7 Questions to Ask a Housekeeper or Maid Service

A regular housekeeper can help keep your home clean and tidy when your schedule grows full or you won’t be at home for an extended period. If you’ve never used a maid service before, you can expect them to have several questions when you first contact them and ask about quotes, weekly fees, or add-ons. Prepare with answers ahead of time, and you can arrange for just the kind of housekeeping service that you need.

1. How frequently do you need scheduled cleaning?

Local maid services and other professional housekeeping companies will want to find out what sort of schedule you have in mind, which will dictate their price and availability. Some people prefer to have their homes cleaned twice a week, while others find the most value in a once-a-month cleaning. If you use your home for something like a licensed daycare, you may want even more frequent cleanings. Start by discussing your needs.

2. When do you want the cleaning service to begin?

When would you like the cleaning service to start? Usually, you’ll have to set up an introductory appointment to go over your home and your needs, after which regular cleaning can begin. If you want the service to get started ASAP, mention this and ask if they can rush your particular cleaning schedule.

3. What size and type of home do you have?

Housekeepers will want to know the number of rooms and stories in a home and the exact square footage—or as close as you can get. They may also ask about other details that greatly impact cleaning jobs, like the type of showers you have, how high your ceilings are, and what kind of flooring you have across your rooms. Carpet versus hardwood flooring, for example, has significantly different cleaning needs that housekeepers will want to plan for.

4. Do you have any pets or children?

Questions about pets and kids are also common when first contacting and meeting with a cleaning service. These little members of your home tend to have an outsized impact on cleaning needs and even the cleaning tools that housekeepers use, like special attachments for removing pet hair. Expect to pay extra labor costs if this is a factor in your home needs.

5. How will they be accessing your home?

The cleaning service will also want the details of home access. For example, will someone be there to let them in? Will you provide them with a key so the housekeeper can open your door? Or do you have a more high-tech system in place? This is also the time to discuss any security your home has and how maid services should handle it.

6. Do you need any special types of cleaning?

Many homeowners have specific instructions for cleaning that services will need to note for whoever they send out. That can include leather furniture that needs special treatment, marble counters that may need certain cleaning, particularly dirty spots that need extra attention, and places or things to avoid cleaning for privacy and other reasons (precious artwork, home offices, gun safes, etc.). Be ready to explain any specific needs you have.

7. Do you have any special chemical or eco needs?

Most cleaning services will also ask if you have any allergies to certain chemicals or scents that they should avoid using. Along with this question, they may ask if you want them to use green or eco-friendly products with minimal impact.