Tips on Choosing a Cleaning Service

by Take Time admin | Edited Jan 13, 2026

This can be overwhelming. I have limited this to six major considerations.

1. Security: most obvious, the company should be bonded and insured. Ask for a copy of the insurance certificate. Also ask how do you secure keys or codes, credit card information; how many people have access to my information.
2. Pricing: by the Hour or the Job: This is a huge consideration. If a company won’t give you an hourly rate, stay clear. All companies have an hourly rate even if they "charge by the Job" also know as "Flat Rate". Pricing by the Hour Is the only Transparent method. You know exactly what you’re paying and what your getting in return. Pricing by the Job or some other hocus pocus method is purposely unclear. You are very likely paying more than is necessary, especially, if cleaners leave at the low end of the time range.
   
   Pricing: In Home Estimates: Some companies might insist on doing an estimate in your home. This is often a sales strategy for companies that charge higher prices. For these companies "over the phone sales" might be difficult because of price. They prefer "in home estimates". They might claim that they just want to be accurate, but it is a sales strategy used to "connect" with you. An "in home" sales experience is more emotional--there's eye-contact, compliments, pleasantries. The seller can "connect with the client" and it's then easier to convince you that they are worth paying the higher price. This is a sales strategy. Once you have "connected" you might feel compelled or obligated to buy their service. Beware, your price will more than likely be much higher than is necessary.
3. Service and Policies: Is service complete/customizable or are there lots of Add-Ons that really should be part of a regular clean. Do they work efficiently? or is Time added to a job that isn't necessary in order to increase the price. Are there hidden fees/charges? Policies may be used to make more money off the account.
   
   Some might try to "Sell you on their Worth or Authority". It’s a sales technique called Value Based Selling. Claims of superior authority in the industry because they serve on this board or that committee or have special knowledge in the industry. All meant to manipulate your perception.
4. Integrity and Online Reviews: Online reviews are meant to help consumers make informed decisions, but unfortunately, not all reviews are honest. Some businesses manipulate review platforms to gain an unfair advantage, which is why reviews should always be read with care and common sense.
   
   A common red flag is a sudden surge of 5-star reviews posted within a short period of time—especially for high-priced service companies that naturally serve fewer clients. When review volume doesn’t align with basic economic reality, it’s worth taking a closer look. Any company that has an unrealistic Google rating of 4.9 or more and much higher than industry-standard fees should be looked upon with caution.
   
   Review manipulation can take many forms, including fabricated positive reviews or unfair negative reviews posted about competitors. These reviews can appear authentic, with detailed stories and profiles, but their purpose is to influence perception rather than reflect real experiences.
   
   At Take Time Home Cleaning, we value honesty over perfection. Our reviews come from real clients and reflect genuine experiences. We encourage homeowners to read reviews thoughtfully, look beyond star ratings, and choose companies that prioritize integrity, transparency, and accountability.
5. Do They Pay Their Employees Well?: This is important to you! Cleaning is hard work! If they are making low wages, there will be high turn over in staff.
6. Be Careful of Lofty Claims!: Be careful of companies that claim to have a unique system. Do they hold a patent? For example, a wash, dry, shine method isn’t patented because it can’t be. It isn’t unique. It’s a common practise in the cleaning industry for both residential cleaning companies and hotels. Such a claim might be meant to convince the public that the company is special, and therefore worth paying a higher price?