Ultimate guide to finding reliable and affordable cleaners

Finding a trustworthy, affordable, and effective house cleaner can feel like searching for a unicorn. You want someone who will leave your space sparkling, someone you can rely on, and someone who won't break the bank. It's a juggling act many face, especially those managing short-term rentals where cleanliness is paramount to guest satisfaction and positive reviews. The good news is that striking this balance is absolutely achievable with the right approach and a little bit of know-how. Like using a Touch Stay digital guidebook for cleaners, for example!

This guide will walk you through the process of finding cleaners who are both affordable and provide excellent service, without compromising on fair compensation. Read on to discover essential things, like:

• Understanding your cleaning needs
• Exploring your hiring options
• Finding affordable, trustworthy cleaners
• Ensuring fair pay and quality service
• Vetting and hiring your cleaner
• Setting expectations
• Building a long-term relationship
• Final thoughts

Understanding your cleaning needs

Before you even begin your search, it's essential to clearly define what kind of cleaning help you need. Are you looking for someone to maintain a certain level of cleanliness on a regular basis, or do you require a more intensive, deep clean? Perhaps you need a thorough clean between guest stays for your short-term rental. Understanding the scope of work will help you narrow down your options and get accurate quotes.

Here's a breakdown of common cleaning types:

• Regular cleaning: this typically involves tasks like dusting, vacuuming, mopping, cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, and taking out the rubbish. It's ideal for maintaining cleanliness on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
• Deep cleaning: This is a more thorough cleaning that goes beyond the basics. It might include washing windows, cleaning inside appliances, scrubbing grout, and dusting hard-to-reach areas. Deep cleans are often done seasonally or as a one-off service.
• Move-in/Move-out Cleaning: This type of cleaning is required when a tenant moves in or out of a property. It usually involves a deep clean to ensure the property is spotless for the new occupants or to meet the requirements of a tenancy agreement. For short-term rentals, this is often a crucial service to ensure a welcoming environment for each new guest.

To further clarify your needs, it's helpful to create a room-by-room checklist. This will not only help you communicate your expectations to potential cleaners but also give you a clearer idea of the time and effort involved, which can influence pricing.

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Exploring your hiring options

Once you understand your cleaning requirements, you need to decide how you want to hire someone. There are two main routes: hiring an individual cleaner directly or using a cleaning service or agency. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Individual cleaner vs. cleaning service:

Choosing between an individual cleaner and a cleaning service is a key decision. Both offer distinct benefits and drawbacks that are worth considering carefully.

• Individual cleaner:
  
  
  • Pros: Often more affordable as you're not paying agency fees. You may develop a more personal relationship and have more control over who enters your property. Scheduling can be more flexible.
  • Cons: Less reliable if they are sick or unavailable. You are responsible for vetting their background and ensuring they have insurance. Communication and payment arrangements are solely your responsibility.
    
    
• Cleaning service/agency:
  
  
  • Pros: Generally more reliable as they can often provide a replacement if your regular cleaner is unavailable. They usually handle background checks and insurance. Established processes for communication and payment.
  • Cons: Typically more expensive due to agency fees. You may not always have the same cleaner, which can be a drawback for consistency. Less flexibility in scheduling and specific requests.

Hourly vs. flat rate:

Another important consideration is how you will pay for the cleaning service. The two main options are hourly rates and flat rates. The best choice depends on the type of cleaning you need and your preferences.

• Hourly rate:
  
  
  • When it works best: For recurring light cleaning where the time required can vary. You pay for the actual time spent cleaning.
  • Considerations: It can be difficult to predict the final cost, and there's potential for the cleaner to take longer than necessary. Clear communication about the expected timeframe is crucial.
    
    
• Flat rate:
  
  
  • When it's more practical: For deep cleaning, move-out cleans, or when the scope of work is well-defined. You agree on a fixed price for the entire job.
  • Considerations: Ensure the flat rate covers all the tasks you need. If the job takes longer than expected, the cleaner might rush to stay within the agreed price.

Download our free Cleaner Hiring Checklist to make sure you find exactly the right person for the job!

Finding affordable, trustworthy cleaners

Now for the crucial part: finding those reliable and affordable cleaners. Thankfully, there are several avenues you can explore.

• Personal Referrals: This is often the most reliable way to find a good cleaner. Ask friends, neighbours, or colleagues if they can recommend anyone. A personal recommendation comes with a level of trust already built in.
• Local Community Groups: Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and other town-specific online forums can be goldmines for local recommendations. Post a request outlining your needs and location, and you'll likely receive several suggestions.
• Online Platforms: Apps and websites like Thumbtack, TaskRabbit, and Care.com connect you with local cleaners. While these platforms can be convenient, be mindful of the platform fees and always check reviews and references thoroughly.

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Ensuring fair pay and quality service

Finding an affordable cleaner doesn't mean you should compromise on fair pay. Paying a reasonable rate is essential for attracting and retaining good cleaners, and it reflects the value of their hard work.

What’s a reasonable rate?

Cleaning rates can vary significantly depending on your location, the type of cleaning required, and whether you hire an individual or an agency.

• Regional price variations: Expect to pay more in urban areas compared to rural locations. Research typical rates in your area by asking for quotes and checking online resources.
• Ethical considerations: Aim to pay a living wage. In urban areas in the UK, independent cleaners often charge between £20 and £25 per hour. While you might find cheaper options, be wary of rates that seem too low, as this could indicate inexperience or potentially exploitative practices.
• The cost of paying too low: Paying significantly below the average rate might result in poor service, a high turnover of cleaners, or cleaners who are not properly insured or vetted. It's an investment in the upkeep of your property and the well-being of those who help you maintain it.

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Vetting and hiring your cleaner

Once you have a few potential candidates, it's crucial to vet them thoroughly before making a hiring decision.

Questions to ask:

• Experience: How long have they been cleaning professionally? Do they have experience cleaning properties similar to yours (e.g., short-term rentals)?
• References: Can they provide contact details for previous clients? Always follow up and check these references.
• Supplies: Do they bring their own cleaning supplies and equipment, or do you need to provide them? Clarify this upfront.
• Insurance: Do they have public liability insurance? This is essential to protect you in case of accidents or damage to your property.

Red flags to avoid:

• Lack of references: Be wary of cleaners who cannot provide references or if the references seem suspicious.
• Unclear pricing: Avoid cleaners who are vague about their rates or who are unwilling to provide a clear quote.
• Refusal to meet beforehand: A reputable cleaner will usually be happy to meet you to discuss your needs and see the property before starting work.

Trial cleaning:

Before committing to a regular cleaning schedule, consider booking a trial cleaning session. This allows you to assess the cleaner's work firsthand and see if they are a good fit for your needs. It’s a small investment that can save you time and potential headaches in the long run.

Setting expectations

Clear communication is key to a successful working relationship with your cleaner. Setting expectations from the outset will prevent misunderstandings and ensure both parties are happy.

Define the scope:

Create a detailed list of tasks you expect the cleaner to perform. Be specific about the areas you want them to focus on and any tasks you don't require. For short-term rentals, this might include specific attention to guest-facing areas.

Agree on payment:

Discuss and agree on the payment method (cash, bank transfer, online payment platforms) and the payment schedule (e.g., after each clean, monthly). Ensure both sides are comfortable with the arrangement.

Cancellation policy:

Establish a clear cancellation policy. How much notice is required if you need to cancel or reschedule a cleaning appointment? What happens if the cleaner needs to cancel? Having this agreed upon in advance can prevent awkward situations.

Building a long-term relationship

Once you've found a reliable and trustworthy cleaner, it's worth investing in building a positive long-term relationship. This can lead to better service and a more pleasant experience for everyone involved.

• Mutual respect and fairness: Treat your cleaner with respect and acknowledge the hard work they do. Pay them fairly and on time.
• Show appreciation: Small gestures of appreciation can go a long way. Consider offering a holiday tip or a small bonus occasionally, especially around busy periods. A simple thank you can also make a difference.
• Clear and open communication: Maintain open communication. If you have any feedback, whether positive or constructive, share it respectfully. Similarly, encourage your cleaner to communicate any concerns or issues they might have.

Final thoughts

Finding a reliable and affordable cleaner is an achievable goal. By understanding your needs, exploring your options carefully, and prioritising fair pay and clear communication, you can find someone who will keep your property sparkling without breaking the bank. Remember, a clean and well-maintained property is crucial, especially for short-term rental hosts aiming for glowing guest reviews.

To streamline your short-term rental management and improve communications with your cleaning team, consider using a Touch Stay digital guidebook. It’s a fantastic way to reduce repetitive questions, freeing up your time to focus on other aspects of your business.