How to vet a cleaning company: 10 questions that separate pros from problems

Most cleaning horror stories were predictable at the first phone call. Ask these ten questions before anyone gets a key, and the wrong companies eliminate themselves.

The ten questions

1. Will the same people clean every time? Rotating strangers is how quality and security both fail. “Usually” is not an answer.

2. Are you licensed and insured — and can I see a certificate of insurance? Any hesitation here ends the conversation. A real company sends the COI same-day.

3. How do you vet the people you send? You’re listening for interviews, references, and accountability — someone who stands behind their crew by name.

4. What exactly is included — in writing? The classic bait: a low quote that quietly excludes floors, windows, dusting, or the inside of anything. Get the scope sheet.

5. What happens when something gets missed? The only good answer is a make-it-right guarantee with a deadline attached, not “call the office.”

6. How do I know you actually showed up? For commercial service especially: verified arrivals and inspections beat trust-me every time.

7. Am I locked into a contract? Confident companies earn the work monthly. Twelve-month lock-ins protect vendors, not clients.

8. Who do I call when something’s wrong — a person or a queue? One accountable point of contact is worth more than a support line.

9. How is pricing set, and when can it change? Surprise escalations after month three are an industry classic. Get the number and its conditions in writing.

10. Can you give me a local reference? Not a testimonial page — a name you can actually call.

The pattern behind the questions

Every one of these probes the same thing: does this company have a system, or just promises? That’s exactly why we built the Falcon Standard™ — dedicated vetted crews, verified arrivals, an inspection every visit, no long-term contracts, and a make-it-right guarantee in plain words.

Ask us all ten: call or text (385) 293-3469. We like these questions.