Getting the most out of housekeeping services in California: Tips for a well-run household

Housekeeping services can be a lifesaver for busy households in California, providing much-needed help in maintaining a clean and organized home. Just imagine walking into a spotless home after a hectic day at work or coming back from vacation to find the house in perfect condition. However, to truly get the most out of these services and have a well-run household, there are a few things you must do.

Select the right housekeeper

Finding the perfect housekeeper in California for your needs takes some vetting. When screening and interviewing potential housekeepers, consider the following: 

Services offered

Make sure to discuss and confirm the cleaning services offered by the housekeeper before hiring them. Some housekeepers may only do routine cleanings, while others may offer deep cleaning services with additional tasks such as laundry.

Experience

Look for experienced housekeepers in the type of cleaning service you require. You can usually find this information in an applicant’s resume, but you should also ask for specific examples or situations they encountered in past jobs and how they handled them. Working with a cleaning company or housekeeping placement agency can also ensure that you are matched with experienced and qualified individuals.

References

Perform a background check and ask for references from previous or current clients to gauge a potential housekeeper’s work ethic, professionalism, and personality.

Schedule and availability

It’s not worth hiring a housekeeper who is only available at times that don’t fit your schedule. Discuss cleaning schedules during the interview process and find someone who can work with your availability. Also, clarify how frequently you would like the housekeeper to come and for how long.

Pricing

Estimate your monthly budget and negotiate house cleaning prices with applicants. California homeowners can expect to pay $40 to $55 per hour for a part-time housekeeping service. Keep in mind that the cheapest option for house cleaning services may not always be the best. Consider the services provided and the experience of the house cleaner rather than just looking at the price alone. 

Discuss your expectations

After hiring a housekeeper, have them walk through your house while clarifying your cleaning needs. This includes setting guidelines on what tasks should be completed, how often, and any specific instructions or preferences you may have. For example, you may want to notify the housekeeper to use certain cleaning supplies for specific surfaces or avoid using any products with strong scents.

It’s also vital to discuss how the housekeeper will access your home and any security measures that should be taken, such as leaving a key or setting an alarm code. Another important detail to discuss is the privacy of your home and personal belongings. Inform the housekeeper of any areas that are off limits or if there are items that should not be moved or touched during the cleaning process (e.g., delicate decorations, sensitive documents).

Establish a clear schedule

Routine cleaning schedules are key to maintaining a well-run household. Discuss with your housekeeper about a regular cleaning schedule that fits their availability and your budget. There are housekeepers who provide daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly services depending on the size of your home and the level of cleanliness you desire. Larger households in California with several children may require more frequent visits, while smaller ones may only need a bi-weekly cleaning routine.

The duration of each cleaning session should also be discussed and agreed upon beforehand so that the housekeeper has enough time to complete all tasks thoroughly. Generally, rooms such as the kitchen and bathrooms may require more attention and a longer cleaning time compared to other areas of the house. To establish a more detailed schedule, you can also create a cleaning checklist complete with an estimated time of completion for each task.

Organize supplies and equipment

While house cleaners can bring their own supplies and equipment, it’s beneficial to have an essential cleaning kit readily available. This kit can include a vacuum cleaner, a mop, a broom, an all-purpose cleaner, a glass cleaner, and microfiber cloths. By having these supplies organized and easily accessible, housekeepers can get straight to work without having to go back to their car or come back another day because they don’t have the necessary supplies.

You should also leave a list of preferred or required cleaning products for specific tasks (e.g., glass cleaner for windows, disinfectant for bathrooms). Note that this may require doing some research to find products that are safe and effective for your home, but it will ensure that the housekeeper can provide quality cleaning results.

Use quality control checklists

If you want your house to be cleaned and maintained in a particular way, it’s important to provide quality control checklists that the housekeeper can follow. These checklists should list all tasks that need to be completed, including any specific instructions for each task. For instance, tasks in the kitchen may include wiping down countertops, dusting, cleaning appliances, scrubbing stovetops, and mopping the floor. These checklists will help the housekeeper clean all areas of your home efficiently and according to your standards.

It may even be worth taking photos of how you would like your furniture and rooms to look after cleaning and providing these as visual references for the housekeeper. This will prevent any confusion or misunderstandings while allowing the housekeeper to make adjustments and improve their services according to your preferences.

Communicate with housekeepers regularly

Communication is key to maintaining a good working relationship with your housekeeper. Before they get started, tell them about the areas you want them to focus on and ask if they have any questions. If there are any changes or updates to your expectations or schedule, notify the housekeeper in advance and be open to their feedback and suggestions as well.

During cleaning and maintenance, check in with the housekeeper to make sure they are following your instructions and that you are satisfied with their work. Reviewing the quality of work and providing feedback after the job can also help the housekeeper improve and continue to provide excellent services.

Additionally, don’t forget to show appreciation for your housekeeper’s hard work through gestures such as leaving a thank-you note or offering a small tip. These simple acts can go a long way in building a positive and professional relationship with your housekeeper 

Choosing the right housekeeper and getting the most out of their services can make a significant difference in the cleanliness and organization of your home. If you’re looking for housekeepers in California or Texas who can guarantee high-quality services and customer satisfaction, Town + Country Resources is here to help. Contact us today for our housekeeping placement services, and let us take the stress out of finding the perfect housekeeper for your household.