What to Know Before Hiring a Cleaning Service: 10 Essential Questions

1. Insurance and Bonding

This is the single most important thing to verify. When someone enters your home to clean, things can go wrong — accidental damage to a TV, a scratch on hardwood floors, or a slip-and-fall injury.

• General liability insurance: Covers damage to your property caused by the cleaning team. Ask for at minimum $1 million in coverage.
• Workers compensation: Required in Oregon for companies with employees. If a cleaner is injured in your home and the company does not carry workers comp, you could be liable.
• Bonding: Protects against theft. While rare with professional services, bonding provides an additional layer of protection.

Ask the cleaning company to provide their certificate of insurance. Legitimate businesses will share this without hesitation. If they hesitate or cannot provide one, move on.

2. Background Checks

The people entering your home should be vetted. Ask the cleaning company:

• Do you conduct criminal background checks on all employees?
• Do you verify employment eligibility?
• Are your employees W-2 workers or independent contractors?

Companies that use W-2 employees generally provide better accountability than those using independent contractors. With employees, the company is responsible for training, insurance, and conduct. With independent contractors, there is less oversight.

In Oregon, there are no state requirements for cleaning company employees to be background-checked, so this is something you must ask about directly.

3. Pricing Structure

Cleaning services price in three common ways:

• Flat rate: A set price based on home size and service type. Most common and most transparent.
• Hourly rate: $25 to $50 per cleaner per hour in Oregon. Flexible but unpredictable in total cost.
• Per square foot: Common for commercial cleaning, less common residential.

Get quotes from at least three companies. Be wary of quotes significantly below market rate — undercutting usually means uninsured workers, no background checks, or rushed work. For typical Oregon pricing, see our house cleaning cost guide.

4. What Is and Is Not Included

Never assume. Ask for a written checklist of what the standard cleaning includes. Key questions:

• Is the inside of the oven and refrigerator included?
• Are baseboards and window sills included?
• Do you clean inside cabinets?
• Are beds made with existing linens?
• What counts as "extra" and what does it cost?

A company that cannot provide a clear checklist is a company that will leave you wondering what you are paying for. For a detailed breakdown, read what a house cleaning includes.

5. Supplies and Equipment

Most professional services bring everything — cleaning solutions, vacuum, mop, cloths, and specialty tools. Confirm this before the visit. Also ask:

• What brands and types of products do you use?
• Do you offer green or eco-friendly product options?
• Can I request specific products for my home?
• Do you use HEPA-filter vacuums?

For households with allergies, pets, or small children, product choice matters. Most Oregon services offer eco-friendly options. See eco-friendly cleaning products in Oregon for product guidance.

6. Satisfaction Guarantee

Reputable cleaning companies offer a satisfaction guarantee — typically a free re-clean of any area you are not happy with within 24 to 48 hours. This policy tells you the company stands behind its work.

Ask specifically:

• What is your satisfaction guarantee policy?
• How quickly will you address a complaint?
• Is there a time limit for reporting issues?

7. Cancellation Policy

Understand the cancellation terms before booking:

• How far in advance must you cancel? Most companies require 24 to 48 hours notice.
• Is there a cancellation fee? Common fees range from $25 to $75 or 50 percent of the visit cost for late cancellations.
• Can you reschedule instead of cancel? Many services are flexible about moving your cleaning to a different day within the same week.

8. Reviews and References

Check multiple review sources:

• Google Reviews: The largest review platform; look for companies with 50+ reviews and 4.5+ stars
• Yelp: Especially relevant in Portland, where Yelp usage is high
• Nextdoor: Neighborhood-specific recommendations from verified residents
• BBB (Better Business Bureau): Check for complaints and resolution history

Pay attention to how the company responds to negative reviews. A professional, solution-oriented response to criticism is a good sign. Defensive or dismissive responses are a red flag.

9. Red Flags to Watch For

Avoid cleaning services that exhibit these warning signs:

• No insurance documentation: If they cannot provide a certificate of insurance, walk away
• Cash-only payment: Legitimate businesses accept card payments and provide receipts
• No written agreement: Verbal-only arrangements lead to disputes
• Dramatically low pricing: If the quote is 40 to 50 percent below competitors, something is being cut — usually insurance or fair wages
• No online presence: A cleaning company with no website, no reviews, and no social media is hard to hold accountable
• Pressure to commit immediately: "This price is only good today" tactics are a red flag in any service industry
• Reluctance to provide references: Established companies are happy to share references

10. Take the Next Step

Hiring a cleaning service is a trust decision — you are letting people into your home. Taking 30 minutes to verify insurance, check reviews, and ask the right questions protects you and ensures you get the quality you are paying for.

For a step-by-step hiring process, see our detailed guide on how to hire a house cleaner. Or compare your options with our guide on maid service vs cleaning service.

Otesse is fully insured, conducts background checks on all team members, and provides a written scope for every cleaning. We serve homes throughout Oregon's I-5 corridor. View our transparent pricing or book a cleaning with confidence.