You can’t beat a good recommendation, can you? That’s the general thinking when it comes to finding a reliable cleaner in London. A friend says, “You’ve got to try my cleaner, she’s brilliant,” and you’re sold. But does that always work out? In truth, it depends. Word of mouth still holds a lot of power, but it’s not a silver bullet. Your mate’s idea of spotless might not match yours. And what works well in Ealing might fall flat in Camden. So while personal tips are often helpful, they’re not perfect.
This article looks at whether word of mouth really is the best route to finding a cleaner you can count on. We’ll go through why the source of the recommendation matters so much, why cleaning services come with natural ups and downs, what other options are out there (spoiler: Google knows a lot), and why most people eventually face a bit of trial and error. If you’re hunting for a cleaner in the capital—whether for a one-off or a regular arrangement—read on. There are smarter ways to go about it than just nodding along when someone says, “Oh, I know someone.”
It All Comes Down to Who’s Talking
Word of mouth can be brilliant. It’s personal. It feels safe. You know the person giving the tip, and there’s a good chance they’re not trying to sell you anything. But here’s the thing: a recommendation is only as solid as the person giving it. If your auntie thinks wiping round the sink counts as a “deep clean,” her glowing review might not mean much to you.
The trust you place in the source makes all the difference. A neighbour who has high standards, similar habits, and an eye for detail? That’s gold dust. But someone whose house always smells faintly of last week’s takeaway might not be the best benchmark. It’s not about being rude. It’s just about being honest about what kind of reference you’re dealing with.
You also have to consider context. Was the domestic cleaner doing a weekly tidy-up or a full top-to-bottom job? Did the house have pets, children, three flatmates, or none of the above? All of that shapes how reliable the recommendation will be for your situation. One cleaner might thrive in a quiet one-bedroom flat but struggle in a chaotic four-bed with muddy paws and football boots.
There’s also personal chemistry. Some clients get on well with a cleaner’s personality and methods. Others don’t. Just because someone else feels comfortable leaving their cleaner alone with a key doesn’t mean you will too.
So yes, word of mouth can be brilliant—but only when it comes from someone you genuinely align with. You’ve got to ask follow-up questions. How long have they used the cleaner? What kind of work do they do? Do they bring their own supplies? How do they handle feedback? The better the answers, the more helpful the tip becomes.
Cleaning Isn’t an Exact Science – Allow Room for Variation
Cleaning might seem like a straightforward service—dust, vacuum, mop—but the reality is more complex. Different people clean in different ways. Some are methodical and consistent. Others are speedy and results-driven. One cleaner might spend 20 minutes perfecting the bathroom while another takes the same time for the whole flat. That’s not always a bad thing, but it shows how much variation you can expect.
Even the best cleaners have off days. Maybe they’re dealing with a cold. Maybe their last client ran late, and they’ve lost rhythm. Maybe your job had more mess than they anticipated. The point is: you have to build in a little patience. Expecting perfect results every time from day one is setting yourself up for disappointment.
Then there’s the issue of tools and products. Some cleaners bring their own kit, others don’t. And preferences vary wildly. You might love the smell of lemon spray; someone else swears by vinegar. If you’re picky about what products are used, you’ll need to spell that out early on.
Also, think about expectations. Are you hiring someone to make your home spotless, or just to help you stay on top of the basics? Clients often assume cleaners will do everything—windows, dishes, laundry, even the fridge. But not everyone includes those extras, and assumptions cause tension.
That’s why even strong recommendations can lead to mixed results. A cleaner who works brilliantly for one client might not match your style or pace. It’s not always about skill—it’s about fit. So go in with a little flexibility. Give feedback. Test things out. It’s a working relationship, not a transaction with a robot.
What If You Don’t Know Anyone? Try These Alternatives
Not everyone has a mate with a cleaner to recommend. If you’ve just moved to London or don’t know the neighbours, word of mouth might not be an option. That’s where online tools come in handy. And despite all the horror stories floating around the internet, they’re not a bad starting point.
Google Reviews are a decent place to begin. Most cleaning companies in London have listings, complete with star ratings, customer comments, and sometimes even photos. You can quickly spot patterns—if five people say the cleaner is late, that’s probably worth paying attention to. And if people praise specific cleaners by name, that’s a strong sign of consistency.
TrustPilot is another well-used review site, particularly for larger cleaning firms. It’s structured, easy to browse, and tends to include more detailed feedback than your average Google comment. You’ll often find mentions of how the company handled cancellations, refunds, or customer service hiccups.
Then there are business directories like Checkatrade, Bark, and Yell. These platforms don’t just show reviews; they usually verify business details and often feature customer testimonials, response times, and insurance information. That can offer peace of mind if you’re hiring someone new.
Don’t overlook social media either. Facebook groups for your area—especially local community groups—are gold mines for recommendations. You can post asking for a cleaner and often get ten replies within an hour. Again, check who’s replying. Someone with a ten-year-old account and regular posts is more trustworthy than a brand-new profile with no photo.
Lastly, booking platforms like Handy or TaskRabbit give you the chance to browse cleaner profiles, see reviews, and book directly. The catch is that fees might be higher, and you might not get the same person every time unless you make a special arrangement.
The point is: there’s no shortage of options. But just like word of mouth, you need to do a bit of digging. Compare, ask questions, and always trust your instincts.
Trial and Error is Part of the Process
Here’s the truth no one likes to admit—you might not get it right the first time. Or the second. Finding a cleaner who ticks all your boxes can take a while. That’s not because cleaners are unreliable. It’s because everyone’s needs, preferences, and homes are different. It’s not “plug and play.”
You might start with someone who’s great but works too fast. Then you find someone thorough but always late. Then someone perfect—except they’re booked solid on your preferred days. It happens. But each try gives you a better idea of what you’re actually looking for.
This is where clear communication becomes your best tool. When you do hire someone, explain exactly what you want done. Walk them through your home. Point out any areas of concern. Be honest about what matters most to you—whether it’s the skirting boards or the fingerprints on the fridge.
Keep in mind that even the best cleaner needs time to learn your space. The first clean might just be the start. Give it two or three visits before making up your mind. If something doesn’t work, talk about it. Most cleaners appreciate feedback—they want happy clients.
Of course, trial and error means you might have a dud or two. That’s frustrating, especially if you’re trusting someone with a key or paying for a job that’s not quite right. But it’s not wasted effort. Each attempt gets you closer to finding the right fit.
Think of it like dating. You wouldn’t marry someone after one coffee. The same applies here. The goal is a long-term arrangement that works for both of you. Once you find the right person, it’s a huge relief—and worth all the hassle it took to get there.
So, is word of mouth the best way to find a cleaner in London? Sometimes, yes. But it’s not a magic formula. Trust the source, expect a bit of variance, explore other platforms, and be ready for a bit of trial and error. Finding the right cleaner is part research, part luck, and part learning as you go. But when you do find that reliable someone—it makes all the difference.