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Frequently Asked Questions About House Cleaning Services in the Greater Toronto Area

By Maria's Team Cleaning Experts · January 22, 2025 · 6 min read

We answer a lot of the same questions from clients across the GTA — from first-time bookers to people switching from another service. This article covers the most common ones honestly and directly, so you know exactly what to expect before you reach out.

How does pricing work for cleaning services?

Pricing is based on the scope of work, the size of the property, and the condition of the space. We provide estimates as ranges before the visit, and we bill by actual labour-hours on-site. You can use our price calculator to get a quick estimate based on your property details.

There are no hidden fees. The estimate we provide reflects the expected labour time for a property in standard condition. If the property requires significantly more time than estimated — due to condition or scope changes — we communicate that before proceeding.

What is the difference between regular and deep cleaning?

Regular cleaning covers the standard maintenance tasks — surfaces, floors, bathrooms, kitchen — on a recurring schedule. A deep cleaning goes further: inside appliances, inside cabinets, detail work in overlooked zones, and a full reset of buildup.

Deep cleaning is typically recommended as a starting point before regular service begins, or after a period of 3+ months without professional cleaning. It brings the home to a higher baseline so that regular maintenance visits are more effective and consistent going forward.

Do I need to be home during the cleaning?

No. Most of our clients are not home during the visit. We work with lockbox codes, building access instructions, or key arrangements confirmed in advance. The team operates discreetly and independently — you don't need to supervise or be present.

We do ask that you be reachable by phone or message during the visit in case a quick question comes up — a locked room, an unclear instruction, or a surface that needs clarification. Most visits require no contact at all.

What areas do you serve in the GTA?

We serve the Greater Toronto Area including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Milton, Burlington, Hamilton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Pickering, Ajax, and Whitby. If you're unsure whether your area is covered, contact us directly and we'll confirm.

We also serve specific neighbourhoods within these cities. If you're in a less central location, reach out — we'll let you know availability and any travel considerations for your area.

Have a question about your specific situation? We're happy to help.

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How do I prepare for a move-in or move-out cleaning?

For a move-in or move-out cleaning, the property should ideally be empty or nearly empty so the team can access all surfaces. Confirm the scope in advance — whether inside appliances, inside cabinets, and windows are included — so the team arrives prepared with the right time allocation.

Move-out cleans are often required to meet landlord or property manager standards. If you have a specific checklist from your landlord, share it with us before the visit and we'll confirm whether it falls within our standard scope or requires additional time.

What if something is missed?

We stand behind our work. If something was missed or not done to your standard, contact us within 24 hours and we will make it right. Our 120% Satisfaction Guarantee means we return to address the issue at no additional charge.

For more details on our guarantee and what it covers, see our FAQ page. We take quality seriously and treat every follow-up as a priority, not an inconvenience.

How far in advance should I book?

For regular recurring service, we recommend booking at least one week in advance to secure your preferred schedule. For one-time visits — deep cleaning, move-in, or move-out — two weeks advance notice is ideal, especially during peak periods (spring, end of month, and long weekends).

Last-minute requests are sometimes possible; contact us to check availability. We maintain a short waitlist for urgent requests and can often accommodate within a few days.

Can I customize what gets cleaned?

Yes. We confirm the scope before every visit. If you want to exclude certain rooms, add specific tasks, or adjust the focus areas, communicate this before the visit and we'll adjust accordingly. Customization is easiest when confirmed at least 48 hours in advance so the team can plan their time properly.

Common customizations include skipping a guest room that wasn't used, adding extra time to a bathroom, or requesting that the team focus on the kitchen and ignore the home office. All of these are straightforward to accommodate with advance notice.

Do you bring your own supplies and equipment?

Yes. The team arrives with all necessary cleaning products and equipment. You don't need to provide anything. If you have a preference for specific products — for example, fragrance-free or eco-certified options — let us know at booking and we'll accommodate where possible.

If you have a preferred product you'd like us to use for a specific surface (a particular floor cleaner, for example), you're welcome to leave it out and we'll use it. Just label it clearly and leave a note.

How do recurring cleaning schedules work?

Recurring service is scheduled at a fixed frequency — weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly — on a consistent day and time window. We assign the same team to your home wherever possible so they build familiarity with your space and preferences over time.

Clients on a regular schedule consistently get better results than one-time bookings because the team knows the home, the surfaces, and the priorities. If you're considering ongoing service, our regular cleaning page explains the options in detail.

Is there a minimum booking size?

We work with a range of property sizes, from studio apartments to large family homes. There is a minimum visit duration to make the trip practical for the team, but we can confirm whether your property qualifies when you request a callback or use the price calculator.

For very small spaces or partial-home requests, contact us directly — we'll be straightforward about whether it's a good fit and what the options are.

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