Finding Professional Cleaners

There are times when our lives get so hectic that we just don't have time to clean. When this happens we often turn to professionals to help us. There are some things that can help in locating and hiring a professional cleaner, but if you never had to find one before, you may wonder how to go about finding the right person or company. Here are a few ideas of places you can start your search.

• People you know. Check with your neighbors, friends, co-workers and those that you may go to church with. This is a good source because the referral is from somebody that you already know and trust.
• Phone book. Check out categories in the yellow pages in the phone book, such as professional cleaners, cleaning services, house cleaning, maids, and butlers.
• Internet. Search for cleaning services in your area. You may also look on Craig's List or a local on-line classified service.
• Local newspaper. Check under the classified listings for professional cleaning services. Don't forget to check out the local Thrifty Nickel ads.
• Neighborhood bulletin board. Usually found on the wall at local grocery stores and other community gathering places.

After collecting half a dozen to a dozen different names, call them and make an appointment for them to meet with you. When they arrive at your home ask them for their references. This is not a time to be timid. You are the employer and you have to decide if they are someone that you can trust in your home.

Having a list of different questions on hand will help with the interview. There are several things that you would need to know, like how much do they charge? Do they charge by the job or by the hour? Will they be the person coming or will they have someone else in their company come? How many people will be coming at one time, and will it be the same person each week? One of the more important questions to ask is if they are bonded.

After interviewing half a dozen you will get the feel for how much the going rate is for the area that you live in and what type of cleaning you will get for the money you spend. Get their references and make sure that you take the time to check the references out, before you hire them for this position. When you interview them find out exactly what it is that they will clean and what they won't clean.

Some cleaning services will use their own equipment, while others will insist on using yours. If they insist on bringing their own do they have a guarantee that their supplies will not harm your furniture or other items in your home?

When you have settled on a person or a company, be sure that everything is clear on what is expected and the amount that you will pay.

Now all you have to do is sit back and enjoy having a house that is professionally cleaned.