Hiring a cleaning company without asking the right questions first is a gamble — one that can cost you time, money, or worse, leave you liable if something goes wrong on your property. Whether you need a regular domestic cleaner, a one-off end-of-tenancy clean, or a commercial contract, a few pointed questions upfront will quickly separate the professional outfits from the unreliable ones.

1. Do you carry public liability insurance?

This is the single most important question you can ask. Public liability insurance protects you if the cleaning company damages your property or a member of their team is injured while working on your premises. Any reputable cleaning company should carry at least £1 million in public liability cover — many carry £2 million or more. Ask to see the certificate, not just a verbal assurance. If they hesitate or cannot produce it, walk away.

Key tip: Always ask for a copy of the insurance certificate before any work begins. A professional company will have it ready; an uninsured one will stall or make excuses.

2. Are your staff employed or subcontracted?

This affects accountability more than most people realise. Directly employed staff are vetted and trained by the company, and the company is responsible for their tax, National Insurance, and conduct. If cleaners are subcontracted or self-employed, your rights and recourse are murkier if something goes wrong. Ask specifically how staff are engaged and whether they receive in-house training.

3. Do you carry out background checks on your staff?

For domestic cleaning especially, you are inviting strangers into your home, often when you are not there. Ask whether staff undergo Disclosure Scotland checks (the Scottish equivalent of a DBS check in England). A good cleaning company will run these as standard and refresh them periodically. If they cannot confirm this, treat it as a serious red flag.

4. What products and equipment do you use?

This question matters for several reasons. If you have allergies, children, or pets, you need to know whether the products are safe for your household. It also tells you something about the company's professionalism — firms that use proper commercial-grade products and maintain their own equipment tend to deliver more consistent results. Ask specifically whether they supply everything themselves, or whether you are expected to provide materials. Some budget operators arrive expecting to use your own cleaning supplies, which is worth knowing in advance.

5. Can you provide references or verified reviews?

Word of mouth is still one of the most reliable indicators of quality. Ask for at least two references from current or recent clients, ideally from jobs similar to yours — a residential reference is less useful if you are looking for an office cleaning contract. Online reviews on Google or a reputable directory can supplement this, but check whether the reviews are verified and recent. A company with dozens of glowing reviews from five years ago may look very different today.

6. What is included in your standard clean — and what is not?

Many disputes between clients and cleaning companies come down to mismatched expectations about scope. Before you agree to anything, get a written breakdown of exactly what a standard clean covers. Common exclusions include inside ovens, inside fridges, laundering of linens, and exterior windows. For end-of-tenancy cleans in particular — which are common in Edinburgh's busy rental market — confirm whether the clean meets the standard required by letting agents, and whether the company offers a re-clean guarantee if it does not pass inspection.

7. Are you a member of any trade body or accreditation scheme?

Membership of bodies such as the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) or the Association of Professional Cleaning Services (APCSco) is a positive signal, though not a guarantee of quality. It suggests the company takes professional standards seriously and has agreed to a code of conduct. In Scotland, some cleaning firms also hold SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) trained staff, which is worth asking about for specialist or contract cleaning.

8. What happens if I am not satisfied with the clean?

A confident, professional company will have a clear complaints process and a written policy on what happens if the work is not up to standard. Ask specifically: will they return to put it right at no extra charge, and within what timeframe? Be wary of vague assurances. A guarantee in writing — even a simple line in the contract or quote — is far more useful than a verbal promise made at the door.

Checklist at a glance

  • Do you carry public liability insurance — and can I see the certificate?
  • Are your staff directly employed or subcontracted?
  • Do all staff undergo Disclosure Scotland checks?
  • What products and equipment do you supply?
  • Can you provide references or verified reviews?
  • What is included in the standard clean — and what is excluded?
  • Are you a member of BICSc, APCSco, or any other trade body?
  • What is your policy if I am not satisfied with the clean?

Once you have your answers, you will be in a much stronger position to compare quotes fairly and hire with confidence. To get started, find a trusted cleaning company in Edinburgh through the Found Local directory.