10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Cleaner
Introduction: Asking the Right Questions Can Save You Time, Money, and Stress
Hiring a cleaner should make life easier — not harder. But with hundreds of cleaning businesses across Australia offering different services, prices, and standards, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
The good news? Asking the right questions upfront can protect your home, your budget, and your time. Whether you live in Sydney, Darwin, Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart, Perth, Melbourne, Canberra or anywhere regional, these 10 questions will help you choose a reliable cleaner and avoid paying for poor-quality service.
1. “What exactly is included in your cleaning service?”
This is the first and most important question to ask. Many cleaners offer different inclusions, even for a “standard” clean.
A good cleaner will clearly list what’s included, such as:
- Vacuuming and mopping
- Bathroom cleaning
- Kitchen surfaces
- Bin emptying
- Dusting
- Surface wipe-down
- Bedroom tidy
But always ask what’s NOT included:
- Oven deep-cleaning
- Inside cupboards
- Walls
- Windows/tracks
- Balcony
- Carpet steam cleaning
If a cleaner won’t provide a list — that’s a red flag.
2. “Do you charge a flat rate or hourly rate?”
This one is crucial because it directly affects your final bill.
Hourly rates can be risky because:
- Some cleaners work slowly
- You don’t know the total cost upfront
- It may cost more than expected
Flat-rate pricing is more transparent:
You know the final cost before booking.
However, both can be good — as long as you understand how they calculate the job.
3. “Do you bring your own cleaning products and equipment?”
Some cleaners provide everything — others expect you to supply products, vacuum, mop, sprays, and cloths.
If the cleaner brings everything, it usually means:
âś” Higher professionalism
âś” Better-quality equipment
âś” Consistent results
âś” Slightly higher price (but worth it)
If you need to provide supplies:
âś” The cost is lower
âś” But you must have enough products at home
âś” Results depend on the products you own
This question alone can change a $120 quote into a $150 one.
4. “Are you insured and do you have an ABN?”
This protects you from:
- Damage to your property
- Accidents
- Liability issues
- Cleaner disputes
Public liability insurance is essential for any cleaner operating professionally.
If they can’t provide:
❌ ABN
❌ Insurance certificate
…it’s best to move on.
5. “Do you have reviews I can read?”
A reputable cleaner will have:
âś” Google reviews
âś” Facebook reviews
âś” Website testimonials
âś” Before/after photos
Reviews reveal:
- Reliability
- Punctuality
- Quality of work
- How they treat clients
- Professionalism
If they have no reviews, ask why.
6. “How much time will the clean take?”
You don’t just want to know the price — you need to know how long they’re staying.
Example:
- Cleaner A: $40/hr Ă— 4 hours = $160
- Cleaner B: $160 fixed-price, 2 cleaners = 1.5 hours total
Same price, totally different service.
This question ensures:
- You get value for money
- The cleaner isn’t rushing
- You know what to expect on the day
7. “Do you offer discounts for weekly or fortnightly cleans?”
Most cleaners reward loyal customers.
Common discounts include:
- 10% off weekly cleans
- 5–10% off fortnightly cleans
- First clean discount
- Bundle deals
If you’re planning ongoing cleaning, this can save you hundreds per year.
8. “Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee?”
A guarantee shows confidence in their work.
A good guarantee might include:
- Free return clean if something was missed
- 24–72 hour correction period
- Bond-back guarantee (for end of lease cleans)
- No-obligation re-cleaning of areas not up to standard
If a cleaner refuses to guarantee their work at all — that’s a warning sign.
9. “Are there any extra charges I should know about?”
This is where many Australians get caught off guard.
Ask specifically if there are extra fees for:
- Oven cleaning
- Windows
- Blinds
- Balconies
- Wall marks
- Heavy grease
- Stained showers
- Pet hair
- After-hours bookings
- Long travel distance
A $150 quote can quickly become $260 if you’re not careful — so always ask this question.
10. “How do you handle access, keys, alarms, and security?”
Cleaners often enter homes while the customer is at work, so safety matters.
Ask about:
âś” Key handling
âś” Lock-up procedures
âś” Alarm codes
âś” What they do if they arrive early or late
âś” Whether they need you home
A professional cleaner will have a clear system for this.
Bonus Question: “Do you offer a first-time deep clean before regular service?”
Most cleaners prefer to start with a deep clean, especially if the home hasn’t been professionally cleaned for months.
Benefits of a deep clean first:
- Sets a clean baseline
- Makes regular cleans cheaper and faster
- Removes built-up dust and grime
- Improves long-term cleaning results
This isn’t always required — but it’s worth asking.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a cleaner shouldn’t be a gamble. By asking the right questions upfront, you can confidently choose someone who:
âś” does a great job
âś” charges fairly
âś” treats your home respectfully
âś” shows up on time
âś” avoids hidden surprises
âś” protects your bond, health, and comfort
A few minutes of asking questions can save you hours of frustration and unnecessary expenses.
