Melbourne has hundreds of cleaning companies — from solo operators running Facebook ads to large franchises. Choosing the wrong one can mean no-shows, damage to your home, or a bill that's double the quote. Here's how to protect yourself.
Question 1: Are your cleaners police checked?
This is non-negotiable. You're giving someone access to your home. Any reputable cleaning company will have police checks for all staff and be able to show you documentation. If they can't confirm this immediately, move on.
Question 2: Are you insured?
Public liability insurance protects you if a cleaner accidentally damages something in your home. Ask for proof of coverage. Solo operators often don't carry it; established companies always should.
Question 3: Is the quote fixed or hourly?
Hourly quotes sound cheap but can blow out significantly. A "3-hour clean" can become 5 hours if the cleaner works slowly. Fixed-price quotes give you certainty — you know exactly what you're paying before anyone arrives.
Question 4: What's included in the clean?
Ask for a written inclusions list. Does the oven get cleaned? Inside the fridge? Skirting boards? Window tracks? Vague answers are a red flag. Reputable companies publish their inclusions clearly.
Question 5: Do you have genuine reviews?
Look for Google reviews (not just testimonials on their own website). Check the reviewer profiles — are they real people, or do they all look freshly created? Look for volume and recency.
Question 6: What happens if I'm not satisfied?
A confident cleaning company will offer a guarantee: come back and fix any issues at no charge. If they don't offer this, they're not confident in their work. Get it in writing before booking.
Question 7: Who actually does the cleaning?
Some companies are brokers — they take your booking and outsource it to whoever is available. This means inconsistent quality and no accountability. Ask: "Are your cleaners employed by you, or are they subcontractors?" Employed cleaners are vetted, trained, and covered under your insurer.
Red Flags to Avoid
- No website or very thin online presence
- No fixed address or ABN
- Cash only, no receipt
- Pressure to book immediately
- No written quote or inclusions list
At Central Sea Cleaning, we're transparent about all of this: police-checked staff, full public liability insurance, fixed pricing, a published inclusions list, genuine Google reviews, and a satisfaction guarantee on every clean.