Print-friendly version: total monthly price, can the price change, who cleans, are they insured, same team every time, what canceling costs, and what's included.
About price
- What's my total per month, with every fee included? Ask for the all-in number. Service fees, processing fees, memberships and supplies can add a lot to a low hourly rate.
- Is there a required first visit, and what does it cost? In Orange County we've seen required first cleans from about $185 to $435.
- Can the price change after the first visit or a walk-through? Some companies quote one price and adjust it once they've seen the home.
- Are tips expected? If so, count them. A small tip every visit adds up over a year.
Our Orange County cost guide shows typical monthly totals by type of cleaner.
About who's in your home
- Who will actually clean my home? An employee of the company, or an independent contractor booked through a platform or agency?
- Are cleaners background checked? Ask how, not just whether.
- Are they insured, and by whom? If something breaks or someone gets hurt, whose insurance covers it?
- Will it be the same person or team every time? Consistency is how a cleaner learns your home and your preferences.
- What happens if my cleaner is sick? Do they cancel, or send someone who knows your home?
About the service
- What's included in a regular visit? Get the list. Ask specifically about inside the fridge, oven and cabinets, laundry and making beds.
- What if something gets missed? Is there a re-clean, and how fast?
- How do you handle entry and my door code? Who sees it?
About commitment
- Is there a contract or minimum term? Some services lock you in for months.
- What does canceling, skipping or rescheduling cost? Late-cancel and lockout fees of $75 to $99 aren't unusual.
- Can I pause for travel?
Red flags to watch for
- A price that's only available after an in-home walk-through, with no published range
- Vague answers about who will clean your home or who insures them
- A different cleaner every visit with no explanation
- A long minimum commitment or steep fees to cancel
- Pressure to pay or tip in cash at the door
How Back to Clean answers these
| Question | Our answer |
|---|---|
| Total monthly price | One flat monthly price by home size and schedule. Supplies, travel and card fees included. |
| First visit | $99 top-to-bottom deep clean, any home size |
| Can the price change? | No. It doesn't change after your first visit. |
| Tips | Not needed |
| Who cleans | Back to Clean employees, background checked and covered by our insurance |
| Same team? | Yes, the same small team every visit |
| If your cleaner is out | We tell you ahead and send a teammate who knows your home, or move your visit within 48 hours |
| Missed something | Free re-clean within 48 hours |
| Contract or cancel fees | No contract, no cancellation fees. Pause or cancel anytime online. |
See your exact monthly price, all in.
See my priceCommon questions
What's the most important question to ask a house cleaner?
Ask for the total monthly price with every fee included. It's the number that makes quotes comparable.
Should my house cleaner be insured?
It's wise to ask. Find out who carries the insurance and what it covers if something is damaged or someone is hurt in your home.
Why does having the same cleaner every time matter?
A consistent team learns your home, your priorities and how you like things done, so quality stays steady visit to visit.
