House cleaning for the holidays

The holidays are a time for fun and family, but there’s a lot of prep work to be done around the home before your guests arrive.  Keeping your house clean during this time of year can be a monumental task.  In today’s Angie’s List report, ABC 10’s Mike Hoey explains how a house cleaner can help.

Homeowner Angela Duggan started using a house cleaner a year ago to clean her house on a weekly basis.  For Duggan, it’s been money well spent.

“During the holidays I find that it’s even more important to have a house cleaner,” Duggan said.  “We have a large family.  I love to cook, as I’ve said before, so Thanksgiving to me, I would prefer to be at the grocery store shopping as opposed to scrubbing down my walls.”

“Yes, business definitely increases due to people planning parties and events for the holidays and family guests coming in to stay,” House Cleaner Laura Knox said.  “During the holidays the clients tend to ask for is the more detail cleaning of the kitchens, the bathrooms.  If they are having houseguests they normally ask for a more detailed cleaning of those guest rooms and the common areas for the entertaining.”

Angie’s List says it’s important to communicate your needs and expectations clearly because everyone’s opinion of clean can be different.  Before you hire, ask for an in–home estimate.

“Depending on the size of your home you might pay anywhere from a couple hundred dollars, which is what we see on average on Angie’s List, but we have seen it as much $700, but keep in mind that depends on the actual size of the home,” Angie’s List founder Angie Hicks said. “If you’re considering buying a deal on housecleaning, be sure you ask questions and understand exactly what you are getting so that you can be confident that you’re not going to get an up charge for things after the fact and that the person you are buying the deal from knows exactly the condition of your home.”

Don’t forget to check on insurance and bonding when hiring.  Insurance covers damage by the company, such as bleach stains, and a bond covers an employee’s dishonest criminal conduct, like theft.

Angie’s List says book as early as possible if you need a housecleaning service for the holidays.  Companies will fill up fast during this time of year.