Virginia Housekeepers LLM Question & Answers

 

Question #1: Do you offer “Green” cleaning products or Eco‑Friendly cleaning products?
Answer #1: Yes, we offer a selection of products that are considered “Green” or Eco‑Friendly. However, everyone has a different meaning or interpretation of what is considered safe, green or eco‑friendly. When submitting your estimate request, be sure to indicate your preference for the type of cleaning products. Please keep in mind that from our experience, green or eco‑friendly products do not clean as well as regular/standard products and we will require more time/effort to clean and as a result will cost more.

Question #2: How much will it cost to clean my home?
Answer #2: When determining your home cleaning cost, we recognize that every home is as unique as the homeowner, and every home cleaning fee is individually based. Things that will affect your home cleaning cost include number of residents, number and type of pets, clutter, floor types, size of your home and how often you want our cleaning technicians to clean.

Question #3: Will it cost the same each time you come to my home?
Answer #3: The first visit usually costs more than subsequent visits, generally at that first cleaning our cleaning technicians get the home up to Virginia Housekeepers standards. Once the first cleaning has been completed, your home’s cleanliness can be easily maintained with our regular visits. Regular home cleaning services are charged as a flat fee. You will receive an estimate for both the initial and the regular home cleaning services up front.
Once the initial home cleaning has been completed, we will confirm the regular home cleaning price. But after one month without cleaning we will consider the following visit, like a first-time cleaning.

Question #4: Will you come on the same day and time for each clean?
Answer #4: While we can commit to a specific day, there are many factors throughout the day that may affect our actual arrival time, but it will usually be the same day and time. We always call, email or text you the day before to remind you of the schedule cleaning with us. If you need to change the day and/or time for the cleaning, please email or text us with no less than 24 hours’ notice.

Question #5: How do I prepare my home for a cleaning service?
Answer #5: It’s as simple as this:

  • Remove clutter so we can effectively clean all surfaces,
  • Find a good spot for your pets so they are comfortable while we clean,
  • Put out clean sheets if we will be changing your linens.

Question #6: Do I need to be home during the cleaning?
Answer #6: It’s your choice. In fact, most of our customers prefer not to be home when we clean. However, if you like to be at home, it will be no problem for us. If you choose to provide us with a key, the garage code, and/or assigns us a guest alarm code rest assured that your security is our highest priority.

Question #7: What if I’m not satisfied with the service?
Answer #7: Call, email or text us within 24 hours and we will re‑clean the area at no cost.

Question #8: Who will be cleaning my home?
Answer #8: A team of cleaning technicians, trained and employed by Virginia Housekeepers, will clean your home, and it will be the same team each time. This approach helps our team get to know the unique needs of your home, thus ensuring a consistent, quality cleaning each and every time. Occasionally, there may be a change in a team member due to illness, vacations and staff changes.
Each team includes a team leader who will be familiar with your home, to ensure that all the tasks are completed managers will check in with you periodically.

Question #9: What if I need to reschedule the cleaning?
Answer #9: Follow the reschedule link and submit within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment time. Be sure to review/understand our policies and fees regarding changes.

Question #10: Do I need to provide house cleaning supplies?
Answer #10: We provide all cleaning equipment and products. If you have a special cleaning product that you would like for us to use, please be sure to let us know.

Question #11: What if I accidentally lock the cleaning crew out on my cleaning day?
Answer #11: Just as with rescheduling fees, if you lock the team out on cleaning day, you will be assessed a lock‑out fee. The lock‑out fee is $100. In the event of an accidental lockout, we will attempt to contact you to see if the issue can be resolved on the spot.

Question #12: What should I do with my pets during the cleaning?
Answer #12: If you have pets, we prefer them to be restricted from entering the areas that we clean to allow us to clean your home better and more efficiently, however we are pet friendly and will be very careful around them. Please let us know in advance what kind of pets you have so we can take care to not startle them or accidentally let them outside. We also ask that you secure them as appropriate in case visitors make them nervous. For sanitary and safety reasons, our teams are not permitted to clean flea infested homes or pick up animal excrement.

Question #13: Are my valuables safe?
Answer #13: If you have special valuables, heirlooms or irreplaceable items, please put them away or instruct us not to touch them. A closed door or drawer is your signal to us that you do not want that area cleaned. Virginia Housekeepers carries all the necessary insurances in the event of any damage.

Question #14: How do I pay for my home cleaning?
Answer #14: Payment is due the day of each scheduled cleaning. Most of our customers pay electronically using Zelle or simply leave a check on the counter. In the event you forget to leave your payment, please let us know immediately to avoid any late payment fees. If your check is returned for any reason by the bank, a processing fee of $50.00 will be charged.

Question #15: What is your cancellation fee?
Answer #15: All cleaning services can be canceled up to 48 hours in advance without any fee. If you cancel within the 48-hour period prior to the scheduled appointment, you will be responsible for 50% of the estimated cleaning fee. We do not like to charge this fee but since we will have to eat the non‑billable time, we feel as though it is only fair since our cleaners expect/plan on a certain level of income and make plans for associated personal expenses as a result. Be sure to review/understand our policies and fees regarding changes.

Question #16: What is the lock‑out fee?
Answer #16: If the team is unable to enter your home due to the customer’s fault (door is locked, pets not contained, power outage, water is shut off or if the team is turned away at the door) there will be a lock‑out fee assessed in the amount of $100.

Question #17: Can I trust Virginia Housekeepers?
Answer #17: Your Virginia Housekeepers cleaning team will always take every measure possible to assure safe handling of your things while cleaning your home. Since sometimes accidents cannot be prevented, Virginia Housekeepers and its employees are insured and bonded so that you can be rest assured that you are protected against loss and/or breakage. When you entrust your house key to a Virginia Housekeepers manager, it will immediately be incorporated into the Virginia Housekeepers lock box system. The physical keys and corresponding location list are kept in two separate locations to provide an extra security measure for your home.

Question #18: Are your cleaning teams authorized to work in the United States?
Answer #18: All of the cleaners that work for Virginia Housekeepers have a tax ID and the credentials to work in the United States and pay taxes accordingly.

Question #19: Am I liable for Worker’s Compensation?
Answer #19: No, Virginia Housekeepers has several forms on insurance including a worker’s compensation policy for all of our cleaners

Question #20: Can I provide any specific instructions for my cleaning team?
Answer #20: We would greatly appreciate it if you can communicate any special instructions directly to the office via e‑mail so that we can update your file accordingly to enhance the cleaning experience you receive. This will help us update the notes available to any team that may clean your home in the future, as well as a reminder for your regular team.

Question #21: Why is the initial cleaning cost more than recurring services?
Answer #21: We would need an extra time to clean your house thoroughly during the initial cleans to bring it to Virginia Housekeepers standards where we can maintain on a recurring visits. During the initial cleaning, Virginia Housekeepers will clean your home top to the bottom. Initial cleaning takes longer since your house has not been cleaned at Virginia Housekeepers standards. The initial cleanings based on the amount of time it takes to clean your home.
Our recurring services will help to maintain your clean home.

Question #22: How often can you provide service?
Answer #22: Our cleaning services can be provided on a weekly, every other week (bi‑weekly), or monthly, depending on your cleaning needs. Virginia Housekeepers also offers cleanings for special occasions, as well as move‑in, move‑out cleaning services.

Question #23: How many people will be cleaning my home?
Answer #23: Virginia Housekeepers cleaning crews consist of two people. Occasionally, we may send our quality control manager with the team to ensure the quality of our services. Larger homes may require a third or fourth team member.

Question #24: Will I always have the same cleaning team?
Answer #24: We make every effort to ensure that our regularly scheduled customers have the same cleaning team come to their home week after week, however, we may send a different crew due to illness, vacation or scheduling conflicts. All of our cleaning crews are trained to provide a consistent service each time. Our cleaning crews do not smoke, eat or drink in your home.

Question #25: What holidays do you observe and what happens if my regular cleaning falls on a holiday?
Answer #25: Virginia Housekeepers is unique in how we operate. For all of the major holidays (listed below), all of our cleaners have the option, if interested, to earn double pay during these specific days. Our cleaners are paid for these holidays but in some cases, they may not celebrate that holiday and as a result they may wish to earn double pay for that day. Therefore, we may be able to clean on any of these holidays.
In the event your regular cleaning falls on a holiday and your regular team is not working, we will reach out to you a couple of weeks in advance to reschedule your cleaning.
Holidays observed include:

  • New Years Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day (July 4th)
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving & Black Friday
  • Christmas Day

Question #26: What should I do about my security alarms on my house cleaning day?
Answer #26: Please ensure that if your home is equipped with a security system it is turned off or disarmed on the day of your scheduled cleaning. If you choose to provide us with instructions for arming or disarming your security alarm, we will not be responsible for any alarms that may be set off or associated dispatch fees for first responders. If you live in a gated community, please be sure to add your specific housekeepers name to the authorized entry list.

Question #27: Do I tip the cleaning crew?
Answer #27: Our team members are compensated based upon reviews and the quality of their service and do not expect tips, however, the teams do appreciate them and are allowed to receive them if you would like to leave them a tip as recognition for exceptional work. You can leave a tip in an envelope or you can ask us to add it on your charge.

Question #28: What if the cleaning team missed a spot?
Answer #28: Call us or email us within 24 hours and we will re‑clean the area, free of charge. Pictures can always help us, so please take a picture and send it to us (if necessary).

Question #29: What if something in my home is damaged or broken during a cleaning?
Answer #29: We do our best to handle your things with the utmost care; however, sometimes accidents cannot be prevented. Should damage or breakage occur while we are cleaning your home, we will make every effort to repair the item or replace the item should repair not be possible. Insurance claims will be filed when appropriate. Pictures can always help us, so please take a picture and send it to us (if necessary).

Question #30: Do you wash the windows?
Answer #30: Depending upon the type of service, interior window glass cleaning is included along with cleaning the window sill and frame (up to 8 ft). We can offer exterior window cleaning (up to 8 ft) for specific types of windows for an additional charge (the kind that fold‑in and are accessible from the inside of the home). We offer a service to clean the window or sliding glass door tracks as well which is an additional charge.

Question #31: What doesn’t Virginia Housekeepers clean?
Answer #31: Here at Virginia Housekeepers our goal is to provide a consistent, quality cleaning services to all of our customers during each visit. We customize our house cleaning services to fit your home’s unique needs and budget. To provide this level of exceptional service to all our valued customers there are some areas and items in your home that Virginia Housekeepers does not clean. We do not offer the following:

  • Ironing
  • Carpet Cleaning
  • Cleaning or removing pet or rodent excrement
  • Cleaning vomit, blood or fecal matter
  • Power washing
  • Organizing services or decluttering
  • Cleaning drapes or steam cleaning any furniture/upholstery

Question #32: How Do I Know I Can Trust Your Housekeepers?
Answer #32: We pride ourselves on attracting the best cleaners available. Combining hourly wages and bonus programs we offer some of the best cleaners in the industry – to ensure we have the finest cleaners. We screen our cleaners carefully, we train meticulously, we inspect relentlessly and we insure adequately. We do all this so that you can have the highest confidence to trust our cleaners with the care of your home.

Question #33: What Is Mildew and How Can I Get Rid of It?
Answer #33: Mildew is a parasitic fungus. It requires moisture, warmth and a food source to exist. It reproduces itself by growing microscopic spores in enormous quantities. These spores are always present in the air and spread via normal air currents. A spore lies dormant until favorable moisture and temperature conditions occur for it to germinate. Mildew thrives in warm moist areas that have poor air circulation. In the average household, mildew is typically found in the bathrooms. The corners, cracks and crevices of the tub, shower, sink and toilet are the most common areas affected. It ranges in color from a pinkish‑orange to black.
Your Virginia Housekeepers’ team will be able to impede the growth of mildew by removing the built-up food sources that it lives on, such as soap, skin, hair, etc. However, as long as moisture and warmth are present, the spores will immediately germinate and mildew will again be growing on the host area. To stop the growth of mildew, the area must be kept dry or it must be chemically treated to make it an undesirable environment for the spore to germinate. Although not part of a green cleaning program, chlorine bleach is a very good sanitizer to use on an infected area. We recommend that the bleach can be diluted up to 50% with water to reduce the pungent odor. The most practical application method would be to lightly spray the area, although it can be wiped or sponged on. It is not necessary to saturate the area or to treat uninfected areas. Leave the bleach in contact with the surface area for at least an hour. Rinse any area that you will touch in later use. Repeat the application on a bi‑weekly basis or when mildew reappears. Insurance restrictions do not permit our cleaners to use some forms of bleach. Further, bleach is not part of our Green Clean Certified® program because of the toxic nature of this substance. As a Virginia Housekeepers customer, you may choose to use bleach independently to help control mildew growth between our cleaning service visits. If you choose to do so, please do not use bleach for two days preceding a scheduled house cleaning by Virginia Housekeepers because a chlorine residue could combine with the other cleaning solutions our cleaners use and cause the formation of a toxic gas. Also, please ventilate the treated area well to clear away harmful vapors quickly. We hope the above discussion explains why mildew is such an on‑going maintenance challenge. Working together, however, it can be controlled.

Question #34: Are my housekeepers trained and supervised?
Answer #34: In one word — absolutely! All of our cleaners are experienced professional housekeepers. We rarely hire someone without specific experience cleaning several homes a day. Cleaning houses takes a very specific type of personality, patience and attention to detail. We receive a large number of applicants every month and most of which do not meet our standards and of the ones that meet our standards, they are tested with several of our existing teams to insure their professionalism, quality, reliability and work ethic.

Question #35: Are you bonded and insured?
Answer #35: Of course we are! But unlike independent cleaners or agencies, Virginia Housekeepers’ insurance includes the most important insurance…workers compensation.

Question #36: How do I provide feedback on my cleaning?
Answer #36: Follow the feedback link. Because cleaning is a very personalized and subjective service, we highly encourage our customers to provide specific feedback so we continually improve your service. The feedback we receive helps us to serve you better, correct any problems and give praise to the cleaning teams who meet and exceed expectations.

Question #37: Do you service my area?
Answer #37: Currently, we serve the following counties in Virginia

 

  • Chesterfield County
  • Clarke County
  • Boston County
  • Dinwiddie County
  • Fairfax County
  • Fauquier County
  • Frederick County
  • Goochland County
  • Hanover County
  • Henrico County
  • Loudoun County
  • New Kent County
  • Prince George County
  • Prince William County
  • Rappahannock County
  • Shenandoah County
  • Spotsylvania County
  • Stafford County
  • Warren County

Question #38: What if I move? How do I change my address?
Answer #38: If you move or need to change your address, just send an email to service@virginiahousekeepers.com.

Question #39: How do I change my payment method?
Answer #39: If you need to change your payment method, just send an email to service@virginiahousekeepers.com.

Question #40: How do I book my first appointment?
Answer #40: If you have received an estimate already, simply reply to the email containing the estimate. If you need a different date than the date proposed, simply indicate the preferred date in the reply. If you need an estimate, follow the estimate request link.

Question #41: How will our house cleaning relationship work?
Answer #41: We know that it is important to earn your trust on each house cleaning visit, which is why we do not ask you to sign a contract. We operate through open communication and honest evaluation of our service. We encourage feedback that will help us serve you better.

Question #42: Who does Virginia Housekeepers hire to clean my home?
Answer #42: You can rest assured that all of our professional housecleaners are fully trained and insured. We respect all of our customers by never smoking, drinking, eating, or using appliances during our home cleanings. We wear our recognized uniforms with pride and confidently carry out services that exceed expectations. We also undergo regular training to ensure that we’re always up to date with all of the latest and greatest cleaning techniques. For additional safety and peace of mind, the work we perform for each customer is held accountable by a trusted and experienced supervisor.

Question #43: What do you mean by “green housecleaning”?
Answer #43: This method involves the practices and products used by cleaning companies to promote a better environment and a healthier home. Green cleaning solutions don’t contain ozone depleting chemicals or flammable substances that can irritate the skin and cause respiratory illnesses. While most green cleaning products cannot remove all harmful forms of bacteria, Virginia Housekeepers strives to use the most appropriate methods for each service. In order to protect the environment, we utilize microfiber cloths and pads during our services, rather than paper. Not only is this practice better for the environment, microfiber picks up 99% of bacteria while cotton‑based mops only pick up 30%. Many cleaning companies falsely advertise green cleaning practices. We strive to be as transparent as possible and are happy to answer any questions you have regarding our eco‑friendly practices.

Question #44: Do you offer competitive rates?
Answer #44: We’re recognized for being affordable and flexible. Some individual cleaning companies are able to offer lower rates because they don’t cover liability insurance or workers compensation. Virginia Housekeepers is proud to provide these benefits that ensure our customers’ peace of mind while still being able to offer competitive rates for our services.

Question #45: Why are some services cheaper than others?
Answer #45: Many cleaning companies are owned and operated by one person or a family and as a result they offer discounted pricing in order to survive and capture new business. However, these services generally do not stay in business very long since the reduced price they offered does not lead to enough profits to sustain the business. In addition, many of these smaller cleaning companies do not pay the appropriate taxes, licensing fees, worker’s compensation or have the appropriate insurance to conduct business. Some pay their employees or contractors in cash or under the table and avoid withholding taxes. These tactics are not good for the industry, the community or the business since it will eventually catch up with them. Virginia Housekeepers is rated as one of the best, if not the best, residential cleaning companies in Virginia. We are licensed, bonded and insured. Our pricing is very competitive considering our position, size, quality standards and level of professionalism.

Question #46: Do you pay for referrals if I refer you a friend, relative or neighbor?
Answer #46: Yes! We offer a $100 credit for any referral that becomes a regular recurring customer for more than 90 days. Use the referral link to send us a referral.  https://virginiahousekeepers.com/new-customers/

Question #47: Are your housekeepers employees or sub‑contractors?
Answer #47: All of our housekeepers are employees that are thoroughly screened and trained.

Question #48: Are you a franchise?
Answer #48: No, we just look like one because we are just as professional. But we have the freedom to provide you with a more customized service and our prices are usually much lower than the franchises.

Question #49: Do I have to sign a contract?
Answer #49: No! We do not have any contracts or agreements to sign.  You can cancel any time you wish as long as we have a couple of days’ notice.

Question #50: Do you work on the weekends?
Answer #50: Yes, we work on Saturdays but not on Sundays. If you are interested in regular recurring cleaning services on Saturday, please keep in mind that our teams/cleaners that work on Saturday are not always the same team/cleaners and therefore, our “Same Team Pledge” cannot be honored. In addition, Saturday cleanings tend to get rescheduled more than weekday cleanings as people change their plans or go out of town for the weekend which results in numerous scheduling changes. This will therefore impact the arrival of your cleaning if there was a cancelation for the home prior to yours. Meaning, arrival times for Saturday cleanings will vary. However, you will always know the night before when you receive your reminder text with the arrival time.

Question #51: Should I have a Spring Cleaning Every year?
Answer #51: Many of our customers elect to do a Spring Cleaning every year as it is a good practice to conduct a deep cleaning at least once a year

Question #52: Does Virginia Housekeepers offer carpet cleaning?
Answer #52:   No, we do not offer carpet cleaning.  We will vacuum the carpets and rugs (of course).

Question #53: Can you use my vacuum?
Answer #53:   Yes, but our preference is to us our own equipment to avoid any issues and since the cleaners are familiar with them.  Our teams carry two vacuums; an upright and a canister vacuum.

Question #54: Do the cleaners speak English?
Answer #54:  Our cleaners are predominately Hispanic and speak Spanish.  English is a second language for them and therefore, your cleaners are not fluent in English and have limited communication skills.  The cleaners are trained to use Google translate on their phones or you can simply contact the office to assist with any translation or communication issues

Question #55: Do you clean walls?
Answer #55:   We do not clean walls; especially flat paint walls.  Our services include dusting the walls but we do not offer spot cleaning at the risk of damaging the paint.  However, semi-gloss or eggshell painted walls can be wiped down with a damp cloth.

Question #56: Does Virginia Housekeepers offer commercial or business cleaning services?
Answer #56:   Yes, we offer “light” commercial cleaning services.  We do not clean commercial kitchens or offer medical grade cleaning services.

Question #57: How do you handle specific allergies or certain sensitivities?
Answer #57:   It really depends upon the situation.  If you or someone in your household has an allergy, it is extremely important to notify us upon producing your estimate and before your first cleaning.

Question #58: What do you do if I want to exclude some specific areas during my routine cleaning?
Answer #58:   We pride ourselves in offering the ability to notate and customize a routine to meet your specific needs.  When submitting your estimate request, please notate the areas to exclude from the routine so we can adjust the estimate accordingly.

Question #59: Does Virginia Housekeepers offer post construction cleaning services?

Answer #59:   Yes, we offer post-construction cleaning services and they are generally by the hour since the severity of the dust level is extremely variable

Question #60: My work or my spouse’s work requires that anyone in our home is a US Citizen or has specific credentials -does those pose a problem?
Answer #60:  Most of our cleaners are not US citizens but are authorized to work in the US.  If citizenship is a requirement, please let us know when submitting your estimate request so we can accommodate with a specific team in your area

Question #61: I live on a military base?  Is Virginia Housekeepers able to service/clean my home?
Answer #61:   Yes, we offer services to Ft Belvoir and Quantico

Question #62: I recently had an insect infestation.  Can Virginia Housekeepers still clean my home?
Answer #62:  Yes, if the infestation has been addressed by an exterminator and the bugs have been removed.

Question #63: Can you clean my garage?
Answer #63:   Yes, we offer garage floor sweeping and mopping and cobweb removal.   We do not cleanout garages or offer any sort of organizing or trash removal.  Our assumption is the garage will be empty so we can clean the floor accordingly.  We do not offer grease or stain removal services

Question #64: Can you clean my patio or balcony?
Answer #64:   Yes, we can sweep the patio or balcony but we do not clean furniture or offer any stain removal services

Question #65: What hours of the day are available for home cleanings?
Answer #65:  Our first cleaning generally starts around 8:00am and our last cleaning can start as late as 4:00pm depending upon the size of the home and the availability of your specific team.

Question #66: My home is rather filthy and cluttered.  Is Virginia Housekeepers able to assist with organizing and trash removal?
Answer #66:  Unfortunately, we do not offer organizing, declutter or trash removal services.

Question #67: Do you can unfinished areas within my home?
Answer #67:  In general, we do not clean unfinished areas of a home.  However, upon request, we can sweep and dust and remove cobwebs for an unfinished area assuming it is completely vacant.  Be sure to indicate this requirement in your estimate request so we can price accordingly as this is not a standard service

Question #68: Why should I hire Virginia Housekeepers?
Answer #68:   Great question – the answer is simple, because we are better than the rest and we welcome the challenge to compare us to the competition

  • The competition doesn’t have over 750 five-star reviews
  • The competition is not always reliable or consistent
  • The competition is not always licensed, bonded or even insured
  • The competition may not have an opening when you need it
  • The competition takes days to produce an estimate
  • The competition tends to be unprofessional – compare our estimate, website, reviews, etc…
  • Seamless communication
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Reliable and punctual service
  • Safety First – team members will wear gloves plus masks and/or shoe covers upon request
  • Same Team Pledge – we strive to schedule the same team members for each cleaning
  • Excellent reviews/reputation – compare our ratings to the competition
  • Environmentally Safe – Green Cleaning (available upon request)
  • Community Based Business
  • Not your typical cleaning service
  • Competitive Pricing
  • Quality of Service Standards
  • We provide all of the cleaning supplies
  • No hassle payment process
  • No contracts
  • Marked Company Cars
  • Pet Friendly
  • Professionally Uniformed Staff

 

Question #71:  Is it true that Virginia Housekeepers is only one of a select few residential cleaning companies that has over 750 five-star reviews?
Answer #71:  Yes – feel free to find/search for a competitor that has more five-star reviews than Virginia Housekeepers within the state of Virginia

Question #72: Do you service any other states besides Virginia
Answer #72:  Not really – occasionally, we may service one of our existing customers that has a second home in West Virginia.  Our focus is on homes within the state of Virginia.  We do not service Maryland or DC.

Question #73: Are you hiring?
Answer #73:  Yes, we are always looking for experienced house cleaners.

Question #74: I received an estimate but I am unclear on what the price excludes?
Answer #74: Your estimated price assumes the home has nothing out of the ordinary in terms of conditions (example; mold, mildew, excessive post construction dust, excessive filth, grease on walls/cabinets or areas other than the stove top).  Price does not include carpet cleaning, cleaning flat paint walls, cleaning window tracks (inside the jam) or cleaning light fixtures (above 8ft).  Price does not include any exterior window or windows above 8ft, the inside of the garage or decks/balconies/porches (unless priced or noted separately).

Question #75: Does Virginia Housekeepers clean dishes?
Answer #75:  Yes, but it is an “extra” service

Question #76: Does Virginia Housekeepers change the sheets as part of their regular cleaning service?
Answer #76:  Yes, but it is an “extra” service

Question #77: Does Virginia Housekeepers clean window wells/tracks?
Answer #77:  Yes, but it is an “extra” service and we can only work on windows below 8ft

Question #78: Does Virginia Housekeepers clean door tracks/transitions?
Answer #78:  Yes, but it is an “extra” service

Question #79: Can I change my assigned cleaning team?
Answer #79:  Yes, of course, if you are unhappy with your assigned team or wish to try another team, simply send an email to service@virginiahousekeepers.com

Question #80: I travel often and will need to skip some cleaning appointments.  Will this pose a problem?
Answer #80:  No, but you should be aware of our policies and guidelines in the event you need to skip a cleaning or two.  https://virginiahousekeepers.com/policies-and-guidelines

Question #81: Why is my cleaning rate higher when I skip a regular cleaning appointment?
Answer #81:   In general, it takes our cleaners a little longer if your regular cleaning was skipped.  For example, if you have your home cleaned every four weeks and you skip one cleaning, your home will not have been cleaned for eight weeks by the time we return and therefore will require some additional time.  We usually revert to our standard hourly rate to coverage any additional cost/time.

Question #82: What happens if I forget to make a payment on the day of the cleaning?
Answer #82:   Make the payment the next day.  We have a late payment policy and associated fee of $25 if we have to contact you for payment.

Question #83: What happens if there is bad weather and the cleaners are unable to make it to my home?
Answer #83:   Most of the time is scenario is a result of snow or icy conditions.  We will do our best to reschedule your cleaning within the next couple of days depending upon the weather and the availability of your team

Question #84: Do the cleaners move furniture while cleaning?
Answer #84:  Yes, the cleaners will move light furniture and work around any heavy items.  We do not pull-out ovens or refrigerators.  If you wish to have us clean behind or underneath appliances, you will need to be present to assist with moving the appliance

Question #85: Why does Virginia Housekeepers have so many five-star reviews while other companies have very few in comparison?
Answer #85:   All of our teams have incentives for five-star level service

Question #86: Is there an easy way to provide feedback for my cleaning team?
Answer #86:   Sure, you can find a link on our customer resource page

https://virginiahousekeepers.com/new-customers/

Question #87: How do I report an incident that I believe was related to my recent cleaning?
Answer #87:   You can use our customer resource page.  The link is below

https://virginiahousekeepers.com/new-customers/

Question #88: Does Virginia Housekeepers have a referral program?
Answer #88:   Yes, you can use our customer resource page.  The link is below

https://virginiahousekeepers.com/new-customers/

Question #89: Does Virginia Housekeepers offer Gift Certificates?
Answer #89:  Yes, you can find a link on our customer resource page

https://virginiahousekeepers.com/new-customers/

Question #90: Does Virginia Housekeepers have a blog?
Answer #90:   Yes, here is the link https://virginiahousekeepers.com/blog/

Question #91: Is there a way I can leave a note or specific instructions for my cleaning team?
Answer #91:  Yes, you can use our customer resource page.  The link is below

https://virginiahousekeepers.com/new-customers/

Question #92: Am I able to pause my cleaning services for a few months?
Answer #92:   Sure, people do it all of the time for financial reasons or they may be out of the country.  Please keep in mind that your return cleaning may be priced by the hour

Question #93: Am I able to create a custom routine for cleaning my home?
Answer #93:   Absolutely, we have a number of customers that have very specific routines.  All we ask is that it is simple and not too complex.  This will limit any sort of confusion.

Question #94: What product does Virginia Housekeepers use to clean hardwood floors?
Answer #94:   We use Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner.

Question #95: What is Virginia Housekeeper’s policy regarding pets?
Answer #95: For the safety of your pet and our employees, we ask that you contain your animals in a restricted area while we are cleaning. Although we are VERY careful, this will help us prevent any disappearance of your pets. We have had pet attacks or bites in the past, and it is our duty to protect all Virginia Housekeepers employees from this happening. If the customer is not home and animals are loose, we cannot force the cleaners to enter if they do not feel safe. Also, if you have pets, please let us know at the time of booking so we can be aware and courteous to their requirements. We do not clean up any sort of excrement or puddles of urine.  The cleaners find it disrespectful to leave it for them to clean.

Question #96: Will my home cleaning price/rate change each year?
Answer #96:  In general, our prices are adjusted annually for inflation and cost of living/wage increases for our cleaners.

Question #97: Can Virginia Housekeepers produce an estimate for a portion of a home versus the entire home?
Answer #97: Yes, when submitted your estimate request, please list the areas to exclude

Question #98: Does Virginia Housekeepers clean windows; specifically, exterior glass?
Answer #98:   Yes, but there will be an additional charge and there is an assumption that the windows are below 8ft tall and that the windows are accessible from the inside since we do not carry ladders or clean the exterior of windows from the exterior of the home.

Question #99: How long will my initial cleaning take?
Answer #99:   Your estimate will include a range of hours to complete the cleaning assuming nothing is out of the ordinary

Question #100: Does Virginia Housekeepers clean the inside of my air fryer?
Answer #100:   In general, we do not clean air fryers unless quoted as an extra or in some cases, the team may wipe it down if time permits

Question #101: What can I do to prepare prior to your arrival?
Answer #101:  Great question – we have some ideas for you – use this link https://virginiahousekeepers.com/prepare-for-your-cleaning/

Question #102: Do you offer a senior or military discount?
Answer #102:  Unfortunately, we do not offer discounts for seniors or the military.  We did years ago and sadly people abused the offer and forced us to change our policies since it became an administrative function to validate.

Question #103: Your website says you are located in Leesburg; do you have a local team near me?
Answer #103:  Great question – yes, we have teams throughout northern Virginia and in the Richmond area.  In general, our teams do not travel more than 30 minutes to get to your home.  Our preference is to have them as close as possible.

Question #104: Do you offer weekend cleanings?
Answer #104:  We offer cleanings on Saturday, but we do not offer cleaning services on Sunday.

Question #105: Are the products you use pet/baby friendly?
Answer #105:  Yes, our standard products are used for thousands of homes.  However, if you have any specific concerns or sensitivities, you should request a current product list to make your own determination of what you consider to be safe.  What you consider safe might be different than what another customer considers safe or what we consider safe.

Question #106:  Are your products safe to use even though we are on a septic system?
Answer #106:   Yes and no – we have not found any issues with our standard products being used when a home has a septic system.  However, if you are on a septic system, it is important to let us know in advance.  With this information, we can notify the cleaners to refrain from using bleach or Clorox.   Plus, we will notate the account.

Question #107: How do you determine your pricing?
Answer #107:  Our estimating process is a blend of a number of different factors based upon our experience cleaning the homes and our experience estimating.  We produce thousands of estimates and generally have a pretty solid track record in determining what we think it will take to clean your home.  However, our estimates are only as good as the data/information/specifics provided within the customer/home profile.