Frequently Asked Questions

We get lots of questions each day, and we are always happy to answer and help any clients… but we have put some of our most frequently asked questions together for you. 

Domestic/House Cleaning

  • How long does Oven cleaning take?

    Oven cleaning can vary hugely, as some ovens have been used a lot and not cleaned as much, or at all. We don’t set a particular time, but our average is 2 to 3 hours.  

  • How do you clean ovens?

    We use a few different methods to clean oven. For the racks and rails that are removable, we use a heat solution process, which basically means we soak the parts in a water bath with specialist cleaning products.  


    To clean the oven itself we use a specialist oven cleaning spray, oven paste and lots and lots of elbow grease.  

  • Are the oven cleaning chemicals harmful?

    We use Dirt Busters Professional cleaning products, which are specially designed for professional oven cleaning. Our oven cleaning products are 100% eco-friendly, as they are non-caustic and fume free, which means it won’t burn or be harmful to your skin or your senses. Our products are also biodegradable, which means they will breakdown over time, minimising environmental impact.  

  • Do you use products with Sodium Hydroxide?

    Esteem Cleaning does NOT use products with Sodium Hydroxide in, such as Mr Muscle oven cleaner. Sodium Hydroxide is a strongly alkaline and can be very harmful. It can burn your skin, and cause blindness if you get it in your eye. The fumes can also be damaging to your airways.  


    Sodium Hydroxide based oven cleaners can also cause damage to your oven and surrounding areas, if you get it on the oven enamel, the element or floor or cupboards surrounding it.  

  • Are your cleaning products eco-friendly and cruelty free?

    All of the cleaning products we use are bought within the UK and are off the shelf items, which means you do not need any licence to use them.


    None of the finished products have been tested on animals and are cruelty free.


    We so also offer a Go Green Cleaning option which is using locally sourced cleaning products which are certified Vegan and Eco.

  • Are your cleaning products Vegan?

    We offer a cleaning service using locally sourced, vegan certified and eco cleaning products. If you would like this option, let us know or select Go Green when getting your quote.

  • Do you use sustainable cleaning products?

    Yes we do. Using sustainable cleaning products and techniques is important to us and as such we feel it is responsible to have an understanding of what manufacturers are doing to reduce waste, carbon footprint and improve Recyling. 


    We only use products which meet the Cleanright standard (https://cleanright.eu/en) and Esteem Cleaning follows the Cleanright Sustainable Cleaning Charter https://cleanright.eu/en/sustainable-use.html

  • Is having a cleaner expensive?

    It is more expensive than not having a cleaner, but it is a matter of value. How do you want to spend your Sunday afternoon? Cleaning, or out with friends, family, enjoying yourself? There is of course a cost to this, but we make it as affordable as possible.

  • Why is a cleaning service expensive?

    When you look at the costs, it isn’t really that expensive. Sometime people just look at an hourly rate or wage, but our cleaners have to get to and from each of their jobs, which takes time and has a cost or fuel wear and tear on their vehicles. 


    We are also a fully insured business, which is a cost on top of all of the cleaning supplies, products and equipment. When you add all of that up and take into account the running of the business, the profits aren’t as high as many people think.

  • How much do you pay your cleaners?

    Cleaning is tough work, it is quite physical and cleaners rarely get the credit they deserve. We really value our team and as a business, we want the best people to work for us, so we pay our people well. We are proudly an accredited Living Wage Employer.

  • Does Esteem Cleaning have a good rating?

    We have an excellent reputation and have been around since 2015. We have many clients, both commercial and domestic and you can read our reviews on Facebook, Google reviews and Trust Pilot.

  • Do you background check your cleaners?

    Yes, all of our cleaners go through a screening process including relevant checks and references. All of our employees are entitled to work in the UK and are paid via PAYE.

  • How do I pay for my cleaning service?

    We have a few options, including BACs (Bank Transfer), Direct Debit, Debit and Credit Card, Standing Order and cash. We prefer either Direct Debit or BACs transfer.

  • Do I pay my cleaner in cash?

    Ideally not. It isn’t a mater of trust, it is a matter of logistics. We prefer all payments to be bank to bank. That being said, if cash is the only way, then we will accept it.

  • Who is the cheapest cleaning company?

    Since lockdown there are so many cleaners going out for themselves, which is great on the one hand, but what we see is these people and small companies are priced unsustainably low to win work, but they can’t afford to keep going because they didn’t realise the true cost of running a business. That is why our customers value our reliability, we have stood the test of time and are still here for our customers.


    Esteem Cleaning is not the cheapest but are certainly not the highest priced. We don’t believe in being greedy and are very transparent with our pricing. Our customer believe we offer great value for money.

  • Should I tip my cleaner?

    You should never feel you have to or need to, but if you feel the service has been particularly good then I’m sure they would really appreciate it. We do not take any of our cleaners tips, so everything extra is theirs.


    If you are really happy with your cleaner, letting them know and making an online review is also amazing.

  • Do you have an online billing platform?

    Yes. All customers, one off or regular are setup on this and their invoices are sent via this. You can also setup payments on there too

  • Should I feel bad for having a cleaner

    No, absolutely not. Do you feel guilty for having a window cleaner, or taking your car to get washed? No.


    In England we have a lot of hang-ups and one of them is around guilt that we get someone else in to clean. At Esteem Cleaning, we believe fife is too short, so why spend it cleaning, if you could spend it with family, friends and loved ones.

  • What if the cleaner breaks something?

    It is really rare that our cleaners break anything, but accidents do happen. We have excellent insurance and if any damage or breakages happen then our cleaners take a picture and report it to their manager and we immediately notify you and set about putting things right.

  • Should I tidy up for my cleaner?

    It depends – having a tidy house will make the cleaners' job easier and quicker and therefore probably a bit cheaper. That being said, you are the customer and whatever you want goes. Some of our clients like us to tidy up for them. The most important thing is to get the service you want, so don’t worry about how tidy or untidy your home is.

  • Should I be in for my cleaner?

    Most of our clients are out while we clean. We hold keys and have alarm code access, but it is entirely up to you and what you feel comfortable with. All of our cleaners are security checked and background checked and we have excellent insurance.

  • Do you have insurance?

    Yes, we have a number of difference insurances and a copy of our insurance certificate can be provided on request. Here is what we are covered for:

    • Insurance provided by Eaton Gate Commercial
    • Employers Liability - £5m
    • Public and Product Liability - £1m
    • Theft and damage - Yes
  • Should I offer my cleaner a drink?

    It is always nice, but certainly not necessary. Our cleaners are out and about for hours at a time and they carry their lunches and drinks with them.

  • How long will it take

    When we first come to see you and provide you with a quote, unless we have agreed an hourly rate, we provide a cost to complete the work agreed. Sometimes this is shorter or longer than other times. So in essence, we don’t provide a guarantee of time spent, but instead, on the quality of the clean.

  • Do I get a minimum or maximum time?

    No, we complete the job we agreed based on what service you are looking for. We can give you an idea of time, but we don’t have any fixed, so don’t worry, we won’t get half way through and start packing up because we ran out of time!

  • Do I have to provide the cleaning products or equipment?

    No, we provide everything needed.

  • Can I cancel my cleaning service?

    Yes. We will always want to ensure you are happy, but do understand peoples needs and circumstances change. We ask you give one months notice.

  • Do I have a contract with my cleaner?

     Yes – all customers automatically enter into our Terms of Business. When you receive goods or Services from us or receive a valid invoice, you automatically agree to our Terms of Business, even if you have not signed or been asked to sign them. It is therefore important you read and understand them. Find out more here: Terms of Business


Landlord & Commercial Cleaning

  • How much do you charge for cleaning?

    Our Landlord cleans are charged competitively and can be at an hourly rate,  but usually at a fixed rate, agreed in advance. This amount includes the cleaners, their time and cost to get to the job, insurance, equipment and products.

  • Do you pay your cleaners well?

    Cleaning is tough work, it is quite physical and cleaners rarely get the credit they deserve. We really value our team and as a business, we want the best people to work for us, so we pay our people well. We are proudly an accredited Living Wage Employer.


    To clean the oven itself we use a specialist oven cleaning spray, oven paste and lots and lots of elbow grease.  

  • Does Esteem Cleaning have a good rating?

    We have an excellent reputation and have been around since 2015. We have many clients, both commercial and domestic and you can read our reviews on Facebook, Google reviews and Trust Pilot. 

  • Do you background check your cleaners?

    Yes, all of our cleaners go through a screening process including relevant checks and references. All of our employees are entitled to work in the UK and are paid via PAYE.

  • How do I pay for my cleaning service?

    We have a few options, including BACs, Debit and Credit Card, Direct Debit or Standing Order. Most of our landlords and businesses pay via BACs. We invoice on the date of completion and the invoice is payable within 7 days. If you receive a regular clean, we bill monthly in arrears.

  • Do I pay my cleaner in cash?

    Ideally not. It isn’t a matter of trust, it is a matter of logistics. We prefer all payments to be bank to bank. That being said, if cash is the only way, then we will accept it.

  • Do you have an online billing platform?

    Yes. All customers, one off or regular are setup on this and their invoices are sent via our system. You can login and vie your current or any historical invoices, as well as setup any payments.

  • Why should I use a professional cleaning service?

    Some landlords are very hands on, most understand that getting the right people in for the job saves time and money in the long run. You pay Esteem Cleaning not only for the work completed and your time saved, but also for the accountability of a professional service.

  • What if the cleaner breaks something?

    It is really rare that our cleaners break anything, but accidents do happen. We have excellent insurance and if any damage or breakages happen then our cleaners take a picture and report it to their manager and we immediately notify you and set about putting things right.

  • Do I need to be at the property with the cleaner?

    No, although we can work around you if needed, but most clients are not. We can arrange to meet at a property for access and we also offer a service of key collection and drop off. For most letting agent cleans, we go to the office before and after the job to collect and then return the keys.

  • Do you have insurance

    Yes, we have a number of difference insurances and a copy of our insurance certificate can be provided on request. Here is what we are covered for:


    • Insurance provided by Eaton Gate Commercial
    • Employers Liability - £5m
    • Public and Product Liability - £1m
    • Theft and damage - Yes
  • Do I get a minimum or maximum time

    No, we complete the job we agreed based on what service you are looking for. We can give you an idea of time, but we don’t have any fixed, so don’t worry, we won’t get half way through and start packing up because we ran out of time!

  • Do I have to provide the cleaning products or equipment

    No, we provide everything needed.

  • Can I cancel my cleaning service

    Yes. We will always want to ensure you are happy but do understand people’s needs and circumstances change. We ask you give notice in line with your specific terms of business, which is usually three months’ notice.

  • Do I need to give notice to cancel a one off clean?

    If you are booking a one-off clean and you wish to cancel, we ask you provide at least 7 days’ notice. The reason we do this is we usually get booked up quickly and if we allocate time for a job and it is cancelled, it is time we could have spent on another client.

     

    We charge 25% of the cleaning quote as an upfront deposit before booking, which covers arranging the clean, organising the time and blocking the cleaner(s) calendars out. For this reason, all deposits are non-refundable, even if notice is provided. 


  • Do I have a contract with you?

    Yes – all customers automatically enter into our Terms of Business. When you receive goods or Services from us or receive a valid invoice, you automatically agree to our Terms of Business, even if you have not signed or been asked to sign them. It is therefore important you read and understand them. Find out more here: Terms of Business

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