Seven questions to ask when hiring a cleaning service

Opening your door to a cleaning company needs trust. The seven questions below summarise what to ask a firm before taking the service and what to conclude from its answers.

1. Is the staff insured?

An employee on social security with work-accident insurance protects both you and the employee in a possible accident. Groups of workers without social security are reluctant to take responsibility; that risk passes to you.

2. Is there professional liability insurance?

For breakage, scratches or damage the firm should have liability insurance for the compensation process. Ask about the policy limit and scope.

3. How is staff selected?

Are criminal record, health report and reference checks done? Does the team arrive with ID cards? Is the same team assigned regularly?

4. Whose products and equipment?

Find out who brings the products, whether they are child- and pet-friendly and whether there is a fragrance-free option. Is the equipment (vacuum, steam machine) included?

5. How is the price set?

Hourly, per m² or a fixed package? Are VAT and products included? A written quote or an online calculation prevents surprises at the end of the day.

6. Is there a satisfaction guarantee?

The free redo period for faulty work (48 hours with us) and the notification method should be in writing.

7. Cancellation and change terms

Learn how far ahead an appointment must be cancelled and whether a fee is deducted.

Red flags

Cash-only payment and no invoice
Not stating the identity of the team leader and staff
Saying “we have insurance” without showing documents
An extremely low price quote

At Silbaştan we share all our documents (insurance policy, staff social security list) on request.

Contract and documents

For monthly or periodic services ask for a written contract; the scope of service, frequency, price, cancellation terms and guarantee should be in writing. Ask for an invoice (e-archive); a service without an invoice removes your guarantee and insurance rights. Check the accuracy of the company title, tax number and address.

Preparing for the first visit

Set aside fragile and valuable items, state the rooms you do not want entered and plan a safe room for pets. On the first visit review the job with the team leader and approve the checklist items one by one at the end of the visit; report missed or faulty work within 48 hours.