Thinking About Starting a Cleaning Business—What Makes a Cleaner Truly Stand Out?

[RuxpinT]

I'm thinking of starting my own cleaning business, starting off with cleaning homes. For those of you that have a regular cleaner, or have had cleaners in the past, or who have switched between different cleaners... what is it that makes somebody stand out in your opinion?

I understand things such as reliability (not cancelling, turning up on time, sticking to agreed upon time frames etc), are crucial, but what really makes a cleaner stand out to you? Are there certain things that you particularly like to see, little flourishes like folding towels in a certain way, for example? Little things that go beyond your expectations?

Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated! :)

When I first cleaned in the building work I messaged to say because there were areas missing (lots of carpets protected etc) I was only this long and that it’s would be (adjusted amount) this week and probably going forward until complete but if there was anything extra she wanted me to do please let me know. About 1/3 of the house was under plastic to start with so I basically just ran out of things to do, I’d cleaned all the little bits and seemed pointless going over things that didn’t need to be done so I sent a lower bill.

No when I first took on the jobs I firstly asked a rough size of the house including rooms and said a rough estimate I thought it would take and the client also suggested a time they thought it would take (this is before seeing the house) it’s very hard to predict, some houses have so much glass, ornaments, blinds, built in furniture, pets etc. there are so many variables! Some 3 bed houses take me 2 hours and some take 4! I then go in and do an initial clean to get it upto my standard - so for some houses that meant a couple of 8 hour days (pre agreed) for some it was a certain amount of hours a week with a bit extra on top and it took a month to fully get there and then the time would drop - it all depends on the clients budget etc. Some houses are very clean to start with, some have needed a good organise, deep clean, I also clean for some older people so I do kind of half clean half other duties like making them tea, food, doing their washing and basically anything else they ask, take them out to the garden centre or shopping etc. as I said I’m recommended by word of mouth, I’ve done odd one off deep cleans, end of tenancy for clients friends before. I am always there at the same time every week but also because it’s just me I do have that flexibility, on holiday? I can switch my day etc. A few of my clients travel a lot so I will do extra cleans if they have had people staying with their pet so it’s nice for when they get back etc!

so no I don’t do a list of what’s included, because I just tend to do everything I see as I go along and will check in with clients they are happy and say to let me know if they want anything specific done etc that week to let me know! So they will text and say advice will you pick up dry cleaning and change the bed this week please? Etc! Other jobs I would automatically just do this. I’ve only had positive feedback so far and would like to think a client would say if they needed something done or were not happy. It depends what the family wants and as I start out with them I talk to them and figure it out. Some families like me to organise a bit and some don’t want their stuff moved so that’s what generally we figure out int he first couple of weeks. Maybe I am very lucky and just have quite relaxed houses!

Don’t tell me what needs doing in my own home is a key one for me. stick to the list that I give!

Consistent cleaning, reliable and trustworthy

Don’t judge my space or how I arrange things, or if you do, keep it to yourself.

If you have any vision loss, wear your specs while working

Put the lights on if it’s a dull day, switch them off again when you’ve finished that room.

As in some PPs, someone who’s proactive and suggests things is great. I like someone who collaborates with me rather than following their own routine rigidly.

Ability to deep clean certain things/ rooms once you’ve got to know my house, by agreement . Don’t mind if that means other things don’t get done every time.

Putting things back that you’ve moved eg small furniture like a stool. I’m disabled so this very important for me.

Job for life for a cleaner who notices the hoover bag needs changing occasionally!

Don’t criticise
encourage
put things back where they were

Having a schedule for cleaning things like skirting boards, light switches, lampshades, under sofa cushions etc across the month.

Taking initiative if there is spare time.

Taking care while mopping not to leave skirtings/ kitchen fittings soaking in loads of water. Not saturating wooden floors.

Knowledgeable use of cleaning products and equipment not to cause damage.

Lift, don’t drag.

I love when the furniture is squared up, cushions karate chopped, bed made, hoover lines in the carpet - not a deal breaker, but definitely nice.

Please don’t take photographs in my home.

I always had cleaners when I worked. Three in all , each came recommended by friends and stayed 5,11 and 13 years. In addition I had an agency cleaning for about 6 months which really didn't work. They just weren't thorough. They were unsupervised and on the occasion that I came home from work and didn't think they had been in that day, I let them go.

Good communication seemed to be the thing that kept all parties happy. l mostly check in to find out if my cleaner was ok, if there were any problems and to thank them. I always paid them a good rate and regularly reviewed it with them. ..like when there were fare increases
I got them to leave me a note if there was anything they needed me to know or do.
I bought the cleaning supplies they/I preferred including buying the Miele vacuum cleaner recommended by one of them, it is the very best. Still using it!
What worked for me was; they cleaned all surfaces and things on the surfaces.
Agreeing which areas/rooms would be cleaned each week.
Understanding which day they would come and how long they would work for.
They were kind and friendly and so was I.

I want to get a cleaner again to help us in a biggish house but I am reticent as I can't find anyone through personal recommendation..anyone who is good is busy!.. hence me reading this thread!