How To Choose a House Cleaning Service
To help discern between "Green Washing" and legitimate Green Cleaning when choosing a house cleaning service, Maid Brigade recommends asking potential maid services the following questions before making a decision:
1. Are the house cleaning solutions recognized or certified by a credible third-party organization, such as Green Seal?
2. Can the company provide proof, other than non-toxic of environmentally-friendly claims, that the house cleaning solutions do not contain ingredients that are harmful to pets, people and the environment?
3. What about the house cleaning equipment, specifically the vacuums and cloths they use? Do the vacuums have a multi-layer filtration system with a closed canister to remove 99.9% of respiratory irritants? Do they use color-coded microfiber cloths to prevent cross-contamination?
4. What about research and training? Has the company conducted tests to substantiate the health and environmental impact of their system compared to traditional cleaning methods? Does the staff receive formal training and certification to properly use green products and procedures?
5. Is the company really green clean certified? Search online to learn about the certifying organization and to make sure the certification program has legitimate, relevant requirements that have a meaningful impact on health and/or the environment.
For a complete house cleaning service comparison download our house cleaning checklist.
If your life has gotten so busy that you are considering hiring someone to provide domestic cleaning services, you’re not alone. The Department of Commerce estimates that 80% of dual-income families will hire cleaning help by the end of this decade. But how do you decide which house cleaning service to use? We suggest you ask yourself these key questions:
1. Are their employees bonded and insured?
You want your home cleaning service to cover any potential damage that may occur. If a residential cleaning provider is bonded and has liability insurance you can have confidence that they will be accountable for any breakage, damage, loss or injury that occurs while cleaning your home. Maid Brigade carries all necessary bonding and insurance.
2. Could I be violating tax laws?
If you pay an individual more that $1400 a year for maid service and that maid doesn’t pay taxes, you are responsible for federal withholding, social security, and Medicare taxes. You want to be sure your maid service provider is paying all the federal and local taxes. Maid Brigade stays current with all these requirements so that you are never liable.
3. Do I know who is cleaning my home?
It’s almost impossible to verify the honesty of people on your own. Maid Brigade maids are screened carefully before they are hired. They must complete a thorough training program before advancing to a formal house cleaning position. For your safety and protection, our maid teams are uniformed and arrive in a company-marked vehicle.
4. Do they provide all cleaning supplies and use state-of-the-art equipment?
If a cleaning service uses your supplies when cleaning the house, you may not be getting the quality house cleaning service you expect, and the expense of supplies comes out of your pocket. Maid Brigade provides all professional house cleaning solutions, sanitized supplies and high-tech vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters that remove 99.7% of particles as small as 3/100th microns.
5. What recourse do I have if the work is not satisfactory?
Some maid services or individuals may charge extra for “re-dos”. Not Maid Brigade. Every house cleaning is inspected by an onsite team leader and guaranteed to your satisfaction. If there is ever an area of concern, we will schedule a prompt re-clean, at no additional cost to you.
6. Is customer service a recorded message?
These days, that’s how business is frequently handled. Maid Brigade takes a refreshing approach. We actually look forward to hearing from you. With rare exception, you will reach a “live body” when you call our office.
