How do I ensure I'm hiring the best maid service for my home?
When looking for a professional maid, make sure you:
Verify license and insurance information: While most maid services don’t usually require special licenses or certifications, they should still have a valid business license and liability insurance to cover property damage or injury. Requirements depend on your local area so be sure to do your research.
Get several estimates: Gather estimates from several maids to ensure you’re getting a fair deal, and find out which specific cleaning services are included in the quote. For example, how much do they charge for deep cleaning services? Do they charge separately for housekeeping services like folding laundry and making beds?
Read their reviews: While researching maid services online, look for reviews that mention punctuality, reliability and the quality of the cleaning.
Look at their portfolios: Beyond professional websites, check maid services’ portfolios for before-and-after cleaning photos.
Find out about satisfaction guarantees: Ask if the service backs their work with a warranty or guarantee if their clients aren’t satisfied.
Ask important questions: Before hiring a service, ask about availability, schedule, which cleaning products and equipment they use and how they background-check their employees.
For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.
How much does it cost to hire a maid?
The national average cost to hire a professional for house cleaning services ranges from around $150 to $290* per visit or cleaning, according to Thumbtack data. However, you’ll need to contact local maid services to understand how much you’ll pay for your specific job.
Keep in mind that some professionals may classify themselves as “maids” while others identify as “house cleaners.” Depending on the company, maid services might not include deep cleaning like many house cleaners do. Instead, they might offer light cleaning, daily chores and organizing services, such as:
Making beds
Doing laundry
Cleaning dishes
Light dusting
When a maid service creates your quote, they’ll likely consider several factors that can impact the cost, including:
Home size: Your home’s square footage, as well as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, often determines how much a maid will charge.
How clean you keep your home: If your home is especially messy or dirty, a maid service may charge extra for the additional cleaning needed.
Location: Maids typically charge higher prices in cities with large populations and/or higher costs of living.
Additional services: A maid will likely charge more for extra services like appliance cleaning or cleaning up after pets.
You might be able to save money on hiring a maid with these tips:
Schedule regular service: Maid services often offer discounts for repeat clients.
Tidy up before service: Decluttering and organizing before maid service can reduce the amount of time they need to clean.
Compare estimates: Get quotes from multiple maid services to ensure you’re getting the best price.
*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.
What services do maids typically offer, and what’s usually not included?
Although every pro is different, maids typically offer the following services:
General or light cleaning: Dusting, vacuuming, sweeping, mopping
Bathroom cleaning: Scrubbing toilets, sinks, showers/tubs
Kitchen cleaning: Wiping countertops, cooktops, sinks
Making beds: Tidying up bedspreads and linens in the bedrooms
Trash disposal: Emptying trash cans and wastebaskets, taking out trash
Laundry: Washing and folding clothes
Dish cleaning: Washing and drying dishes
Light organizing: Removing noticeable clutter and tidying up rooms
Be sure you ask your pro which services they offer and how much each one costs.
What should I ask a house cleaner or maid before hiring them?
There are many questions to ask a cleaning service before you hire them to make sure they’re the right fit. These questions might include:
How much do you charge?
How do you set your prices -- per hour or per square foot? Or, do you charge a flat rate?
What is your past work experience? Can I see a list of references?
Are you accustomed to working with different home or apartment types and sizes?
Can you work with children or pets in the house?
What types of cleaning products do you use?
Do you bring your own cleaning supplies and products?
How often can you clean my home?
Is there anything you recommend I do (or don't do) to my home before you arrive?
For more tips on how to hire the best maid or house cleaning service, read our smart hiring guide.
How much should you tip maids or cleaning services?
Tipping between 15 and 20 percent is considered an appropriate tip for maids and house cleaners — just as it would with a barber, food delivery driver or taxi operator. During the holidays, you might want to consider tipping a bit more.
It’s important to note that some housekeeping and maid services might include a tip within the service fee, which should be explained to you in the service contract. Talk to house cleaners in your area to find out what's included in their fees.
What are the benefits of hiring a local maid service?
Some of the biggest benefits of hiring local affordable maids include:
Saves time and effort: A maid will handle the day-to-day cleaning of your home so you can dedicate that time and effort elsewhere.
Cost savings: Hiring a local maid service can be less expensive than using a large chain service. Compare costs to find out if this applies in your area.
Customizable service plans: Many smaller companies are willing to customize their cleaning services to your specific needs, which can help reduce unnecessary costs.
Quality assurance: A reputable maid service usually backs their work with a satisfaction guarantee.
Fast response times: A local maid service is more likely to respond to inquiries quickly and accommodate last-minute cleaning requests.
What is the difference between a maid, house cleaner and a housekeeper?
Maids, house cleaners and housekeepers have some overlap in their duties. However, there are some key differences, depending on the company.
Maids typically offer:
General cleaning: Dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping
Daily chores: Making beds, doing laundry, taking out the trash, washing dishes
Organizing: Tidying up bedrooms, home offices, bathrooms, etc.
Housekeepers typically offer:
Light cleaning: Dusting, making beds, sweeping, mopping
Household tasks: Laundry, organizing, cooking, caring for pets
Errands: Grocery shopping, picking up and dropping off kids,
House cleaners are similar to maids but offer more specialized cleaning services. They may work as a team and offer:
General cleaning: All the same services a maid typically offers
Deep cleaning: May include cleaning for appliances, windows, baseboards, etc.
Do maids bring their own supplies?
Most professional maid services provide their own cleaning supplies and equipment. This ensures they know how to safely operate any equipment and that they can guarantee consistent results. Some common exceptions include:
Allergen or scent preferences: You can provide your own cleaning supplies if you prefer the cleaners use a specific chemical or scent. Clients with allergies to certain chemicals may also prefer to choose their own supplies.
Cost: Some cleaning services might offer a discount if you provide your own cleaning supplies. However, it’s usually more cost-effective to let the maid use their own supplies.
Beyond products, keep in mind that some services may require using their own equipment to avoid safety risks and liability issues.
