how do I go about hiring a house cleaner?

September 9, 2008 7:32 AM

how do I go about finding a good house cleaner in Toronto? I would prefer to hire an individual person, rather than a business, but I am willing to consider both. I am looking for recommendations, and tips as to what to ask after hearing some horror stories (house cleaner stealing, etc.). This is for a small apartment, 700 sq. feet.
posted by esolo to Home & Garden (6 answers total)

Where in Toronto are you located? How much do you want to pay? The problem with hiring an individual is there is the chance they'll be less accountable than a business. Is there any reason you are avoiding businesses? (I know a coworkers mom used to do cleaning work, but i'm not sure she takes new clients anymore.)
posted by chunking express at 8:02 AM on September 9, 2008

I am located in North York. I would prefer an individual because I expect better quality of work from one lady than a traditional business. (e.g. homemade bread vs. store bread analogy). I would also expect it to cost less, if done by an individual person. I am not sure what the rates are to be honest, so I do not know what to expect. However, if you are aware of an inexpensive reputable business, please let me know as well.
posted by esolo at 10:29 AM on September 9, 2008

I may know someone (reliable, honest, I know her former employer; she quit due to commute time).. if I can dig up her phone number I'll MeMail it to you.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 11:35 AM on September 9, 2008

thanks so much!
posted by esolo at 6:30 PM on September 9, 2008

and tips as to what to ask after hearing some horror stories

Ask for references (reasonable people expect this), and if you are worried about possible damage to your house, ask if they carry insurance (fwiw insurance for an independent housecleaning business [by which I mean, a single person with a business license], at least in the US, is not that expensive, but most individuals don't bother with it). You can ask for a list of what they generally do during a clean, and then specify that items be added or removed from the list. But if you're picky, you'd better tip well, or expect to go through a lot of cleaners.

Another thing to consider is will you be home during each clean? If not, how will the cleaner get into your apartment? Is there a gate/entry code, and would you feel comfortable giving this out, or giving the cleaner an extra key?

Are you sensitive to chemicals or dislike certain smells? If so, ask what types of cleaning products they use. Make sure they know how to take care of stainless steel, wool carpet, silk blinds, whatever you have that's fine or out-of-the-ordinary.

If you're single and in a small apartment without pets, you could be a dream client. On the other hand, you sound nervous, which usually indicates a PITA client. Good luck!
posted by tejolote at 11:25 PM on September 10, 2008

Ah, also another question to ask an independent is will they bring their own cleaning supplies or expect you to provide supplies. Ask if this includes things like broom and vacuum, not just furniture polish and windex.
posted by tejolote at 12:12 AM on September 11, 2008