Letting strangers into your house is a real trust decision. Here's what to look for when hiring a cleaning company.
Insurance + bonding (non-negotiable)
$2M general liability minimum. Bonding for theft/damage. Ask for certificates. A company that can't immediately provide insurance certificates isn't insured.
Background checks
Every cleaner should have a criminal background check + drug test on file. We share background reports with new customers as standard practice.
W-2 employees vs. subcontractors
W-2 employees are accountable to the company that hires you. Subcontractors are 1099 — different accountability + insurance situation. Always ask.
Same team every visit
Continuity matters. Same team learns your home — your special requests, what you care about. Rotating teams produce inconsistent quality.
Reference checks
Ask for 3-5 long-term customer references (not just review snippets). Customers willing to talk on the phone are real customers.
Key/access protocol
How do they handle your keys or access codes? Encrypted lockbox system? Stored in physical office safe? Lost/stolen protocol?
Damage protocol
What happens if something breaks? Real damage protocols include immediate communication + claim filing. Companies that hide damage are red flags.
Cancellation flexibility
Can you skip a week if you're traveling? Cancel altogether without penalty? Long-term contracts with cancellation fees are usually warning signs.
The right cleaning company shouldn't just clean your house — they should give you peace of mind about who's in your house.
Free consultations. Bring your questions. We'll show you our processes + share references.
Need weekly & bi-weekly cleaning in Chicago?
We're Pristine Home Cleaning — family-owned, fully licensed, and answering the phone live. Most Chicago jobs booked same-day.