The Inevitable Truth
Cleaning the bathroom, scrubbing the kitchen, washing the floor, and ironing are just part of the domestic cleaning tasks we all have to do regularly, regardless of whether we like doing them. Fortunately, there are people who love cleaning, and they help others who don't like cleaning chores for a small fee. They are happy to provide any cleaning service you need – window cleaning, carpet cleaning, after party cleaning, spring cleaning, end of tenancy cleaning or a regular weekly service. It is up to you to decide how frequently you want them in your home. If you think you cannot clean your house regularly, you should choose a schedule and hire domestic cleaners for you on those days. Only this way you will have a beautiful and sparkling home without stress. Moreover, cleaning the dust and killing the bacteria will improve your family's health.
For these and many more reasons, hiring a domestic cleaner who can satisfy your domestic cleaning needs is beneficial. As each home is individual and each family has different activities throughout the day, you should specify the timing with your cleaner regarding which task will be done and when. If necessary, you can make changes on the go, but always consult with your cleaner as she might have other concerns you are unaware of. Also, you should prepare a task list for her of what she has to do on each cleaning visit to avoid miscommunications and disappointments. Most cleaners also prefer to have a task list prepared to ensure they provide you with the best service you deserve.
Remember that safety is a top priority when choosing a cleaner for your home. Reputable domestic cleaning companies usually work with trustworthy, reliable, fully insured people. Before you book your cleaner, check at least two of her references and only give her a key to your home when you feel entirely comfortable with her.
Following these simple rules will keep your home clean and eliminate stress from your life.
Start with How Many Hours
First, consider how many hours you would like her to do each week. It will depend mainly on your budget. If you have a full-time job and would like someone to clean and look after your children full-time, it will cost you more than having a housekeeper for a few hours each week to do just the domestic cleaning. The perfect housekeeper should be able to meet your needs and come for as many hours as you need her. The best way to find such a lady is to speak to friends and ask them to recommend someone whose services they have used and are pleased with. You can talk to the lady directly and arrange an interview. During the interview, you can discuss your requirements with her and talk to her about her previous experience. The ideal housekeeper will have many years of experience and like her job. Helping families keep their homes clean when they have a busy lifestyle should be her priority.
Maybe the Domestic Cleaning Professionals Can Help.
Another way to find a housekeeper is through a London cleaning agency. They should be able to supply staff with your requirements as you are the client and will pay for the service. You will have the right to interview a few housekeepers and choose the one you like most.
Ensuring the housekeeper is fully insured before entrusting her with a key is crucial. You can request a copy of her insurance policy, or if you hired her through an agency, they should be able to provide proof of her insurance. This step is essential for your peace of mind and establishing trust with the housekeeper.
It's important to have a trial period to ensure the chosen housekeeper is a good fit for your family. Communicate clearly that there will be a testing period, and if her cleaning standards meet your approval, she will be hired permanently. It's also crucial that your children feel comfortable and enjoy their time with her. The housekeeper should be someone who loves children and can engage them in games and activities.
How To Find The Right Domestic Cleaning Service
I thought finding a reliable domestic cleaning contractor would be easy. I couldn't have been further from the truth.
There are many service comparison websites (actually, they are popping up like mushrooms after rain). Still, I have not yet found a proper place to find recommended domestic cleaners in London. Hiring someone to do house chores for you is not as easy as it seems on the surface. It is easier said than done. This is a personal service that requires approval and trust. You don’t just let anybody in your home and ask them to start cleaning.
We live in a society that constantly forces us to be on the go. Most families have both spouses working. People constantly travel; many work long hours, including the harsh amount of time commuting takes us. By the time people get home, they no longer have much time left to clean their homes. Do you want to spend your weekends, the only free time you have, cleaning? So what do we do? We hire house-cleaning services to help clean our homes.
However, many people like myself are fussy about whom we choose to be our housekeepers/cleaners. We do not want to spend our hard-earned money on someone who is not going to make a house sparkle. So, what do you do to help you find the right domestic company for your home?
If you are among the many people looking for “someone to clean my home”, I have some tips to help you choose the right house cleaning service for you and your home.
- Create a list of rooms and things you want to be done in your home by the home helpers. For example, do you want help with your laundry? My mother-in-law has a housekeeper come in and fold her clothes into a perfect square. I had never seen laundry folded so perfectly. I thought she was an alien. I do not even want to show you what my folding looks like. Write down which rooms you want to be cleaned, and what items or furniture you want to be cleaned, like laundry, floors, carpets, ceilings, and dishes. You can decide whether you want the maid firm to hire to make beds.
- Next to your list, write down the price you would be willing and able to pay for the house cleaning services. There are many house cleaning services. You need to find one that is right for you and matches your needs closely.
- Make a list of potential businesses that offer residential cleaning to hire (ours being number one!) But seriously, ask for recommendations from friends and neighbours who use such services.
- Use the classifieds and the telephone directory under “cleaners-domestic”. Also, using the internet (yes, I keep forgetting we are in the 21c.), you can search for various keywords such as: “best home cleaners in London”, “how to find a reliable local domestic cleaner”, or “London top cleaning agencies. “
- Most London cleaning businesses offer free consultations. Contact the company that appeals to you and set up appointments. During these appointments, you can find out what services they offer and what they charge, as well as get an idea of their personality, attitude, and professionalism. Don’t forget to ask for their insurance details—what amounts does it cover, is it comprehensive/accidental damage only, when does it expire, and can the agency provide a written copy of the policy document?
Make life easier for yourself. In our complex society, one needs to make life easier, not more stressful. Reduce the stress in your life. Hire a cleaning service and take all the credit for your clean home. When your friends ask, “How do you keep your home so clean, you’re always so busy?” You reply, “It’s hard, but someone’s got to do it!”
How To Pick The Most Suitable Home Cleaning Contractor
London is full of companies that claim to keep your home spotless. Most of them can do some house cleaning, but few are genuinely equipped and competent enough to do a great job, which justifies your expenditure on this work. Choosing the right domestic cleaning company is crucial to ensuring that your home is cleaned correctly and that all your precious belongings are safe and secure.
There are a few things you should keep in mind when selecting a domestic cleaning company:
- How long have they been in business? The longer they have been in business, the safer your house will be in their hands.
- Ask them for recommendations. If they do not have any, ask for the contact details of some people with whom they have previously worked so that you may check on their bona fides and the quality of their workmanship.
- Ask about their staff verification procedure. Remember that you will be leaving your valuables within their reach. The better the verification, the safer you will be.
- Enquire about the training the domestic cleaning company gives their staff and how they are certified as fit for work.
- Ask if one team will be designated to work in your house. Having the same people come in regularly is an advantage since they will get to know the house well and where the trouble spots are.
- Will the domestic cleaning company be able to work on days and at times that suit your convenience?
- Will they be able to provide extra service if needed? For example, you may need a special house cleaning before a party or a clean-up after the party is over.
- What type of equipment and chemicals does the domestic cleaning company use? Are the cleaning materials safe and non-toxic?
- Will the domestic cleaning company offer complete insurance coverage for all the contents of your home?
- Do they have adequate manpower to cater for sickness and leave among their staff without making the customer suffer?
- Sometimes, a domestic cleaning company quotes for the job hourly and sometimes at a fixed cost. If you opt for a company offering a per-hour cost, compare the total cost with offers you have received on a fixed job basis and ensure no significant cost discrepancies between the two options. If the per-hour expenses are significantly higher, ask for a justification.
Last Words
Although hiring someone you don't know and whose details you have found online or in the local newspaper is risky, it is still an option if you need someone to help you. You should request references and insurance policies from such housekeepers for your assurance.
