How to Choose a Cleaner in Derby: 12 Checks

To choose a cleaner in Derby, check twelve things before you book: insurance, who supplies the products, how the price is worked out, what is included, travel costs, who turns up, key handling, cancellation terms, the guarantee, reviews, a written quote and what happens if something breaks. A cleaner who answers all twelve clearly is usually a safe choice, whether they are a company or an independent.

Why the checks matter more than the label

People search for the best cleaning company in Derby, independent cleaners, private cleaners or the cheapest option, and all of those searches lead to the same decision: who do you trust with your home and your keys? A company name or a low price tells you very little. The answers to a handful of ordinary questions tell you a lot.

The checks below work for any cleaner. Where we have a clear answer ourselves, we say what it is, so you can compare us with anyone else on the same terms. If you are still weighing a company against a private cleaner, our guide to professional versus private cleaners sets out the trade-offs.

The 12 checks

1. 1

   Ask for proof of insurance

   Public liability insurance covers damage to your home or belongings if something goes wrong. Ask whether the cleaner has it, what it covers and whether they can show you the certificate. We cannot tell you what a particular cleaner holds, so ask every one you speak to and keep a copy.

2. 2

   Find out who supplies the products and equipment

   Some cleaners expect you to provide a vacuum, mop and products. Others bring their own. This changes the real price, so ask before you compare rates.

   We bring our own products and equipment, and they are included in the £25 an hour.

3. 3

   Check whether the price is hourly or fixed

   Neither is better in every case. Hourly pricing suits regular cleans where you want to change the tasks. A fixed price suits a one-off job with a clear scope. What matters is that you know which one you are being quoted.

   Our price is hourly at £25, so two hours is £50 and three hours is £75.

4. 4

   Get a list of what is included

   Ask for the tasks in writing. Does the visit include inside the oven, windows, changing beds, ironing or laundry? Vague answers lead to disagreements later.

   Our team also tidies up and folds clothes during regular visits if you ask.

5. 5

   Make sure travel is in the price

   Some firms add a call-out or mileage charge, particularly for short visits. Ask whether the figure you are given is the figure you pay.

   Travel inside Derby is included in our rate.

6. 6

   Ask whether you get the same cleaner each visit

   Seeing the same person means they learn your home and your preferences. Larger firms sometimes rotate staff, and some independents use a stand-in when they are unwell. Ask how that works.

   We are a small family team run by Sarah, which makes it easier to arrange.

7. 7

   Understand how keys and access are handled

   If you want the cleaner to come while you are out, ask how the key is stored, whether it is labelled with your address, and who has access to it. A good cleaner will have a clear answer and will not mind being asked.

8. 8

   Read the cancellation and rescheduling terms

   Life changes, so find out how much notice is needed, whether there is a charge for a late cancellation and what happens if the cleaner has to cancel on you. Get this in writing before the first visit.

9. 9

   Look for a satisfaction guarantee you can use

   A guarantee only means something if it is specific. Ask how long you have to report a problem and what the cleaner does about it.

   Under our 100% satisfaction guarantee, tell us within 48 hours and we come back to put it right.

10. 10

    Check reviews you can trace

    Look for reviews that name a real date and a real job, on a platform the cleaner does not control. Be wary of a page of five-star comments with no names. You can also ask for a reference from a current customer.

11. 11

    Get the quote and booking in writing

    A text or email confirming the hourly rate or fixed price, the day, the time and the tasks protects both sides. If the cleaner will not put it in writing, that is worth noting.

12. 12

    Ask what happens if something breaks

    Accidents are rare, but it is better to know the answer in advance. Ask who is responsible, how you report it and how quickly it is dealt with. This links back to the insurance question.

A quick list to take into a phone call

Keep these questions to hand when you ring around. It takes about five minutes to ask all of them.

• Do you have insurance, and can I see the certificate?
• What background checks have you had, and can you tell me about them?
• Do you bring products and equipment, and is that in the price?
• Is the price hourly or fixed, and what is the total for my home?
• Who will actually come, and will it be the same person each time?
• How are keys stored, and what is the notice for cancelling?
• What happens if something is missed or damaged?
• Can you confirm all of this by text or email?

Cheap does not have to mean poor

Searching for cheap cleaners in Derby is sensible. The aim is to find a low total price, not a low hourly rate. Add up what you would pay for the products, any travel charge and any minimum number of hours, and compare that figure. If a lower rate leaves you buying supplies, it may cost you more.

For a sense of what a fair total looks like, see how much a cleaner costs and the guide to hourly versus fixed price cleaning. Our own post on what a cleaner can do in 2 or 3 hours helps you judge how many hours to ask for.

See the work before you commit

Photographs of real jobs and a clear description of what was done are a good sign. You can see examples of our work on the recent jobs page, and you can read about the people behind the business on our about page.

Whoever you pick, start with a shorter booking. A first visit of two or three hours shows you how they work, how they communicate and whether the home feels the way you hoped, before you settle into a weekly or fortnightly routine.