Before you book, get the task list, full price and arrival window in writing. Ask about deposits, cancellation fees and what to do if something is missed. If you need a particular date, check it with the company rather than relying on the hours shown on its website.
Your booking checklist
- Address accepted for the exact service you need.
- Named tasks, exclusions and total including extras.
- Arrival window and expected visit arrangements.
- Deposit, payment timing and accepted payment methods.
- Cancellation, rescheduling and lockout conditions.
- Missed task reporting deadline and remedy.
How cancellation and return visits work
| Provider | What the website says | Confirm before booking |
|---|---|---|
| Alkemi ↗ | Contact within 24 hours about concerns | How the issue is assessed and corrected |
| Summerfield Cleaning Co. ↗ | 48 hour return clean window | Eligibility, contact method and remedy |
| TCE ↗ | Fee for changes within 48 hours | Current fee amount and how notice is received |
| MAIDinNC ↗ | Two business days of cancellation notice | Deadline for your date and applicable fee |
We checked these policies on October 5, 2026. Ask for the terms that apply to your booking. Two business days can mean more than 48 hours, especially over a weekend.
Need someone today?
Call and explain what you need done and by when. A website may accept requests at any hour without having cleaners available overnight. Even if it advertises appointments today, wait for the company to accept your job before making plans around it.
If movers or a property handover depend on the cleaning, ask what happens if the team is delayed. Leave some time between appointments where you can.
If a task was missed
Contact the company as soon as you notice a missed task, within its reporting deadline. Give the date and explain what was agreed and what was missed. Keep your quote and checklist handy. A promise to return and clean again does not necessarily include a refund.
Questions you might have
Do I have to be home?
Some providers allow arranged access. Confirm their process and share access details privately with the company.
Does no contract mean no cancellation fee?
No. Ongoing commitment and individual appointment cancellation rules are separate.
Are tips required?
Ask about the invoice and any gratuity policy. Do not assume a tip is included in a quoted total.
Our sources
We checked these source pages on October 5, 2026. Prices and policies can change, so check with the company before booking. See our editorial policy for how we research each guide.
Written from company websites and our comparison of their services. We haven’t tested the cleaners ourselves. Corrections and updates.