How to Choose a Cleaning Company in London: 9 Key Questions to Ask
11 October 2026 · 5 min read
When you're looking for a cleaning company in London, whether for your home or business, it can be challenging to decide which one to choose. The city offers many options, but not all cleaning services are created equal. To help you make an informed decision and ensure you're getting a reliable, trustworthy, and professional service, we've compiled a list of nine crucial questions you should ask any prospective cleaning company.
1. Are Your Cleaners Fully Vetted and DBS-Checked?
The safety and security of your property are paramount. You're inviting people into your home or business, so it's essential to know they are trustworthy. A reputable cleaning company should always conduct thorough background checks on all their staff. At ABE Cleaning Services, we ensure all our cleaners are DBS-checked, providing you with peace of mind. This means their criminal records have been scrutinised, significantly reducing any risk.
2. Do You Carry Comprehensive Insurance Coverage?
Accidents can happen, even with the most careful cleaners. Damage to property or an injury sustained by a cleaner on your premises could lead to significant financial liability if the cleaning company isn't properly insured. Always ask about their insurance. A professional company will have public liability insurance to cover any accidental damage. ABE Cleaning Services is insured up to £5 million, offering robust protection for both our clients and our staff.
3. What Services Do You Offer, and How Are They Priced?
Clarifying the scope of services and pricing upfront avoids misunderstandings later. Some companies might have hidden fees or a very limited service offering. Understand what's included in their standard clean, and if they offer specialised services such as end of tenancy cleaning or deep cleaning.
Domestic Cleaning
For domestic cleaning, clarify the hourly rate and any minimum booking requirements. For instance, at ABE Cleaning Services, our domestic cleaning is priced at £20.50 per hour, with a two-hour minimum booking. We also offer a special introductory rate for new customers: your first clean is £19.50 per hour. This transparent pricing allows you to budget effectively.
Commercial Cleaning
For commercial clients (offices, retail, care homes, communal areas), the pricing structure is usually different. Commercial work requires a tailored approach due to varying sizes, footfall, and specific cleaning requirements. Therefore, commercial cleaning services are always quoted individually after an assessment, rather than at a standard hourly domestic rate.
4. Are Cleaning Products and Equipment Included in the Price?
Some cleaning companies expect you to provide your own cleaning supplies, which can be an inconvenience and an additional cost. Others include them in their service. It's important to know this detail upfront. At ABE Cleaning Services, we include all necessary professional cleaning products and equipment in our service price, so you don't need to worry about stocking up.
5. What is Your Policy on Cancellations and Rescheduling?
Life can be unpredictable, and you might occasionally need to change a booking. A clear cancellation policy is a sign of a professional and organised company. Ask about notice periods and any potential fees for late cancellations. ABE Cleaning Services offers free cancellation with 24 hours' notice, providing flexibility when you need it.
6. What Areas Do You Cover?
Ensure the cleaning company actually serves your location. London is a large city, and many companies have specific service areas. Double-check if your postcode is within their operational zone. ABE Cleaning Services covers North, West, and Central London, as well as Watford and St Albans. You can find more details about our service areas on our website.
7. What Are Your Operating Hours?
Knowing a company's operating hours helps you schedule cleans at a time that suits you best, especially for commercial properties or busy households. For instance, ABE Cleaning Services is open Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, offering a wide window of availability for bookings.
8. How Do I Book a Service?
A straightforward booking process indicates efficiency and good customer service. Ask about their booking methods. Do they offer online booking, or is it strictly via phone or email? You can easily book a clean with us online, or by calling 07405361685, or emailing hello@abecleaner.com.
9. Can You Provide References or Testimonials?
While we don't display invented customer quotes, asking for references or looking for independent reviews can give you insight into a company's reputation and customer satisfaction. A company that consistently delivers high-quality service will generally have positive feedback.
Making an Informed Choice
By asking these nine questions, you'll be well-equipped to evaluate cleaning companies in London thoroughly. Prioritising aspects like staff vetting, insurance, clear pricing, and flexible policies will help you select a service that not only meets your cleaning needs but also provides reliability and peace of mind.
Choosing a professional cleaning service like ABE Cleaning Services means opting for transparent pricing, fully vetted and insured staff, and a commitment to quality. Whether it's for your home or business, we aim to deliver a consistent and reliable service that leaves your space sparkling.
| Feature | Domestic Cleaning | Commercial Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | £20.50/hr (Min 2 hrs) | Quoted Individually |
| New Customer Offer | First clean £19.50/hr | N/A |
| Staff Vetting | DBS-checked | DBS-checked |
| Insurance Coverage | £5 Million Public Liability | £5 Million Public Liability |
| Products & Equipment | Included | Included |
| Service Areas | North, West, Central London, Watford, St Albans | |
| Operating Hours | Mon-Sun, 8:00am - 10:00pm | |
| Cancellation Policy | Free with 24 hours' notice | |
| Contact Info | Phone: 07405361685 | Email: hello@abecleaner.com | |
Frequently Asked Questions
ABE Cleaning Services covers North, West, and Central London, as well as Watford and St Albans. We strive to provide our professional cleaning services across these key regions.
Our domestic cleaning service is £20.50 per hour, with a minimum booking of two hours. New domestic customers receive a special rate of £19.50 per hour for their first clean.
Yes, all our cleaners are thoroughly vetted and DBS-checked for your peace of mind. ABE Cleaning Services also carries comprehensive public liability insurance up to £5 million.
No, you don't. ABE Cleaning Services includes all necessary professional cleaning products and equipment as part of our service, so you don't have to worry about supplying them.
We offer free cancellation for all services, provided you give us at least 24 hours' notice. This policy allows for flexibility if your plans change.
Commercial cleaning for offices, retail spaces, care homes, and communal areas is quoted individually. This allows us to tailor our service and pricing to the specific needs and scale of your business, rather than using a standard hourly domestic rate.