How to Choose a Reliable Cleaner Without Guesswork
Introduction: Tired of Rolling the Dice on Cleaners?
If you’ve ever hired a cleaner who didn’t turn up, rushed the job, or ignored half your instructions, you’re not alone. Across Australia, from Sydney to Perth, people are constantly trying new cleaners because the last one “just wasn’t consistent.”
The good news? Choosing a reliable cleaner shouldn’t be guesswork. You don’t need to rely on luck, gut feelings, or the cheapest quote. With a simple process, you can filter out the risky options and find someone you trust to look after your home regularly.
This guide walks you through a step-by-step system to find a reliable cleaner — and keep them.
1. Start With the Right Places (Not Just the First Google Result)
Most people type “house cleaner near me” into Google and click the first ad. That’s one option, but not always the best.
Instead, try:
- Google Maps & Google Reviews – great for ratings and real customer feedback.
- Local Facebook groups – people love sharing who they use (and who to avoid).
- Word-of-mouth from neighbours or friends – especially in apartments or estates.
- Local community boards / marketplaces – useful, but check reviews carefully.
You’re not just looking for a cleaner, you’re looking for a shortlist of 3–5 cleaners worth talking to.
2. Use a Simple “Trust Filter” Before You Even Ask for a Quote
Before you waste time messaging everyone, run each cleaner through a quick trust filter:
Check:
- Do they have an ABN?
- Do they have public liability insurance?
- Do they have multiple recent reviews (not just 1 or 2 from years ago)?
- Do they have a basic website or at least a proper business page?
- Do they show before/after photos of real work?
If they don’t pass this basic filter, remove them from your list. A reliable cleaner doesn’t need to be a big company — but they should look like a real, functioning business.
3. Ask Smart Questions That Reveal More Than a Price
A lot of people ask only one question: “How much do you charge?”
That’s how you end up comparing cleaners purely on price — and not on reliability.
Instead, ask:
- “What does your standard clean include?”
- “Do you work alone, or as a team?”
- “Do you bring your own products and equipment?”
- “Do you have public liability insurance?”
- “Do you offer regular weekly or fortnightly bookings?”
- “What happens if I’m not happy with something?”
You’re listening for confidence, clarity, and professionalism. A reliable cleaner answers these without hesitation.
4. Look for Red Flags in How They Communicate
You can tell a lot from the way a cleaner communicates before they ever step into your home.
Green flags:
- Replies within a reasonable time
- Answers questions properly, not with one-word replies
- Sends details in writing (text or email)
- Confirms date, time, and price clearly
- Asks questions about your home and expectations
Red flags:
- Very slow or inconsistent replies
- Vague answers like “Yeah, yeah, we do everything”
- No written quote or confirmation
- Changing prices or details mid-conversation
- Being pushy or demanding cash only
If communication is messy now, it’ll be worse later.
5. Always Start With a Trial Clean (Don’t Commit Long-Term Yet)
Instead of booking a weekly clean forever from day one, start with a single trial clean or a one-month test.
For the trial:
- Give them a clear list of what you expect (e.g., bathrooms + kitchen + all floors + dusting).
- Make sure they know where everything is (bins, laundry, etc.).
- Let them work without hovering, but be available for quick questions.
Afterwards, assess:
- Did they arrive on time?
- Did they do what they said they would?
- Did they need constant direction, or were they proactive?
- Did they rush, or did they finish properly?
- Are the “big” areas (bathroom, kitchen, floors) genuinely clean?
If the trial is great, then talk about ongoing cleaning. If it’s average, you’re not locked in.
6. Compare More Than Just the Quote
When you’ve tried or spoken to a few cleaners, compare them on five things, not just price:
- Reliability – Do they show up on time and respond quickly?
- Quality – How does the home feel the next day?
- Professionalism – Do they act and communicate like a business?
- Flexibility – Can they work with your schedule and priorities?
- Price – Are they fair compared to others, not just cheap?
A reliable cleaner is the one who scores well on all five — especially reliability and quality. It’s better to pay $10–$20 more for someone consistent than restart the search every few weeks.
7. Set Clear Expectations Early (So No One Is Surprised Later)
Misunderstandings cause most cleaner-client problems.
After you choose your cleaner, have a quick “expectations chat”:
- How often will they come?
- What are the must-do tasks every visit?
- Which tasks are “nice to have” if there’s time?
- Are there any rooms or items that are off-limits?
- How will you handle key access, alarms, or pets?
- How will you pay (cash, transfer, invoice)?
If you’re clear from day one, there’s far less chance of frustration later.
8. Give Feedback After the First Few Cleans
Reliable cleaners usually want your feedback — it helps them keep you as a long-term client.
If something isn’t quite right:
- Start with what they did well
- Then say: “Next time, could you please also focus a bit more on…”
- Be specific: shower glass, dusting shelves, under the couch, etc.
If they respond well, adjust, and improve — you’ve likely found a keeper.
If they get defensive or ignore feedback, that’s a sign to move on.
Final Thoughts: Reliability Is a System, Not a Gamble
Choosing a reliable cleaner isn’t about hoping you “get lucky” — it’s about using a simple, repeatable process:
- Shortlist from good sources
- Filter by ABN, insurance, reviews
- Ask smart questions
- Watch how they communicate
- Do a trial clean
- Compare more than price
- Set expectations
- Give clear feedback
Follow those steps and you’ll avoid most of the usual headaches — no-shows, rushed jobs, and constant cleaner-hopping — and instead find someone who consistently keeps your home clean, without the stress.
