice? Is there a backup? This matters more than you'd think.
7. How long do you typically spend on a clean, and how often do you recommend?
A thorough clean of an average three-bedroom home takes 3–4 hours. If someone claims they'll do it in 90 minutes, either your home is tiny or the clean won't be thorough. Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly—ask what they'd recommend based on your home's size and your needs.
8. Can you provide references from current or recent clients?
Always ask. A cleaner worth hiring will have at least two or three references available. Follow up on them.
9. How do you price, and is the rate guaranteed?
Some cleaners charge hourly, others per clean. Understand pricing upfront and whether rates increase annually. Ask if there are additional charges for specific tasks (like oven cleaning or window washing).
10. What happens if I'm unhappy with the clean?
This matters. A confident, professional cleaner will welcome feedback and put things right. If they're defensive about criticism, that's a warning sign. Good cleaners want you satisfied—your repeat business depends on it.
Spotting Genuine Reviews vs. Fake Ones
When you're checking someone out online, good reviews contain specifics. Look for mentions of:
- Particular things the cleaner did well ("very thorough with the skirting boards," "lovely friendly manner")
- How long they've been using the cleaner ("six months now and never missed a week")
- Their reliability and consistency
Fake or generic reviews tend to say vague things like "excellent service" with no detail. They often cluster suspiciously close together in time, or come from accounts with no other review history.
Genuine criticism is also a good sign. A five-star review from every single person ever is unrealistic. One or two three or four-star reviews that mention something minor (they forgot one cupboard, arrived ten minutes late occasionally) suggest real feedback from real clients.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No insurance or DBS clearance – Walk away. Non-negotiable.
- Cash only, no receipt – Suggests they're trying to avoid tax. More importantly, if something goes wrong, you have no paper trail.
- Reluctance to provide references – If they refuse or seem evasive, that's suspicious.
- No clear pricing or frequent surprises on cost – Disorganised at best, dishonest at worst.
- Pushiness about upfront payment – Professional cleaners take payment on or after completion of work, not weeks in advance.
- Vague about what they'll actually do – A cleaner who can't clearly describe their service is likely disorganised and won't deliver what you expect.
- No written agreement – Get something in writing covering frequency, services included, pricing, and cancellation terms. It protects both of you.
Comparing Quotes Fairly
Once you've asked questions and shortlisted candidates, gather quotes. But don't just pick the cheapest. Compare:
- What's actually included in each quote
- How long the clean takes (more time usually means more thorough)
- Frequency and flexibility
- Whether they have insurance and proper accreditations
- Quality of communication and how professional they seemed during the enquiry process
The cleaner who charges £15 an hour but only spends 90 minutes on your home isn't cheaper than the one charging £20 an hour for a thorough three-hour clean.
Ready to Hire?
You now know what to look for and what to ask. The right cleaner is out there—someone reliable, professional, and genuinely good at their job. Take your time with the hiring process. Those few hours of investigation upfront will save you weeks of regret.
Ready to browse vetted, professional cleaners in your area? Visit manchester-cleaning.co.uk to explore fully accredited cleaners who've already passed our checks for insurance, references, and professional standards. Find your perfect match today.
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