How to Choose a House Cleaner in San Diego

Hiring someone to work in your home is a trust decision, not just a price decision. This checklist is based on consumer guidance from the Better Business Bureau and adapted for hiring through a marketplace like Zipply.

Before you hire: compare at least three offers

The BBB advises getting estimates from at least three businesses and asking friends or neighbors for recommendations. On Zipply, posting one job lets you compare up to 5 offers for the same request, so you can compare price and what each cleaner says is included.

What to verify

• Insurance and bonding. The BBB recommends confirming that a cleaning business carries liability insurance and a bond. Insurance covers accidents, and a bond protects you from theft or dishonest acts by workers. Ask for proof, and call the insurer to confirm the policy is active.
• Workers' compensation. The BBB notes that without it, an injured cleaner might be able to make a claim against you or your homeowner's policy. Ask whether the cleaner or company carries it.
• Licensing. The BBB notes that most states do not license cleaning services in general, though local rules can apply. Ask what registration the cleaner holds.
• Background checks. The BBB suggests asking that anyone entering your home be checked, or running a check yourself. On Zipply, house cleaners are not required to have a background check, but every provider is identity-verified before accepting jobs. If a background check matters to you, ask the cleaner about it before you accept.

Questions to ask each cleaner

• What exactly is included in the price, and can they handle your specific requests?
• Do they bring their own supplies and equipment? According to the BBB, the price should generally be lower if you provide them.
• Which cleaning products do they use, especially if someone in your home is sensitive to strong chemicals?
• Can they give references or repeat customers?
• Will they review your photos and details before giving a price?

Red flags

• Refusing or being unable to show proof of insurance, bonding, or references.
• No written estimate or agreement.
• A price far below the other offers, which may not reflect what you actually receive.
• Poor reviews or complaints that the business ignores or handles badly.

Prepare for the visit

Put away jewelry, valuables, and documents with private information, and make arrangements for pets. Write down what you want done, room by room, so there is no confusion.

How to compare offers on Zipply

1. Post your job with bedrooms, bathrooms, approximate square footage, the type of clean, extras, and your preferred date.
2. Compare up to 5 offers, or set your own price.
3. Ask each cleaner your questions before you accept. Payment is released after you confirm the job is done.

Posting is free, there are 0% client fees, and every provider on Zipply is identity-verified before accepting jobs. See what cleaning costs in our cost guide, or read about cheap and free options.

Get offers in your city

• House cleaning in San Diego
• House cleaning in Chula Vista
• House cleaning in National City
• House cleaning in El Cajon
• House cleaning in La Mesa
• House cleaning in Santee
• House cleaning in Lakeside

Frequently asked questions

What should I ask before hiring a house cleaner?

Ask what is included, whether they bring supplies, which products they use, whether they carry insurance and bonding, and whether they can give references.

Do house cleaners on Zipply have background checks?

Not every provider has a background check, and house cleaners are not required to have one. Every provider is identity-verified before accepting jobs. Ask your cleaner about a background check if it matters to you.

Is the cheapest cleaner the best choice?

Not always. The BBB warns that unusually low prices may not reflect what you actually receive, so compare what is included, not just the total.

Sources

Checked October 24, 2026.

• Better Business Bureau: 7 Tips for Hiring a Cleaning Service (published April 28, 2020)