FAQ
Honest answers to the questions families ask.
If your question isn't here, drop me a message and I'll get back to you.
What's the difference between a housekeeper and a cleaner?
Housekeeping covers more ground. Cleaning is one piece of it, alongside laundry, organising, light tidying, and noticing what needs doing without being asked. It's about keeping the whole home running, not just looking after the surfaces. That's the work I do.
Do I need to tidy up before you arrive?
No, and that's the whole point. A lot of people feel that quiet pressure to tidy up before someone arrives, otherwise the hour just goes on shifting things around. With me, you don't have to. Toys on the floor, breakfast on the side, laundry in a heap. I let myself in, see what needs doing, and handle it.
Which areas do you cover?
I'm based in Sutton SM2 and I cover roughly a 30-minute drive. So Sutton, Cheam, Belmont, Wallington, Carshalton, Banstead, Worcester Park, Wimbledon, Cobham and the surrounding villages. If your area isn't listed, ask anyway.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the size of your home, how often I come, and which package fits. Rather than guess, I do a quick call and a short visit, then I give you a proper price. You'll know exactly what each visit costs before we start. Standard cleaning is hourly. Gold and Premium are priced per visit.
How does the first visit work?
Most homes start with a longer initial reset visit so I can give the house a proper going-over before we settle into the regular rhythm. After that, we're into your weekly slot. Same day, same time, same person.
What about cancellations?
Two days' notice or more, no charge. Day before, half the visit price. Same day, full price. I keep a careful diary and plan my week around my families, so a cancellation has knock-on effects. That said, sick children happen, and I'm reasonable about that. We'll always sort it out between us.
Are you insured and DBS-checked?
Yes to both. I carry my own public liability insurance and I'm DBS-checked. Happy to share documents on request.
Will it be the same person every week?
Yes. It's just me, every week. No rota, no agency, no different person each time. That consistency is the whole point of Essence.
Can I book a one-off clean instead of a regular slot?
Yes. I take on one-off deep cleans, seasonal cleans (especially after Christmas), and house-sitting while you're away. These are priced separately and arranged on top of, or instead of, a regular plan.
Do you bring your own products?
I'll happily use whatever you prefer, especially if you've got specific products for surfaces, allergies, or scent sensitivities. I can also bring my own if you'd rather not stock anything. We'll talk this through on the first visit.
Do you do oven cleaning, carpet cleaning or window cleaning?
I don't do those myself. The chemicals for oven cleaning are stronger than I want in homes with children, and carpets and windows are specialist jobs. But I've built up a list of trusted local people I can recommend, and I can introduce you.
How do I get started?
Drop me a message through the contact page or email me directly. We'll have a quick call, I'll come and see the house, and then I'll give you a price. No pressure, no commitment from the call alone.