May's Maids Premium House Cleaning Services in Frederick, MD Now also serving Boonsboro, Knoxville, Brunswick and Keedysville

Premium, custom cleaning services provided by eco-friendly, bonded and insured maid. Aromatherapy services available.
Home
About Us
Contact Us
Services
Products
101 Cleaning Tips
Links and Resources
Site Map
Choosing a service
Thinking of hiring a cleaning service?
Choosing a cleaning service can be difficult. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind for your search; even if you don't choose us.

Insurance and bonding are very important in this industry. Without the proper coverage, the homeowner may be stuck with court battles and legal fees to deal with damages or theft. When interviewing a service provider make sure to ask if they are covered. Beyond asking if they are covered; make sure they provide documentation.
 
During a walk-through estimate is the best way to get a good feel for your service provider. Follow any gut reactions you have when you meet the individual. Ask questions and be specific about your needs. The more specific you are about your desires, the happier you will be with your service.
 
Ask who exactly will be doing the cleaning. Many companies have multiple crews out on the road so you will may not know who will be in your home. Just because you trust the owner of the company does not mean you should automatically trust their employees. House Cleaning is a very intimate service so most people do not want high numbers of staff rotating through thier home.
 
Ask who will have the keys to your home. Again, large companies may rotate and you may or may not know who will have access to your keys and all your valuable possessions and heirlooms.
 
Get a copy of the company's policies and checklists before service begins. If everything is in writing from the beginning, it is obviously easier to deal with issues in the future.
 
Make sure to discuss what products will be used. There are many great commercial products out there, but you should be aware of possible affects on your health breathing the toxins after they are gone. If your company of choice uses harsh chemicals, ask if they will use your natural or green products in stead. Also, If you have special surfaces in your home such as granite, marble or wood, you should ask how they will care for these items. Damage can be costly and time consuming to repair so make sure they know what they are doing.
 
References are a must! An ineperienced, untrained house-cleaner may provide a lower level quality of service or damage your investments. If they are just starting out of course they deserve a shot too, just make sure to discuss enough details with them so you are comfortable with their knowledge.


Red Flags
Things that may mean you should interview another service.
No insurance
 
No bonding
 
Only accepts cash
 
Your instincts tell you no. Follow your instincts!
 
They want you to provide the products.
 
If they seem ignorant about surfaces in your home. (and don't offer to research the surface)  There is skill and knowledge needed in this industry. Make sure they know how to properly care for your home.
 
Slovenly appearance. If the company's representative can't take the initiative to make themselves tidy for an interview/estimate, they are not likely to be able to provide good service.
 
If they can't speak enough English to hold a conversation. (They are likely not trained properly for the care of high-end merchandise)
 
Offers of rock-bottom pricing. Generally prices way below industry standards are a red flag something is going on.
 
After hiring
Getting the most out of your money and keeping everyone satisfied.
 
Sign the contract. This protects both parties and eliminates confusion.
 
Keep open lines of communication and build a rapport with your service provider. If you let your service provider know when they do a good or bad job at something, they are more likely to meet your expectations.
 
Consider staying home for the first cleaning if you are uneasy. It may make you feel better to be home the first cleaning or so to keep an eye on the workers. Just try to stay out of the way and not talk to much as they do have a job to do.
 
Give advance notice of appointment cancelations or re-schedulings. Your service provider loses money when they hold a space open for your home and you cancel. That time frame could easily be filled with advance notice. (Emergencies are generally understandable within reason) Many companies will charge a fee if you do not provide enough notice.
 
Remember house cleaners are people too. Because we choose this industry does not make us low-class, uneducated or any less of a person. If you stereotype against cleaning professionals, try hard to avoid letting it show. It makes your house cleaners uncomfortable and the company may choose to terminate your contract.