Frequently Asked Questions

We try to anticipate questions you might have about our house cleaning services and provide the answers here. If you need additional information, please just contact us.

What areas do you serve?

We cover the Twin Cities metro area. This means everywhere inside the 494/694 loop, plus a good distance beyond. We service most of Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Dakota, and Washington counties plus part of Anoka and Carver counties. If you're on this map, we service your area. If you're just outside the coverage of this map please call us and we'll let you know if we can help. Outside of the Twin Cities, Maid Brigade has hundreds of locations which can be found through our www.maidbrigade.com site.

How much do you charge?

Fees vary depending upon client requirements. However, we can provide you with an estimate online or right over the telephone. We'll ask you a few questions about your home, the frequency of cleaning you'd like, plus any custom requirements. Just contact us to get started.

Can I get a gift certificate?

Yes, of course. Dollar value gift certificates are available for telephone purchase. They're great as gifts any time of year. If you prefer to give the gift of cleaning without any cost being discussed with the recipient, please contact out office between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, and we can set that up for you too.

When can you come?

Our teams regularly clean between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Normally, you can get on the schedule in just a few days. The more flexible you can be with day preferences, the quicker we can be there. Of course, if you have an urgent need, just let us know and we'll try to accomodate you even to the extent of providing service the same day!

How do I know you'll do a good job?

Maid Brigade promises you sparkling housecleanings, shining reliability and the best customer service and communications in the business. The Maid Brigade standard for customer service, along with green cleaning, is what distinguishes us from ordinary housecleaning services. To guarantee each client’s satisfaction, we maintain a deep commitment in the form of a promise that is both a system and an ethic.

Our Promise

- We WILL monitor our reliability.
- We WILL supervise our consistency.
- We WILL pay strict attention to the security of your belongings.
- We WILL solicit your comments and suggestions and be responsive to you.
- We WILL continually make you glad you chose Maid Brigade.

What's your guarantee?

If you feel that any area or item we cleaned is unacceptable, simply notify our office within 24 hours of your cleaning date and we will promptly return (at no cost to you) to re-clean any area or item that was not cleaned to your satisfaction.  Our approach is to make sure the result is outstanding and thus we don't issue refunds or credits.

Who do you send?

We will send a team of our English-speaking professional cleaning staff. Our teams are normally two people. Occasionally we may use teams of three (there is no difference in your fees, it just allows us to work most efficiently based upon the need). The team will be easily identifiable by their uniforms and company vehicles. All our cleaning staff are trained and certified in green cleaning methods.

Are you insured & bonded?

Of course. We are fully insured with a highly rated insurer. In fact, we even have special extensions to standard policies so that items in our care, custody & control are covered. We also bond our staff for your protection and provide workers compensation insurance in the event of a physical injury while in your home.

Does it matter if your staff are real employees?

Absolutely! Other maid services may use independent contractors to avoid the paperwork of Social Security, Worker Compensation and payroll taxes. These companies have little control over the contractors, and are not obligated to back up their reliability and performance. Maid Brigade employees are the best in the home cleaning industry and we stand behind our performance and we guarantee satisfaction. If a home owner uses private individuals this can result in insurance liabilities plus the home owner may be considered an employer with requirements to deduct and report social security, medicare, state and federal tax. Maid Brigade is the employer of record for all our staff and takes care of all employer related matters.

Do you always send the same people?

We schedule the same team look after your home every time. However, if a team member is off that day, we may substitute staff so that your cleaning gets done - which after all is the most important goal. Rest assured that all our staff are bona fide employees who have all been trained to the same standard.

What if I'm sensitive to dust?

All our vacuums are Green Label certified by the Carget and Rug Institute for soil removal, dust containment, and carpet appearance retention. They have efficiency levels rated at 99.9% of particles at 1 micron in size (that's one thousandth of a millimeter which is smaller than hair, pollen, dander and mold). Our vacuums are also approved by the US Green Building Council for LEED credit. All our cloths and dusting tools are 100% microfiber so they capture dust and leave no lint.

How do you clean solid floors?

This will largely depend on the size and type of floor covering. Our teams have a broad range of equipment and solutions designed to address glazed tile, natural stone, sealed hardwood, and so forth. If you have a specific request, just ask.

What if I'm sensitive to chemicals?

Our cleaning solutions are Green Seal certified so they meet performance tests, have no human toxicity, no carcinogens, no reproductive toxins, no skin/eye corrosives or sensitizers, no endrocrine disruptors, no acquatic toxicity, minimal VOC's and are biodegradable. In short, they're the best available. If you have a particular product request, let our office know and if it's on our approved list we may be able to send it with your team.

Do you do windows & chandeliers?

Our team will typically spot clean windows and clean sliding glass doors. To do all your windows inside and out, plus screens, skylights and so forth, we have a partner company that specializes in this area. Our partner also has ladders & scaffolds to get high chandeliers. Just let us know and we'd be pleased to arrange an estimate for you.

Do you clean carpets & upholstery?

Our team will vacuum to the standard described above. For heavy soil that needs extraction cleaning (either steam and/or rotary process), we have a partner company that specializes in this area. Just let us know and we'd be pleased to arrange an estimate for you.

What is your cancellation policy?

We would ask you to let us know as soon as your plans change. We try to be as flexible as possible. You may reschedule or skip (or even cancel) up to 48 hours before service without charge. However, a late cancellation fee will apply within 48 hours up to 7am on the day of scheduled service. After 7am, the entire fee is payable since the team's time is not reuseable.

Do I need to be home?

No. You don't have to be home.  In fact, during the pandemic we're asking clients to be out of their home (or in an area we're not cleaning) so as to maximize social distancing.  Most clients provide us a key just in case they may not be home (which we check-out/in on your cleaning day and keep with "double blind" security).

What do I have to provide?

Nothing. Well OK not quite - we do require electricity and heating/cooling in the home. However, the teams bring all their equipment and supplies including quad filter backpack vacuums so you can simply relax. Just as you don't expect your electrician to use your screwdrivers or your plumber to use your wrenches, your professional cleaning team won't need to use your cleaning tools.

How do I pay?

Payment is due at the time of service. We accept checks or credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express) as well as E-Checks.  Paper checks will be converted to electronic transactions.  Just let our office know the method you prefer and we'll typically process charges the following business day.  Your total will be based on hourly and/or flat rate charges plus fees & taxes.  A convenience fee will apply to credit card payments (it is waived for E-Checks and paper checks).  If paying hourly (time & materials) or by online booking, a nominal supplies charge will apply to cover consumables.  Any parking expense will be passed through at cost.  Taxes vary across the metro from 9.875% to 8.125% due to city, county, metro and state taxes. Gratuities are not expected but may be added if you wish - just let us know.

I have a pet - is that a problem?

Not usually as long as the team can safely do their tasks. Well socialized dogs tend to settle down once they realize the team isn't there just to give them attention. Cats tend to magically disappear as soon as the team starts vacuuming. That said, you know your pets better than we do so feel free to secure them if it's appropriate.

For any other questions, just contact us.