Serving Nassau County, Suffolk County & the Hamptons

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about our Long Island cleaning services. Don't see yours? Give us a call — we're happy to help.

All Questions Getting Started Pricing & Payment Our Cleaners What's Included Scheduling Policies & Guarantee

Getting Started

How do I schedule a cleaning with Teresa's Family Cleaning?

Scheduling your first cleaning is simple. You have three options:

Once your appointment is confirmed, we'll pair you with a dedicated two-person crew who will return for every visit.

What areas of Long Island do you serve?

We proudly serve homes and businesses throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the Hamptons — from Great Neck to Montauk. If you're anywhere on Long Island, chances are we cover your neighborhood. Not sure? Call or text (866) 744-4021 and we'll confirm right away.

What's the difference between standard cleaning, deep cleaning, and move in/out cleaning?

Standard (Recurring) Cleaning: Regular maintenance for homes that are cleaned on an ongoing basis. Covers the essentials — dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bathrooms, kitchen surfaces, and more. Best suited for weekly, biweekly, or monthly service.

Deep Cleaning: A thorough, top-to-bottom service that reaches areas regular maintenance doesn't address. Includes inside cabinets and drawers, baseboards, light fixtures, behind appliances, and detailed attention to accumulated buildup. We recommend this as your first cleaning or as a periodic reset.

Move In/Out Cleaning: A comprehensive cleaning designed for empty homes during a move. Covers everything in the deep clean plus the interior of all appliances (oven, refrigerator), every closet interior, a garage sweep, and interior windows — leaving the space spotless for the next occupant.

Do I need to be home during the cleaning?

Not at all. Many of our Long Island clients prefer to be away while we work — it's easier for the crew and nicer to come home to a freshly cleaned space. You can provide access by:

  • Leaving a spare key with us (stored securely in our office safe)
  • Using a lockbox or smart lock code
  • Leaving a key with a neighbor
  • Being home to let the crew in

Our entire team is fully bonded, insured, and background-checked for your peace of mind.

What should I do to prepare for my cleaning?

Just a few small things help us deliver the best results:

  • Clear the clutter: Items on floors and countertops make thorough cleaning harder
  • Secure valuables: Lock away jewelry, cash, or irreplaceable items
  • Let us know about pets: We're a pet-friendly company — just tell us if any animals should be contained
  • Share special requests: Leave a note or text us about any focus areas or rooms to skip

That's it! Our crews arrive with all their own supplies and professional equipment.

Pricing & Payment

How much does house cleaning cost on Long Island?

Pricing is based on your home's size, condition, and cleaning frequency. Here are typical ranges for biweekly recurring service:

  • 1 bedroom / 1 bath: $190–$210
  • 2 bedrooms: $210–$250
  • 3 bedrooms: $250–$300
  • 4 bedrooms: $300–$360
  • 5 bedrooms: $360–$450
  • 6+ bedrooms: Custom quote

Weekly service runs approximately 10% less, and monthly runs about 15% more. First-time and deep cleanings typically cost 40–60% above recurring rates.

Why does the initial cleaning cost more than recurring visits?

Your first visit requires extra time because our crew is establishing a clean baseline for your home. Even well-maintained homes accumulate buildup in hard-to-reach areas — inside cabinets, along baseboards, behind furniture, and around light fixtures.

We treat the first cleaning as a deep clean so that every subsequent recurring visit maintains that high standard in less time and at a lower cost.

Are there any hidden fees or surcharges?

None whatsoever. The price we quote is the price you pay. We don't tack on charges for:

  • Travel or mileage
  • Cleaning supplies or equipment
  • Fuel or environmental surcharges
  • Credit card processing

Your price only changes if you request add-on services (like inside oven or refrigerator cleaning) or if your home's condition changes significantly. We'll always discuss any adjustment with you first.

How and when do I pay?

We charge your card on file after each cleaning is completed and send an email receipt immediately. We accept all major credit cards — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

A valid credit card is required before any service is scheduled. We do not accept cash or checks for regular service — card on file keeps things simple and secure for everyone.

Is pricing the same regardless of where I live on Long Island?

Yes. Your price is determined by your home's size and condition — not your zip code. Whether you're in Great Neck, Holbrook, or East Hampton, we believe in fair, transparent pricing. Where you live shouldn't determine what you pay for the same quality of service.

Should I tip my cleaning crew?

Tips are never expected, but always appreciated by our crews. Typical tips range from $10–$30 per visit, and some clients give a larger holiday tip. You can tip your crew in cash directly, or let us know and we can add it to your card.

Do you offer gift cards?

Yes! Cleaning gift cards make a thoughtful gift for new parents, busy professionals, elderly relatives, or anyone who could use a break. They're delivered by email and never expire. Our minimum gift card amount is $275, which covers a deep cleaning for a smaller home. Contact us at (866) 744-4021 to purchase.

Our Cleaners

Will I have the same cleaning crew every time?

Yes — consistent crews are one of our core commitments. We assign a dedicated two-person team to your home, and they return for every scheduled visit. Over time, your crew learns your home's layout, your preferences, and your standards.

If your regular team is ever unavailable due to vacation or illness, we'll notify you in advance and send a qualified substitute who has been briefed on your home.

Are your cleaners trained professionals?

Absolutely. We work with experienced cleaning professionals who have established track records in the industry. Every team member is:

  • Thoroughly background-checked
  • Fully insured and bonded through our company
  • Trained to our quality standards and ARCSI-certified methods
  • Covered by our 100% satisfaction guarantee

Are your cleaners background-checked?

Yes. Every cleaner undergoes a comprehensive criminal background check before they're approved to work with us. Additionally, all crew members are fully insured and bonded. We've maintained these screening standards for over 30 years and hold the ARCSI Seal of Excellence certification.

What if I'm not happy with my assigned crew?

Just let us know. If the fit isn't right for any reason, we'll reassign you to a different crew — no questions asked. Call or text (866) 744-4021 and we'll make the switch right away.

Do your cleaners speak English?

All of our crew members can communicate in English about cleaning-related matters. Some may also speak Spanish or other languages. If communication preferences are important to you, let us know when scheduling and we'll do our best to accommodate.

What's Included

What does a standard recurring cleaning include?

Our standard cleaning covers all the essential areas of your home:

  • All Rooms: Dust surfaces, ceiling fans, and light fixtures • Vacuum carpets and rugs • Mop hard floors • Clean mirrors and glass • Empty trash • Spot-clean doors, light switches, and handles
  • Kitchen: Sanitize countertops • Clean appliance exteriors • Clean stovetop and range hood • Scrub sink and fixtures • Wipe cabinet fronts
  • Bathrooms: Sanitize toilets, tubs, and showers • Clean sinks and vanities • Clean mirrors • Wipe cabinet fronts • Mop floors
  • Bedrooms: Make beds (change linens if left out) • Dust furniture and surfaces • Vacuum and mop

What's NOT included in a standard cleaning?

Standard recurring cleaning does not include:

  • Inside oven or refrigerator (available as add-on)
  • Inside cabinets or drawers (included with deep clean)
  • Interior windows (available as add-on)
  • Laundry or dishes
  • Organizing or decluttering
  • Moving heavy furniture
  • Exterior cleaning (patios, garages, outdoor areas)
  • High areas requiring ladders above two steps
  • Biohazard or hoarding situations

Most of these can be added for an additional fee — just ask!

Do you bring your own supplies and equipment?

Yes! Our crews arrive fully equipped with professional-grade vacuums, mops, microfiber cloths, and cleaning solutions — all at no extra charge to you. If you have preferred products you'd like us to use instead, just leave them out and let us know.

Can I request eco-friendly or chemical-free cleaning products?

Absolutely. We were one of the first cleaning companies on Long Island to offer 100% chemical-free cleaning using Green Seal certified products and Activeion™ ionized water technology. Whether it's for environmental reasons, allergies, or personal preference, just let us know and we'll use green products throughout your home.

What add-on services are available?

We offer several add-on services to customize your cleaning:

  • Inside Oven: $35
  • Inside Refrigerator: $35
  • Interior Windows: $5/window
  • Laundry (wash, dry, fold): $25/load
  • Change Bed Linens: $10/bed
  • Organize Closet: $45/closet
  • Inside Cabinets: $45
  • Wall Washing: $75/room

You can add these when booking or request them for an upcoming appointment — just give us advance notice so your crew arrives prepared.

Do you clean homes with pets?

We sure do! We're a pet-friendly company and many of our Long Island clients have dogs, cats, and other furry family members. Please let us know about your pets when scheduling. Homes with multiple pets or significant pet hair may need additional time, which we'll discuss when providing your quote.

Scheduling

How far in advance should I book?

For the best availability, we recommend booking 1–2 weeks in advance. That said, we can often accommodate shorter notice — especially for one-time deep cleanings. Once you're on a recurring schedule, your time slot is reserved automatically.

What days and times are available?

We clean Monday through Saturday with two standard windows:

  • Morning: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Afternoon: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

We do not clean on Sundays or major holidays. If your recurring cleaning falls on a holiday, we'll reach out to reschedule. Fridays and Saturdays are our most popular days, so we ask for flexibility on arrival times for those slots.

How do I reschedule or cancel an appointment?

To reschedule or cancel, simply:

  • Call or text us at (866) 744-4021
  • Reply to any appointment confirmation email

We ask for at least 24 hours notice. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to a $50 fee. Monday appointments must be cancelled by the prior Friday at 9:00 AM.

How long will my cleaning take?

Duration varies based on your home's size and condition. Typical estimates:

  • 1–2 bedroom apartment: 1.5–2.5 hours
  • 3 bedroom home: 2.5–3.5 hours
  • 4+ bedroom home: 3.5–5+ hours

First-time and deep cleanings generally take 50–100% longer than recurring visits. We always prioritize quality over speed.

Can I change my cleaning frequency?

Of course. You can switch between weekly, biweekly, or monthly service at any time — just let us know. Switching from more frequent to less frequent service (e.g., weekly to monthly) may result in a minor price adjustment since less frequent homes require more attention per visit.

Do you offer one-time cleaning without a recurring commitment?

Yes! We offer one-time deep cleanings, move in/out cleanings, and special occasion cleanings with no recurring commitment required. Many clients start with a single cleaning and then decide to continue with regular service — but there's absolutely no obligation.

Policies & Guarantee

What is your satisfaction guarantee?

We stand behind every cleaning with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If anything doesn't meet your expectations, contact us within 24 hours and we'll send your crew back to address the issue at no additional charge. No questions asked.

What is the cancellation policy?

We require at least 24 hours notice for any cancellation or reschedule:

  • More than 24 hours notice: No fee
  • Less than 24 hours notice: A $50 cancellation fee may apply
  • Same-day cancellation or no-show: Full cleaning fee may be charged

We understand emergencies happen — call (866) 744-4021 and we'll do our best to work with you.

Are you fully insured and bonded?

Yes. Teresa's Family Cleaning carries comprehensive liability insurance and full bonding that covers our crew members while they're working in your home. In the rare event of accidental damage or any other issue, you're completely protected. We've maintained these protections for over three decades.

What if something gets damaged or broken during cleaning?

Accidents are rare, but they can happen. If something is damaged during your cleaning:

  • Contact us immediately (within 24 hours)
  • Take photos of the damage
  • We'll investigate and file an insurance claim if appropriate

We take full responsibility for legitimate damages caused by our crew. Our insurance covers repair or replacement costs for accidental damage.

Do I have to sign a contract?

No contracts, ever. You can pause or cancel your recurring service at any time with no penalties or termination fees. We earn your loyalty through the quality of every cleaning — not through binding agreements.

How do you handle keys and home access?

If you provide us with a key, it's stored securely in our office safe and only dispatched to your assigned crew on the morning of service. We never label keys with addresses — only internal codes. At the end of each day, our staff signs in all keys and locks them back up.

Many clients prefer lockboxes or smart locks instead. Whatever method you choose, we handle your home access with the utmost care and respect for your privacy.

What happens during severe weather?

Safety always comes first. During severe weather — heavy snow, ice storms, or dangerous driving conditions — we may need to reschedule your cleaning. We'll contact you as early as possible if this happens. Normal rain or typical winter weather won't affect your appointment.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is here to help. Give us a call, send a text, or drop us a message — we'd love to hear from you.

Ready for a Spotless Home?

Join the thousands of Long Island families who trust Teresa's Family Cleaning. Get your free estimate today.

No contracts • Free estimates • 100% satisfaction guarantee