How to Find a Good House Cleaner That Won't Steal Your Stuff

Finding a reliable and trustworthy house cleaner can be a game-changer for your home and your peace of mind. Whether you're a busy young professional, a DIY enthusiast juggling projects, or a design-conscious architect who appreciates order and cleanliness, bringing in the right help can transform your living space. However, letting someone into your home and around your belongings comes with understandable concern — particularly when it comes to the safety of your possessions. Here are practical and effective ways to find a house cleaner you can trust and rely on.

1. Ask for Recommendations Within Your Network

Word of mouth is one of the oldest yet most reliable methods for sourcing trusted services. Ask your friends, family, colleagues, or neighbours if they know a cleaner they would highly recommend. People in your network are less likely to suggest someone they had a poor experience with, so their referrals generally come with a level of pre-vetting. This is especially valuable in close-knit communities and among professionals in fields like architecture or design, who often maintain high standards for quality and trustworthiness.

If you're working with an interior designer or architect, don't hesitate to ask them if they’ve partnered with or know of cleaners they trust. Tradespeople also often share contacts, so your local builder or decorator might just have a name for you.

Online community groups, particularly location-driven ones like Facebook local groups, Nextdoor, or home improvement forums, are also fertile ground for word-of-mouth recommendations. Be proactive and post a request for suggestions, and you’ll likely receive a shortlist of vetted cleaners.

2. Use Established, Reputable Cleaning Services

Hiring through an established cleaning company offers a level of assurance that independent cleaners may not. These companies typically vet their employees thoroughly — conducting background checks, verifying previous employment, and offering insurance coverage to protect both the cleaner and your home.

Many national and regional cleaning services operate throughout the UK, and opting for a reputable brand ensures that there are systems and customer service frameworks in place if anything goes wrong. These companies also provide training to their cleaners, which means you’re more likely to receive a consistently high standard of work.

That said, it’s wise to look for local companies with strong reputations. Smaller agencies and franchises often have closer ties to the communities they serve and may offer more flexibility and personalised service while maintaining strong ethical standards.

3. Check Insurance and CRB/DBS Certification

In the UK, trustworthy professionals who work in domestic settings should ideally have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This background check can indicate whether an individual has a criminal record or has ever been flagged for issues that may impact their trustworthiness, especially when working in private homes.

Additionally, you should always verify whether the cleaner or cleaning company carries insurance. Public liability insurance protects your home and possessions should anything be damaged or go missing during the course of the cleaning. Don’t feel awkward asking to see proof — trustworthy professionals won’t mind providing documentation.

Some companies or self-employed cleaners even display this information upfront on their websites or business profiles. If you’re considering hiring someone independently, always take the time to request and confirm this information before they begin work in your home.

4. Read Real Reviews and Testimonials

Online reviews can give you invaluable insight into a cleaner’s trustworthiness, work ethic, and quality of service. Platforms like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, Checkatrade, Rated People, and Bark UK provide ratings and written feedback from genuine clients. Look for patterns — if multiple reviews mention that the cleaner is trustworthy, pays attention to detail, and respects people’s homes, it’s a good indicator they’ll do the same for you.

Be cautious of too many overly generic or suspiciously glowing reviews — these could be fabricated. Pay attention to detail in the reviews; those that mention specific tasks or recall multiple experiences often come from genuine clients.

If you’re working with a cleaning company, see if they provide client testimonials on their website or case studies of long-term happy customers. These can also indicate businesses with a proven integrity track record.

5. Conduct a Trial Cleaning Session

Before committing to an ongoing arrangement, schedule a trial session. This gives you first-hand experience of the cleaner’s professionalism, punctuality, communication, and of course, the quality of their work. It also provides you the opportunity to observe how they interact with your space and possessions.

A short one-off or weekly cleaning job is just long enough to gauge whether they treat your home and valuables with respect. Pay attention to things like whether they ask before moving fragile or personal items, and if they return things to their original places when they’re done. Trustworthy cleaners understand that your home is personal and will act accordingly.

Give clear instructions about what you expect, and don’t be afraid to debrief afterwards to set or adjust expectations. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t — it’s okay to keep searching until you find the right person.

6. Provide Limited Access and Take Precautions

Even when hiring someone with great references and a clean background, it’s smart to take basic precautions to protect yourself, especially early on. Limit access to only areas of the home you want cleaned and avoid leaving expensive items like jewellery, electronics, cash, and confidential documents in plain view.

Consider installing motion-activated or app-connected security cameras in communal areas. Not only can this deter foul play, but it also gives peace of mind when you’re away during cleaning visits. Make sure to disclose to your cleaner that cameras are in place, as this is both a courtesy and a legal requirement in the UK for private domestic spaces.

You might also choose to use rooms with locks for more sensitive items, or install a safe for valuable belongings — habits that can remain beneficial beyond your professional cleaning relationship.

7. Build a Good Relationship and Set Clear Expectations

Trust is built over time. Work on establishing a good professional relationship with your cleaner by being open, direct and respectful. Set clear expectations about what areas should be cleaned, which cleaning products to use, and what behaviours are or aren’t acceptable in your home.

Over time, a cleaner who feels appreciated and respected is likely to become even more loyal and detail-oriented in their work. A simple note, regular check-in or the occasional thank-you can go a long way.

Communication is key — set a schedule for inspections or updates if it makes you feel more comfortable. If you ever find anything out of place, address it early without confrontation so that small misunderstandings can be corrected before they grow into trust issues.

8. Compare Your Options: Independent Cleaners vs Agencies

Deciding who to hire depends on your individual priorities. If building a personal connection is important to you, and you're willing to do the vetting yourself, an independent cleaner might be the right fit. If you want structure, insurance, and less responsibility on your shoulders, go with an agency.

9. Trust Your Instinct

Sometimes, the best tool you have is your gut instinct. If something doesn’t feel right — even after the cleaner checks all the boxes — it’s okay to walk away. On the flip side, when someone makes an effort, demonstrates integrity, builds rapport, and performs their duties diligently, hold on to them. Well-established cleaners who are trustworthy and professional tend to get booked up fast, so once you find one, be sure to appreciate and retain them.

Always remember that trust isn’t given, it’s earned — and your peace of mind is worth waiting for the right fit.

Final Thoughts

Your home is your private space — a reflection of your effort, personality, and investments. Letting someone in to help care for it is a big step, and it’s one that deserves caution and research. By seeking referrals, checking credentials, and following your instincts, you can find a house cleaner who not only takes the load off your shoulders but does so with honesty and care.

By putting in a bit of due diligence, you’ll enjoy the long-term benefits of a cleaner, more organised home and, most importantly, peace of mind.