A nationwide Angie's List poll found:
1. Of the rooms in the house, nearly 60 percent of respondent dislike cleaning the bathroom; 22 percent said the kitchen was their least favorite to clean.
Recommended Videos
2. Nearly 70 percent of respondents said they feel the kitchen is the room in the home that they feel needs cleaned the most often; 21 percent said the bathroom.
Aside from the typical services like vacuuming and dusting, many housecleaning companies will design a cleaning plan catered to your individual needs.
Additional housecleaning services may include:
- Providing laundry services, including folding and ironing
- Cleaning ovens, refrigerators and freezers
- Cleaning blinds and drapes
- Polishing furniture
- Making beds
- Cleaning carpets and rugs
- Washing interior walls and baseboards
Angie's List, the nation's premier provider of consumer reviews, asked highly-rated housecleaning companies how often to clean the most-used rooms in your house:
1. Bathrooms: Weekly cleanings are important. Start with the bathtub and sink and wipe all surfaces to prevent mildew and soap scum. Next, clean the toilet allowing the cleaning agent to sit for several minutes before scrubbing. Mop the floor last.
2. Kitchen: Wash dishes and clean the sink and counter tops daily. Floors require constant cleaning depending on the amount of traffic.
3. Living/family room: Clear away cutter on a daily basis. Dust and vacuum weekly - sweep more often if you have pets.
4. Bedrooms: Wash linens weekly to help reduce allergens and dust mites. Regular dusting and vacuuming will also help reduce allergens.
Angie's List tips for hiring a housecleaning service:
1. Interview the service: It's important you interview not only a representative from a housecleaning service, but also the actual person who will be cleaning your home. You should be comfortable with them, especially if they'll be working while you're not at home. Ask if the same crew from the housecleaning company will be at your home each time.
2. Ask about background checks: House cleaners have access to your personal space, so you need assurance that the crew that comes into your home is trustworthy. Ask if the company does background checks on their employees and if the service maintains proper liability insurance.
3. What's the rate? The cost for a professional cleaning service will depend on the services you request, the frequency of visits and the size of your home. Ask if they charge by the hour or by the project? Don't settle for an estimate over the phone - most housecleaning services offer free in-home estimates.
4. Establish clear expectations: Don't be shy making your wishes known. If you want clutter removed from under beds or a 7-foot bookshelf dusted at every visit, put it in writing. The housecleaning service may have requests of their own, such as bedding being stripped prior to their arrival. Do a walk-through of your house and make a list of your priorities and desires - it may take a couple of cleanings for you and the company to get accustomed to each other.
5. Make preparations: Put away all jewelry and valuables in a safe or in a discreet compartment. This will keep them from getting misplaced or damaged.
6. Who's responsible for supplies? Some housecleaning companies use their clients' rags, paper towels, cleaners and other household supplies. Be sure to ask whether they'll bring their own or if they need access to your stash under the kitchen sink.
7. Are you green? If you hire an environmentally-friendly housecleaning company, ask what specific products they use and research those products if you are not familiar with them.
8. Call ahead: Most housecleaning services need at least two weeks' notice for an appointment. During the holiday months when business picks up, they may need even a bit longer.