If you’re on the fence about outsourcing your home cleaning, these insider tips from the pros could help you make the best decision for you and your family. We’ve asked all the awkward questions so you don’t have to! When partnered with a person or company you trust, hiring a cleaning service saves you time and creates a healthier home.—Caylin Harris for Food Network Kitchen

Like any professional relationship, you want to make sure your expectations align with your house cleaner’s services and approach. Inquire about whether the business is insured, and also if it's bonded and conducts background checks for prospective employees, says Eric Marcelino, owner of Two Maids of Fall River in Fall River, MA. “Trust is continually built between the business and our clients, so knowing this information before anything else is the best first step.”

If you’re looking for value, choose the rooms or areas of your home that you need the most help with. “Prioritizing hard working areas that you need a hand with creates less cost for the client overall,” says Aaron Barnell, owner of Aaron's Green Cleaning in Minneapolis, MN. “For some people it’s the bathrooms and floors, for others it’s the kitchen. Once you know what those spaces are to you, prep them by removing as much clutter as you can.”

There is house cleaner etiquette. “It's a human-run business, there are people scrubbing your toilets,” says Barnell. “We love exchanging initial pleasantries, but we appreciate you letting us do our jobs. There’s no need to feel like you need to chat with us. What is helpful is making sure your space is clear of clutter so we can clean as efficiently as possible.”

You don’t have to clean before your house cleaners come, but it does help if you tidy up. “Clearing the clutter off your horizontal surfaces is a huge value driver,” says Marcelino. “We’re paid for time and labor, so if you save us time, you end up saving money. You also get a thorough clean since we can access the entirety of a surface; where if they’re covered with clothes or personal items they won’t get cleaned.”

Every business has its own structure, so make sure you read onboarding materials so you know what to expect during a cleaning service. “We plan their time out according to tasks you provide to us ahead of time,” says Barnell. “We don’t want clients adding on services without talking with our office. Please pay attention to your cleaning company’s FAQs.”

You don’t need to use toxic chemicals to clean your home’s surfaces. “We like to say our cleaning methods are where eco-friendly meets elbow grease,” says Barnell. “We have to work a little harder, but we get great results with the green cleaning products we use that are full of essential oils and more. We also swear by Bon Ami which is a mild, biodegradable cleaner.”

Built-up messes means more elbow grease and more time. So, in tough areas like the bathroom and shower little things, like doing a quick squeegee of your tiles post-shower, or properly ventilating your bathroom, makes a big difference. “Mineral-rich water leaves hard water build up and it’s the bane of our existence,” says Marcelino. “So consistent cleaning makes it much easier to tackle. Also, cracking a window or leaving your bathroom door open after a shower helps prevent mold growth which is a real challenge to clean.”

Things happen, but if you regularly cancel on your cleaners it impacts their bottom line and hinders their ability to run a successful business. “We do have a very customer-friendly cancellation policy that asks for 48 hours notice, but even with 48 hours, it's nearly impossible to replace that appointment. People don't always realize the impact of cancellation—we don't make money,” says Marcelino. Whenever possible, try to reschedule your cleaning.

Working with a cleaning service is a relationship. In order for them to do their best work, it’s important to take the opportunity for feedback seriously. “If a company is interested in building a relationship and wants to retain your business, they’ll take your suggestions and will do their best to accommodate you,” says Marcelino. “We send a survey after every visit and we always welcome constructive and pointed feedback. We need specifics to make sure you see the changes you want made.”