Questions to Ask a Potential Cleaning Client
Professional questions for cleaners to vet clients, clarify expectations, pricing, and ensure a good working relationship.
1What type of property are you looking to have cleaned—home, office, or other?
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What type of property are you looking to have cleaned—home, office, or other?
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Why this works
Clarifies scope and whether you have the expertise and equipment for the space.
2How large is the space, and how many rooms need cleaning?
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How large is the space, and how many rooms need cleaning?
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Why this works
Helps you estimate time, effort, and appropriate pricing.
3What specific cleaning tasks are you looking for—deep clean, regular maintenance, or move-in/move-out?
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What specific cleaning tasks are you looking for—deep clean, regular maintenance, or move-in/move-out?
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Why this works
Sets expectations and ensures you're aligned on the level of service.
4How often would you like cleaning services—weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or one-time?
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How often would you like cleaning services—weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or one-time?
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Why this works
Clarifies frequency and whether this will be recurring income.
5Are there any specific areas that need extra attention or have been neglected?
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Are there any specific areas that need extra attention or have been neglected?
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Why this works
Surfaces problem zones that may require additional time or specialized cleaning.
6Do you have any pets, and are there any pet-related cleaning concerns?
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Do you have any pets, and are there any pet-related cleaning concerns?
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Why this works
Prepares you for hair, odors, or allergies that affect the job.
7Are there any allergies or sensitivities to cleaning products I should be aware of?
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Are there any allergies or sensitivities to cleaning products I should be aware of?
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Why this works
Ensures you use safe products and avoid causing health issues.
8Do you prefer I use your cleaning supplies, or should I bring my own?
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Do you prefer I use your cleaning supplies, or should I bring my own?
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Why this works
Clarifies logistics and whether supplies are included in your pricing.
9What is your budget or expected price range for this service?
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What is your budget or expected price range for this service?
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Why this works
Helps assess whether their expectations align with your rates.
10Will someone be home during the cleaning, or will I need a key or access code?
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Will someone be home during the cleaning, or will I need a key or access code?
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Why this works
Clarifies logistics and whether you're comfortable with unsupervised access.
11What is your preferred method of payment, and when is payment expected?
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What is your preferred method of payment, and when is payment expected?
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Why this works
Sets clear financial terms and avoids confusion about billing.
12How much notice do you need for cancellations or rescheduling?
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How much notice do you need for cancellations or rescheduling?
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Why this works
Protects your time and establishes boundaries around schedule changes.
13Are there any fragile items, valuable possessions, or off-limits areas I should know about?
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Are there any fragile items, valuable possessions, or off-limits areas I should know about?
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Why this works
Prevents accidents and clarifies what you're responsible for.
14What does success look like for you, and how will you evaluate my work?
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What does success look like for you, and how will you evaluate my work?
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Why this works
Aligns on standards and ensures you know what they're prioritizing.
15Have you worked with cleaners before, and what did or didn't work well?
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Have you worked with cleaners before, and what did or didn't work well?
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Why this works
Reveals past issues and what they've learned they need from a cleaner.
16Do you need any additional services like laundry, dishes, or organizing?
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Do you need any additional services like laundry, dishes, or organizing?
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Why this works
Clarifies whether extra tasks are expected and how that affects pricing.
17What is your timeline for starting services, and how flexible is your schedule?
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What is your timeline for starting services, and how flexible is your schedule?
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Why this works
Helps you plan your calendar and assess whether you can accommodate them.
18Are there any specific cleaning products or methods you prefer or want avoided?
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Are there any specific cleaning products or methods you prefer or want avoided?
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Why this works
Ensures you meet their preferences and avoid conflicts over approach.
19How do you handle feedback or concerns if something isn't cleaned to your satisfaction?
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How do you handle feedback or concerns if something isn't cleaned to your satisfaction?
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Why this works
Establishes communication norms and how issues will be resolved.
20Can you provide references or reviews from previous cleaners you've worked with?
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Can you provide references or reviews from previous cleaners you've worked with?
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Why this works
Helps you assess whether they're a reasonable client or have unrealistic expectations.
Vetting Clients as a Cleaner
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.