Even in a medium sized family house, the cost of hiring domestic cleaners can be somewhat eye opening. Theer is much more to it than just rocking up, vacuum in hand. The cleaning operatives need to be fully insured against them damaging anything in the property or outside. They also need to be personally insured against damages to themselves also. There are also policies that cover if the operative makes an error and causes unexpected expenditure for the homeowner. If the house has been a little neglected over the years, as so often happens when someone gets older and can no longer manage the housework, they don’t realise that the bits they can’t see are getting dirtier and dirtier by the week. When a cleaning company comes into the picture, they may well do a first inventory walk round to see how the house looks and what would be most effective. Sometimes one blitz of cleaning for several hours will be the best choice. This is usually charged at one visit fee plus so much per hour beyond the first hour or whatever. They do recommend that if the house has been very neglected, then abut 6 hours solid cleaning will be needed.

Cleaners need to have a key to get in and often it will be necessary to have a spare or fit a key safe on the wall for other agency staff to access if needed. Depending on what the owner wants, cleaning companies can either use the owner’s cleaning products and vacuum cleaners/mops etc. If someone prefers a particular make, then this is an ideal scenario. Getting to know the cleaner and vica versa is critical if a good working and trusting bond is to be formed. A little time on either side is usually all that’s needed. As is a very clear arrangement over payments!