10 Things Aurora Homeowners Should Know Before Hiring a Cleaning Service
Hiring a professional house cleaning service for the first time is a bigger decision than it might seem. You're letting people into your home — often while you're not there — and trusting them with your space, your belongings, and your privacy. Getting it right matters.
After years of serving Aurora homeowners cleaning, we've heard just about every question and concern a new client can have. Here are the ten things we think everyone should know before they book.
1. Always confirm they're insured and bonded
This is non-negotiable. Any legitimate cleaning company operating in Aurora should carry general liability insurance and be bonded. Insurance covers accidental damage to your home or belongings. Bonding protects you in the event of theft.
Ask for proof before your first booking. A reputable company will provide it without hesitation. If a company can't or won't confirm their insurance, that's your cue to look elsewhere.
Contact Mayfair Home Cleaning today to see our insurance documents.
2. Ask whether cleaners are employees or subcontractors
This matters more than most people realize. Companies that use direct employees — like Mayfair Home Cleaning — train, supervise, and are fully responsible for the people they send to your home. Companies that use subcontractors are essentially connecting you with independent workers, which means variable training, inconsistent quality, and murkier accountability if something goes wrong.
Ask the question directly: 'Are your cleaners your employees or independent contractors?' The answer tells you a lot about the company's accountability model.
3. Check for WSIB coverage
In Ontario, legitimate employers are required to register with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). WSIB coverage means that if a cleaner is injured in your home, the costs are covered through the insurance system — not potentially through your homeowner's insurance.
Some cleaning companies operating in Aurora and York Region are not WSIB registered, which is illegal and a liability risk for the homeowner. Ask for their WSIB clearance number or certificate if you want to be thorough.
4. Understand what's actually included
'House cleaning' means different things to different companies. Before you book, confirm exactly what's included in your service — and what isn't. The most common omissions that surprise new clients:
- Interior oven cleaning (usually an add-on)
- Inside the fridge (usually an add-on)
- Laundry or dish washing (not included at most companies, including Mayfair)
- Windows (interior typically included in deep clean, exterior usually separate)
- Carpet cleaning (requires specialist equipment, typically a separate service)
If you have specific expectations, put them in writing when you book.
5. Know the difference between a regular clean and a deep clean
First-time clients often expect a deep-clean level of result from a regular-clean booking. If your home hasn't been professionally cleaned recently — or ever — a deep clean is the right starting point. This is more thorough, takes longer, and costs more, but it establishes the baseline that regular maintenance cleaning can then maintain. (See our full guide to deep cleaning vs regular cleaning for more detail.)
6. Read recent reviews, not just the star rating
A five-star average from 2019 tells you less than 30 reviews from the last six months. When researching cleaning companies in Aurora, look at the recency and specificity of reviews. Generic five-star reviews that say 'great service!' are less informative than detailed ones that mention consistency, specific staff, and how the company handled a problem.
Also check how the company responds to negative reviews. Companies that engage thoughtfully and constructively with criticism tend to be better run than those that ignore it or respond defensively.
7. Request the same team for recurring visits
Consistency is one of the most underrated factors in professional cleaning. When the same team cleans your home repeatedly, they learn your preferences, your priorities, and the specific quirks of your space. Results improve over time.
Ask upfront whether the company can commit to sending the same team. Not all companies guarantee this, but it's worth requesting — and it's something Mayfair prioritizes for recurring clients.
8. Don't make the price the only deciding factor
It's tempting to book the cheapest option, especially if you're new to professional cleaning and not sure how much value it adds. But in the Aurora cleaning market, very low pricing almost always comes with trade-offs — no insurance, subcontractors instead of employees, high staff turnover, or inconsistent quality.
The right question isn't 'who's cheapest?' It's 'who gives me the best result for a fair price?' The difference between a $150 and $190 bi-weekly clean is $40 per visit — less than the cost of a dinner out. The difference in quality and peace of mind can be significant.
9. Understand the cancellation and rescheduling policy
Life happens. Before you commit to a recurring service, understand what the cancellation or rescheduling terms are. Some companies charge a fee for last-minute cancellations. Some require notice by a certain time. Knowing this upfront avoids awkward situations later.
10. Prepare your home — but don't pre-clean it
You don't need to scrub your own home before the professional cleaners arrive. But tidying does help. Clear countertops, pick up items from floors, do your dishes, and secure your pets. Ten minutes of preparation lets the team spend more time on actual cleaning and less time navigating around clutter.
Mayfair Home Cleaning serves Aurora, Newmarket, and Bradford. We're locally owned, fully insured, and owner-operated — and we're happy to answer any of the questions above before you book.
Ready to book? Get an instant cleaning quote and book online at mayfairhomecleaning.com or call us at (289) 201-1873.
Published by Mayfair Home Cleaning — Aurora's locally owned residential cleaning service serving Aurora, Newmarket, and Bradford.