A Green Cleaned Home Guide:
How To Choose The Right Cleaning Service For YOU!

• Look for Google Guaranteed providers (they show up with a green checkmark when you search- this goes for ANY service provider).

• Google does a full background check on the company and owner.

• Insurance and licenses are verified and kept up to date.

• Reviews are monitored to ensure they’re from real clients—not bots.

• You’re protected with up to $2,000 in coverage if the service doesn’t meet expectations.

• Businesses can lose their badge if they don’t uphold high standards—so it keeps everyone accountable.
  💚 Green Cleaned Home is proudly Google Guaranteed. That peace of mind? Built in.

• Facebook community groups are a great place to find local cleaners with flexible rates.

• Always ask if they’re insured and can provide a background check—this protects you and them. (see below for mor information on this)

• A newer cleaner (about 2 years in) may still have the spark and drive you’re looking for, with just enough experience under their belt.

• Be cautious with solo cleaners who have been in the game a while—some can get too comfortable and start skipping corners.

• Prefer the same cleaner every time? An independent cleaner may be perfect.

• Prefer the same day and time even if it’s not always the same person? A company with a trained team may be more consistent.
  💚 At Green Cleaned Home, we offer the best of both worlds—personalized care and reliable backup plans when life happens that align with YOUR preferences. 

• Basic cleans average $100 per 1,000 sq. ft. (though it varies by area and provider).

• Deep cleans can add $70–$200+, especially for bathrooms, kitchens, or extras like inside windows are included.

• Hourly rates can be risky—they often lead to inconsistent quality and surprises on your final bill since it's REALLY hard to guess how long a clean will take.

• Some cleaners may unintentionally slow things down when paid hourly since there is no incentive to be efficient, which means you’re paying for time, not results.
  💚 At Green Cleaned Home, we charge by the size of your home and the package you choose—not the clock. That means you’ll always know what to expect, and we reward our team for doing things right, not dragging things out.

PROS of hiring a company with employees:

• More consistency in who shows up and how things are done

• The company provides supplies, training, and follows set standards

• Workers are covered by company insurance and WSIB (Workplace Safety & Insurance Board)

• Easier to build long-term trust with the same team
   

CONS of companies that use contractors:

• Contractors must bring their own supplies, insurance, and manage their own business practices

• No standard training, no guaranteed quality

• If something goes wrong (injury, damage, theft), the company may not be liable

• Can lead to inconsistency in how things are done
   

Questions to Ask:

• "Are your cleaners employees or contractors?"

• "Are your team members trained in-house and held to company-wide standards?"

• "Who provides the supplies and insurance coverage?"
   

✨ Something to consider:  If you don’t mind a more casual approach and just want someone to tidy up occasionally, a contractor might work for you. But if reliability, structure, and peace of mind matter most—you’ll want a team of employees.

💚 At Green Cleaned Home, all of our cleaners are fully insured, bonded and trained employees (not a mix!), so you can count on consistent care and coverage no matter what. 

PROS of hiring a company that pays a living wage (or higher):

• Team members are more motivated, less burnt out, and care more

• Lower turnover = you don’t have a new stranger in your home every visit

• Less likelihood of theft, rushed jobs, or ghosting

• A sign the company values its people and creates a healthy work culture

​CONS:

• Rates are typically higher (because paying people fairly isn’t cheap)

• As an employer, I can say—between insurance, vacation pay, CPP, EI, taxes, WSIB, and remittances… it adds up fast! 😅
   

Questions to Ask:

• “Do you pay your cleaners a living wage?”

• “What kind of support do you provide your team?”

• “Is your company part of any living wage initiatives or certifications?”
   

✨ Something to consider: If you’re only focused on price and don’t mind turnover or less attention to detail, you may be fine with a lower-cost service. But if you want heart, integrity, and people who actually like their jobs, this is worth paying for.

💚 We’re proud Living Wage providers, with Great Place To Work Initiatives and a one of a kind company culture—and it shows in the level of care we bring to every clean. Feel free to ask ANY of our "Angels" for full transparency. I'll even give you their contact information to get the inside scoop if this is really important to you.

Full transparency: While we’re not listed on the official Living Wage Provider site (they require a hefty annual fee), we choose to invest those funds directly into our team and community instead. For us, making a real impact matters more than displaying a badge. 💚
 

• 👉 You can see Ontario’s Living Wage rates HERE.

PROS of hiring an insured and licensed cleaning service:

• You’re protected if something is broken, damaged, or someone gets hurt in your home

• The cleaner is also protected (no one wants an injury turning into a lawsuit)

• Licensed companies are registered with the government and follow Employment Standards regulations

• It signals a higher level of professionalism and accountability

• You can usually trust their reviews, procedures, and communication

CONS:

• They charge tax (because they’re legit!)

May cost a little more than casual cash-only cleaners

​Questions to Ask:

• “Are you fully insured and bonded?”

• “Are you a registered business?”

“Do you follow WSIB or Employment Standards protocols?”

​✨ Something to consider: If you’re hiring someone casually and feel comfortable taking on the risk, it might be okay for small, one-off jobs. But if you want to sleep easy knowing your cleaner and your home are covered—you’ll want someone licensed, insured, and operating above board.

​💚 Green Cleaned Home is fully insured, bonded, licensed, and compliant with WSIB and the Employment Standards Act. We dot the i’s so you don’t have to worry about the fine print.

PROS of choosing a green cleaning service:

• Safer for children, pets, and those with allergies or sensitivities

• Better for the environment—less waste, less pollution, fewer harsh chemicals going down the drain

• Often includes essential oils or gentle, plant-based ingredients that smell great and work well

• Many natural products are multi-use and can reduce clutter under your sink

• A company that prioritizes eco-friendly products often carries that mindfulness into how they treat people, too 💚

CONS:

• Some green products may require more dwell time to disinfect properly

• Natural products can be more expensive (though still worth it!)

• Not all "green" labels are created equal—some store-bought products still contain questionable ingredients, so transparency matters

Questions to Ask:

• “What types of products do you use?”

• “Are your products truly non-toxic, or just labelled as 'green'?”

• “Can you accommodate allergies or sensitivities?”

• “Do you make your own cleaners or use any refillable/reduced-waste systems?”
   

✨ Something to consider: If scent doesn’t bother you and you just want everything bleached and scrubbed, traditional cleaners may be fine. But if you’re creating a safe space for littles, pets, or wellness—green cleaning is worth every penny.

💚 At Green Cleaned Home, we use homemade natural products whenever possible (and we’re happy to share our recipes! A Green Cleaned Home Recipe & Tip Book in the works!). We also use Canadian-made, plant-based Attitude products for our floors—and yes, they plant a tree for every item sold!

PROS of choosing a cleaner who understands family life:

• They get it—crumbs in couch cushions, sticky fingerprints, and toy landmines are part of the deal

• They know how to clean safely around babies, toddlers, and furry friends

• Non-toxic and scent-sensitive products are usually the default

• They’re more flexible with things like nap schedules, feeding times, or pet routines

• Family-focused cleaners are typically more compassionate, patient, and thorough because they’re used to working in real homes—not showrooms

CONS:

• Might not be the cheapest option, since safer products and extra care often take a bit more time

• You may need to give more detailed notes if your routines change often (though a good company will make this easy!)

Questions to Ask:

• “Are your products safe for babies and pets?”

• “Do you have experience working in homes with kids or animals?”

• “Can you be flexible around nap times or pet needs?”

• “Do your cleaners receive any training on child/pet safety in the home?”

✨ Something to consider: If your household is quiet, adult-only, or you’re just doing a one-off clean before guests arrive, this may not be a top priority. But if you’ve got sticky fingers, sippy cups, and tumbleweed fur balls in every corner—choosing a cleaner who lives and breathes family-friendly service is a game changer.

💚 At Green Cleaned Home, families are our heart, especially with Sonia's ECE background. Many of us are parents or pet lovers ourselves, and we treat your home like we would our own—with patience, care, and a whole lot of cheer. We will happily work around nap times, be done before the kids get home from school and will happily give your pets love (no need to put them in a crate or send them away). Our Angels love having furry supervisors and we believe EVERYONE in the home should be comfortable, less stressed and excited for our visits. 

 Bonus: If your little ones show interest in cleaning, our team members will happily turn it into a teachable moment (we never say no to a kid who wants to help... or eat their vegetables!).