Hiring a cleaning service means trusting strangers in your home with your belongings. Whether you need weekly maintenance cleaning, deep cleaning, or move-out cleaning, finding a trustworthy and thorough service is essential. This guide helps you find the right fit for your home and budget.
Quick Tips
- Always verify insurance and bonding
- Ask if they do background checks on employees
- Get a written cleaning checklist
- Start with a deep clean before regular service
- Be home for the first visit
How to Find the Right Provider
Decide What You Need
Different cleaning needs require different services.
- Regular maintenance: weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly
- Deep cleaning: thorough one-time clean
- Move-in/move-out: preparing for transitions
- Specialty: post-construction, hoarding, etc.
Verify Insurance and Bonding
Protection in case of damage, theft, or injury.
- General liability insurance covers property damage
- Bonding protects against employee theft
- Workers' comp covers injuries on your property
- Request proof of current coverage
Ask About Employees
Know who will be in your home.
- Do they run background checks?
- Are cleaners employees or subcontractors?
- Will the same person/team come each time?
- How are cleaners trained and supervised?
Get Clear Pricing
Understand exactly what you're paying for.
- Flat rate vs. hourly pricing
- What's included in the base price?
- Extra charges for deep cleaning, windows, etc.
- Cancellation and rescheduling policies
Request a Walkthrough
A good company will assess your home before quoting.
- In-home estimate for accurate pricing
- Discuss problem areas and priorities
- Clarify what's included and excluded
- Get everything in writing
Red Flags to Watch For
- No insurance or refuses to provide proof
- Won't provide references
- Quotes without seeing your home
- Unusually low prices (may cut corners or be uninsured)
- High employee turnover (different cleaner each time)
- No clear cancellation policy
- Cash-only payments with no receipts
- Evasive about background checks
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Are you insured and bonded?
Protects you from liability for damages or theft. Always ask for proof.
Do you do background checks on employees?
These people will be in your home, often unsupervised. Background checks are essential.
Will the same person clean my home each time?
Consistency means better service—they learn your home and preferences.
What cleaning products do you use?
Important if you have allergies, pets, children, or prefer eco-friendly products.
What's your satisfaction guarantee?
Good companies will return to fix issues. Know the policy before you need it.
What's your cancellation policy?
Life happens. Know the fees and notice required for schedule changes.
What to Expect to Pay
| Service | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Standard cleaning (1,500 sq ft) | $120 - $200 |
| Standard cleaning (2,500 sq ft) | $180 - $300 |
| Deep cleaning (add 50-100%) | $200 - $400 |
| Move-out cleaning | $250 - $500 |
| Weekly service (per visit) | $100 - $180 |
| Bi-weekly service (per visit) | $120 - $220 |
| Monthly service (per visit) | $150 - $280 |
| Interior window cleaning (add-on) | $50 - $100 |
* Costs vary by location, job complexity, and market conditions.
Texas Cleaning Service Requirements
Texas doesn't require a special license for residential cleaning services. However, reputable companies should carry general liability insurance, be bonded, and conduct background checks on employees.