the Cost of Regular Housekeepers

We use an excellent janitorial service which provides us with the same 2-person staff every week for housecleaning. The two show up promptly and bring all of the necessary supplies with them, including towels and a vacuum. Because there are two of them, the intrusion is very minimal and they are generally done with the entire house in about two hours. They will do laundry, change bed linens, fold and put away clothing, dust, mop, clean the kitchen and the bathrooms, and anything else which is requested.

This housekeeping service is excellent. They are bonded and insured, which I know is not true for every housekeeper or janitorial service. They are very good with deep cleaning, and aren't afraid to get into cleaning things like the cat litter, or windows. They are very trustworthy and are respectful of our pets and our personal objects.

Before using any cleaning person or company, ask for references. Ideally, instead of cold calling and hiring a cleaner that way, ask people in your neighborhood who they use, and try each one out if you have that luxury. Find out what the person charges and what services they provide for that amount. If you have certain preferences (like non-toxic cleaners) make those preferences known. If you have specific requests on any given week, such as cleaning out the refrigerator one week, find out in advance if there will be extra charges for those particular services. In the first cleaning or two, do some oversight and bring up any issues you feel are particularly important. This is not to say you should hover and watch the cleaner(s) like a hawk, but be nearby and don't be reluctant to raise issues which are important to you.