Home cleaning: what is included and what to agree in advance

"Cleaning" means different things to different people. One expects dusting and vacuuming, another the inside of the oven and the windows. That is why it pays to agree the content in advance.

The three most common types of cleaning

• Basic cleaning: floors, surfaces, kitchen and bathroom. Regular cleaning keeps the home in order.
• Deep cleaning: basic cleaning plus, for example, the inside of the oven and fridge, windows, the tops of cupboards and the skirting boards.
• Move-out cleaning: the home is handed over to the next person. The landlord or the new owner may require a certain standard.

What to agree before the provider comes

1. What is done? Make a list of rooms and tasks. Mention separately what is not part of basic cleaning.
2. How often? A one-off clean or a regular one, for example every other week.
3. Who brings the equipment and products? And is there anything that must not be used (allergies, delicate surfaces)?
4. Pricing: fixed price, hourly rate or price per square metre. Ask what happens if the job takes longer than expected.
5. Access to the home: will you be there, or will you give a key? Agree how the key is returned.
6. Cancellation terms: how late can you cancel without a fee?
7. Liability for breakage: does the provider have insurance, and how do you report damage?

Move-out cleaning

Ask the landlord or the housing company what they expect. In some properties a receipt from a cleaning company is required. Tell the provider the area, the floor and any special requirements so the quote is the right size.

The household tax credit

The labour share of a cleaning service may qualify for the household tax credit. Ask the provider whether they are in the prepayment register. More: "Household tax credit: what to know before you order".

After the first time

Give feedback straight away. If something was left undone, say so politely and quickly. A good cleaner wants to know what you wish for.