If children or pets live in your home, it makes sense to ask a few questions before a cleaning service arrives. You should know what products will be used, where they will be used, and whether there is anything you need to do before or after the appointment.
At Pristine House Cleaning, we use different products for floors, everyday water-wipeable surfaces, certain kitchen surfaces, bathrooms, and wood furniture. That is why specific questions are much more useful than simply asking whether a company uses “safe” products.
What should you ask a house cleaning company about cleaning products if you have kids or pets?
Some of the most useful questions to ask a house cleaning company are simple:
-
What products will you use in my home?
-
What will you use on the floors?
-
Which products are used in bathrooms and kitchens?
-
Should children or pets stay out of an area while you clean?
-
Does anything need to dry before the room is used again?
-
Can I request that a particular product be used or avoided?
-
Do you follow the product manufacturer's directions?
These questions give you a clearer picture of what will actually happen during the appointment.
The EPA advises homeowners to read and follow cleaning-product labels and keep household products away from children and pets. (US EPA) The ASPCA similarly recommends following label directions and keeping pets away from freshly cleaned areas while surfaces air out when appropriate. (ASPCA)
For more guidance, see Pet-Safe and Family-Safe House Cleaning.
Should you ask for the names of the cleaning products a company uses?
Yes. Knowing the exact product name gives you much more useful information than a broad description such as “green” or “pet-friendly.”
You can look at the manufacturer's directions, intended surfaces, storage instructions, and other product information yourself. This is especially useful if someone in your household has a known sensitivity or your veterinarian has given you specific instructions.
At Pristine, our cleaning approach changes depending on the job. We use a dedicated floor cleaner, a nontoxic and biodegradable all-purpose cleaner for many everyday water-wipeable surfaces, and separate products for certain kitchen, bathroom, and furniture surfaces.
That kind of transparency is helpful when choosing a cleaning company for kids and pets because you can ask about the exact areas that matter most in your home.
Pet owners can also read What Cleaning Products Are Safe to Use Around Pets?.
What should you tell cleaners about allergies, sensitivities, children, or pets?
Tell the cleaning company anything that could affect how your home should be cleaned before the appointment.
That might include:
-
Known fragrance or product sensitivities
-
Babies or toddlers who spend a lot of time on the floor
-
Dogs or cats that may follow cleaners from room to room
-
Birds or other pets with special considerations
-
Veterinary instructions
-
Specialty flooring, furniture, or finishes
-
Manufacturer-specific care instructions
The ASPCA recommends veterinary guidance when cleaning around birds because they can be particularly sensitive to fumes. (ASPCA) For homes with young children, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping cleaning products in their original containers and stored out of children's reach. (HealthyChildren.org)
Parents can learn more in Are Professional Cleaning Products Safe Around Babies and Children?.
What answers should make you feel confident before booking a cleaning service?
A good pet-safe house cleaning service or family-safe cleaning service should give clear, specific answers instead of vague promises.
You should feel comfortable when a company can explain:
-
What products it uses
-
Where those products are used
-
Whether surfaces need time to dry
-
How it handles product preferences
-
Whether it can work around specialty surfaces
-
What information it needs from you before service
You should also be able to ask follow-up questions without feeling like you are being difficult.
Good communication matters because every household is different. A family with a crawling baby may have different concerns from a home with two dogs, a bird, hardwood flooring, or a fragrance sensitivity.
Ask Pristine Before You Book
If you live in Bloomington, Greenwood, or a surrounding Pristine service area, you are welcome to ask these questions before requesting a quote.
Tell us about your children, pets, known sensitivities, veterinary instructions, product preferences, or specialty surfaces so we can understand your home before cleaning begins. Contact Pristine House Cleaning to ask questions and request a quote.
