Whether you need a weekly house cleaner, a one-time move-out clean or someone to get the moss off your roof, the same handful of questions separates a smooth job from a headache. Here is the checklist we use when we look at companies for the directory, written for homeowners, renters and small businesses in the Seattle area.
1. Do they actually offer the service you need?
A general maid service and a carpet or window specialist are different trades. Check the company’s own website for a page about your exact job, not just a long list of services.
2. Do they serve your city?
Many Seattle companies serve the whole metro area, but some stay in Seattle or the Eastside. Look for your city named on their service-area page, or browse our city pages.
3. Are they licensed in Washington?
Businesses in Washington register with the state. You can look up a company by name on the Washington Department of Revenue business lookup. Inside Seattle, companies also need a city business license.
4. Are they insured and bonded?
Liability insurance protects you if something is damaged. Ask for proof, especially for ladder work like windows, gutters and roofs. Bonding offers some protection against theft.
5. Who will actually do the work?
Ask whether cleaners are employees or subcontractors, whether they are background-checked, and whether you get the same person or team each visit.
6. What exactly is included?
Get the scope in writing. For house cleaning, ask what a standard visit covers and what costs extra. For carpet cleaning, ask about stairs, hallways and spot treatment. For gutters, confirm downspouts are included.
7. How do they price the job?
Flat rate, hourly or per room each work, but you should know the total before work starts. Be wary of very low advertised prices that grow with add-ons on the day, a common pattern with air duct cleaning.
8. What products and equipment do they use?
If you have kids, pets or sensitivities, ask about eco-friendly or fragrance-free options. For specialty work, equipment matters: HEPA vacuums for construction dust, water-fed poles for high windows, negative-pressure systems for ducts.
9. What happens if you are not happy?
Many companies offer a re-clean if something was missed. Ask how quickly you need to report it and how they handle damage.
10. How do scheduling and access work?
Ask about arrival windows, keys or lockbox codes, parking and what happens if they need to reschedule. Condo buildings may require a certificate of insurance before the crew can come in.
11. What do recent customers say?
Reviews on Google and other sites help, but read the detailed ones. Look for patterns in how the company responds to problems, not just the star count.
12. Can you get it in writing?
A short written quote with scope, price, schedule and cancellation terms prevents most disagreements. For recurring service, check how much notice you need to cancel.
Red flags
- No website, or a site with no address or service area.
- Pressure to pay everything up front in cash.
- A price that changes significantly once the crew arrives.
- “Companies” that turn out to be lead-reselling services passing your number to strangers.
Every company in our directory has been checked on its own website for the service and area. See how we choose listings.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a cleaning company is licensed in Washington?
Search the business name on the Washington Department of Revenue business lookup. Inside Seattle, companies also need a city business license.
Should I tip my house cleaner?
It is not required, but many Seattle households tip for excellent work or around the holidays. Ask whether the company passes tips to the cleaners.
Is it better to hire a company or an independent cleaner?
Companies usually offer insurance, backup coverage and guarantees; independent cleaners can be more flexible and sometimes cheaper. Either way, ask the same questions.