How to Choose a House Cleaning Company in Apopka and Winter Garden
The right questions, the red flags and a simple way to compare quotes, so you can choose a house cleaning company, let the team into your home and know what you are paying for.
Choosing a house cleaning company comes down to trust and clear terms. You are handing over a door code, and you want to know who is coming in, what they will clean and what happens if something is missed.
We are a family-owned cleaning company based in Apopka, and we clean homes in Winter Garden, Ocoee, Altamonte Springs and across Central Florida. These are the questions we hear on first calls, and they are good ones. Any company you are considering should answer them without hesitation.
Below is the list we would use if we were the ones hiring, plus the warning signs to watch for and a simple way to put quotes side by side.
1 Questions to Ask Any House Cleaning Company
Ask these on the phone or by text before you book. A good company will not be bothered by any of them.
| Question | Why it matters | A good answer sounds like |
|---|---|---|
| Are you licensed and insured? | Protects you if something is damaged or someone gets hurt in your home | A clear yes, and they can show proof |
| Are your cleaners background-checked? | These people will be in your home, often when you are not | Yes, and they are trained before they clean alone |
| Do you bring supplies? | Saves you buying equipment and tells you how professional the setup is | Yes, with the option to use your products |
| Do you price per job or per hour? | Per hour can grow during the visit. Per job gives you the number up front | A set price for the job, based on size and condition |
| What if I am not happy? | Tells you how they handle a missed spot | A written process with a deadline and a free re-clean |
| What is your cancellation policy? | Avoids surprise fees | A notice period and fee stated in writing |
| Will I see the same team? | Familiar cleaners learn your home and your preferences | An honest answer about how they schedule and what happens when someone is out |
Our own answers are written down in our customer guidelines: 24 business hours of notice to cancel or reschedule, a 50% fee for late cancellations or lockouts, and two weeks of notice to pause or reduce a recurring plan.
2 Per Job vs Per Hour Pricing
Hourly pricing looks simple, but you only learn the final cost when the cleaners leave. A home that was messier than expected, or a slow crew, means a bigger bill.
Per job pricing works the other way. The company looks at the size of the home, the number of bathrooms, its condition and any add-ons, then gives you one number. That is how we price. Add-ons are listed up front: inside the oven or inside the fridge is +$50 each, interior windows +$50, porch +$30 and couch vacuuming +$30.
Ask what is included
Two quotes can look far apart because one is for a regular cleaning and the other is for a deep cleaning. Deep cleaning adds detail work like baseboards, cabinet fronts, ceiling fan blades and tile buildup. Make sure you are comparing the same service.
3 Red Flags to Watch For
Any one of these is worth a second look before you hand over a key.
No proof of insurance
“We are covered” is not enough. Ask to see it.
A price with no questions
If they quote before asking about size, bathrooms or condition, expect the number to change later.
Nothing in writing
No written cancellation or satisfaction policy usually means the rules change when there is a problem.
Vague about who comes in
You should know if the cleaners are trained and background-checked, and who to call if something goes wrong.
For general tips on hiring service providers and avoiding scams, the FTC consumer advice site is a good reference.
The best first call is a boring one. You ask your questions, you get straight answers, and you know the price and the rules before anyone walks in the door.
Total Cleaning Services team
Comparing a house cleaning company in Apopka? Ask us anything.
Text or call with your questions and the size of your home. We usually reply the same day with a clear price.
4 How to Compare Quotes
Give everyone the same details
Bedrooms, bathrooms, rough size, pets and the last time the home was professionally cleaned. Photos help.
Match the service
Compare regular to regular and deep to deep. Note which add-ons each quote includes.
Compare the policies too
Cancellation notice, lockout fees, how to report a missed spot and how fast it gets fixed.
Start with one visit
Book a first clean, walk through it within 24 hours, then decide on a weekly, biweekly or monthly plan.
5 FAQ: Hiring a House Cleaning Company
Is Total Cleaning Services licensed and insured?
Yes. We are licensed and insured, and our cleaners are trained and background-checked. You can read more about us on our About page.
What happens if something is missed?
Send us photos within 24 hours of the visit. We re-clean it at no cost, scheduled within 5 business days.
How do I pay?
Payment is due on the day of service through a secure link. We accept credit and debit cards and Zelle.
Which areas do you serve?
Apopka, Winter Garden, Ocoee, Windermere, Orlando and the rest of Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties. See all our cleaning FAQs.
Hello, we are Total Cleaning Services.
Mariana Rocha grew up watching her mother clean homes in Brazil and built Total Cleaning Services on the same idea: treat every home like it is your own. Today our trained, background-checked team cleans homes and offices across Central Florida.
Still comparing options? Send us your questions and we will answer every one before you book.
Serving Apopka, Winter Garden, Ocoee, Altamonte Springs, Orlando and all of Central Florida.
