10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a House Cleaner in the RGV

Hiring someone to clean your home is a decision that involves trust. You are inviting someone into your personal space, giving them access to your belongings, and relying on them to do quality work. In the Rio Grande Valley, where word-of-mouth recommendations carry weight and options range from individuals to professional companies, asking the right questions upfront can save you headaches later.

Here are the 10 most important questions to ask any house cleaner or cleaning service before you hire them.

1. Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

This is the most important question, and the answer should be an immediate yes. Insurance protects your home and belongings if something is damaged during a cleaning. Bonding protects you in the unlikely event of theft. Licensing shows the business operates legally.

Why it matters: If an uninsured cleaner breaks something in your home or injures themselves on your property, you could be held liable. A legitimate cleaning company carries general liability insurance and workers compensation coverage.

What a good answer looks like: "Yes, we carry full liability insurance and bonding. We can provide proof of coverage upon request."

2. Do You Run Background Checks on Your Cleaners?

You are giving someone a key to your home. Background checks are not optional -- they are essential.

Why it matters: A thorough background check verifies criminal history, identity, and sometimes past employment. This is your safety net for having a stranger in your home.

What a good answer looks like: "Every team member passes a comprehensive background check before they start. No exceptions."

3. Who Supplies the Cleaning Products and Equipment?

Professional services bring their own supplies. If a cleaner asks you to provide everything, that is a sign of a less professional operation.

Why it matters: Professional-grade cleaning products deliver better results than consumer products. Also, if you supply the products and something gets damaged (wrong product on a surface), liability becomes complicated.

What a good answer looks like: "We bring all supplies and equipment. Everything is included in our pricing."

4. What Is Your Cancellation Policy?

Life happens, and you will eventually need to cancel or reschedule. Understand the policy before it becomes an issue.

Why it matters: Unreasonable cancellation policies (48+ hours notice, full-charge cancellation fees) indicate a company that prioritizes their convenience over yours.

What a good answer looks like: "We ask for 24 hours notice for cancellations. We understand things come up and try to be flexible."

5. How Do You Determine Pricing?

Transparent pricing is a sign of a professional operation. Be wary of companies that cannot give you a clear quote or that surprise you with add-on charges after the cleaning.

Why it matters: You should know exactly what you are paying for before the work begins. Hidden fees erode trust and inflate your costs.

What a good answer looks like: "Pricing is based on home size, cleaning type, and frequency. We provide a detailed quote upfront with no hidden fees."

6. Do You Offer a Satisfaction Guarantee?

A guarantee shows that the company stands behind their work. No guarantee means you have no recourse if the cleaning is subpar.

Why it matters: Even the best cleaners occasionally miss something. A satisfaction guarantee ensures the company will make it right without charging extra.

What a good answer looks like: "If you are not satisfied, we come back and reclean for free within 24 hours."

7. How Long Have You Been in Business?

Experience matters, but it is not everything. A newer company with strong systems and insurance can be better than a long-established one-person operation without coverage.

Why it matters: Longevity indicates reliability, but what you really want to know is whether the company is professional, insured, and committed to quality.

What a good answer looks like: "We have been serving the RGV since [year]. We are fully insured and focused on building long-term relationships with our clients."

8. Will I Get the Same Cleaner Each Visit?

Consistency matters. Having the same person clean your home each visit means they learn your preferences, know where things go, and work more efficiently over time.

Why it matters: A rotating cast of cleaners means re-explaining your preferences every visit and accepting inconsistent results.

What a good answer looks like: "We assign a dedicated cleaner to your home. They learn your preferences and your space."

9. Do You Use Eco-Friendly Products?

If you have children, pets, or health sensitivities, the products used in your home matter. Even if you do not have specific concerns, eco-friendly products are better for indoor air quality.

Why it matters: Harsh chemicals can irritate respiratory systems, harm pets, and leave residue on surfaces. Eco-friendly products are effective and safer for everyone.

What a good answer looks like: "We use eco-friendly, professional-grade products by default. They are safe for children and pets."

10. How Do I Schedule, Communicate, and Pay?

The logistics of working with a cleaning service should be easy. If booking, communicating, and paying are complicated, the relationship will be frustrating.

Why it matters: You want a service that is easy to reach, responsive to schedule changes, and clear about payment expectations.

What a good answer looks like: "You can book online, by phone, or by text. We confirm every appointment and send reminders. Payment is simple and transparent."

The Bottom Line

Hiring a house cleaner is about trust. The right questions reveal whether a cleaning service is professional, reliable, and worthy of access to your home. In the Rio Grande Valley, where community reputation matters, these conversations set the foundation for a long-term relationship with a cleaner you can count on.