If you’ve had a bad experience with a cleaner in Spain — and many expat property owners have — it usually comes down to one of a few things: no-shows, poor communication, a job that wasn’t done properly, or someone who was fine for the first few visits and then started cutting corners. Here’s what to check before you commit to anyone.
1. Verified reviews
Not testimonials on their own website — verified reviews from actual clients on a platform where fake reviews are harder to generate. Look for consistency over time, not just one or two glowing write-ups.
2. Clear pricing
Can they tell you clearly what the job will cost before they start? A professional cleaner should be able to give you a fixed quote or a reliable estimate based on your property. Vague hourly rates with no estimate of time are a warning sign.
3. Response time
How quickly do they respond to your initial message? Someone who takes three days to reply to a quote request will probably take three days to reply when there’s a problem. Speed of communication is a reliable early signal.
4. References or platform history
If they’re relatively new, ask for references from existing clients. If they’re on a platform like SAM, check how many jobs they’ve completed and how long they’ve been active.
5. Coverage during holidays and sick days
What happens if they’re ill the day before your guests arrive? Do they have cover, or do you need to arrange it yourself? For Airbnb hosts, this is a critical question — not having a backup plan is a significant operational risk.
6. English communication
If you’re managing the property remotely and need to brief someone, flag a problem, or change a booking, being able to do that in English matters. It’s not about expecting Spain to speak English — it’s about being able to manage a working relationship clearly.
7. Insurance
Ask whether they have liability insurance. A professional cleaner or cleaning company should be insured for accidental damage. It’s a simple question and the answer tells you something about how professionally they operate.
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