subject: World's Worst Cleaning Services [print this page] As more and more people find themselves in need of home-cleaning assistance from a professional cleaning or maid service, there are more and more companies springing up who are eager to meet the demand. Unfortunately, some of them are unscrupulous or incompetent (or both), so before hiring a maid or service, it's important to keep a few things in mind. Use these tips and guidelines to avoid being "taken to the cleaners".
Remember, anyone with a rag and a spray bottle can call themselves a professional cleaner. If you let someone in your home, you are giving them your trust, so you need to make absolutely sure they deserve it. The best way to ensure that you are hiring the right service is to first ask for a list of references from long-term customers. Any reputable firm will provide you one, and be sure to follow up on several of them. Have them provide you with a list of duties they will perform each visit and have them agree to add or subtract anything from the list that is necessary to meet your needs.
Some cleaning services may try to rush through cleaning to try to make as many calls per day as possible, so have the company be clear about how much time will be spent per visit. After the first visits, inspect their work using the checklist of duties that were agreed upon. Did they follow the routine thoroughly or did they rush through the job?
Don't be afraid to ask how much training the maid or staff has received. There are many companies who will hire almost anyone, regardless of training. Employee turnover is high in this industry, so make sure their staff is fully trained and experienced. You may even want to request that you are shown proof that the employee has been with the company for at least six months.
Asking these questions and taking your time in choosing is important not only because you want the best quality but because of your security as well. Some cleaning services may be actually in business only to gain access to your home and valuables! A business card with a cellphone are not credentials enough, so don't be taken in by any slick-talking door-to-door salesman offering cheap cleaning services. Choose a trusted and reputable firm among the many cleaning services London has on offer, based on the guidelines presented here. A good maid can be a valuable asset, but a bad choice can easily be avoided if you take a bit of time to make the right decision.
