House Cleaning Questions, Answered

A standard house cleaning typically includes routine cleaning of the main areas of your home, including kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, floors, dusting, and commonly used surfaces. Best Maids focuses on helping your home feel clean, fresh, and comfortable. The exact cleaning details may vary depending on your home, the service you choose, and any special priorities discussed before your appointment.

The time needed for a house cleaning depends on the size of your home, the condition of the space, the type of cleaning requested, and any special instructions. A smaller home or routine cleaning may take less time, while a larger home, first-time cleaning, or more detailed cleaning may take longer. Best Maids can help set expectations when you schedule your service.

You do not need to clean before your appointment, but it helps to pick up personal items, clothing, toys, paperwork, dishes, or clutter from areas you want cleaned. This allows the cleaning team to spend more time cleaning surfaces, floors, bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas instead of moving items around.

No, you do not always need to be home during the cleaning. Many customers provide approved access instructions so the cleaning team can complete the service while they are away. You are also welcome to stay home if that makes you more comfortable. The most important thing is making sure Best Maids has clear access information before the appointment.

Yes. Best Maids provides cleaning services for houses, apartments, condos, and townhomes. Whether you live in a single-family home, apartment building, condo, or townhouse, the cleaning can be adjusted based on the size of your space, the layout, and the type of service you need.

Yes. Best Maids also provides office cleaning services for commercial spaces up to 10,000 square feet. Office cleaning needs can vary depending on the size of the space, type of business, layout, and how often service is needed. Contact Best Maids to discuss your office cleaning needs and find out what service options are available.

House cleaning prices can vary depending on the size of your home, the number of rooms, the type of cleaning needed, the condition of the space, and how often you schedule service. A routine recurring cleaning may be priced differently than a first-time cleaning, deep cleaning, or move-out cleaning. Best Maids can provide a more accurate estimate after learning more about your home and cleaning needs.

Cleaning prices vary because every home is different. A small apartment that is cleaned regularly may require less time than a larger home, a home with multiple bathrooms, heavy buildup, pet hair, or extra cleaning priorities. The type of service also matters. Standard cleaning, deep cleaning, move-out cleaning, and recurring cleaning can all require different levels of time and detail.

Yes. Best Maids can help you understand pricing before you schedule your cleaning. When requesting a quote, it helps to share details such as your home size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, type of cleaning needed, and any special requests. This allows us to recommend the right service and provide a more accurate estimate.

Pricing may depend on the type of cleaning service, the size and condition of the home, and the amount of work needed. Some cleaning needs are easier to estimate as a full service, while others may depend on time, detail, or special requests. The best way to know what applies to your home is to contact Best Maids for an estimate before scheduling.

Recurring cleanings are often more cost-effective because the home is maintained on a regular schedule. Weekly, biweekly, or monthly cleanings usually require less heavy buildup removal than a first-time or one-time cleaning. If you want your home to stay consistently clean and comfortable, recurring cleaning may be the best long-term value.

Deep cleaning usually costs more than standard cleaning because it requires more time, detail, and attention to areas that may not be part of regular maintenance cleaning. Deep cleaning is often recommended for first-time customers, homes that have not been professionally cleaned in a while, or situations where extra buildup needs to be addressed.

Some special requests may affect the price, especially if they require additional time, detail, or supplies. Examples may include inside appliances, inside cabinets, extra rooms, heavy buildup, post-construction dust, or other add-on cleaning tasks. It is best to mention special requests when asking for an estimate so Best Maids can plan the right amount of time for your cleaning.

First-time and one-time cleaning prices and time estimates are based on the information available when you schedule. If more time is needed once the team sees the home, Best Maids will contact you for authorization and instructions before continuing beyond the estimated scope.

Payment is due at the time of service. Best Maids accepts cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. You may leave cash or check payment in a visible location before your cleaning. Credit card payments are processed after the cleaning is completed. Returned checks may be subject to a $25 fee.

A standard cleaning is designed for routine upkeep and usually includes cleaning kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, floors, dusting, and commonly touched surfaces. It is best for homes that are already maintained on a regular basis and need help staying clean, fresh, and comfortable. The exact checklist may vary based on your home and service needs.

A deep cleaning is a more detailed cleaning service that focuses on areas that may need extra attention, buildup removal, or more thorough care. It may include more detailed work in kitchens, bathrooms, floors, baseboards, fixtures, and other areas that are not always covered during routine maintenance cleaning. Deep cleaning is often recommended for first-time cleanings or homes that have not been professionally cleaned in a while.

Deep cleaning is a good choice if your home needs more than routine upkeep. It may be the better option if it has been a while since your last professional cleaning, if there is noticeable buildup, if you are preparing for guests, or if you want a more detailed reset before starting recurring service. Regular cleaning is better for ongoing maintenance once the home is already in good condition.

Baseboards can often be included as part of a deep cleaning or added as a special request, depending on the condition of the home and the service scheduled. If baseboards are a priority, mention them when requesting your estimate so Best Maids can plan the right amount of time and recommend the best cleaning option for your home.

Inside appliance cleaning may be available as an additional request, depending on the appliance, condition, and service scheduled. Common requests include inside ovens, refrigerators, or microwaves. Since these tasks can take extra time, it is best to mention them before your appointment so Best Maids can include them in your estimate and schedule properly.

n many cases, yes. If your home has not been professionally cleaned recently or needs extra attention, starting with a deep cleaning can help bring the home up to a better baseline. After that, recurring cleaning can help maintain the results with weekly, biweekly, or monthly service. Best Maids can help you decide which option makes the most sense for your home.

Best Maids offers recurring cleaning schedules based on your home and cleaning needs, including weekly, biweekly, and monthly service. Weekly cleaning is helpful for busy households that need frequent upkeep, while biweekly cleaning is a popular choice for many families. Monthly cleaning may work well for lighter maintenance or homes that stay fairly clean between visits.

Weekly cleaning is usually better for busy homes, larger families, pet owners, or anyone who wants their home maintained more consistently. Biweekly cleaning is a great option for many households because it offers regular upkeep without weekly appointments. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, home size, budget, and how quickly your home needs attention between visits.

Yes. Best Maids allows up to two skips per calendar year without additional fees. Additional skips beyond the two allowed may result in a skip fee of up to $50, because the longer gap between cleanings may require extra time and effort to bring the home back to standard. Please contact Best Maids as early as possible if you need to skip a visit.

No long-term contract is required for recurring cleaning service. Best Maids wants recurring cleaning to feel helpful and convenient, not restrictive. You can choose the schedule that works best for your home and contact us if you need to make changes to your service.

Best Maids does its best to provide consistent service for recurring customers whenever possible. Having a familiar cleaning team can make the experience smoother because the team gets to know your home, preferences, and priorities. Team assignments may vary because of scheduling, vacations, or route changes, but consistency is always a goal.

Recurring cleaning is often more cost-effective than one-time cleaning because the home is maintained on a regular schedule. When a home is cleaned consistently, each visit may require less buildup removal than a first-time, deep, or occasional cleaning. Best Maids can help you compare options and choose the schedule that gives you the best value.

If you need extra tasks added to a recurring cleaning, let Best Maids know ahead of time whenever possible. Some requests may require additional time or may affect the price, especially if they go beyond the regular cleaning routine. Examples may include inside appliances, inside cabinets, extra rooms, or more detailed cleaning in specific areas.

Yes. Recurring cleaning can often be customized around your home’s needs and priorities. Some customers want extra attention in kitchens and bathrooms, while others may want more focus on floors, dusting, bedrooms, or high-use areas. The best approach is to discuss your preferences with Best Maids so we can help create a cleaning plan that works for your home.

Move-out cleaning is designed to help clean a home after belongings have been removed or before a new person moves in. It may include cleaning kitchens, bathrooms, floors, cabinets, counters, shelves, baseboards, and other commonly used areas. Because every home is different, the exact cleaning details can depend on the condition of the space and the service requested.

Move-out cleaning works best when the home is empty or mostly empty. When furniture, boxes, and personal items are removed, the cleaning team can reach more areas and clean more efficiently. If some items are still in the home, let Best Maids know before the appointment so we can plan the cleaning properly.

Inside cabinets and drawers can often be included with move-in or move-out cleaning, especially when they are empty. This is a common request because cabinets, drawers, shelves, and storage areas often need attention before a final walkthrough or before moving into a new home. Be sure to mention this when scheduling so the proper time can be planned.

Inside appliance cleaning may be available as an additional request, depending on the appliance and condition. Common requests include cleaning inside refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, and other kitchen appliances. Since these tasks can take extra time, it is best to request them before your appointment so they can be included in the estimate and schedule.

Yes. Move-out cleaning can be helpful for tenants preparing for a final walkthrough, homeowners getting ready to sell, landlords preparing a rental for the next resident, or buyers who want a cleaner space before moving in. A professional cleaning can make the home feel fresher, more presentable, and easier to hand off.

Yes. Many customers schedule move-out cleaning before a final walkthrough, closing, or key handoff. It is best to schedule the cleaning after most belongings have been removed and before the inspection or walkthrough takes place. This gives the cleaning team the best opportunity to clean the space thoroughly and helps reduce last-minute stress.

Yes. Move-in cleaning is a great option before settling into a new house, apartment, condo, or townhome. Even if the space looks clean, a professional move-in cleaning can help freshen kitchens, bathrooms, floors, cabinets, and commonly touched surfaces before you unpack and start using the home.

It is best to schedule move-out cleaning as early as possible, especially during busy moving seasons, weekends, month-end dates, or before a closing or lease deadline. If you have a final walkthrough or move-in date, share that information when booking so Best Maids can help you choose the best appointment time.

Yes. Best Maids provides the cleaning supplies needed for your scheduled cleaning service. Our teams come prepared with the products needed to clean kitchens, bathrooms, floors, dusting areas, and common household surfaces. If your home has special surfaces or product preferences, please let us know before your appointment so we can plan accordingly.

Yes. Best Maids uses effective, top-quality, non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaning supplies. These products are selected to clean homes effectively while being a better option for families, pets, and everyday living spaces. If you have product preferences, sensitivities, or special surface concerns, please contact Best Maids before your appointment.

Yes. If you prefer certain cleaning products to be used in your home, let Best Maids know before your appointment. Some customers have preferred products for floors, stone surfaces, stainless steel, wood, allergies, or fragrance sensitivities. Providing this information ahead of time helps the cleaning team follow your preferences and avoid products you do not want used.

Yes. If you would like our cleaning team to use your own cleaning supplies, please have them clearly available before the appointment. This can be helpful for special surfaces, product sensitivities, fragrance preferences, or homes where certain products are preferred. Let us know in advance so the team understands what should be used and where.

In most cases, Best Maids can bring the cleaning supplies and equipment needed for your service. However, some customers prefer that we use their vacuum, mop, or floor-care tools, especially for certain flooring types or household preferences. If you want us to use your equipment, please make sure it is accessible and in working condition.

If you have allergies, sensitivities, asthma concerns, fragrance sensitivities, or product preferences, please tell Best Maids before your cleaning appointment. This allows us to discuss available options and avoid products that may bother you or your household. Clear instructions help us provide a more comfortable cleaning experience.

Best Maids uses environmentally friendly cleaning supplies whenever possible, which can be a better choice for homes with children and pets. However, every household is different, and some pets or family members may have sensitivities. If you have specific concerns, please let us know before the appointment so we can discuss product options and any special instructions.

Not always. The products used may depend on the type of cleaning, the surfaces in the home, customer preferences, and any special instructions. For example, certain floors, countertops, appliances, or delicate surfaces may require different products or extra care. Best Maids aims to use appropriate cleaning supplies for each home and service.

No. Best Maids does not use bleach. Bleach can leave strong residues, may irritate people or pets with sensitivities, and can cause permanent damage to certain surfaces or materials. If a customer requests bleach, Best Maids is not responsible for any damage it may cause.

Best Maids uses HEPA-certified vacuums designed to capture dust, dust mites, allergens, pollen, mold, and more. This helps support a cleaner indoor environment, especially for homes where dust and allergens are a concern.

Yes. Many Best Maids customers have pets, and our cleaning teams are used to working in homes with dogs, cats, and other household pets. To help the cleaning go smoothly, we recommend securing pets in a safe area if they are nervous, protective, or likely to get in the way while the team is working.

For everyone’s safety and comfort, it is best to keep pets in a secure room, crate, or separate area during the cleaning. This helps prevent pets from slipping out the door, walking on freshly cleaned floors, or becoming stressed by vacuums and cleaning activity. If your pet has special instructions, please let Best Maids know before the appointment.

Many customers provide approved access instructions so cleaning can be completed while they are away. Common access options include a garage keypad code, lockbox, on-site key, or another secure method. Please make sure access instructions are clear and working before the appointment so the team can enter the home and begin on time.

Yes, light tidying is helpful before your cleaning appointment. You do not need to clean, but picking up clothing, toys, dishes, paperwork, and personal items allows the cleaning team to focus more time on cleaning surfaces, floors, bathrooms, kitchens, and high-use areas. The less time spent moving clutter, the more efficient the cleaning can be.

We recommend putting away valuables, fragile items, important paperwork, jewelry, collectibles, and anything especially delicate before your cleaning appointment. This helps protect your belongings and gives the cleaning team clear areas to work around. If there is something that should not be touched or moved, please let Best Maids know in advance.

Yes, if parking may be limited, restricted, or paid, please provide parking instructions before your appointment. If your residence requires a parking permit, the customer is responsible for providing it. If paid parking is required, the parking fee is the customer’s responsibility and may be added to the final invoice.

Before your first cleaning, it helps to pick up clutter, secure pets, put away valuables, and share any important instructions with Best Maids. Let us know about access details, parking, product preferences, special surfaces, rooms to prioritize, or areas to avoid. A little preparation helps the cleaning team provide a smoother and more efficient service.

If the cleaning team cannot access your home at the scheduled appointment time, it may be treated as a lockout. A lockout can also apply if the team must leave because of unsafe conditions, aggressive pets, structural hazards, health risks, or a cancellation/reschedule made with less than 24 business hours’ notice. In a lockout situation, a fee of 50% of the scheduled cleaning’s value may apply.

Best Maids prefers that alarms be turned off on the day of cleaning. If the alarm must remain on, please provide clear instructions before the appointment. If the alarm is triggered, Best Maids is not responsible for any alarm-related fees.

Yes. For safety and health reasons, Best Maids does not clean animal cages, litter boxes, animal droppings, human feces, urine, vomit, blood, soiled clothing, or similar biohazards. These areas should be handled before the cleaning appointment.

Best Maids focuses on dependable service, professional cleaning, and a customer experience that feels simple from start to finish. Our goal is not just to clean your home, but to give you more time, less stress, and a space that feels comfortable again. We also stand behind our work with a satisfaction-focused approach, so customers feel confident before and after their cleaning.

Yes. Best Maids cleaning teams are trained to follow professional cleaning methods, work efficiently, and care for homes with attention to detail. Training helps ensure that cleaners understand how to clean kitchens, bathrooms, floors, surfaces, and high-use areas properly. It also helps create a more consistent experience from one appointment to the next.

Best Maids takes customer trust seriously and works to provide cleaning teams you can feel comfortable welcoming into your home. If you have specific questions about hiring, screening, or who will be coming to your home, contact Best Maids before your appointment so we can address your concerns directly.

Yes. Best Maids is insured, which gives customers added peace of mind when scheduling professional cleaning service. Inviting a cleaning company into your home requires trust, and insurance is one of the ways a professional cleaning company helps protect both customers and the business.

If something is missed during your cleaning, contact Best Maids as soon as possible. We want the opportunity to understand what happened and make it right whenever possible. Clear feedback helps us address the issue, improve the customer experience, and make sure your cleaning meets expectations.

Yes. Best Maids is dedicated to your satisfaction. If you are not fully satisfied with your cleaning, notify Best Maids within 24 hours, and we will return to re-clean the specific areas at no additional cost. This helps us address concerns quickly and make sure your cleaning meets expectations.

If you believe something was damaged or broken during cleaning, notify Best Maids within 24 hours so the situation can be reviewed. We recommend removing antiques, irreplaceable items, hard-to-find items, valuables, and fragile belongings before your cleaning appointment, as these items may not be covered under the breakage policy.

You can contact Best Maids directly after your cleaning to share feedback, ask questions, or let us know how the service went. Feedback is always helpful because it allows us to understand your preferences, recognize great work, and improve future visits. For recurring customers, feedback also helps us fine-tune the cleaning around your home’s needs.

Yes. Best Maids does not use ladders or move items over 35 pounds to protect our cleaning teams from injury. If you would like cleaning behind heavy furniture or large objects, please move those items before your appointment.

Please tell Best Maids before your cleaning if your home has unsealed surfaces, delicate materials, loose fixtures, loose fans, unusual doors, cabinets that require special handling, or anything that should be cleaned a certain way. All surfaces are generally assumed to be sealed unless you tell us otherwise, so advance instructions help us clean properly.

Best Maids provides professional cleaning services in Chicago and many surrounding suburbs. Because we do not charge a travel fee, we keep our service area focused and do not serve every ZIP code in Chicago or every suburb. To see many of the communities we serve, visit our Service Areas page or contact Best Maids to confirm availability for your address.

Yes. Best Maids provides house cleaning services in Chicago, but we may not serve every Chicago ZIP code. Service availability can depend on your exact location, scheduling, and the type of cleaning requested. If you are in Chicago and need recurring cleaning, deep cleaning, move-out cleaning, one-time cleaning, or apartment cleaning, contact Best Maids to confirm whether your address is within our service area.

Yes. Best Maids serves Orland Park and many nearby suburbs, including several communities listed on our Service Areas page. However, we do not serve every suburb or every ZIP code. If you live in Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, Lemont, Homer Glen, Downers Grove, or a nearby community, contact Best Maids to confirm availability for your exact location.

The easiest way to confirm service is to visit our Service Areas page or contact Best Maids with your city or ZIP code. Our team can let you know whether your home is currently within our cleaning service area and what appointment options may be available.

No. Best Maids does not charge a separate travel fee. Because of that, we keep our service area focused and may not serve every ZIP code in Chicago or every surrounding suburb. If you are unsure whether your home is within range, contact Best Maids before booking and we will be happy to check your location.

Possibly. If your city or ZIP code is not listed on the Service Areas page, contact Best Maids with your location and the type of cleaning you need. In some cases, we may still be able to help depending on distance, scheduling, team availability, and the size of the job.

Yes. Best Maids cleans houses, apartments, condos, and townhomes throughout our service areas. The cleaning can be adjusted based on the size of the space, building access, parking, layout, and the type of service needed. If you live in an apartment or condo building, please provide any access or parking instructions before your appointment.

Yes. Best Maids can provide office cleaning for commercial spaces up to 10,000 square feet within our service area. Office cleaning availability can depend on the location, size of the space, schedule needed, and type of cleaning requested. Contact Best Maids to discuss your business cleaning needs and confirm service availability.

You can book a cleaning by contacting Best Maids directly or using our online booking form. When scheduling, it helps to know the type of cleaning you need, your location, the size of your home, and any special priorities. This allows us to recommend the right service and help you choose an appointment time that works for your schedule.

Yes. You can start your booking request online through the Best Maids website. Online booking is a convenient way to share your cleaning needs, contact information, and preferred schedule. If additional details are needed, Best Maids may follow up to confirm the service, timing, and any special instructions before your appointment.

It is best to schedule your cleaning as early as possible, especially if you need a specific day, a move-out cleaning, a deep cleaning, or service before a holiday, event, or closing date. Some appointments may be available sooner, but booking ahead gives you more scheduling options and helps Best Maids plan the right amount of time for your cleaning.

Yes. Best Maids offers one-time cleaning for customers who need help without setting up recurring service. One-time cleaning is a good option before or after guests, after a busy season, before a special event, or anytime your home needs a fresh reset. If your home needs more detailed attention, a deep cleaning may be recommended.

Yes. If you need to reschedule your cleaning appointment, contact Best Maids as soon as possible. Advance notice helps us adjust the schedule and offer your appointment time to another customer if needed. We understand that plans change, and we will do our best to help you find another available time.

To help us provide reliable service and manage our cleaning schedule, Best Maids requires at least 48 business hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. If a request is made less than 48 business hours but more than 24 business hours before the scheduled service, a $30 fee will apply. If changes are made less than 24 business hours before the appointment, the appointment will be treated as a lockout, and the corresponding lockout fee will apply.

Yes. You can request a preferred day or time when booking your cleaning. Best Maids will do its best to accommodate your schedule based on availability, service type, location, and cleaning team routes. If your preferred time is not available, we can help you choose the closest available option.

Best Maids does not guarantee exact arrival times because each home and cleaning schedule can vary. We use arrival windows to help our teams provide quality service without rushing from one appointment to the next. If we are meeting someone at the home, you may receive a shorter arrival window before the appointment. If we have access to the home, arrival may fall within a broader service window.

Best Maids does not schedule holiday visits on major holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. If your regular cleaning falls on a holiday, Best Maids will contact you to reschedule. We may also reschedule cleanings when inclement weather creates unsafe travel or working conditions.