Question 1

What is included in a clean?

Accepted Answer

Regular weekly/fortnightly cleaning includes:(Depending on booked hours)• General tidy of all rooms• Dusting and wiping all accessible surfaces• Dusting picture frames and ornaments• Mirrors & glass surfaces polished• Bathroom including shower, bath, sink & toilet.• Kitchen including accessible surfaces, hob, outside oven, microwave, sink, washing up & putting away dishes/cups etc.• Vacuuming floors & carpets• Mopping floors• Bed making and changing• Ironing *see below• Inside window frames clean• Emptying bins & changing liners• Housekeeping tasks• Any other reasonable cleaning task.You can give the cleaner a task list of anything specific or priority areas. One-off deep cleaning (spring clean) includes:(Depending on booked hours)• Everything in a regular clean plus...• Pulling out furniture (where possible), vacuuming under & behind• Clean Inside fridge• Inside Kitchen cupboards• Wiping tiles/back splashes• Extractor fan clean• Dusting/cleaning shelves including moving items.• Degreasing kitchen appliances• Inside windows IroningIf you require ironing please let us know on the 'Book a Cleaner' form and we'll introduce a cleaner that provides ironing.Extra time may need to be added to accommodate both cleaning and ironing depending on your requirements. Please Note: In order to keep rates low, the cleaners will use your own products and equipment.

Question 2

Why should I have a home cleaner?

Accepted Answer

The average household spend around 250 hours every year cleaning their home,Over a lifetime it is years spent cleaning!It's time that could be spent with family and friends, or just enjoying that well earned rest.Many people choose to have a home cleaner for different reasons and here is a few examples;• Need more time for hobbies, work or self-care instead of cleaning• Need more family time, free time to do things together.• Reduce stress of maintaining a tidy home, which can improve overall well-being.• Reduce physical strain.• Treat yourself to a professional cleaning service.• Not feeling well enough.• Having a house party and want a sparkling home before it, or don't want to tackle the mess the following day.• A gift for a loved one, surprise them with a lovely clean home.• Going on holiday and want to come back to spotless home.• Wanting a spring clean to get your home looking more amazingAs well as a sparkling clean home and the extra free time you'll save, having a home regularly cleaned by professional cleaners reduces the spread of viruses, bacteria, allergens, and dust. Creating a safer, healthier home environment.Book a cleaner to have your home professionally cleaned by friendly local cleaners

Question 3

How many hours do I need?

Accepted Answer

Please try our Hours Calculator for recommended hours.Hours needed depends on the size of your home, how many rooms, the depth of cleaning that you require, and if you require additional services like ironing.You may want fewer or more hours and prioritise the rooms and jobs you want completed.If the hours you book isn't enough or is too many, just let us know and we can adjust the plan for you.

Question 4

I'm not sure if you cover my area, how do I find out?

Accepted Answer

We currently cover all Leeds postcodes, and some surrounding areas. We're expanding fast, so if you're not in our coverage area, we could be soon.If you fill in the 'book a cleaner' form we will email you to let you know if we're not currently available in your location, or if we're expecting to be in your area soon.

Question 5

Is there a minimum amount of hours I need to book?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have minimum hours depending on the frequency of cleaning required:2 hours minimum for weekly cleaning3 hours minimum for fortnightly cleaning5 hours minimum for one-off deep cleaningPlease check out our hours calculator, for recommended hours based on home size and frequency of cleaning.

Question 6

What if I decide to change my regular cleaning hours?

Accepted Answer

If you need to change anything, including the amount of hours, booked day, or anything else, just contact us and we will confirm availability and any change to the service plan.It's important that the cleaner doesn't do more hours than booked, until the service plan is updated, as the insurance we have only covers the hours we know of.

Question 7

How much will I pay and will I ever be charged more?

Accepted Answer

When you fill in the 'Book a Cleaner' form it will display the hourly price for what you have selected.Hourly prices shown include both the introduced cleaners rate and the agency fee for the service plan combined.Hourly prices vary depending the frequency, time and day of cleaning. e.g. evenings and weekends are more than weekday mornings/afternoons.The lowest hourly price is for regular weekly cleaning, Monday - Friday in the mornings/afternoons Fill out the 'Book a Cleaner' form for the current hourly rates, our prices are clear and transparent, no hidden fees.

Question 8

How do I pay my agency fee?

Accepted Answer

Regular Weekly or fortnightly cleaning:Your agency fee must be paid in advance on a fixed monthly plan based on the frequency and number of hours of cleaning you require.You will receive an email from us with all the details needed, including a link to our secure payment processor to pay your first month's agency fee by instant bank payment and to set up a direct debit for future monthly payments.You can tell us if you have a date preference for the recurring direct debit.One-off deep cleans:You'll receive an email from us with details and a link to pay the agency fee by an instant bank payment via our secure payment processor.

Question 9

How do I pay the cleaner?

Accepted Answer

You will pay the introduced cleaner directly on the day of the clean and you can agree directly with the cleaner an appropriate payment method - clients either pay in cash or bank transfer. Payment must be made on the day of the clean for the actual hours worked by each cleaner at the agreed hourly rate. We recommend you ask the cleaner for a receipt.

Question 10

What if my cleaner can't make it, or is sick?

Accepted Answer

Should your regular cleaner be unable to attend, the cleaner should ask if you want them to do the clean at another time/day that is suitable for you, if this isn't convenient please contact us and we will provide a temporary replacement cleaner if you require one.On occasions, due to short notice, the temporary replacement cleaner might not be able to attend on your regular day/time but we will agree a mutually suitable alternative with you.

Question 11

What happens if I go on holiday?

Accepted Answer

The cleaner can still complete your clean (if you are happy to provide them with a key) but if you would rather skip a week or two, that is fine. Just let the cleaner know in advance, if possible.Clients often book additional hours while away for the cleaner to do a more thorough clean, it's always nice to arrive back to a sparkling clean home. Contact us if you want to add additional hours.

Question 12

Will I be refunded for missed hours of cleaning?

Accepted Answer

You will only pay the cleaner for the hours worked, if the cleaner is unable to attend or you skip a clean because of holidays etc., you will not pay the cleaner for the hours that have been missed.The agency fee is a recurring service plan, payable whilst you are using the service.

Question 13

What if I need to cancel my regular cleaning service?

Accepted Answer

We require just one month’s notice to cancel your agreement.

Question 14

What if I need to cancel my one-off deep clean?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your one-off deep clean by contacting us. However, if you cancel with less than 24 hours notice, your agency fee is non-refundable.If you would prefer to reschedule just let us know as soon as possible.

Question 15

What do I do if I am unhappy with my regular cleaner?

Accepted Answer

If at any time you are not happy with the standard of cleaning, first please speak to the cleaner as they will happily address most issues.If you have any issues at all with the introduced cleaner, please contact us and, if the issue cannot be resolved, we will introduce an alternative cleaner.

Question 16

Will I have the same cleaner every week?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at Local Home Cleaners we introduce you to cleaner that will clean your home each week/fortnight for regular booked cleaning.Some exceptions may apply:• You request a change of cleaner.• The cleaner has a change of circumstances.• The cleaner is off for a Holiday/Sickness and you request a temporary replacement cleaner to be introduced.Book a cleaner to have your home professionally cleaned by local friendly cleaners

Question 17

What to do if my cleaner hasn't turned up?

Accepted Answer

The cleaners we introduce are very reliable, but in the event of a cleaner not turning up, first try to contact the cleaner directly if possible, there may be a genuine reason for not arriving. If you don't get a response from the cleaner, please contact us and we will attempt to resolve the situation, this may include introducing a replacement cleaner.

Question 18

How do you vet the cleaners?

Accepted Answer

We only introduce cleaners that pass our strict process, and that are great communicators, excellent in customer care, experienced in cleaning, trustworthy and reliable. All cleaners introduced by Local Home Cleaners will have gone through a strict registration process before being added to our database of approved cleaners, including:• Application process• Initial screening• Reference checking• ID checks• Government Right to Work check• Background check• DBS checkedSee our 'About us' page for more information

Question 19

Do I meet my cleaner before the first clean?

Accepted Answer

For regular weekly or fortnightly bookings:We introduce the most suitable cleaner based on your requirements and they can either arrive on the first cleaning day, where you can discuss your requirements and the cleaning tasks you require. Most clients prefer this option as it is a faster process, and the cleaner can get straight on with the cleaning tasks.If instead, you would prefer to meet and interview a cleaner at your home before the first cleaning date, select the option on the 'book a cleaner' form with a few available days and times.Clients are usually happy with the first cleaner introduced, but don't hesitate to contact us if your unhappy with anything.For One-off bookings:We introduce the most suitable cleaner/s based on your requirements and they will arrive on the day to get straight on with the cleaning tasks.

Question 20

Can I have an evening or weekend clean?

Accepted Answer

Most cleaners are flexible and will take on weekend and evening cleaning work. When you fill in the 'Book a Cleaner' form, select the days and times that suit you, and we will get to work matching you with a suitable cleaner.Note: Evenings and Weekends are at a higher hourly rate than weekday mornings/afternoons. This will be displayed when filling in the 'Book a Cleaner' form.

Question 21

Can I have a clean once a month?

Accepted Answer

We don't offer monthly cleans, but we do have a One-off deep clean option, at a higher hourly rate, which could be booked once a month, subject to availability. Most clients prefer weekly or fortnightly for regular cleaning.

Question 22

I have pets, can I still book a cleaner?

Accepted Answer

Yes,• Around 60% of UK households have a pet, we love our pets, and whether you have a dog, cat, or any other pets, most cleaners are perfectly happy working in homes with animals, and are always pet friendly.• We ask if you have pets, and the type of pets, on the 'Book a Cleaner' form to prevent us introducing a cleaner with any allergies.• You can also add additional details in the comments box, or let the cleaner know, things like their temperament, and any special requirements (e.g.,"don't let the cat out" or "the dog gets nervous around the vacuum"). It's a good idea to introduce your pets, and their names, to the cleaner on your first clean so your pets can feel more comfortable around the cleaner.• If you have a pet that could be aggressive to strangers, we ask that you secure the pet away from the areas you want cleaning, to keep the cleaner safe from injury.

Question 23

Can I have ironing as well as cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you let us know when filling in the 'Book a Cleaner' form, we will introduce a cleaner who is happy to provide ironing services as well as cleaning. The hourly rates will remain the same but you will probably need to book additional time to accommodate both.

Question 24

Will I still have a cleaner during the school holidays?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the introduced cleaners agree to provide you with a cleaning service 52 weeks of the year.

Question 25

Will I have to be at home when my cleaner visits, or can I give them a key?

Accepted Answer

You will need to be home for at least the first visit to discuss the cleaning tasks you require. Then, if you wish to provide the cleaner with a key, this will be an arrangement between yourself and the cleaner.We always suggest you ask for a receipt from the cleaner when transferring keys. The cleaner will be responsible for the safe keeping of the keys and for returning them to you when required.

Question 26

Do I have to supply cleaning products & equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the cleaners do not carry their own cleaning products or equipment. Clients mostly prefer to specify the equipment and substances used in their homes. It helps keep hourly rates low, and also prevents any cross contamination issues between homes.We recommend having several cloths in a range of colours for cleaning different areas.Please keep products in a box or similar, in a cupboard or secure area where the cleaner can find and put away after cleaning. Bleach products are forbidden for health and safety reasons. Bleach can cause a lot of damage.

Question 27

Do you have insurance cover?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have public liability insurance up to a limit of £1,000,000. In line with all other insurance policies, this is indemnity cover not new for old and there is an excess to pay, this helps keep our prices low. Full details can be found in the terms and conditions. This is to cover major rather than minor accidental damage caused by a cleaner that we introduced, whilst cleaning during the booked hours only. Bleach products are forbidden for health and safety reasons. Damage caused by Bleach is not covered by our insurance.It is important to tell us straight away if there has been an accident as delayed claims could be refused.

Question 28

Can I have a trial clean?

Accepted Answer

As we only require one month’s notice to terminate the service we do not offer a trial clean. However, if you are in any way unhappy or dissatisfied with the cleaner introduced, we will work with you to address any issues and, if they cannot be resolved, we will introduce a replacement cleaner.There is also the option of a One-off deep clean, at a higher rate, if you'd like to try us once before committing to a regular clean.

Question 29

Can I specify the work that needs doing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we encourage you to create a checklist of tasks in priority order. The cleaner will then work through this list and get as much done as they can in the time booked.

Question 30

Will the cleaning include ovens and carpets?

Accepted Answer

The cleaner can clean your oven or cooker with standard household products but, if you need a professional deep clean of the appliance, this is a specialist service that would normally involve the use of specialist chemicals, and this isn't something we currently offer.The cleaner will vacuum your carpets but, if you require professional carpet cleaning, this would require a specialist company for this service.

Frequent Asked Questions