12 Things to Look for in a Cleaning Service in Australia

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cropped view of a cleaning service agent wiping phone while colleagues washing floor with mops

Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or a property owner preparing for the next tenant, finding the right cleaning service in Australia can make life easier. But with so many options on the market — from large cleaning companies to small local businesses — how do you know which one to choose?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything to consider when selecting a cleaning service in Australia. From checking credentials to understanding what’s included in the service, we’ll help you make an informed decision that delivers sparkling results every time.

1. Experience and Reputation Matter

One of the first things you should look for is the company’s experience in the cleaning industry. A cleaning service that has been around for several years is more likely to have streamlined processes, trained staff, and a loyal customer base.

Check for:

  • Company age – how long have they been operating?
  • Customer reviews on Google, Facebook, or ProductReview.com.au
  • Testimonials on the company’s website
  • Case studies or examples of their work

Cleaning is more than just wiping surfaces — it’s about detail, reliability, and care. A solid reputation is often built on consistency and trustworthiness, which is what you want when letting someone into your home or workplace.

2. Range of Services Provided

Not all cleaning jobs are the same. Some people need a weekly surface clean, while others might need a deep end-of-lease clean that meets real estate agent standards. The best cleaning services offer flexibility and a range of packages to suit different needs.

Common services to look for include:

  • Regular house cleaning (weekly, fortnightly)
  • Spring or deep cleaning
  • End-of-lease or bond cleaning
  • Commercial and office cleaning
  • Carpet, upholstery, or window cleaning
  • After-party or event cleaning
  • Disinfection services (especially post-COVID)

Make sure the cleaning service you choose offers the specific tasks you need. If you’re unsure, ask for a detailed checklist of what is and isn’t included.

cropped view of cleaner wiping office phone near colleague washing desk

3. Trained, Vetted, and Insured Staff

Trust is everything when you’re allowing cleaners into your private or commercial space. The best cleaning companies in Australia conduct background checks and provide thorough training to their staff.

What to look for:

  • Police-checked or background-verified cleaners
  • Regular staff (not random subcontractors)
  • Clearly identifiable uniforms and ID badges
  • Training in safe and hygienic cleaning practices
  • Friendly, professional conduct

You should also confirm that the company holds public liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. This protects you from liability in case of accidents or property damage during the cleaning process.

4. Clear Pricing with No Hidden Fees

Transparency in pricing is a major factor to consider. A reputable cleaning company will offer clear rates and explain any additional charges before the service begins.

Things to check:

  • Is the quote fixed or hourly?
  • Are there minimum hours or call-out fees?
  • Are cleaning supplies included in the price?
  • Will extras like oven or fridge cleaning cost more?

Always ask for a written quote or confirmation email before the job starts. Avoid services that are vague or hesitant about providing details.

5. Customisable Cleaning Plans

Every home or business is different, so cookie-cutter packages don’t always make sense. Many of the top-rated cleaning services in Australia now offer customisable cleaning solutions that allow you to prioritise certain areas or tasks.

For instance, you might only want:

  • Bathrooms and kitchens cleaned weekly
  • A monthly window clean
  • A one-off spring clean for the whole house

Custom plans help you get the best value for your money while ensuring your specific needs are met.

6. Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic Products

More Australians are becoming conscious of the chemicals used in their homes — especially if there are children, pets, or allergy sufferers in the household. Fortunately, many cleaning services now offer green cleaning options using eco-friendly and biodegradable products.

Why this matters:

  • Reduces exposure to harsh chemicals
  • Better for indoor air quality
  • Minimises environmental impact
  • Safer for families and pets

If this is important to you, ask whether the company offers chemical-free or eco-certified cleaning products.

Back view of female boss of cleaning company, telling work schedule to cleaners of studios spacious kitchen. Group of janitors in uniform cleaning office with cleaning equipment.

7. Reliability and Punctuality

One of the most frustrating experiences is waiting for a cleaner who doesn’t show up on time — or at all. That’s why reliability and punctuality are key indicators of a professional service.

Good signs include:

  • Automated appointment confirmations or SMS alerts
  • Punctual arrival time
  • Flexible rescheduling policies
  • A regular cleaner assigned to your job

Whether it’s your home or business, cleaning should never disrupt your schedule. Choose a provider that respects your time.

8. Satisfaction Guarantee

Many quality cleaning services offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee or a re-clean promise. This means if you’re not happy with the service, they’ll come back to fix the issue free of charge.

This is especially important for bond or end-of-lease cleaning, where agents can be picky about cleanliness. A company that backs its service with a guarantee shows they care about customer satisfaction.

9. Technology and Ease of Booking

Modern cleaning services are embracing tech to make the process easier and more transparent. Look for companies that offer:

  • Online booking platforms
  • Real-time scheduling and availability
  • Customer portals for managing appointments
  • Digital payments and invoicing

These features help you save time and avoid the back-and-forth of phone calls and paper invoices.

10. Local Presence and Knowledge

While nationwide cleaning companies have their advantages, there’s something to be said for hiring local services that understand your area and needs.

A local cleaner is likely to:

  • Be familiar with local council regulations (especially for commercial jobs)
  • Know what real estate agents expect during end-of-lease inspections
  • Be more flexible in terms of availability
  • Build long-term, personal relationships with clients

When browsing online, search terms like “cleaning services near me” or your suburb or town name to find local gems.

11. COVID-Safe and Health-Conscious Practices

Since the pandemic, Australians have become more concerned with hygiene and sanitisation. A reputable cleaning service should follow COVID-safe protocols, including:

  • Disinfecting high-touch areas (door handles, light switches)
  • Wearing PPE (masks, gloves)
  • Contactless payments and communication
  • Using approved disinfectants (e.g. hospital-grade)

Even though the height of the pandemic has passed, health-conscious cleaning is still highly relevant — particularly in shared environments like offices or short-term rentals.

12. Great Customer Service

Finally, excellent customer service ties everything together. A company’s communication with you—from the first enquiry to post-clean follow-up—shows its level of professionalism.

Look for:

  • Fast response to questions or bookings
  • Friendly, helpful support staff
  • Willingness to explain services and answer questions
  • A feedback or complaint resolution process

Even if a cleaner does a good job, poor communication can sour the whole experience. Choose a service that treats you with respect and is easy to deal with.

Conclusion: Clean with Confidence

Finding the right cleaning service in Australia doesn’t have to be a gamble. With a bit of research and the right questions, you can hire professionals who not only leave your space spotless but also provide peace of mind.

To recap, look for:

  • Experience and good reviews
  • A wide range of services
  • Police-checked and trained staff
  • Transparent pricing
  • Eco-friendly practices
  • Satisfaction guarantees
  • Clear communication and flexibility

Whether you’re in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, or a rural town, there are trusted cleaners who are ready to meet your needs. If you’re based in Sydney, Enjoy Life Services is a great example — they’ve been providing home cleaning, office cleaning, commercial cleaning, and household maintenance services across Sydney’s CBD, Inner West, Ryde Area, North Shore, and Eastern Suburbs for almost 10 years. Their reputation for reliability and quality makes them a go-to for many local residents and businesses.

Taking the time to choose the right team now will save you stress, money, and hours of cleaning in the long run.