Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our house cleaning services, from booking to billing and everything in between.
All Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
How do I book a cleaning?
Booking is easy! You have three options:
- Book online: Visit our booking page to get an instant quote and schedule your cleaning in under 60 seconds.
- Call us: Nassau County: (516) 699-8406 | Suffolk County: (631) 596-0682
- Text us: Send a text to either phone number with your details.
We'll confirm your appointment and match you with a dedicated cleaner who will return for every visit.
Do you serve my area?
We serve all of Long Island, including:
- Nassau County: Garden City, Great Neck, Manhasset, Port Washington, Roslyn, Syosset, Old Westbury, Jericho, and more
- Suffolk County: Huntington, Melville, Dix Hills, Stony Brook, Port Jefferson, Smithtown, Commack, and more
- East End & Hamptons: Southampton, East Hampton, Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor, Montauk, North Fork, and more
Not sure if we cover your area? View our complete service area map or give us a call.
What's the difference between standard cleaning, deep cleaning, and move in/out cleaning?
Standard (Recurring) Cleaning: Our regular maintenance cleaning for homes that are cleaned consistently. Covers all the essentials—dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bathrooms, kitchen, and more. Best for weekly, biweekly, or monthly service.
Deep Cleaning: A thorough, top-to-bottom cleaning that gets into areas regular cleaning doesn't. Includes inside cabinets and drawers, baseboards, light fixtures, behind appliances, and detailed attention to buildup. Recommended as your first cleaning or a periodic "reset."
Move In/Out Cleaning: Comprehensive cleaning for empty homes during a move. Includes everything in deep cleaning plus inside appliances (oven, fridge), all closet interiors, garage sweep, and interior windows. Designed to leave the home spotless for the next occupant.
Do I need to be home during the cleaning?
No, you don't need to be home. Many of our clients prefer to be out during their cleaning—it's easier for the cleaner to work and nicer for you to return to a freshly cleaned home.
You can provide access by:
- Leaving a spare key with us (stored securely)
- Using a lockbox or smart lock code
- Leaving a key under a mat or with a neighbor (just let us know)
- Being home to let the cleaner in
We're fully insured and bonded, and all our cleaners are background-checked. Your home is safe in our hands.
What should I do to prepare for my cleaning?
You don't need to do much! A few simple things help us give you the best clean:
- Pick up clutter: Items on floors and surfaces make it harder to clean thoroughly. The less we have to work around, the more time we spend actually cleaning.
- Secure valuables: Lock away jewelry, cash, or irreplaceable items.
- Pets: Let us know about pets and whether they should be contained. We're pet-friendly!
- Special instructions: Leave a note or send us a message about anything specific (skip a room, focus on an area, etc.).
That's it! We bring all our own supplies and equipment.
Pricing & Payment
How much does house cleaning cost?
Pricing depends on your home's size, condition, and cleaning frequency. Here are typical ranges for biweekly recurring service:
- 1 bedroom / 1 bath: $190–$210
- 2 bedrooms: $210–$250
- 3 bedrooms: $250–$300
- 4 bedrooms: $300–$360
- 5 bedrooms: $360–$450
- 6+ bedrooms: Custom quote
Weekly cleaning is about 10% less, monthly is about 15% more. Deep cleaning and first-time cleaning typically costs 40-60% more than recurring rates. See our full pricing page for details.
Why is the first cleaning more expensive?
Your first cleaning requires more time and attention because we're starting from scratch. Even well-maintained homes accumulate buildup in areas that regular cleaning doesn't address—inside cabinets, baseboards, behind furniture, light fixtures, and so on.
We treat your first cleaning as a deep clean to establish a baseline. After that, recurring cleanings maintain that standard and take less time, so they cost less.
Think of it as an investment—once your home is thoroughly cleaned, keeping it that way is much easier and more affordable.
Are there any hidden fees?
Absolutely not. The price you see is the price you pay. We don't add fees for:
- Travel or mileage
- Cleaning supplies or equipment
- "Environmental" or "fuel" surcharges
- Credit card processing
The only way your price changes is if you request add-on services (like inside oven or refrigerator cleaning) or if your home's condition changes significantly. We'll always discuss any price changes with you first.
How and when do I pay?
We charge your card on file after each cleaning is completed. You'll receive a receipt by email immediately.
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). We don't accept cash or checks for regular service—card on file keeps things simple and secure for everyone.
Is pricing the same across all of Long Island?
Yes! We charge the same rates whether you're in Garden City, Huntington, or The Hamptons. Your price is based on your home's size and condition—not your zip code.
We believe in fair, transparent pricing. Where you live shouldn't determine what you pay for the same quality of service.
Should I tip my cleaner?
Tips are never required, but always appreciated. If you're happy with your cleaning, a tip is a wonderful way to show your cleaner you value their work.
Typical tips range from $10–$30 per cleaning, or some clients give a larger tip around the holidays. You can tip in cash directly to your cleaner, or let us know and we can add it to your card.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes! Gift cards make a thoughtful gift for new parents, busy professionals, elderly relatives, or anyone who could use a break. They're delivered instantly by email and never expire.
Our minimum gift card amount is $275, which covers a deep cleaning for a smaller home. Purchase a gift card here.
Our Cleaners
Will I have the same cleaner every time?
Yes—this is one of our core promises. We match every client with a dedicated cleaner who returns for every visit. Your cleaner learns your home, your preferences, and your standards over time.
If your regular cleaner is ever unavailable (vacation, illness), we'll let you know in advance and send a qualified substitute. But the goal is always consistency—the same trusted person in your home, every time.
Are your cleaners professionals?
Yes, we work with experienced professionals who have established track records in the cleaning industry.
- Background-checked
- Fully insured and bonded through our company
- Held to our quality standards
- Covered by our satisfaction guarantee
Are your cleaners background-checked?
Yes. Every cleaner undergoes a comprehensive criminal background check before they're approved to work with us. We take your safety and security seriously—you're trusting us with your home and belongings.
Additionally, all cleaners are fully insured and bonded, protecting you in the unlikely event of any issues.
What if I'm not happy with my cleaner?
Let us know right away. We want you to have a cleaner you trust and feel comfortable with. If it's not a good fit for any reason, we'll reassign you to a different cleaner—no questions asked.
Your satisfaction matters more than any single cleaner assignment. Just call, text, or email us and we'll make the change.
Do your cleaners speak English?
All our cleaners can communicate in English about cleaning-related matters. Some may also speak Spanish or other languages.
If communication is important to you, let us know when booking and we'll match you with a cleaner who's comfortable conversing in English.
What's Included
What does a standard cleaning include?
Our standard (recurring) cleaning covers all the essentials:
All Rooms: Dust all surfaces, ceiling fans, and light fixtures • Vacuum carpets and rugs • Mop hard floors • Clean mirrors and glass • Empty trash bins • Spot-clean doors, light switches, and handles
Kitchen: Clean and sanitize countertops • Clean exterior of appliances • Clean stovetop and range hood • Clean sink and fixtures • Wipe cabinet fronts
Bathrooms: Clean and sanitize toilets, tubs, and showers • Clean sinks and vanities • Clean mirrors • Wipe cabinet fronts • Mop floors
Bedrooms: Make beds (change linens if left out) • Dust furniture and surfaces • Vacuum and mop
View our complete cleaning checklist for the full breakdown.
What's NOT included in standard cleaning?
Standard cleaning doesn't include:
- Inside oven or refrigerator (available as add-on)
- Inside cabinets or drawers (included in deep clean)
- Interior windows (available as add-on)
- Laundry or dishes
- Organizing or decluttering
- Moving heavy furniture
- Exterior cleaning (patios, garages, outdoor areas)
- High areas requiring ladders above 2 steps
- Biohazard or hoarding situations
Most of these can be added for an additional fee. Just ask!
Do you bring your own supplies and equipment?
Yes! We provide all cleaning supplies and equipment at no extra charge. Our cleaners arrive with everything they need—vacuums, mops, microfiber cloths, and professional-grade cleaning solutions.
If you have preferred products you'd like us to use (due to allergies, preferences, or a specific floor type), just let us know and your cleaner will use them instead.
Can you use my cleaning products or eco-friendly products?
Absolutely. If you prefer specific products—whether for environmental reasons, allergies, or just personal preference—leave them out and let us know. Your cleaner will happily use your products instead of ours.
We can also use eco-friendly or "green" cleaning products upon request. Just mention this when booking and we'll make a note for your cleaner.
What add-on services do you offer?
We offer several add-on services to customize your cleaning:
- Inside Oven: $35
- Inside Refrigerator: $35
- Interior Windows: $5/window
- Laundry (wash, dry, fold): $25/load
- Change Bed Linens: $10/bed
- Organize Closet: $45/closet
- Inside Cabinets: $45
- Wall Washing: $75/room
You can add these when booking or request them for an upcoming appointment. Just give us advance notice so your cleaner can plan accordingly.
Do you clean homes with pets?
Yes! We're a pet-friendly company and many of our clients have dogs, cats, and other furry family members.
Please let us know about your pets when booking so we can note it for your cleaner. If your pet is anxious around strangers or needs to be contained during the cleaning, just let us know the routine that works best.
Note: Homes with multiple pets or significant pet hair may require additional time, which we'll discuss with you when providing a quote.
Scheduling
How far in advance should I book?
For the best availability, we recommend booking 1-2 weeks in advance. However, we can often accommodate shorter notice—especially for one-time cleanings.
Once you're on a recurring schedule, your time slot is reserved for you automatically. You'll have the same day and time each week, biweekly, or month.
What days and times are you available?
We clean Monday through Saturday. Our cleaning windows are typically:
- Morning: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Afternoon: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
We don't clean on Sundays or major holidays. If your regular cleaning falls on a holiday, we'll contact you to reschedule.
How do I reschedule or cancel an appointment?
We understand plans change. To reschedule or cancel:
- Call or text us: Nassau (516) 699-8406 | Suffolk (631) 596-0682
- Reply to any appointment confirmation email
- Use your online booking portal
Please give us at least 24 hours notice. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to a cancellation fee (see our policies below).
How long will my cleaning take?
Cleaning time varies based on your home's size and condition. Typical times:
- 1-2 bedroom apartment: 1.5–2.5 hours
- 3 bedroom home: 2.5–3.5 hours
- 4+ bedroom home: 3.5–5+ hours
First cleanings and deep cleanings take longer—sometimes 50-100% more time than recurring cleanings. We focus on quality, not speed. Your cleaner will stay until the job is done right.
Can I change my cleaning frequency?
Yes! You can switch between weekly, biweekly, or monthly service at any time. Just let us know and we'll adjust your schedule.
Keep in mind that changing from more frequent to less frequent service (e.g., weekly to monthly) may result in a price adjustment since there's more work each visit.
Do you offer one-time cleaning?
Yes! We offer one-time deep cleanings, move in/out cleanings, and special occasion cleanings. These are priced at our deep cleaning rates since they're typically more intensive than recurring service.
Many clients start with a one-time cleaning and then decide to continue with recurring service. No commitment required—you can always try us out first.
Policies & Guarantee
What is your satisfaction guarantee?
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you're not completely happy with your cleaning, let us know within 24 hours and we'll send your cleaner back to fix any issues at no additional charge.
We stand behind our work. Your satisfaction is more important to us than any single cleaning fee. Learn more about our guarantee.
What's your cancellation policy?
We require at least 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule your cleaning.
- More than 24 hours notice: No fee. Cancel or reschedule anytime.
- Less than 24 hours notice: A cancellation fee of $50 may apply.
- Same-day cancellation or no-show: Full cleaning fee may be charged.
We understand emergencies happen. If something comes up unexpectedly, call us and we'll work with you.
Are you insured and bonded?
Yes. Long Island Maids carries full liability insurance and bonding that covers all our cleaners while they're working in your home.
In the rare event of accidental damage or any other issue, you're protected. This coverage is included at no extra cost to you—it's part of how we do business.
What if something gets damaged or broken?
Accidents are rare, but they can happen. If something is damaged during your cleaning:
- Contact us immediately (within 24 hours)
- Take photos of the damage
- We'll investigate and file an insurance claim if appropriate
We take full responsibility for legitimate damages caused by our cleaners. Our insurance covers repair or replacement costs for accidental damage.
Do you have a contract or commitment?
No contracts, ever. You can cancel your recurring service at any time with no penalties or fees. We earn your business with every cleaning—not with contractual obligations.
We believe if we're doing our job well, you'll want to keep us. If not, you should be free to leave. Simple as that.
How do you handle keys and home access?
If you provide us with a key, it's stored securely and only accessible by your assigned cleaner. We never label keys with addresses—only internal codes.
Many clients use lockboxes or smart locks instead, which is equally secure. Whatever method you prefer, we handle your access with the utmost care and respect for your privacy.
What happens during bad weather?
Safety comes first. In severe weather (heavy snow, ice storms, etc.), we may need to reschedule your cleaning. We'll contact you as early as possible if this happens.
Light rain or normal winter weather won't affect your appointment. We only reschedule when road conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? Our team is happy to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you within an hour during business hours.
Ready to Get Started?
Now that you know how we work, let's get your home cleaned. Get an instant quote in under 60 seconds.