Finding a cleaner in the Bay Area: define the work so you can compare quotes

“How much to clean a two-bedroom, one-bath place?” may get you a number, but not necessarily the service you want. The cleaner doesn't know how greasy the kitchen is or whether you expect window tracks and the inside of the oven to be cleaned. Spend ten minutes defining the scope so quotes are easier to compare and the cleaner can focus on what matters most to you.

List rooms and tasks before choosing a service name

“Deep cleaning” and “move-out cleaning” don't have a standard task list across all businesses. State the home type, size and units, bedroom and bathroom counts, and whether it's empty, then list tasks by room. In the kitchen, specify counters, the stove, and cabinet exteriors or interiors; in bathrooms, scale, glass partitions, or regular wiping; in living areas, vacuuming, mopping, or specialized carpet cleaning.

• Ask separately about refrigerator and oven interiors, both sides of windows, window tracks, blinds, and baseboards.
• Mention pets, stairs, parking, and elevator reservations. Send a few photos that show the actual condition, without identity documents or valuables in view.
• For move-out cleaning, check the property's handover checklist first. Accepting a cleaner's work does not mean the property manager promises to refund your deposit.

Compare estimates using the same scope

Send each provider the same description and request a written list of included work, exclusions, and who supplies products and equipment. For hourly pricing, ask whether it means one person's hours or the whole team's time on site. For a flat quote, ask what on-site conditions could trigger extra charges. Also check minimum booking length, parking fees, cancellation or rescheduling rules, and how extra work will be approved.

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Be specific about preferred cleaning products

Discuss fragrance preferences, plans for children and pets, and restrictions for stone, wood flooring, and other materials. The CDC recommends choosing products suitable for the surface and following their labels. Cleaning and disinfecting are different steps; do not mix cleaning products. To assess ingredients, read the EPA's Safer Choice label information. It applies to products, not a cleaning company's service certification, and does not guarantee that no one will have an allergic reaction.

Prepare the work area and boundaries before arrival

Put away loose items, cash, and private documents. Mark rooms that are off limits and objects that should not be moved. If access is needed, confirm who is coming and arrange it privately; do not post access codes publicly. Walk through together before work starts to identify existing scratches and priority areas. Set expectations for stains that may not be removable rather than pushing for risky use of stronger chemicals.

Review the agreed work before the cleaner leaves

Copy this to write a clear cleaning request

[Cleaning request]
City/area: [city or area]
Home type, size, and units: [home details]
Bedrooms/bathrooms: [number]
Vacant or occupied: [occupancy]
Preferred date and time window: [date and time]
Priorities: [list each item]
Extras: [items requiring separate quotes]
Surfaces, pets, and cleaning-product preferences: [special requirements]
Stairs/elevator/parking: [access details]
Please specify inclusions, exclusions, pricing method, possible surcharges, and rescheduling terms. I will share the exact address privately after confirming the appointment.