Keeping your living space clean and tidy is an essential aspect of leading a healthy and comfortable lifestyle.
However, not everyone has the time and energy to clean their homes regularly, do you?
This is where cleaning companies come in.
Cleaning companies offer the full range of professional cleaning services to help you keep your living spaces clean and fresh, without you even having to lift a finger.
If you’re based in Seattle and looking to hire a cleaning company, there are several key factors you need to consider to make sure you opt for the right one.
Here’s how you should go about choosing a cleaning company in Seattle.
1. Check For Reliability
The first thing you want to look for in a cleaning company is reliability. You want to be sure that the company will show up on time and complete the job to your satisfaction.
Apart from a proven track record of companies that have been in business for several years, here are some of the most important elements you should consider:
· Insurance
One of the first things you should look for in a cleaning company is insurance.
A reliable cleaning company should have liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance to protect you from any damage or injury that may occur during the cleaning process.
Without insurance, you could be held liable for any accidents or injuries that happen on your property.
· Work Guarantee
A reliable cleaning company should offer a work guarantee, which means that they will come back and fix any issues if you are not satisfied with the cleaning job. A work guarantee is a sign of a company’s confidence in its work and commitment to customer satisfaction.
So, if the company you’re interested in does not provide a guarantee, you may want to reevaluate your decision.
· Communication
A cleaning company that communicates clearly and promptly with its clients can help ensure that you receive the level of reliability you deserve.
This is important because when it comes to cleaning, misaligned expectations can cause issues between the customer and the cleaning company.
To avoid this, both parties should be on the same page.
For example, if a customer hires a cleaning company, they may expect them to clean the inside of the refrigerator and oven, as well as pull them out to clean behind and underneath them.
They may also expect the cleaning of other areas such as unfinished basements, attics, litter boxes, chandeliers, and fireplaces, which may NOT always be included in the company’s standard services.
Therefore, it is crucial for the company to inform the customer about what is included and what is not.
Without clear communication, there is a risk of issues arising at the end of the job, which is best avoided for a positive customer experience.
Also, make sure that the company provides clear instructions on how to prepare for cleaning, follows up after each cleaning, and responds quickly to any concerns or questions you may have.
· Values
It’s important to select a cleaning company that shares your values and priorities.
For example, if you are committed to using environmentally-friendly products and practices, look for a company that has a similar philosophy.
Choosing a cleaning company that uses eco-friendly products and practices can help you achieve this goal. See whether the company uses biodegradable cleaning products, recycles waste, and conserves water and energy.
Moreover, the way a cleaning company treats its employees can also be a clear indicator of how reliable it is. A company that pays its employees well, provides benefits, and offers training and advancement opportunities is more likely to have satisfied employees who are motivated to do a good job.
Lastly, an actively engaged business shows that they care about more than just making a profit. You should ideally support and hire a cleaning firm that is involved in local events, supports local charities, or participates in community service projects.
2. Ensure Quality
Once you have the reliability aspect sorted, the next thing you should consider is the quality of service they provide.
A company that delivers high-quality cleaning services will not only ensure that your home or office is clean and hygienic but will also offer a better overall experience. Here are some important factors to consider:
· Online Reviews and References
One of the best ways to determine a cleaning company’s quality of service is by checking their online reviews.
Look for reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.
You should ideally read a sufficient number of reviews to get an accurate picture of the company’s reputation.
Be wary of companies that have a large number of negative reviews, but don’t be put off by a couple of bad reviews as some clients may have unrealistic expectations.
Similarly, you can ask for references from previous clients and follow up with them to ask about their experience with the company. This will give you a first-hand account of the quality of their services and their professionalism.
· Employees vs. Independent Contractors
Another consideration is whether the cleaning company hires employees or independent contractors.
A cleaning company with employees is generally more reliable because they have more direct control over their workforce, which ensures consistency in terms of quality and scheduling.
Independent contractors, on the other hand, may have their own schedules and could be working for multiple clients, which can lead to inconsistencies in quality of service and unreliability.
· Cleaning Methods and Equipment
Next, you should make sure that the company uses equipment that is well-maintained and in good condition, as this can directly impact the quality of their work.
This can include vacuum cleaners, floor buffers, steam cleaners, and other specialized cleaning equipment that may be necessary for certain cleaning tasks. Outdated or poorly maintained equipment can be less effective, which can result in subpar cleaning results.
In terms of cleaning products, it is important to consider their safety, effectiveness, and environmental impact.
Ideally, a cleaning company should use environmentally friendly and non-toxic cleaning products that are safe for both the cleaning staff and the clients. Some companies may use harsh chemicals that can be harmful to people and pets, or even damage surfaces.
· Photo Proof
In addition to asking about cleaning methods and equipment, you can also ask the company to provide before and after photos of their work.
This will give you a visual representation of the quality of their services and can help you assess whether or not their work meets your standards.
3. Lookout For Prices
Next, you want to make sure that the company you hire provides good value for money.
After all, you don’t want to be paying an arm and a leg for a service that you could have gotten for much cheaper elsewhere.
· Average Rates
If you’re wondering how much it’s going to cost to hire a professional cleaning company in Seattle, the average rate is about $75-90 an hour. Now, that might sound like a lot of money, but keep in mind that this is for a top-notch, professional cleaning service.
Besides, the cost of living in Seattle is higher than in smaller cities or towns.
That means that everything from rent to utilities to wages for employees is going to be more expensive. Additionally, there is more competition in big cities, which means that companies need to offer competitive wages and benefits in order to attract and retain good employees.
· Other Factors
Of course, there are also factors that can affect the pricing of a cleaning company.
For example, if you need a deep clean or have specific requests for certain areas of your home or office, the price may be higher than for a standard cleaning.
Similarly, if you have a large space that needs to be cleaned, you can expect to pay more than for a smaller space.
· Warning Signs
Now, let’s talk about the warning signs of suspiciously low rates.
If a company is charging significantly less than the average rate, that might be a red flag. They might not be paying payroll taxes or insurance, which puts you at risk if something goes wrong.
Don’t skimp on these important factors just to save a few bucks. In the end, you’ll be much happier with a company that offers fair pricing and excellent service.
4. Account for Scheduling
Finally, the next thing you should look for is whether the cleaning company can work around your schedule.
After all, you want a cleaning service that can accommodate your specific needs and preferences, right?
· Flexibility in Scheduling
First and foremost, you want a cleaning company that offers flexible scheduling.
Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes unexpected events can come up, making it necessary to reschedule your cleaning appointment.
A cleaning company that is flexible with its scheduling can easily accommodate these changes without causing any inconvenience.
· Availability on Short Notice
Emergencies can happen at any time, and you want a cleaning service that can come to the rescue when you need them the most.
If you have unexpected guests coming over or are hosting a last-minute event, you want a cleaning company that can quickly respond to your request and provides quality cleaning services.
The best cleaning companies will have a team of professionals who can quickly respond to your requests, even on short notice.
· Consistency in Scheduling
Lastly, you don’t want a cleaning company that cancels appointments at the last minute or shows up late for a scheduled cleaning.
A reliable cleaning company will stick to the agreed-upon schedule and ensure that your cleaning needs are consistently met.
This not only ensures that your space stays clean and organized but also gives you peace of mind knowing that you’re working with a thoroughly professional company.
Parting Thoughts
Finding the right cleaning company for your home or business is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on your daily life.
By considering the four broad factors discussed in this blog – such as reliability, quality, pricing, and scheduling – you can make an informed choice that meets your specific needs. At the Dazzle Cleaning Company, we are committed to providing high-quality cleaning services, breathing new life in the places that matter to you.
With our team of trained professionals and state-of-the-art equipment, we can handle all your cleaning needs, from routine maintenance to deep cleaning.
So why wait? Contact us today and get your free quote!
