Have greasy plates and dirty countertops been piling up? Feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start with the mess?
Hiring a professional cleaning service could be the perfect solution!
While many tend to dismiss hiring a professional service as being costly, it can actually be quite cost-effective. On the flip side, many hire a service because of the convenience it provides, when really, they could be doing it themselves.
Before deciding if this is the right path for you and your home, let’s break down the pros and cons of hiring a professional cleaning service.
Pros:
You’re Paying for Their Expertise
A professional cleaner does more than handle a broom and dustpan. They have the ability to handle all types of cleaning jobs, from difficult stains in carpets and upholstery, to getting into difficult to reach places.
Just as importantly, a professional understands that every material requires a different approach. They have the knowledge to employ the right cleaning methods and products for each task. For example, materials like leather, wool and silk cannot be cleaned with water and have to be dry cleaned.
They’re Efficient
Did you know it takes the average person three hours to do a maintenance clean? Well, a professional cleaner can do it in half the time! And if you have two cleaners on the job, even less.
If your home frequently accommodates guests or you have an urgent event that requires a major clean up, hiring professionals is ideal. They’ll do the job faster and to a much higher standard – win, win!
However, customers mustn’t fall into the trap of letting their cleaners do the opposite. Many professionals will deliberately work slower if they’re being paid hourly, so that they can earn more money. If you suspect this is happening, it’s best to switch to paying a fixed rate instead of by the hour.
It Saves You Time and Stress
Let’s face it, no one likes cleaning their home. Whether you’re on your knees scrubbing floors or you’re trying to remove dirt from your curtains, cleaning takes time. It’s also laborious and can cause overuse injuries if you’re not careful.
A big reason why cleaners are so in demand is the convenience of not having to DIY. You can spend that precious time doing something you enjoy and leave the hard work to someone else. If you’re juggling multiple responsibilities at once, i.e. working and having to take care of the kids, then you can save yourself a lot of stress by hiring a professional.
It’s Good For You
A clean home keeps you healthier in two ways. First, a clean environment will be free from dust, dirt and debris which can aggravate allergies and asthma. Also, cleaning removes bacteria that can cause illness if left for too long.
Second, an organized home is good for your cognitive functions. This is because it reduces stress and mental fatigue, allowing you to think clearer and more focused. It’s easy to get distracted and overwhelmed by a cluttered home, so hiring someone to take the load off can be beneficial in more ways than one.
Cons
It Can Be Expensive
Although, we mentioned that hiring a professional cleaner can be cost-effective, this is not always the case. It really depends on a few things, which include:
Your cleaning package: Does your package include unconventional services like ironing or window washing? If so, expect to pay a higher price.
How upmarket their services are: Are you going for a premium service with raving reviews or a more affordable, no frills cleaner?
The size of your home: A bigger space will require more time and effort to clean.
Your location: Different cities and states will have different rates. In general, cities are more expensive than rural areas.
What you’re doing in the meantime: For many, letting someone else clean allows them to work at the same time. If you’re working a business or job that exceeds what the cleaner is asking, then it can be worth investing in.
Overall, if you’re getting a premium cleaning service in an expensive city, the costs will rack up quickly. This is, even more, the case if you’re getting multiple services. It’s important to shop around and compare prices between cleaners before you commit to one.
You Can Simply Do the Work Yourself
The truth is, many people who hire a service can do the chores themselves. If you’re not too busy and have the energy to clean, it’s best to save your money and get stuck into the hard work. This is especially true if you’re looking for smaller services, like vacuuming or dusting.
If, for example, you live in a two bedroom flat with a housemate, why not take turns cleaning the flat between you? If both of you can handle it, then it’s a much more cost-effective way to keep your home spick and span.
Time management is key here – if you manage your time effectively and set aside a few hours each week to clean, it shouldn’t be too much of a chore.
Getting Stuck in a Long-term Contract
At first, a weekly house clean sounds like a dream. You sign a 12-month contract with a cleaner, only to realize 6 months in that you don’t need them anymore.
Unfortunately, you’re stuck in the contract – if you break it, you’ll be liable for any fees associated with it. That’s why before you sign anything, it’s important to read the details and ensure that you’re getting all the services you need.
Also ensure that there are no hidden charges or extras – you don’t want to pay for additional fees associated with new cleaning tools, traveling or specialized services. Always read the fine print before signing on the dotted line.
In conclusion, hiring a professional cleaner comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. From saving you time to getting you stuck in a contract, it pays to do your research and know exactly what you’re getting into!
