Maid Zen is a local Northeast Houston cleaning company that provides custom cleaning solutions to our clients. No two cleaning projects are exactly alike. Because of that, we end up getting a lot of questions about our cleaning service, our staff, and more.
Below, you’ll find a list of the most common cleaning service questions that we get with helpful answers. If you have a question that isn’t answered below, feel free to directly contact us.
How do I pay for Maid Zen cleaning services?
Payment is due on the day of service. You may pay by providing a credit card to be on file or by leaving a check on the kitchen counter.
Do I have to be at home when Maid Zen cleans my home?
No. Many of our clients are not home when we clean. However, we do need permission to enter your home along with a key. If we do not have access to your home when we arrive and there is no key available, a lock out fee of $60 or 50% of the cleaning price may be assessed, whichever is higher.
What should I do to prepare my home for a cleaning?
In order to get the most effective cleaning experience, please de-clutter as much as possible. The night before we arrive, please kindly take a moment to tidy up your home so we can focus on cleaning rather than picking up.
How much do your cleaning services cost?
Cleaning services costs and prices really depend on the type of cleaning you want and the size of your home, office, or apartment. As a general rule of thumb, larger homes with more square footage require more time to clean. So those cleaning service jobs are priced higher than what you’d typically find for a 1 bedroom studio apartment cleaning.
For a breakdown of Maid Zen’s costs, you can consult the table below:
Apartments up to 1,000 sq. ft. | Starting at $80 for recurring and $100 for *First-time and one-time deep cleanings |
Homes over 1,000 sq. ft. | Starting at $80 for recurring and $140 for first-time and one-time deep cleanings |
Homes over 2,000 sq. ft. | Starting at $100 for recurring and $180 for first-time and one-time deep cleanings |
Homes over 3,000 sq. ft. | Starting at $130 for recurring and $220 for first-time and one-time deep cleanings |
Homes over 4,000 sq. ft. | Starting at $160 for recurring and $260 for first-time and one time deep cleanings |
*Please note, we require a deep cleaning for all first-time and one-time cleaning services.
How long does it take to clean a house?
The length of time it takes to clean a house is directly dependent on two factors:
- How big is the total area?
- How “deep” does the cleaning need to be?
When we estimate a new cleaning services client’s home, we will assess the number of rooms that need cleaning, e.g., bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. And we determine how long it has been since their last cleaning.
Their first or initial cleaning is what we call a “deep” cleaning for all new customers. That means that our cleaning staff spends more time on the service to account for build up dirt, debris, dust, clutter, soap scum, mildew, and more.
For most of our cleaning projects between 1,000 – 3,000 square feet, the initial cleaning takes between 4 – 6 total labor hours (or 2 – 3 hours for two cleaning technicians) to complete. After the initial deep cleaning is complete, subsequent cleanings, called repeat or recurring cleanings, take less time that there’s a baseline our staff maintains. These maintenance cleanings typically take 2 – 3 total labor hours, depending on the square footage of the home, apartment, or office.
The answer above is our general rule. However, it’s not uncommon for customers to come to us with unique needs like a large residence or a particularly messy one. In those cases, we will base our initial cleaning and recurring cleaning quote on those needs.
What is included in a standard recurring house cleaning?
A standard house cleaning will include the following duties:
- Vacuum all carpets and rugs
- Vacuum and mop all hard-surfaced flooring
- Dust all shelves, ledges, furniture, and fan blades
- Wipe-down all baseboards
- Clean and wipe all fixtures
- Clean and/or sanitize all bathroom shower walls, toilets, sinks, and mirrors
- Wipe-down all kitchen appliances
- Wipe-down all door handles
- Clean and degrease stovetop
- Clean all entryways
- Make all beds
- Empty and remove all trash to the designated area.
- And much more!
Do your cleaners do laundry?
Maid Zen’s cleaning specialists perform laundering duties and clothes washing. The wash and fold service is not included in our standard cleaning but can be added upon request and additional charge.
Our wash & fold service covers linens, bedding, towels, and general laundry. Your assigned cleaning expert will wash, dry, and fold your laundry while performing standard cleaning duties throughout your home on each recurring visit. We do not handle delicate clothes or clothing that requires special dry cleaning.
For more information on our laundry wash & fold service, get in touch with us.
Will it cost the same price each time Maid Zen cleans my house?
At the initial visit, we deep clean your home which takes additional time and costs slightly more than a regular cleaning. After that, the price will always be the same. We will come within the same cleaning window, which is either between 8am and 12pm or 11am and 3pm. If you prefer, your cleaning team can call or text 30 minutes before they arrive.
Who will be cleaning my home?
Each employee is thoroughly trained by a qualified, dedicated trainer and receives continuous training throughout their career. Our employees also undergo a rigid screening process to ensure your safety and security.
Will the same team be cleaning my home each time?
Each team is assigned permanently to your home. You’ll get to know and trust your cleaning team, and they’ll specialize at meeting your individual needs.
Am I supposed to tip the house cleaner(s)?
This is a question that we get often. While it’s certainly not required to tip your cleaning service experts, it is customary to do so in the United States to do so. Some cleaning service companies might require tips. Maid Zen does not.
Our cleaning staff is paid by the hour. Unlike waiters, waitresses, and bartenders, they do not rely on gratuity to supplement their hourly wage.
However, it’s not uncommon for our customers to leave a tip on their kitchen table or countertop for our house cleaning staff.
According to tidy.com If you hire someone directly for a one-time or periodic cleaning, most etiquette professionals say you should tip. $10 per cleaning professional is a good ballpark range.
If you have a home cleaner year-round, it is probably not necessary to tip each time. Instead, you can give a cash bonus at the end of the year. This is an excellent way to show your appreciation and make the house cleaner feel good about their service. Again, it is always up to you whether you want to give a tip or not.
Are you insured?
Yes. We are bonded and insured.
Do I need to provide equipment?
No. We provide everything and the equipment we use is of high quality. If you choose, you may provide your own equipment or request certain supplies.
Why should I choose Maid Zen?
There are plenty of reasons to choose us. We use high quality and safe cleaning products for you, your family, and the environment. Our employees are friendly and efficient and they have passed our extensive background checks. Once hired, we provide extensive training in the best cleaning techniques in the industry. Finally, we fully stand behind our work. If you’re not completely satisfied, we’ll make it right by cheerfully re-cleaning the affected areas for free.
Do you offer referral discounts?
Absolutely! If you refer a friend, you get 50% off your next cleaning.
What do I do if I need to cancel?
Please call our office in the event that you must reschedule your appointment. Please give as much notice as possible.
Why do you use non-toxic cleaning products?
Traditional cleaning products can pose many health concerns, and often contain chemicals associated with cancer, respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues. Our skin constantly absorbs the chemicals we come in contact with daily. Maid Zen only uses natural and safe cleaning products that provide health and safety benefits. Additionally, all the towels we use are steam washed, reaching over 212 degrees Fahrenheit, to ensure they are sanitized properly after each use. We also only use HEPA vacuum filters and microfiber towels, which improve the air quality and reduce allergens.
Do non-toxic cleaning products work effectively?
Yes! Many studies show that they work as well, if not better than regular commercial cleaning products. Our entire product line is made using certified pure essential oils. They are the safest oils available, and they’re free of contaminants, pesticides, and artificial ingredients.
I didn’t see my question on the list. How do I get it answered?
A Maid Zen representative would be delighted to answer any of you questions. Please call us at 832-229-1053 or email us at contact@maid-zen.com.