Choosing a cleaning company means choosing who comes into your home, often every two weeks for years. Price matters, but it’s rarely what makes a cleaning service work or fail. This guide lists the questions worth asking before you book in Montreal, and what good answers sound like.
Company, independent cleaner or app?
| Option | Strengths | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning company | Insurance, replacements when someone is sick, a team for big jobs, one point of contact | Some rotate cleaners every visit |
| Independent cleaner | Personal relationship, direct communication | No backup when they’re sick or on vacation; check insurance |
| Booking app / marketplace | Fast booking, many options | Often a different person each time; quality varies |
10 questions to ask before booking
1. Will I have the same cleaner every time?
This is the single biggest factor in consistent results. A cleaner who knows your home works faster and notices what needs attention. Ask whether you’ll have one assigned person.
2. What happens when my cleaner is sick or on vacation?
Good answer: a backup covers the visit and your schedule doesn’t change. Weak answer: “we’ll reschedule.”
3. Are you insured?
Ask who the insurer is. A company that’s insured will tell you without hesitation.
4. Who brings the supplies and equipment?
If you have to provide products, a vacuum and a mop, that’s an extra cost and one more thing to manage.
5. Is there a contract or minimum commitment?
Look for the ability to pause, skip or cancel without penalty. A company confident in its service doesn’t need to lock you in.
6. What exactly is included, and what isn’t?
Ask for the list. Many surprises come from assumptions about baseboards, interior windows, inside the oven or fridge, laundry and dishes. See deep cleaning vs regular cleaning for what usually falls where.
7. How is the price calculated?
Hourly, flat, or an estimate that adjusts? Ask what happens if the job takes longer than planned. Our guide on what affects the cost of house cleaning in Montreal explains the trade-offs.
8. How experienced are the cleaners?
Ask whether they hire experienced cleaners or train beginners on the job, and how new cleaners are introduced to your home.
9. Do you serve my area, in my language?
Montreal is bilingual, and service areas vary. Confirm they cover your neighbourhood and can communicate in the language you prefer.
10. What do real clients say?
Read recent Google reviews, and look at how the company responds to criticism. Consistency over many months matters more than a few glowing reviews.
Red flags
- A price given without any questions about your home
- Vague answers about insurance
- Long contracts or cancellation fees for recurring service
- No clear list of what’s included
How Axiom answers these questions
| Same cleaner? | Yes, one assigned cleaner, same day and time every two weeks |
| Sick days? | A backup cleaner covers so your schedule doesn’t change |
| Insured? | Yes, through Desjardins |
| Supplies? | Cleaners arrive fully equipped |
| Contract? | None; pause, skip or cancel anytime |
| Experience? | Experienced cleaners only |
| Areas and languages | Montreal, Laval, Pointe-Claire, Longueuil and Brossard; English and French |
| Rating | 4.9★ average |
Learn more about bi-weekly cleaning in Montreal, or read the FAQ.
En français : comment choisir une compagnie de ménage à Montréal · all cleaning guides
Try a first clean with no commitment. Get your quote online, or call (438) 814-9124 (Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).