5 things you need to know before hiring a cleaner
Whether you’re looking for a regular weekly cleaner to keep your home in order, or just need someone to tackle a large cleaning job, there are five things you need to know before hiring a cleaner.
New research from hipages has revealed that Australians spend $4 billion annually on professional cleaning services, and each year 20 million cleaning jobs are commissioned by Australian households. In particular, baby boomers and older generations organise an average of three cleaning jobs per year, millennials commission an average of two.
“Many of us hire professional cleaners to give us a helping hand when it comes to various cleaning jobs both inside and outside the home, with high demands for professional cleaners across the country,” says Stuart Tucker, Chief Customer Officer at hipages.
We asked Stuart for his advice on hiring the right cleaner for you.
1. Check the reviews
Like a restaurant or movie, it’s best to check the reviews before parting with your hard-earned cash on a professional cleaner.
“Our research has found that 77% of homeowners want to see recommendations from other people before hiring a cleaner or other tradesperson. This is a really useful tool which can help you decide who’s best for the job based on their previous work,” says Mr Tucker.
2. Double check
If you plan to leave the cleaner in your home without supervision, then you need to have all the relevant you’re done to ensure your property and all your belongings are in safe hands.
“Always check that your cleaner has been security screened and has the appropriate police checks complete,” says Mr Tucker. “This will give you peace of mind when leaving them alone in your home.”
3. Ask ‘How much is the job going to cost?’
“There are quite a number of cleaning services which you can hire professionals for, both inside and outside the home,” says Mr Tucker. “Some cleaners charge per visit and others per hour, it’s important to confirm this upfront. You should also check if the cleaner provides their own products and equipment or if you are expected to provide them,” says Mr Tucker.
To obtain a quote, Mr Tucker suggests following these three simple steps:
- Tell the cleaning services what you need in a few words (i.e. - "washing and ironing").
- Tell the cleaning services where and when their services are needed.
- Describe in detail the work that needs to be done and the scope of the work. Do you need someone to come in weekly to clean your 3 bedroom/2 bathroom house or do you need a one-off thorough cleaning after renovations?
4. Check the toolbox
“Before hiring a cleaner, you may want to consider what type of products they use. This is especially important for anyone who suffers from allergies of any kind,” says Mr Tucker. “Most cleaners will now use environmentally friendly and sustainable products that are non-toxic. These are preferred products, especially if you have children or pets in your house.”
5. Who will do the cleaning?
“Often the person you speak to for a quote isn’t the same person who’ll be completing the job. If you’re planning to hand over a spare key to your home, it’s good to know who’ll actually be doing the cleaning,” says Mr Tucker. “Consider asking some background questions about the cleaners and the hiring process, such as ‘does the company do a police check on cleaners before they you’re?’”
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