If you are tired of the unending job of cleaning your house, now is the time to get a house cleaner. You are sick of spending every spare minute cleaning – it never ends. The toilets, windows, the dust and bathrooms – and once you finish you just start all over again.

Before you look for a cleaner, work out a schedule of what you want done. And how often you want the tasks completed. How long does it take you to do the work and how much do you want to pay? What do you expect from your cleaning service?

Once you have an idea of what you want start looking for a company in your local area. Always check out more than one company, and get competitive prices and quotes on your job.

When you are interviewing prospective cleaners for your home ask them for a checklist of what tasks are included at every visit. Check if there are additional charges for things like washing dishes, changing sheets or clearing the dishwasher. Check to see if they will do things like washing the walls and windows from time to time and what the extra charge would be.

Make sure you get references of current clients so you avoid becoming one of those horror stories you hear on the news where the cleaner has run off with the jewellery. These stories are the exception not normally the rule. If you protect yourself, the company you hire will give you endless years of trouble-free service.

Check the company has insurance to cover their cleaners. Don't just take yes for an answer. Request to see a current original company of their insurance policy. Also, check their policies for breakages and theft. Check they meet your needs and give you confidence in the company.

Ask what the company policy is for payment. Will they bill you monthly? How can you pay? Does the company guarantee their work? Are there cancellation fees if you go away?

Find out who is responsible for providing the cleaning supplies and equipment. And if the company is, make sure this is not an additional charge. If there is an additional charge, will they reduce the price if you provide the supplies?

Seriously, you certainly need to be careful when inviting strangers into your home but there are more good companies out there than bad ones. If you take employing a cleaning service seriously, and take a few steps to protect yourself, your house will be immaculate and worry-free.