Emily Flores
Hiring a cleaner should make your life easier and not add stress. But if you miss the warning signs, you could end up dealing with damage or theft. Professional cleaners know exactly what red flags to watch for when bringing someone new on board. So, before you let anyone into your home, read this list and protect yourself from costly mistakes. These are the signs you canât afford to ignore.
No Coverage For Property Damage Or Workplace Injuries
Start by checking for liability insurance. If cleaners cause damage or injury, uninsured ones leave you paying the bill. Some even fake proof of coverage. Always verify with their insurer directly, as too many homeowners have incurred repair costs after trusting empty promises.
Not Bonded Against Theft
Bonding isnât optional, but it’s your only financial recourse if somethingâs stolen. Even background-checked workers have crossed lines when temptation strikes. Companies avoiding bonding do so to dodge accountability. Donât skip this detail; itâs your wallet and valuables on the line if anything vanishes.
No Clear Cleaning Checklist
Without a checklist, youâre flying blind. Cleaners might say, âI clean everything,â but miss key areas intentionally. Some use this tactic to upsell what shouldâve been included. A written list ensures you both know whatâs covered, preventing disputes or surprise fees later.
Lack Of References
You should never accept just one contact who wonât respond. Credible cleaners offer multiple references with real client feedback. If they hesitate or list only relatives, walk away. Fake reviews and silence usually signal something worse: a track record theyâre actively hiding.
Poor Online Reputation
What others say online speaks volumes. Dozens of bad reviews, patterns of missing items, or ignored calls scream trouble. Some cleaners scrub reviews rather than fix issues. Search multiple sites and trust consistent red flags, and not just their social media highlights.
Evasive Answers To Service Questions
You deserve straight answers when asking whatâs included. If cleaners get cagey or defensive, it means they either donât know or donât want you to know. Refusing to name cleaning agents? Theyâre likely hiding harmful ingredients or planning to cut corners.
No Employee Screening Process
Skipping background checks puts you at risk. Trustworthy companies verify criminal histories before handing over your keys. When screening is absent, theft, damage, or worse, becomes a real concern. Some services skip it to save costs; donât let that shortcut come back to bite you.
Suspiciously Low Pricing
Cheap rates donât always win. They often mean low-quality materials, untrained staff, or dishonest billing later. Some cleaners quote rock-bottom prices just to land the job, then tack on fees. What you save upfront could cost more in damage or missed tasks.
Hidden Charges And Unexpected Service Costs
Never settle for a verbal agreement. Many homeowners regret trusting cleaners who add fees mid-job. Some services avoid contracts on purpose to exploit ambiguity. Written agreements protect you from overcharges and make sure expectations around tasks, pricing, and guarantees stay clear.
Inconsistent Or Unprofessional Communication
One ignored message might become three. Frequent rescheduling, missed calls, or vague answers suggest bigger reliability issues. Some cleaners ghost clients completely after problems arise. A responsive, professional tone from the start is non-negotiable if you want a long-term, stress-free arrangement.