One-Time Cleaning Services in Palo Alto, CA

• Cheaper
• Become familiar/comfortable with one person
• More personalized service

• May not be insured or bonded
• May not have a recent background check
• No supervisor to report a bad experience to

• Insurance and bonding usually guaranteed
• Reliability

• More expensive
• May have multiple people in your home

• Keeping your home clean is a task that never seems to end, and it can take up most of your free time. Instead of spending your weekends mopping and dusting, consider hiring a housekeeper or cleaning service.
• Unless a housekeeper performs specific duties regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency or your state or local government, no specific licensing is usually required to become a housekeeper. However, you’ll want to work with a professional who can pass a background check and has a current business license, liability insurance and a surety bond. You’ll also want to select someone who has the experience and can provide references, or someone who has received some professional training from a cleaning company.
• Keep in mind when hiring any type of professional to clean your home that each state has its own requirements for licensing. You can use Home Advisor’s Contractor Licensing Requirements State-By-State guide to learn more. You can also learn more about the extensive screening process we use when allowing businesses to join our network.

When you hire a housekeeper or cleaning service, there are some questions you’ll need to ask to ensure you’re hiring the right person for the job. Writing down a list of services you want to be completed is a great place to start. This way, you’ll have all the information you need when you do interview a housekeeper or cleaning service, and they can provide you with accurate information and cost estimates.

What Services Do You Offer?

Find out upfront if the housekeeper or cleaning company offers the services you need, especially if you have requests that go beyond basic services.

How Do You Come Up With Your Rates?

Do they charge a flat fee each week? Do they charge an hourly rate? Some companies charge based on your home’s square footage or the number of bedrooms you have.

Do You Provide Your Own Supplies?

Many companies may provide some smaller cleaning supplies, but they may need to use your vacuum cleaner or mop. Others bring their own or none at all. And if you’re particular about the types of chemicals used in your home, you may want to ask what products they use or if they’re willing to use what you provide.

What Happens if Something Goes Wrong?

Anytime you have a professional in your home, something could go wrong. They could get hurt, or some of your property may be damaged. Ask what would happen in these scenarios — a well-qualified professional will have the necessary insurance and bonding to cover these situations.