Get Quotes from Top Cleaning Services in Charlotte, NC

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Cleaner in Charlotte

While the number of coronavirus hospitalizations and positive COVID-19 cases in Charlotte has decreased, it's still important to maintain proper hygiene habits to prevent the spread of the virus in the city. Having a professional cleaning service can help you keep your home and office environment clean and disinfected. It can also help limit the spread of the coronavirus in your area. Aside from the usual factors that your cleaning company must be well equipped and experienced, you should also consider insurance requirements and city and state regulations when choosing a service provider.

When looking for cleaning contractors in Charlotte you can ask the following questions provided in this article to help you make the right decision regarding your specific cleaning needs:

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Cleaning Service in Charlotte?

No specific professional or occupational licenses are issued to cleaning businesses in Charlotte. However, all cleaning business activities in Charlotte are regulated by city and state departments. This department requires that these businesses obtain a business license before operating in the city.

Typically, to register a cleaning business in Charlotte, interested individuals will need to have the desired business structure, which could be sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability partnership, corporation, or limited liability corporation. Interested individuals who wish to register a sole proprietorship, partnership, or LLP must register with the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds by filing a Certificate of Assumed Name. Applicants are required to download and complete an application form to be submitted in person at:

720 East 4th Street
Suite 102,
Charlotte, 28202,
Phone: (704) 336-2443

LLPs, Corporation, and LLCs must incorporate their business with the Corporations Division of the North Carolina Secretary of State. Applicants will be required to file the relevant application forms and pay appropriate fees to be registered. Once the business's legal status has been approved and registered, the applicants will need a Federal Tax Identification Number, also called an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service. Note that a sole proprietorship with no employees and no excise or pension tax returns will not need an EIN. In this instance, the Sole Proprietor can use a Social Security Number as their Tax ID Number.

Also, businesses may be required to file other relevant taxes with the North Carolina Department of Revenue. If you have questions regarding the relevant taxes to be filed, you can contact the North Carolina Department of Revenue at (704) 519-3000 or at the physical location at 301 McCullough Dr #300, Charlotte. Cleaning businesses with employees must register with the North Carolina Employment Security Commission. Before hiring a cleaning business in Charlotte, confirming if the business has been registered is advisable. You can confirm if your intended cleaning contractor possesses a valid business license online via the North Carolina Secretary of State business search portal. Meanwhile, you can direct your queries regarding business registration to the North Carolina Secretary of State at (919) 814-5400.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Cleaning Services in Charlotte?

When it comes to hiring a cleaning contractor in Charlotte, certain factors are taken into account to determine how much you will be charged for the cleaning services. Factors such as the condition of the home or facility for which the cleaning services are required and the type of cleaning supplies needed are also considered to see how much the contractor charges. Although the hourly rate of $13 is the average wage of many cleaning contractors in the city, it may vary depending on the complexity of the task and the cleaning services requested. To get a working estimate, ask for quotes from multiple cleaning companies in the area. Compare these quotes to help you get a fair estimate and spot potential fraudulent cleaning contractors.

Building and grounds cleaning workers in Charlotte earn an average wage of $28,830 annually. A comparison of the average hourly wages of workers in Charlotte's building and grounds cleaning and maintenance industry against those of workers in the rest of Illinois and five other major cities in the country is provided below:

Charlotte Cleaning Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$13.86
North Carolina Cleaning Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$13.73
Los Angeles Cleaning Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$18.32
New York City Cleaning Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$19.09
Phoenix Cleaning Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$15.26
Detroit Cleaning Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$15.06
Houston Cleaning Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$13.53
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What Type of Cleaning Cleaning Services Do You Offer?

Before hiring a cleaning company in Charlotte, ensure they offer the proper services that will meet your specific cleaning needs and your proposed budget. There are various cleaning services that the cleaning companies can provide, such as one-time services and recurring cleaning services. Some of the types of cleaning services they can offer are standard, deep cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, commercial cleaning, and live-in maid services. Ensure that the cleaning company you hire has the proper equipment and cleaning supplies to complete the job properly. Also, confirm the cost of the cleaning services before signing the work contract.

The average costs for some commonly requested cleaning services in Charlotte are listed below:

Maid services (per visit for a typical family home)
$83 - $93
Janitorial services (per person)
$16.75 - $28
Medical office & healthcare facility cleaning services (per hour)
$19 - $36
Industrial cleaning services (per hour)
$18 - $31
Graffiti removal & protection (per square foot)
$1.41 - $2.38
Upholstery and furniture cleaning
$63 - $67

Do You Comply with Charlotte's COVID-19 Regulations?

Ensuring you hire a cleaning contractor who's well-trained and certified to follow COVID-19 regulations is very important to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful cleaning activities that may compromise your health. Over 67% of residents in Mecklenburg, where Charlotte is the county seat, have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. There has also been a drop in the coronavirus case rate, with a record of 92.5 per 100,000 residents.

Notwithstanding the drop in the infection rate, it is still essential for businesses in Charlotte to adhere to the COVID-19 Business Resources provided by the Mecklenburg County Office of Economic Development. The resources provide various cleaning and sanitation standards designed to minimize the spread of diseases and infections. Some of these include using effective cleaning materials and procedures like using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and face coverings. For more information regarding the COVID-19 Business Resources and how it applies to businesses in Charlotte, you can contact the Mecklenburg County Office of Economic Development at:

600 East Fourth Street
2nd Floor
Suite 226
Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: (980) 314-2941
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Do You Provide Commercial Cleaning Services for Non-Residential Locations in Charlotte?

Typically, in Charlotte, cleaning contractors specialize in providing commercial cleaning services for establishments such as offices, healthcare facilities, and schools. The main difference between residential cleaning contractors and commercial cleaning companies is that these commercial companies do not provide services or utilize cleaning supplies that are related to cleaning residential homes. Notwithstanding their business status, commercial cleaning companies are not required to have a separate business license in Charlotte.

To properly collect municipal solid waste in Charlotte, commercial cleaning companies in Charlotte must obtain a Municipal Solid Waste Certificate to Operate (CTO) from Mecklenburg County Land Use & Environmental Services Agency (LUESA). In addition, commercial hauling businesses must create an account with the County Landfill. For inquiries regarding the procedures and requirements for obtaining these permits, you can contact the agency at (980) 314-3867.

Do You Engage Unionized Cleaners for Non-Residential Buildings in Charlotte?

When it comes to keeping your office or facility clean, hiring a union cleaning service in Charlotte can help ensure that the cleaning service is continuous. The SEIU 32BJ is one of the union organizations representing over 150,000 maintenance workers in the country, including in Charlotte. These unions have contracts that provide members of the SEIU 32BJ with fair wages and working conditions and also a voice in the commercial cleaning industry in the city. Doing so allows the union to exert its influence over the industry. Even though it may seem cheaper to hire a non-union service, the SEIU may still pressure you not to continue with work, which may disrupt your normal day-to-day activities.

Nonetheless, union cleaning services in Charlotte can provide you with various advantages, such as workers having the necessary training and insurance coverage. Another benefit of working with these services is that they usually have a low turnover rate, ensuring that you keep working with familiar cleaners in your building.

Do You Offer COVID-19 Disinfecting Services in Charlotte?

Proper cleaning and disinfecting after a confirmed case of COVID-19 can help prevent the spread of the virus in the house. However, since not all cleaning companies in Charlotte offer enhanced cleaning services for COVID-19, it's essential that you check with the company before hiring them. Also, before hiring a cleaning company, make sure that they have the necessary resources and expertise to thoroughly clean and disinfect your home. This includes having the right cleaning supplies and protective equipment to carry out the cleaning effectively. In addition, the cleaning company must carry out all cleaning activities according to the COVID-19 Business Resources provided by the Mecklenburg County Office of Economic Development and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

These guidelines include some key recommendations, which include.

  • Use of EPA List N disinfectants products that have been proven to kill the coronavirus effectively.
  • Following the instructions on the labels of the cleaning products to be used during the cleaning job.
  • Thoroughly clean and disinfect the home areas that might have blood, stool, or other bodily fluids.
  • Wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the job. This includes gloves, goggles, and face masks.
  • Make sure that the grime on the surface is thoroughly cleaned before using a disinfectant product. This will prevent it from causing further damage.
  • Having the proper ventilation is also important when carrying out cleaning services. This helps reduce the concentration of the strong smell of some of the cleaning products in the home.

Before hiring a cleaning company, check and confirm the cleaning business's types of cleaning products and if the products are EPA's registered disinfectants. This confirmation is important because it helps you ascertain if the products can effectively clean. It also enables you to eliminate any cleaning agents that may contain allergens that can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks in members of the household.

What Cleaning Supplies Do You Use?

When choosing a cleaning company, ensuring they have the necessary cleaning supplies and equipment for the job is very important. There are various cleaning agents that can be used for different types of cleaning jobs. They can be categorized into four main groups depending on the type of cleaning services they are to be used for:

  • Abrasives
  • Acids
  • Detergents
  • Degreasers

Abrasives are mineral compounds usually used to remove stains from hard surfaces. Acids are highly effective at removing stains. They are commonly used to break down and remove hard stains such as rust and mineral deposits. They should be used with care and diluted correctly due to their high potency. The most commonly used cleaning agents are detergents. They are water-soluble and are used for cleaning commercial and residential buildings. Degreasers are also commonly used to remove oils, organic stains, and fats from kitchen surfaces.

Aside from cleaning agents, many cleaning tools and equipment are also used by cleaning contractors, like vacuum cleaners, mops, and cleaning rags. Also, a cleaning job may require the use of chemicals such as chlorine or bleach to effectively remove dirt, microorganisms, and viruses or mitigate the spread of the virus. This is why you must check the details of the cleaning supplies that the contractor intends to use before the job begins to confirm they are suitable for the cleaning services.

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Cleaners in Charlotte?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, a total of 189 work-related fatalities were recorded in North Carolina in 2020. Similarly, building cleaning and maintenance workers across the country recorded over 64,700 nonfatal work-related injuries in 2020. Hiring a cleaning contractor without a commercial general liability insurance policy for your job can expose you to legal repercussions and additional expenses when spending out-of-pocket to cover the losses. Considering this, hiring the services of an insured cleaning contractor is imperative to give you peace of mind that your job will be handled properly and that you will be protected from liability that comes with work-related injuries.

You should always ask for proof of insurance from a cleaning contractor before hiring them. Also, you should contact the relevant issuing insurance provider to authenticate the currency of the certificate. In addition, make sure the cleaning contractor carries a janitorial bond to cover losses occasioned by their employees' theft or dishonesty. Per state law, cleaning companies are required to maintain worker's compensation insurance for their employees. This provides benefits to the employees in the event of work-related injuries. For more information regarding workers' compensation insurance in Charlotte, you can contact the North Carolina Industrial Commission at (919) 807-2501 or toll-free at (800) 688-8349.

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Cleaner in Charlotte

The cleaning contractors involved in home improvement scams in Charlotte will usually collect payment and never complete the work, or they deliver shoddy work that will require you to pay for other cleaning services. In August 2018, a local news outlet in Charlotte reported that a city resident paid two contractors $10,000 as down payment for a job, which eventually caused extensive damage to the home due to shoddy work. When searching for a cleaning contractor in Charlotte, you should be aware of some warning signs that indicate potential fraudulent behavior.

  • The contractor may be driving an unmarked vehicle or a vehicle that has an out-of-state license.
  • The contractor will usually provide special prices for their services.
  • The contractor will typically ask for a substantial amount of money upfront. They will also only prefer taking cash.
  • The contractor does not usually provide a written project estimate.
  • The person conducting the work does not have a business or a verifiable local address.
  • The contractor will usually offer leftover cleaning supplies from a previously worked-on project for a low price.

Being cautious when searching for contractors can help ensure that you're getting a legitimate contractor. In addition, North Carolina's Attorney General's Office regularly sends out consumer alert letters to remind residents to be wary of repair scams. As such, you can use the following precautionary tips when looking for a professional cleaning company in Charlotte. These include:

  • Avoid hiring cleaning contractors who go door-to-door. They may give you a low advertised rate but then point out various issues that require immediate attention. You may end up paying thousands of dollars for unnecessary services.
  • Make sure that your intended cleaning business has a valid business license. This information can be obtained through the North Carolina Secretary of State business search portal.
  • Get referrals for professional cleaning businesses from trusted sources like friends, family, and neighbors. Several websites provide helpful recommendations for cleaning companies, like the Better Business Bureau and Google Review. You can also contact the North Carolina's Attorney General's Office at (919) 716-6000 to find out about any complaints against the cleaning business.
  • Get written estimates from multiple cleaning companies to help you compare and get the best deal. It can also help you avoid fraudulent cleaning businesses.
  • Execute a written work contract before the services commence. The contracts must list all the work to be performed, its costs, and a completion date.
  • Request for at least three references from past clients. After contacting the references, this will help you identify if the company is competent and reliable. Be wary of cleaning companies that cannot provide multiple verifiable references.
  • Avoid paying upfront and before completing payment, make sure that the work is completed and that you are satisfied. It's also important to avoid paying with cash. Instead, use a credit or check.
  • You have the right to cancel the contract up to three days after signing it. You should also write to the cleaning contractor if you change your mind.
  • Make sure that the cleaning contractors involved are thoroughly vetted by the cleaning company and have the necessary insurance.

If you think that a cleaning contractor in Charlotte has been engaging in unfair, fraudulent, or you have been defrauded, you should file a consumer complaint. You can file a consumer complaint with the North Carolina Attorney General's Office by completing a complaint application form online or call the consumer assistance line at (919) 716-6000.

The Attorney General's Office cannot guarantee restitution. As such, you can file a private legal action in court against fraudulent cleaning contractors or cleaning businesses in Charlotte at the Mecklenburg County 26th Judicial District Court. Nonetheless, you should seek proper legal advice from a lawyer before commencing any action in court. You can use the lawyer referral services provided by the Mecklenburg County Bar Association to find active lawyers near you.