House Cleaning in Leinster

Yes, and most providers accommodate it — either with their own green product line (sometimes a small surcharge) or by using products you supply. Flag allergies, babies, and pets when booking. Note that some jobs, like heavy limescale or mould, genuinely need stronger chemistry to work.

Tidy clutter off floors and surfaces — cleaners charge for time, and picking up toys or dishes eats paid minutes. Secure valuables and important documents, note anything fragile, and leave instructions for alarm codes or pets. You don't need to pre-clean; that's what you're paying for.

Norms vary by country. In North America, tipping 10-20% on one-off or deep cleans is common, and many people give a holiday bonus to a regular cleaner rather than tipping each visit. In the UK, Australia, and most of Asia, tipping is appreciated but not expected. Agency cleaners often can't accept cash tips — a good review carries real weight instead.

Commonly excluded: exterior windows, inside the oven and fridge, laundry and ironing, dishes, wet-wiping walls, mould remediation, cleaning up after pests, biohazards, and anything requiring a ladder. These are add-ons or specialist jobs. Always get the inclusion list in writing so the visit matches your expectations.

Three reasons: insurance and legitimate employment cost real money (the cheapest quotes usually skip both), companies price in supervision and cover for sick days, and scope assumptions differ — one quote's 'clean' may exclude half of what another includes. Compare on a written task list, insurance status and the same visit frequency, not on the headline number.

Reputable providers carry public/general liability insurance that covers accidental damage — ask for proof before the first visit, not after an incident. Report damage within 24 hours with photos. With uninsured independents you're relying on goodwill, which is the real cost hidden inside a cheap hourly rate.

Typically €18-€35 per hour. Dublin sits at the top of the range, with €25-€35/hour common for insured agency cleans; independents outside the capital often charge €18-€22. A weekly 3-hour visit generally runs €55-€105.

Potentially yes. A regular cleaner working under your direction, on your schedule, with your equipment can be classed as your employee — meaning employer registration with Revenue, PAYE/PRSI and minimum-wage compliance. Agencies and genuinely self-employed cleaners (own clients, own kit, invoices) keep you outside those obligations.