What should I ask in an interview for a cleaner?

Interviewing a cleaner is your chance to learn how they work, how reliable they are, and whether they will treat your home or office with care. A good interview is a conversation, not an interrogation, and the best questions are open ones that invite the candidate to describe real experience. Start by asking about their cleaning background. How long have they worked as a cleaner, what kinds of places have they cleaned, and what does a typical visit involve for them?

Ask about the practical side of the job next. Which cleaning products and tools do they use, and are they comfortable with the products you prefer or any that must be avoided? Ask how they handle delicate surfaces, such as wood floors, stone counters, or glass, and what they do when they notice something damaged or broken. Ask how they manage their time on a visit, especially when a space is larger than expected or a task takes longer than planned. These questions reveal whether the cleaner thinks ahead and takes care with your property, rather than rushing through a checklist.

Reliability is one of the most important qualities in a cleaner, so ask about it directly. How do they handle a day when they are unwell or delayed, and how much notice would they give you? Have they ever missed a regular visit, and what did they do about it? Ask about their availability and whether they can commit to your schedule over the coming months. A cleaner who is honest about their limits and has a plan for covering absences is more dependable than one who promises everything without thinking it through. Also ask how they prefer to communicate, and whether they are comfortable reporting problems, such as a broken item or a supply running low.

Ask about trust and safety, since cleaners often work alone in private spaces. Would they be willing to provide references from recent clients, and are they comfortable with a background check if the role requires one? Ask how they handle keys, alarm codes, or access to a home or office, and how they make sure the space is secure when they leave. These questions are fair and expected for cleaning work, and a professional cleaner will answer them without hesitation. Pay attention to how they respond, since openness and calm answers are good signs.

Finally, give the candidate a chance to ask questions and to describe what they need from you. A short trial clean can follow the interview if both sides are keen, since it shows the quality of the work better than any answer. Take notes during the interview so you can compare candidates fairly, and thank the candidate for their time. A thoughtful interview helps you choose a cleaner you can trust with your space.

Next step: Post a free ad on Adver to find cleaners in your area and interview the best candidates for your home or office.