Hiring a house cleaner shouldn’t feel awkward or confusing. You’re letting someone into your home—you’re allowed to ask clear, simple questions. Here’s a practical list I’ve used (and shared with friends) to figure out who’s a good fit and who might not be.

1) What exactly is included in a standard visit?
“Clean” means different things to different people. Ask for a room-by-room checklist. Common inclusions: dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bathrooms, kitchen surfaces, mirrors, and trash.
Common add-ons (usually extra): inside oven/fridge, baseboards, blinds, interior windows, laundry, dishes, organizing, and balcony/patio.

Follow-up: “If I book monthly, what falls off the list compared to weekly?”

2) Do you bring your own supplies? Can you use mine?
Some folks bring everything; others prefer your vacuum or mop to avoid cross-home contamination. If smells bother you, ask about low-odor and kid/pet-safe products. If you have marble, unfinished wood, or specialty finishes, confirm they know what not to use.

Follow-up: “Can we note a few ‘do not use’ products on my file?”

3) How is pricing handled—flat rate or hourly?
Flat rates are predictable, but only if the scope is clear. Hourly can be fair for first-time deep cleans or cluttered spaces.
Ask what happens if they run out of time: do they stop, or prioritize your must-do list?

Follow-up: “What’s the minimum, and how do cancellations work?”

4) Who will be in my home?
Is it a solo cleaner or a small team? Will you get the same person each time? Are background checks and training part of the process? Knowing who holds keys or alarm codes matters.

Follow-up: “If my usual cleaner is out, do you ask before sending a sub?”

5) Are you insured—and how do you handle breakage?
You want liability coverage at a minimum. Accidents happen. Ask how they handle a scratched floor or a broken vase, and how fast they make it right.

Follow-up: “Do you have a re-clean policy if something’s missed?”

6) What’s the plan for pets?
Door dashers, anxious dogs, shy cats—cleaners have seen it all. Tell them where pets should be during the visit and what to avoid (litter boxes, specialty crates). Confirm they close gates and watch for open windows.

Follow-up: “Any extra fee for heavy shedding or pet accidents?”

7) How do we communicate changes or special requests?
Some cleaners like text; others want notes on the fridge or a shared checklist. Ask how far in advance to request extras like “inside the fridge” or “focus on baseboards.”

Follow-up: “Who’s my main contact if I need to reschedule?”

8) What does a deep clean include—and when do I need one?
A deep clean is the reset: shower glass, grout edges, cabinet fronts, baseboards, vent covers, under/behind items, and stubborn kitchen grease. It’s common to start with a deep clean, then switch to maintenance.

Follow-up: “How long will the first visit take compared to later visits?”

9) Do you have experience with special surfaces?
Marble etches, butcher block stains, and some stainless finishes scratch easily. If you have stone, high-end fixtures, or antique wood, ask how they protect them. Spot tests are a good sign.

Follow-up: “What’s your plan for hard water or soap scum build-up?”

10) What should I do before you arrive?
Most cleaners prefer a quick pickup so they can reach surfaces. That doesn’t mean pre-cleaning—just moving toys, laundry piles, and mail. If you’d rather they tidy as they go, ask if that’s an add-on.

Follow-up: “Do you move small furniture or work around it?”

11) How do you keep dust down while cleaning?
Dry sweeping can kick up dust; good crews use microfiber and HEPA vacuums to trap it. This matters if anyone in your home has allergies or asthma.

Follow-up: “Can you skip sprays with fragrance?”

12) Can you share two references or recent reviews?
A quick call or text to another client can tell you more than a dozen ads. Ask specifically about consistency and how the cleaner handled feedback.

Quick questions you can copy/paste
What’s included in a standard clean, and what’s extra?

Flat rate or hourly? What happens if time runs short?

Do you bring supplies and a HEPA vacuum? Low-odor options?

Same cleaner each time? Background checks?

Insurance details and breakage/re-clean policy?

Pet plan (doors, crates, anxieties)?

Best way to request add-ons or reschedule?

Deep clean vs. maintenance—what’s different?

Experience with marble/stone/unfinished wood?

Two references I can contact?

A simple first message
Hi! I’m looking for help with ongoing house cleaning. 3 bed / 2 bath, moderate clutter, a dog who naps during visits. I’d love your standard checklist, deep-clean options, pricing (hourly vs flat), and how you handle supplies (I prefer low-odor). Do you have availability in the next two weeks and a re-clean policy if something’s missed? Thanks!

A note on picking the right type of service
Some companies that offer Commercial Cleaning Services also take on homes, especially for deep cleans or move-in/move-out jobs. If you’re comparing local options, searching for Residential Cleaning services in Baltimore will surface crews who already know the common floor types, rowhome layouts, and parking quirks in the area.

The goal is simple: find someone who communicates clearly, respects your space, and leaves it noticeably easier to live in. Ask these questions up front and you’ll save yourself a lot of guessing later.