Most bad cleaning experiences in Geelong come down to something you could have asked before booking: who is liable if something breaks, who actually comes into your home, and what the quote really covers. These are the ten questions worth asking any cleaner — including us.
Trust and safety
1. Are you insured, and can I see the certificate?
Public liability insurance covers damage to your home or belongings during a clean. Ask for the certificate of currency, not just a yes. If a cleaner is uninsured, a broken stone benchtop or a flooded laundry may end up as your problem.
2. Is everyone who comes to my home police-checked?
A business can be police-checked while the person at your door is not. Ask whether every cleaner has a current National Police Check, and whether the same cleaner comes each visit.
3. Do you have a real ABN and a business address?
Search the business name on the Australian Business Register (abr.business.gov.au). An active ABN in the trading name you were given is a basic sign the business is accountable if something goes wrong.
Price and scope
4. Is the price a fixed quote or an hourly estimate?
Hourly rates look cheaper but can run long. A flat-rate quote for your home’s size and condition gives you certainty. Either is fine — just know which one you are getting, and whether GST is included.
5. What exactly is included?
Ask for the checklist. Ovens, inside cupboards, windows and walls are often extras on a regular clean and included in a deep or end-of-lease clean. Comparing two quotes is only fair if they cover the same work.
6. Do you bring the products and equipment?
Some cleaners expect you to supply a vacuum and products. If anyone in your home has asthma, allergies or chemical sensitivities, ask what products are used and whether non-toxic options are standard.
7. What happens if I’m not happy?
A good cleaner will come back and fix what was missed. Ask how long you have to raise it, and whether a re-clean costs anything. For end-of-lease cleans, ask whether they return if the property manager flags something at inspection.
Fit for your home
8. Are you a registered NDIS provider?
This only matters if you use NDIS funding. Agency-managed (NDIA-managed) participants must use a registered provider. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can use registered or unregistered providers. Naturo Group is not currently a registered NDIS provider, so we work with plan-managed and self-managed participants only.
9. Do you actually service my suburb?
Some businesses list every suburb from Lara to Torquay but only have cleaners in one part of Geelong. Ask how often they work in your area — it affects how easy it is to get a regular time slot.
10. What do recent local reviews say?
Read the Google reviews for the location that would actually send the cleaner, not a head office in another city. Recent reviews that mention specific cleaners and specific jobs tell you more than a high star average.
Red flags when hiring a cleaner
- Cash only, with no invoice or receipt
- No ABN, or an ABN under a different name to the one you were given
- Reluctance to show an insurance certificate
- A price given without asking about your home’s size or condition
- A different stranger every visit with no explanation
- Pressure to book or pay in full on the spot
Frequently asked questions
How much should a house cleaner cost in Geelong?
It depends on home size, condition and the type of clean. Naturo Group’s regular cleans in Geelong start from $153 and deep cleans from $371 for a 2-bedroom home. Our Geelong cost guide sets out typical ranges in more detail.
Is it better to hire an independent cleaner or a company?
An independent cleaner can be excellent and often cheaper. A company usually adds insurance, replacement cleaners when someone is sick, and a business to complain to. Either way, ask the same ten questions.
Do Naturo Group cleaners bring their own products?
Yes. We supply eco-friendly, non-toxic products and all equipment for every job, and every cleaner is police-checked.