How to choose a cleaning service you will still be happy with in a year
There are hundreds of cleaning companies and independent cleaners in Houston, and no state license to sort them. These are the questions that separate the good ones.
Because Texas does not license house cleaning or janitorial work, anyone can start a cleaning business tomorrow. That is not a bad thing in itself; it just means the checking is up to you. The good news is that a ten-minute phone call tells you most of what you need to know, if you ask the right questions.
Ten questions worth asking
- How do you price: by the hour or by the visit? Either can be fair. A flat price per visit protects you from a slow crew; an hourly rate can be cheaper with a fast one. Make sure you know which you are getting.
- What exactly is on the checklist? Ask for it in writing. A company that cannot tell you what is included will not be consistent about doing it.
- Is the first visit priced differently? It usually should be. A low first price followed by a much higher regular price, or the other way round, is worth asking about.
- Are you insured, and can I see the certificate? General liability insurance covers damage to your home. Ask to see it rather than taking a yes on trust.
- Who will actually come? Employees, subcontractors or a marketplace of independent cleaners? Each model works; you should know which it is.
- Will it be the same crew each time? Consistency matters more than almost anything. Ask how often crews change.
- How do you handle keys and door codes? Look for a written procedure: keys tagged without your address, codes kept private, and a record of who has access.
- What happens if something is missed or broken? A good company has a simple answer: a return visit within a day or two, and a clear process for damage.
- What is your cancellation policy? For both of you. Find out the notice you need to give and what happens if they cancel.
- Do you bring supplies, and can you use mine? Professional cleaners bring their own, but should be happy to use products you prefer.
Warning signs
- A price given with no questions about the home.
- Cash only, with no invoice.
- No written checklist or no clear answer about what is included.
- Pressure to sign a long contract for a home.
- Reviews that all appear in the same week, or a company with no address or phone number that anyone answers.
Business owners: three extra questions
For an office or building, also ask how the work is inspected and reported, how keys and alarm codes are controlled, and how the company handles a missed night. Ask for the scope in writing and make sure it says what happens daily, weekly and monthly. Our workplace cleaning checklist is a good starting point.
We answer every one of these questions in writing with our quote. If any answer is unclear, ask us again.
Quick answers
Do cleaning companies in Texas need a license?
No. Texas has no state license for house cleaning or janitorial services. Ask about insurance, written checklists and how problems are handled instead.
Is it better to hire an independent cleaner or a company?
An independent cleaner can be excellent and less expensive, but you depend on one person's schedule and health. A company can cover sick days and holidays and usually carries business insurance.
How do I compare two quotes?
Compare the checklists and the time on site, not just the price. A cheaper quote with a shorter visit and a thinner checklist is not the same service.
Should I do a trial clean first?
Yes. A one-time deep clean or first visit is the best way to see the work before committing to a regular plan.