Finding a trustworthy cleaning service for the first time can be daunting – we get it.

What if they don’t turn up? Can you trust them around your children and pets? Will they do a thorough job? But that's where Checkatrade can help.

Read on for our top tips on how to hire a house cleaner you can rely on.

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What's included in a cleaning visit?

Cleaners help to keep our homes fresh, tidy, and well-maintained. But if you’re hiring a cleaner for the first time, you might not be sure what tasks are typically covered.

Most regular cleaning visits include the following:

• Standard dusting and hoovering across the whole home

• Specific room cleaning, for example, kitchens and bathrooms

• Additional duties such as folding laundry, ironing, and changing bed sheets

• Window cleaning

• Blind cleaning (although this could take longer than the standard hours agreed)

What a regular house cleaner might not do

• Steam-cleaning carpets and furniture

• Cleaning kitchen appliances, such as ovens

These types of jobs tend to be covered by deep-cleaning services and more specialist services.

What to look for in a domestic cleaner

Hiring the best cleaner isn’t just about finding the lowest hourly rate. The best type of cleaner is one that:

• Turns up on time

• Is friendly

• Trustworthy

• Flexible

• Respects your home

• Knows how to use dangerous cleaning products safely

• Goes the extra mile (spends a little more time scrubbing stubborn marks)

• Keeps up high cleaning standards, week after week

• Boasts attention to detail (they can often spot things you can’t!)

Tips on how to find a house cleaner

Now we've ticked off what you can expect from a domestic cleaner hire, let's run through the important steps to take when hiring one:

• Ask for references: Particularly important if you’re trusting them with your house key when you’re not there

• Ask if they are CRB checked: Particularly if there are vulnerable adults and children in your home

• Check they have public liability insurance: Covers you (and them) against accidental damage

• Request a home visit first: For an accurate quote, they should view your home before you agree to their services or rates

• Check how your cleaner charges: If you pay a cleaner per hour, they shouldn’t leave your property earlier if they claim they’ve "completed all the tasks"

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

Find a cleaner near you

See available local cleaners and deep-clean specialists, read customer reviews, and get in touch directly for a quote using our free mobile app.

Or read on for the top questions to ask before hiring a house cleaner.

Questions to ask before hiring a cleaner

To make sure you’re getting the best level of service from the cleaner, here are some examples of questions you can ask upfront:

• How much will it cost? (and is it cash or direct debit?)

• How long will the cleaning take?

• How often? (weekly, fortnightly or monthly?)

• Are you flexible? (For example, can they be flexible when it comes to the school holidays?)

• Do you bring your own cleaning products and equipment?

• Do you offer eco-friendly or pet-safe cleaning options?

• Do you have public liability insurance?

• Are there any tasks you won’t carry out? For instance, some agency cleaners have policies in place where they can’t climb ladders

• What is your cancellation policy?

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

How often should I hire a cleaner?

Not sure whether to commit to a regular cleaner, or just the occasional deep-clean?

Larger households, homes with pets, or busy family routines may benefit from more frequent visits. Meanwhile, smaller homes may need less regular support.

Here's the key differences between the services:

• One-off clean – Ideal for special occasions, moving house, after renovations, or when your home simply needs a refresh

• Deep clean – A more intensive service designed to tackle built-up dirt, neglected areas, and hard-to-reach spaces. Deep cleans are perfect for spring cleaning, preparing a property for sale, or getting your home back to a high standard.

• Regular cleaner – Best for ongoing upkeep and maintaining a consistently tidy home. Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly visits can be arranged depending on your schedule and budget

Is hiring a professional cleaner worth it?

For many homeowners, hiring a professional house cleaner to keep on top of a tidy home is worth every penny. Here's why:

• Saves time (and your weekends!) – Frees up time for work, family, or personal time

• Professional results – Experienced cleaners will pay attention to detail

• Flexible scheduling – Choose one-off or regular visits to suit your routine and budget

• Reliable upkeep – Helps keep your home consistently clean without the hassle

Why use Checkatrade to find a trustworthy local cleaner?

• Checked - Every Checkatrade member must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard

• Reviewed - Over 6.2 million reviews have been published on Checkatrade on everything from communication, tidiness, timekeeping, and quality of work

• Guaranteed - Jobs booked through Checkatrade are covered up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)

Hear from homeowners like you...

This Brighton home hired Lis Fabulous Homes Ltd for a one-off, deep clean after extensive building work in their home:

Our first experience with Lis and from the outset communication was very clear and helpful. Thula and Tel arrived promptly and did a very thorough, careful job. Overall an excellent service – will definitely use again.

Hiring the best house cleaner: Checklist

• Get multiple quotes from checked and reviewed local cleaners for fair and competitive costs

• Hire a vetted professional with proven experience and ask for testimonials

• Check they have public liability insurance, in case of any accidental damage

• Book early, as reputable cleaners are often hired well in advance

FAQs about domestic cleaners

How do you prepare for a cleaning person or team?

You can prepare for a cleaning person or team by tidying up and picking up your clutter. This will save the cleaner spending a lot of their time shifting your things from one place to another.

What should a cleaner do in 2 hours?

In a 2-hour visit, a cleaner can usually cover high-priority areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, vacuuming, dusting, and tidying key living spaces. Exactly what’s completed depends on the size of your home and your priorities.

What is the 20-minute rule in cleaning?

The 20-minute rule is a simple way to keep on top of household cleaning by focusing on one task or room for just 20 minutes at a time. Such as dusting surfaces, or whizzing the hoover round.

It helps prioritise the most visible areas first and makes cleaning feel more manageable – especially between your regular weekly cleaner visits.

Should I choose an agency or an independent cleaner?

Independent cleaners can be slightly cheaper, while agencies often provide backup cover if your regular cleaner is unavailable. The best option depends on your budget and how much flexibility you need.

Do you stay home with the house cleaner?

Many homeowners prefer to leave their property when the cleaner comes. This can help your cleaner work more efficiently. If you feel uncomfortable about leaving the house, consider installing security cameras so you can keep an eye on them.

How much does a cleaner cost?

An independent cleaner will charge around £25 per hour for an average house clean. In comparison, a cleaner employed by an agency will charge around £27.50 per hour.

Check out our house cleaning cost guide for a breakdown of the typical costs involved.

Or for an exact quote, contact a local cleaner near you. Just search your postcode below to get started.

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