Choosing Cleaning Products and Preferences

Describe your preferences precisely

“Eco”, “natural” and “green” can describe different product claims and working practices. Tell the cleaner what matters to you: fragrance preferences, packaging, product ingredients, waste, or the care requirements of a particular surface. Ask what the provider actually proposes rather than choosing on a broad package name.

Check surfaces before products

Provide care instructions for stone, timber, coatings, glass and specialist finishes where available. Ask whether a proposed product and method are compatible. A preference for a particular ingredient does not make it suitable for every surface, and a provider should explain when a different approach is needed.

Questions to include in the booking

• Which products and equipment will be brought to the property?
• Can fragrance or other preferences be accommodated?
• Can you supply products, and how will suitability be checked?
• How are bottles stored, waste handled and reusable equipment maintained?
• What tasks need a separate treatment or specialist assessment?

Keep product instructions available

For hazardous workplace chemicals, a safety data sheet provides handling and safety information. Safe Work Australia explains these documents. Ask the provider how instructions, storage and site requirements will be handled. Do not mix products or ask the cleaner to improvise a mixture to meet a preference.

Agree on realistic outcomes

Discuss existing stains, buildup and materials before accepting the scope. Cleaning and disinfection are different processes, and a product preference is not a medical or hygiene guarantee. If a household member has specific health requirements, obtain appropriate advice and communicate the relevant practical instructions to the provider.

Keep a short record of the products and methods agreed for repeat visits. If the cleaner changes products later, review compatibility and preferences again rather than assuming every replacement is equivalent.