Finding a Good Cleaning Service

How to Find a Good Cleaning Service in the Philadelphia Area

Cleaning services abound around the Philadelphia area, from huge companies to individuals trying to make a few extra dollars. The large companies are often well-known and therefore seem trustworthy, but the individuals may seem flexible with very attractive rates. How do you decide?

In part, your decision depends on what kind of cleaning you want done. Is it a one time cleaning, perhaps before you move into a new home, or do you want your home cleaned on a regular basis? Do you need any extra services, such as deep-cleaning an extra messy site or washing windows, cleaning a basement? Large companies may be willing to work with you, but more often you will find the most flexibility among individuals.

Price is another consideration. Individuals are more likely to be willing to negotiate a better price than a large company. Hiring an individual will also allow you to develop and maintain a relationship with one person, so they know your preferences and you know their work.

On the other hand, individuals often do not have proper business credentials -- no business license, insurance, workers comp. Some may not be legally permitted to work in this country. This means you have to be more careful when hiring an independent contractor to clean your house. A bonafide company will have taken care of background checks, insurance, bonding, etc. There are also plenty of real cleaning companies that are locally owned and operated. These may be the best of both worlds, although many Philadelphia homeowners have done well hiring a individual from the newspaper classifieds or craigslist. 

Perhaps the single most important step in hiring a cleaning service is to ask for and actually check references. A good house cleaner should be able to provide some references for personal character or from people they've worked for before. Don't let anyone in your home before you've checked those references.