House Cleaning Services and Communication

Walking into your home at the end of the day to find it fully cleaned by a professional house cleaning service can be the highlight of a long, stressful week of work. The first step in making this happen is finding a cleaner who has the same idea of “clean” as you do. Once you have that individual or company booked, you must learn to communicate properly with them to ensure that each of you has the same expectations.

Communication is a two-way street. You must be clear when communicating with the house cleaning provider, and you also should expect the cleaners to be clear with you. If you ever have a question or concern, address it quickly and professionally so that everyone understands what is expected of them through the process.

Start the communication process with your initial interview. Ask the house cleaning service how they will clean your home. Get specifics as to the products and techniques they will use. If you have a preference as to a different technique or product you want used, make sure you make your expectations known. For instance, if you require a specific wood cleaner on your antique piano, state this clearly, and consider providing the product if it is not in the cleaner’s stash.

Next, let the cleaner explain what they expect from you before they arrive. For instance, most house cleaning services ask the homeowner to pick up their home before they come to the property. The cleaners are at your home to get rid of dirt and debris, not clear your clutter. You will need to straighten your belongings before the cleaners come. You may even have to remove the items from a surface that you want the cleaners to dust. Remember, your cleaner does not want to be liable for breaking something valuable. Make sure you have the home prepared properly before they arrive, and the only way to be certain you are ready is to ask.

Sometimes you will find that a particular house cleaning service does not do something the way you anticipated or wanted. When this happens, take the time to carefully explain what it was that you wanted, and what you did not like about the way the job was done. Be positive in your words and tone of voice, rather than derogatory, and you should be able to work out an understanding with the cleaners to ensure the job is done to your standards the next time.

Finally, communicate often and early in the process about payment arrangements. Your cleaner needs to know when you will be paying, and you need to know how much to budget for the cleaning services each time they come. When you pay in a timely manner without the need to be asked for payment, your cleaner will be motivated to do the best possible job for you. Always keep the lines of communication open, and you will find the business relationship quickly grows into a mutually beneficial situation.