WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A STANDARD CLEAN AND A DEEP CLEAN?
A standard clean is a more affordable however less thorough than a deep clean. It includes the basic mopping or using Swiffer on the floors, dusting on all exterior surfaces within reach, basic cleaning of common living spaces, making beds, changing linens if requested, cleaning of the bathrooms and toilets. We usually suggest this to homes which are already well-kept but due to some reasons they cannot clean for the day or they have visitors coming the next day and would like to ensure that their home is ready to entertain guests. This is also the service we offer to our recurring clients, unless they would like to add an extra task on their service order.
A deep clean is the more detailed and extensive cleaning. It includes the heavy-duty cleaning of the floors in the kitchen and bathrooms. It takes more time and cleaning solutions and that also makes it more expensive than the standard clean. It will leave your home spotless clean. Our professional cleaners would also try to remove heavy grease on stove-tops and kitchen floors and conduct a heavy scrub on bathroom tiles and toilets. We suggest this service to a home that has not been cleaned for a long time or if you are moving in or moving out.
When will my maid arrive?
We ask all clients for a 1-hour arrival window. This ensures a buffer between appointments.
Since we always guarantee never to leave your home until everything is complete and finished up to our high standards, sometimes earlier appointments will have us running late.
After setting up a regular cleaning schedule we can of course guarantee a prompt arrival time, every time.
Do I have to contact you each time?
After you set up recurring service, we’ll be there like clockwork on the date and time you choose. Of course you’ll also get the same cleaner every time if you so desire. You will also receive automated email reminders, 3 days before and then again 1 day before your next cleaning appointment.
What is included in a standard cleaning?
Standard cleaning takes into account everything that involves cleaning a home or apartment. Cleaning/vacuuming floors, cleaning bathrooms, kitchen, living room, dusting, etc. We do offer extra services like cleaning inside the fridge and inside the oven, and those are serviced upon request.
Are you pet friendly?
We love pets. Our cleaners work around them all the time and we never have any issues. The loud noise of the vacuum does occasionally cause a scare and in cases like that we’re always happy to accommodate special arrangements.
To ensure the best cleaning service please try and keep pets out of your cleaner’s way so that they can give their complete focus and attention to the cleaning task at hand.
What about tips?
Your Second City Maid will never expect gratuities but will happily accept cash tips as an indication of a job well done.
Do you bring your own cleaning supplies, products and equipment?
Yes we do, however we want to make sure to clean your home to your satisfaction, so we will happily oblige requests to use personal cleaning items.
One important note is that all of our cleaners do travel using public transportation to cut down on parking costs, and time delays due to heavy Chicago traffic. Therefore, we do ask that all clients provide us with a vacuum, toilet brush, and 3-step ladder. More importantly, this is done to avoid cross contamination between homes.
Can I request special tasks or extras?
Your satisfaction is of utmost importance to us. Please let us know by email or phone and we will do our best to make it happen.
How do I prepare for the cleaning?
First, please inform your Second City Maid of all your wants and needs. Please also leave instructions regarding pets, keys, alarms, or any other specific issues related to your home on our online booking form. It is also appreciated if you would pick up toys, clothes, or other household items.
Can I trust my cleaning professional?
All of our employees have undergone exhaustive and extensive vetting, in addition to an in-person interview. Before starting to work they passed through a professional cleaning trial and they must maintain high ratings to continue cleaning for our clients.
What happens if something goes wrong during my appointment?
If something goes wrong we’re here to make it right. Please let us know right away and we’ll be there to take care of it. That’s our promise to you!
Should I be home during my cleaning appointment?
You can if you would like, but it isn’t required. In fact, about half of our clients elect not to be home while we clean.
To ensure your satisfaction, we do ask that you leave detailed instructions when booking the cleaning online.
We do also offer a working-hour-window from 8am to 3pm for clients that choose not to be present during the cleaning service. When you return from the office, you can be assured your home will be sparkly clean – almost like magic!
Don’t need bathrooms or bedrooms cleaned?
We can work with that. Simply book an appointment using our minimum service (studio) and let us know when scheduling–over the phone or in instructions online–that you’d only like common areas cleaned, and not anything else.
Alternatively, if you need help doing home organization or something different, you may use our hourly service which is designed for custom situations.
How do I cancel or reschedule?
You can cancel or reschedule by reaching out to us over the phone, email, or you can also log into your account on our website.
Are there late cancellation fees?
Yes. If you cancel within 48 hours of your appointment you will incur a $70 late-cancellation fee. This fee goes to our cleaners and staff, as we would have otherwise obtained a job to fill that time slot.
Do you do post-construction cleaning or post-renovations cleaning services?
We do not perform post-construction cleanings or post-renovation cleanings! Please make sure to disclose this during your booking process so that we can recommend other local cleaning companies who might be able to accommodate you. If you decide to book us with this knowledge you accept the liability that a post-construction cleaning and post-renovation cleaning require 3 cleaning sessions for all dust to settle and clear.
Do you offer refunds?
If we fall short of your expectations we can only return inside 48 hours of your initial appointment. Please let our customer service team know inside 48 hours of your appointment and we can schedule a return visit only 48 hours from your initial appointment. We cannot and do not offer refunds for services performed. Post construction, post renovations and move out cleanings are excluded from re-cleanings. Post construction, post renovations and move out cleanings are considered finalized at the moment you finalize payment.