Hiring the wrong cleaner costs you time, money and trust. A short vetting routine before the first visit protects your home and sets clear expectations on both sides. This checklist works whether you are in London, New York, Toronto or anywhere else, and it takes about ten minutes.
TL;DR: Before you hire a cleaner, confirm who they are, what the price covers, and how the first visit will work. Post your job for free on CQD New Gen, then run this checklist on anyone who replies.
Key facts
- Most hiring problems come from unclear scope, not bad cleaners. Agreeing the job in writing prevents the majority of disputes.
- A short trial visit tells you more than any amount of back and forth messaging.
- Supplies, timing and access are the three details people forget to confirm, and all three cause friction later.
- Hiring directly through a free platform means no agency markup and the cleaner keeps what you pay.
Before you message anyone
Get your own details straight first so your job post is accurate and the quotes you receive are realistic.
- Note your home size, number of bathrooms and any pets.
- Decide whether you want a one-off clean or a regular schedule.
- Be clear about the type of clean: standard upkeep, deep clean, or move-out.
- Set a rough budget so you can compare replies quickly.
The vetting checklist
Run through these points with anyone you are seriously considering.
- Identity and contact. Confirm a full name and a reliable way to reach them. A real person who answers questions clearly is a good sign.
- Experience and references. Ask how long they have been cleaning and whether they can share a reference or a repeat client. Many good independent cleaners work by word of mouth.
- Scope in writing. Agree exactly what is included and what is not, even in a short message. This is the single best protection against a disappointing first visit.
- Price and what it covers. Confirm the rate, the expected duration, and whether extras like oven, fridge or interior windows cost more.
- Supplies and equipment. Ask who provides products and a vacuum. Some cleaners bring everything, some expect you to supply it.
- Insurance. For regular access to your home, it is reasonable to ask whether they carry liability insurance. Not every independent cleaner does, so weigh it against the trial.
- Access and timing. Agree how they get in, how long the visit takes, and what happens if someone needs to reschedule.
The trial visit
Book a single visit before you commit to a recurring schedule. Walk the home together at the start so expectations are shared, then review the result together at the end. A good cleaner welcomes feedback and adjusts. If the first visit goes well, set up a regular slot. If it does not, you have lost one visit, not a long arrangement.
Hiring without agency fees
The simplest way to reach cleaners is to let them come to you. Post what you need, your area and how often, then run this checklist on the people who reply. On CQD New Gen posting a job and hiring is free on both sides right now, with no subscription and no commission, so the price you agree is the price.
FAQ
What should I check before hiring a cleaner?
Confirm their identity and contact details, ask about experience and references, agree the scope and price in writing, and clarify who provides supplies. Then book a single trial visit before committing to a schedule.
Should a cleaner have insurance?
For regular access to your home it is reasonable to ask whether they carry liability insurance. Many independent cleaners do not, so weigh that against a successful trial visit and clear references.
How do I avoid disagreements about what is included?
Agree the scope in writing before the first visit, even in a short message. Most disputes come from unclear expectations rather than poor work, so writing it down protects both sides.
Is a trial visit worth it?
Yes. A single visit shows you the quality of work and how well you communicate, which tells you far more than messaging alone. Commit to a regular schedule only after a good trial.
Is it free to post a cleaning job on CQD New Gen?
Yes. Posting a job and hiring is free on both sides right now, with no subscription and no commission taken from the cleaner.