What are the advantages of hiring Happy House over an individual cleaner?
While it may seem less expensive to hire an individual cleaner, Happy House Cleaning can bring you exceptional value. For example, there are many things to consider when it comes to longevity, consistency, and even protection of your home and family:
You don’t need to hire, do background checks, or do it all over again and again if your cleaner doesn’t work out.
All of our staff are bonded and insured. What would happen if that individual cleaner got seriously hurt on your property or stole from your household?
You don’t need to worry about the IRS knocking.
You will have lots of communication tools to make your service excellent. It can be uncomfortable having a conversation with an individual cleaner who has access to your home and isn’t doing their job properly.
What happens if you have a big event planned and your individual cleaner is ill or injured and you can’t find a replacement in time?
Are you confident this individual cleaner properly knows the best cleaning tool for each surface to avoid damage or even limit wear and tear over time to your home?
How much is YOUR time worth? Do you want to keep supplies, tools, and equipment stocked for them or run out last minute during a work meeting when they don’t have a necessary item to complete the cleaning of your home?
Hiring, no problem! Scheduling, handled! Communication, exceptional! We’ll do all the above for you at Happy House Cleaning so the only thing you have to do is enjoy your clean home.
What is the difference between an initial, deep cleaning, and a recurring maintenance cleaning?
The first cleaning service brings a home up to a specific standard and Happy House Cleaning is committed to upholding that standard. That’s why our initial cleaning may take longer and cost a little more than your recurring services. We need extra time to properly begin the process of cleaning your home. Contact us to request a free estimate.
The main difference between a maintenance cleaning and a deep cleaning is that our teams need more time in your home when doing a deep cleaning. The deep clean service includes removing more accumulated dust, removing soap scum build-up, hard water stains on shower doors and fixtures, removing grease buildup in the kitchen, as well as hand wiping all the baseboards, scrubbing built up stains on floors, window sills, and fronts of all of the cabinets. If a deep clean is purchased, these tasks (and more) will be maintained during recurring visits, but the home is prepared and we can complete the job more efficiently.
Do I provide cleaning supplies or vacuums?
No. We provide all necessary equipment to complete the job: cleaning supplies, microfiber cloths, vacuums, and step ladders. For your safety and to ensure the best cleaning results, we do not use supplies or equipment provided by clients. Our technicians are specially trained on the products and tools we provide, so using anything outside of that could reduce effectiveness or create safety risks. Sticking to our professional supplies helps us deliver consistent, high-quality results every time.
If you wish to have vacuums, microfiber cloths, and supplies that are solely used for your home, we have supply kits available for purchase. All of these items will be yours and kept in your home and we will restock as needed. Please contact us regarding pricing.
How about mops? Which mops does your company use?
We don’t use mops! We wash ALL floors on our hands and knees. Yes, you read that correctly. We don’t even re-dip our cleaning cloths into the water bucket, leaving us with more laundry but your home with the cleanest floors possible!
Do you use non-toxic or organic cleaning supplies?
We prefer to limit the chemicals that our employees use to clean homes. However, we will use certain chemicals necessary for the cleaning. We responsibly use these 3 chemicals only when necessary: bleach, Lime-a-way, and Zep grout cleaner. For example, initial cleans require chemicals to remove the buildup of dirt and grime. Once we are maintaining your home on a regular basis, we can use mild, non-toxic alternatives to chemicals.
If you prefer that we do not use certain products or chemicals, we are happy to accommodate your request but may not get certain surfaces properly cleaned or disinfected.
Do I have to be home during my cleaning?
No, there is no reason for you to have to be home during your cleaning. Remember, we are bonded and insured, and we are happy to provide proof. If it makes you feel more comfortable, we welcome you to stay while the cleaning is completed. Our technicians are trustworthy and friendly; they do have a schedule though, so make sure to give them enough space to get their work done.
What do I do with my pets?
Happy House employees find pets to be the highlight of their day! They are free to roam per usual unless we find they are a nuisance or aggressive towards the technicians. We recommend your pets be introduced to the technicians for the first cleaning. If this is not possible, then we recommend you crate your pet or put them in a room that we will not clean because meeting strangers can cause anxiety in even the best pets.
If you’re booking a cleaning online, please include pet type, names, and directions on how we can safely clean around your furry, loved ones. Please also note that if our cleaners do not feel safe at any time during your scheduled cleaning, they may leave, and you will be charged full price for that cleaning.
Will my appointment always be the same day and time?
We do our best to keep the schedule consistent! We operate on an every week, every two weeks, or every four week frequency. Your first cleaning may fall on a different schedule than your recurring cleaning simply because we need a larger window of time. Once we find the day to clean your home, we will keep that consistent schedule.
Always communicate if your family’s needs change and a different day or time is preferred. We aim to make your house cleaning service as convenient as possible.
The only arrival time we can guarantee is the first appointment of the day. We can note your preferences, but if you are not the first appointment, many factors can affect your cleaner’s arrival—sometimes they may be early or late. Please always allow for a 2-hour arrival window and be ready for your technician when they arrive.
Flex Schedule Option: For clients with flexible needs, we offer a flex schedule with a 13% discount. By choosing this option, clients agree to flexibility in technician, day, and arrival time, which may vary from visit to visit. Contact the office to learn more.
How long will it take to clean my home?
The timing of your home depends on multiple factors and can change depending on its current condition, the size, and how familiar the technician is with your home. The more frequently your home is cleaned, the shorter the appointment. When the home is empty of occupants, the technicians can also work more efficiently since they don’t have to work around additional people. Our office staff can give you their best estimates of the length of the appointment time upon booking.
How often should I have my home cleaned?
Our happiest clients choose an appointment every 2 weeks so there is no maintenance cleaning between visits. You can focus on the daily tasks of laundry, dishes, and decluttering and let us handle the rest! There is a peace of mind in keeping a clean and clear environment and knowing your home is always ready for unexpected guests. You can change frequencies at any time to decide what is the right fit for your household
Is hiring a house cleaning service worth it?
You won’t regret it! What is the most precious commodity in life? Time! You’ll have more time to spend with your family, less fighting over chores, less stress in your daily life and most importantly, an outer calm that leads to an inner calm. We all know there are many more demands in life you can attend to. Why not let us take one giant task off your plate?
Do I need to sign a contract?
We do not use contracts and you can cancel your services at any time with a 24-hour notice. Please keep in mind we do have service charges for things such as last-minute cancellations, lockout fees, and skipping a scheduled cleaning. These charges are listed in our Terms and Conditions.
Will I always get the same cleaner or cleaning team?
Yes, unless you are a Flex client. Flex clients pay a discounted rate for flexible scheduling and allow us to assign different technicians as needed.
We believe in consistency! We do everything possible to send the same technician to clean your home so you can enjoy a familiar face and reliable service. If your regular technician is unavailable, we’ll assign someone who has cleaned for you before or another trusted replacement. All our technicians undergo extensive training to ensure consistent quality and have up-to-date notes on your home in our system.
Scheduling is like solving a puzzle — we strive to create a routine that works smoothly for both our clients and our technicians. Just as clients appreciate seeing the same technician each visit, our team enjoys building familiarity by returning to the same homes. On the rare occasions your regular technician is sick or out of town, we’ll communicate promptly and ensure another skilled technician covers your cleaning.
How many people do you send to clean a home?
We typically send solo cleaning technicians; however, the number of technicians may vary depending on the size of your home and the scope of cleaning. First visits for larger homes may require two technicians. Recurring maintenance cleans are usually completed by a solo technician unless you need a faster cleaning. Just let us know when booking if a shorter cleaning time is necessary, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Do I tip the cleaners?
Tipping is always appreciated but never expected! There is an opportunity to tip cleaners when you pay for your services through the Maid Central software or you can leave cash on the counter with a note, “tip” attached. Please remember, there are other ways to treat your cleaning team well besides a monetary tip. A cool home in the summer, shoveled walkways in the winter, or even snacks or beverages out is a huge favorite amongst our staff! Employees prefer working in an empty home so they can jam out to music and get their work done efficiently. Written compliments on scorecards are always well received and help the technician feel valued and appreciated far more than money.
Is Happy House Cleaning insured?
Yes. We are insured by Society Insurance for accidental, theft, and damage to your home and property. If you require proof, please send us an email and we will gladly forward our current insurance certification.
The safety of our employees is covered under Workers Compensation.
Do I pay for an estimate?
No, we do not charge for estimates. We encourage you to use our quoting tool online before reaching out to schedule a walk-through. Upon request, a walk-through of your home can be scheduled.
Should I clean before the cleaners arrive?
While this is entirely up to you, a cluttered home will result in our technicians being unable to clean to the best of their capabilities. We don’t move or organize clutter; we clean around it. When our technicians have to work around piles of items (like toys, laundry, or stacks of mail), that’s less time they can spend on actual cleaning. We understand that life happens, especially in homes with young children. If you can’t get to it all, simply close doors to any rooms you don’t want cleaned that day and notify the office to not clean inside closed doors.
Over time, you’ll likely develop a quick pre-cleaning routine that makes the process easier. Keeping surfaces clear helps us maximize cleaning time and gives you more value for your visit.
Pro tip: Bins and baskets are a quick, easy way to gather clutter and put it away later, letting us focus on making your home shine.
Should I turn on the AC for my technician?
Yes, please! To ensure we deliver the best clean possible, we kindly ask that you turn on your air conditioning before our technicians arrive. A cool environment helps our cleaning products work more effectively, prevents streaks, and allows disinfectants to properly sanitize your home. Plus, it makes our technicians more comfortable, so they can focus on making your space sparkle. Thank you for your cooperation!
What else can I do to prepare my home for cleaning?
Our Set the Scene for Clean guide walks you through quick, easy ways to prepare your home so our technicians can focus on what they do best — cleaning! From clearing surfaces to securing pets, a little prep goes a long way in helping us deliver the best results.
For more details, check out Set the Scene for Clean.
How does payment work?
We make payment simple, secure, and convenient! Your credit card information is safely stored with Paystri, and we only charge your card after your cleaning is complete. You can also add a tip once you’ve seen your technician’s finished work. For your security, we do not accept cash or checks.
First-time clients must have a payment method on file before their first cleaning.
A 3% surcharge applies to all credit card payments shown on your invoice. To avoid this surcharge, you can pay with ACH or debit card.
What if I want to reschedule, skip, or cancel indefinitely?
Reschedule: If you need to move your cleaning, we’ll do our best to accommodate your request within 7 days of your original appointment. If you choose not to accept the available reschedule options, or if no openings are available within that 7-day window, a $30 frequency adjustment will apply.
Skip: If you need to skip a scheduled cleaning entirely, a flat $30 frequency adjustment will be charged on the day of the skipped visit. This adjustment helps cover the extra time needed at your next scheduled cleaning to catch up after the extended gap.
Cancel Indefinitely: Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged the full price of the scheduled cleaning. This applies to both one-time jobs and recurring services.
For more details, you can also view our guide to Managing Your Cleans.
Can I give a gift of cleaning to another person?
Yes! Just contact us to receive a gift certificate for any amount you would like to give. We can also keep your credit card on file, and you can pay for the cleaning when the job is complete.
Can you clean before or after holidays or special events?
Yes, we can! Please book us in advance to schedule a special cleaning, so we can prepare to fully accommodate you. Holidays are a busy time, and the schedule can fill up quickly.
How do I know I can trust your employees inside my home?
We take pride in our professional cleaning technicians. They go through a rigorous screening process on a local and national level that includes background checks. We pay industry leading wages to attract and keep the best people in the business.
Can I help clean during my scheduled cleaning?
No. Our cleaning teams are trained to clean your home and need space to safely do their work. The best way to support your cleaning team is to let them work safely and independently. We thank you for your consideration.
Do I have to provide a key?
Our technicians need reliable entry access to your home for each visit. We prefer secure codes to front doors or garages, but leaving the door unlocked works for us if that works for you.
For extra convenience, we can provide a lockbox — we’ll choose the code and placement location. Please set it out in the same agreed-upon spot before each cleaning so our technicians can get right to work. We do not keep keys for security reasons.
If we cannot gain entry within 20 minutes of arrival, our lockout policy will apply, and the entire cost of your scheduled cleaning will be charged.
Pro Tip: Cold weather can be tough on batteries! We recommend swapping out the batteries in your keypads and garage door openers before the deep freeze hits. Low batteries are one of the most common causes of winter lockouts.
What should I do about my security alarm on my cleaning day?
Security systems should be disarmed or turned off within two hours of your scheduled cleaning. Feel free to provide instructions for arming or disarming your security alarm, but please note we will not be responsible for alarms or police dispatch fees that are set off during the cleaning.
Can I provide instructions for my cleaning team?
Yes! We’re happy to tailor your cleaning as long as requests are within our scope of work. Our technicians follow a set checklist of areas we do and do not clean, so please communicate any special instructions directly with our office rather than leaving notes in the home. This helps ensure your requests are recorded, shared with your team, and completed consistently at each visit.
What if something is damaged or broken during my cleaning?
You and your home are our priority. If something happens to break during our routine service, we’ll do our best to repair or replace the item or credit your cleaning up to the value of the item. Happy House Cleaning is fully insured, so claims can be filed when appropriate. The technicians are required to fill out a damage report for ANY item they damage or break, and we will notify you of the damage immediately.
What if the cleaning was not performed to my satisfaction?
The cleaning methods we use ensure that your home receives the most consistent clean every time. During your first consultation, we’ll create a customized cleaning plan that’s designed to accommodate all your specific requests. However, we do recognize that perfection is not always possible, and we are happy to correct our mistakes at no additional cost to you. Please use the email or text we send for your feedback or contact us by the end of the next business day following your service.
I would like to hire your company, but I am outside of your service area. Is this still possible?
Yes! Please call our office to work out an appropriate trip charge.