Domestic cleaning

Whether you require a weekly maintenance visit or a one-off deep clean, professional services provide a hygienic environment and protect your property's long-term value. From specialist floor care to sanitising high-touch surfaces, these services are tailored to the specific needs of your household.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Initial Consultation: A walkthrough to agree on the scope of work, identify priority areas, and confirm access arrangements.
• Dusting and Surface Care: Removing dust from skirting boards, light fittings, picture frames, and high-level surfaces.
• Kitchen Sanitisation: Deep cleaning worktops, degreasing hob exteriors, and sanitising sinks, taps, and appliance fronts.
• Bathroom Deep Clean: Descaling taps and showerheads, scrubbing tiles, and sanitising toilets, baths, and mirrors.
• Floor Maintenance: Vacuuming all carpets and rugs, followed by sweeping and mopping hard floors with appropriate solutions.
• Internal Glass: Cleaning internal windows, glass partitions, and polishing mirrors to a streak-free finish.
• High-Touch Areas: Disinfecting door handles, light switches, and bannisters to reduce the spread of bacteria.

Typical Costs

Prices vary significantly based on your location in the UK, with London and the South East typically seeing rates 20-30% higher than the national average. Costs are also influenced by whether the cleaner provides their own professional-grade equipment and eco-friendly detergents.

How Long Does It Take?

• Regular Maintenance Clean: 2–4 hours weekly or fortnightly depending on property size.
• 2-Bedroom Flat (Deep Clean): 4–6 hours with a single cleaner or 3 hours with a team.
• 3-Bedroom House (Deep Clean): 6–8 hours, often requiring a team of two for efficiency.
• End of Tenancy Clean: 8–12 total labour hours to meet strict inventory standards.
• Specialist Tasks: Oven cleaning (1-2 hours) and carpet cleaning (30-60 mins per room).

DIY or Professional?

While DIY cleaning is a daily reality for most, professional cleaners possess the industrial-grade chemicals and high-powered equipment needed for a "showroom" finish. Professionals are trained in the correct application of products, preventing accidental damage to delicate surfaces like marble, natural stone, or specialist wood finishes.

Hiring a professional is highly recommended for End of Tenancy cleans, as many UK letting agents require a professional receipt to guarantee the full return of your deposit.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check Insurance: Ensure they hold Public Liability insurance (minimum £1 million) to cover accidental damage to your property.
• Vetting and DBS: For your peace of mind, ask if the cleaner or agency staff have undergone a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• References: Look for established local reviews or ask for contact details of two current long-term clients.
• Equipment: Clarify whether they bring their own vacuum and products or if you are expected to provide them.

Questions to ask:

• What specific tasks are included in your "standard" clean versus a "deep" clean?
• Do you have a replacement policy if my regular cleaner is unwell or on holiday?
• How do you handle key security and access to the property?
• Is there a minimum contract period or a cancellation fee?

UK Regulations

• COSHH: Professional cleaners should understand the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations regarding the storage and use of chemicals.
• Health & Safety: Cleaners should follow basic safety protocols, such as using "wet floor" signage if working in communal or high-traffic areas.
• Employment Status: If hiring an independent cleaner directly, ensure you understand their employment status to avoid unintended "employer" tax obligations.
• Insurance Certificates: You are entitled to see a copy of their valid Public Liability insurance before work commences.

Common Problems

• Misaligned Expectations: Ensure a written checklist is agreed upon to avoid "missed" areas like skirting boards or the tops of cupboards.
• Surface Damage: Using the wrong chemicals on natural stone or high-gloss kitchens can cause permanent staining; always verify their experience with these materials.
• Access Issues: Forgotten alarm codes or faulty key safes can lead to wasted call-out fees; always test access before the first visit.
• Inconsistent Standards: Large agencies may send different cleaners each week; request a dedicated cleaner for better consistency and trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be at home while the cleaner is there?

No, most homeowners provide a key or a key safe code. It is common to be present for the first clean to discuss priorities, but thereafter, most cleaners work independently.

Do cleaners bring their own supplies?

Agencies usually provide all equipment and chemicals. Independent cleaners may ask you to provide the vacuum and basic supplies to keep their hourly rate lower.

What is the difference between a standard clean and a deep clean?

A standard clean covers visible surfaces and floors. A deep clean includes "hidden" areas like behind appliances, inside cupboards, descaling shower heads, and cleaning woodwork.

How should I prepare for the cleaner's arrival?

To get the most value for your money, "tidy" before they "clean." Clearing toys, papers, and clutter allows the cleaner to focus on sanitising surfaces rather than moving items.

Are cleaners allowed to use bleach in my home?

Many modern professionals avoid bleach due to its corrosive nature and fumes, preferring eco-friendly or oxygen-based cleaners. Always specify if you have a preference or allergy.

What happens if something is broken during the clean?

A professional should inform you immediately. This is why Public Liability insurance is vital; it ensures that any significant damage is covered by their policy rather than your home insurance.