What questions should I ask new domestic cleaning clients in the UK?

Getting the first conversation right with new domestic cleaning clients

For domestic cleaners in the UK, the first conversation with a new client sets the tone for the entire working relationship. Asking the right questions early helps you avoid misunderstandings, price your work accurately, protect yourself legally, and deliver a service that meets or exceeds expectations. Whether you are a solo cleaner, a growing cleaning business, or just starting out, having a structured approach to client questions can save you time, money, and stress.

This article explores in depth the questions you should ask new domestic cleaning clients in the UK, why each question matters, and how to use the answers to build a smooth, professional workflow. It also explains how using a free invoicing tool like invoice24 can help you organise client details, track jobs, and invoice efficiently from day one.

Why asking the right questions matters in domestic cleaning

Domestic cleaning might seem straightforward, but every home and every client is different. One client may want a quick weekly tidy, while another expects deep-clean standards every visit. Some homes have pets, children, or special materials that require extra care. Others may have strict security requirements or limited access times.

By asking clear, detailed questions before you start, you can:

• Avoid underpricing or overpromising
• Reduce the risk of disputes or complaints
• Prepare the right equipment and products
• Work more efficiently and confidently
• Present yourself as professional and reliable

In the UK, where trust, punctuality, and transparency are highly valued, a professional intake process can be a key differentiator for your cleaning business.

Basic client information you should always collect

Before discussing cleaning specifics, you should gather essential client details. These are the foundation of your records and invoices.

What is your full name and contact information?

Ask for the client’s full name, phone number, and email address. This ensures clear communication and avoids confusion, especially if you manage multiple clients with similar names.

What is the full address of the property?

Always confirm the exact address where cleaning will take place. This helps with route planning, travel time, and invoicing accuracy. In the UK, even neighbouring streets can have similar names.

Is this the same address for invoicing?

Some clients, especially landlords or busy professionals, may want invoices sent to a different address or email. Using invoice24 makes it easy to store multiple addresses and ensure invoices go to the right place every time.

Understanding the type of cleaning required

Not all cleaning jobs are equal. One of the most important parts of your initial conversation is clarifying exactly what type of cleaning the client wants.

What type of cleaning are you looking for?

This could include:

• Regular domestic cleaning (weekly or fortnightly)
• One-off deep cleaning
• End of tenancy cleaning
• After-build or renovation cleaning
• Spring cleaning

Each type has different time requirements, pricing, and expectations. Make sure the client understands what is included in each service you offer.

How often do you want the cleaning done?

Frequency affects pricing and scheduling. Weekly clients often expect a lower per-visit cost than one-off clients because maintenance cleaning is faster than deep cleaning.

When would you like the cleaning to start?

Clarifying the start date helps you manage your diary and avoid overbooking. It also signals professionalism and reliability.

Questions about the size and layout of the property

To price accurately, you need a clear picture of the property itself.

How many bedrooms and bathrooms are there?

This is one of the most common pricing benchmarks for domestic cleaning in the UK.

Are there any additional rooms?

Ask about living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, utility rooms, conservatories, home offices, or loft spaces. These all add time.

What is the approximate size of the property?

Square footage is not always necessary, but a rough idea helps you estimate workload, especially for larger homes.

Are there multiple floors or stairs?

Multi-storey properties take longer and may require more physical effort. This is important for realistic time estimates.

Clarifying cleaning tasks and priorities

Different clients prioritise different areas. Never assume that “standard cleaning” means the same thing to everyone.

Which areas are the highest priority?

Some clients care most about kitchens and bathrooms, while others focus on dusting and floors.

Are there any areas you do not want cleaned?

Clients may have private rooms, home offices, or storage spaces they prefer you not to enter.

Are there any tasks you definitely want included every visit?

For example, changing bed linen, taking out bins, or wiping skirting boards.

Are there tasks you do not expect to be done?

This avoids misunderstandings and complaints later.

Products, equipment, and preferences

Cleaning products can be a sensitive topic, especially with allergies, pets, or environmental concerns.

Do you have any allergies or sensitivities?

Always ask about allergies to chemicals, fragrances, or dust. This protects both you and the client.

Do you prefer eco-friendly or specific products?

Many UK households prefer eco-friendly cleaning. If you charge extra for specialist products, be transparent.

Will you provide cleaning products and equipment, or should I?

Clarify this upfront. If you supply everything, factor this into your pricing.

Are there any surfaces or materials that need special care?

Examples include marble worktops, wooden floors, or delicate tiles.

Pets, children, and household dynamics

Knowing who and what is in the home helps you plan safely and respectfully.

Do you have any pets?

Ask what type, whether they will be present during cleaning, and if they are friendly.

Are there children in the home?

This may affect scheduling, noise levels, and product choices.

Will anyone be at home during the cleaning?

Some clients prefer to be present, while others provide keys or alarm codes.

Access, keys, and security questions

Access arrangements are critical for trust and reliability.

How will I access the property?

Options include being let in, holding a key, or using a key safe.

Is there an alarm system I need to know about?

Make sure you understand how to set and unset alarms.

Are there any security cameras?

This is increasingly common and helps maintain transparency on both sides.

Pricing, payment, and invoicing

Clear financial discussions prevent awkward conversations later.

Have you used a cleaner before?

This can reveal expectations about pricing and service.

Do you understand how my pricing works?

Explain hourly rates, fixed prices, or minimum charges.

How would you like to pay?

Common UK options include bank transfer, cash, or card.

Do you need an invoice or receipt?

Many clients appreciate professional invoices, especially landlords or remote workers. Using invoice24 allows you to create and send invoices instantly, keep records organised, and look professional without extra cost.

Cancellations, rescheduling, and notice periods

Life happens, but boundaries are important.

What is your availability for rescheduling?

Are you aware of my cancellation policy?

Explain notice periods clearly to protect your income.

Expectations, quality, and feedback

Setting expectations upfront reduces complaints.

What does a “good clean” look like to you?

This open-ended question reveals a lot.

How would you prefer to give feedback?

Encourage honest communication.

Legal and insurance considerations

In the UK, professionalism includes transparency about insurance and responsibilities.

Do you require proof of insurance?

Are there any house rules I should be aware of?

Using your questions to create a smooth workflow

Once you have gathered all this information, organise it properly. Keeping notes scattered across messages or notebooks leads to mistakes. This is where a tool like invoice24 becomes invaluable.

With invoice24, you can:

• Store client contact details securely
• Record job notes and preferences
• Generate clear, professional invoices
• Track payments and outstanding balances
• Save time on admin so you can focus on cleaning

Final thoughts on asking the right questions

Asking the right questions is not about being difficult or intrusive. It is about clarity, professionalism, and delivering a high-quality service. Clients appreciate cleaners who are organised, thorough, and upfront.

By developing a consistent set of questions and combining it with efficient tools like invoice24, you position your domestic cleaning business for long-term success in the UK market.

Take the time to refine your client intake process, and you will see the benefits in smoother jobs, happier clients, and more predictable income.