I Tried Amazon’s House-Cleaning Services — Here’s How It Went

You know the saying about the cobbler’s children who have no shoes? That’s how I feel at home, sometimes. I write and edit stories about cleaning and organizing all day and, when things get really hectic, I don’t have time to clean or organize my own space. And things can get a little out of control. (Do as I say, not as I do!)

Luckily, Amazon is to the rescue. I’m not talking about being able to buy cleaning supplies (although a stockpile of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers would certainly encourage me to get to work) — I’m talking about Amazon Home Services.

It’s Amazon’s way to help shoppers buy and schedule professional services. That’s right — you can use Amazon to find someone to assemble furniture, clean your carpet, set up a home theater, pressure wash your deck, and more. You can even set up a house cleaning. So I did. (Amazon Home Services is currently available in many cities in the United States, but not all.)

This process could not have been easier! I selected the size of my space (one bedroom, one bathroom) and picked the type of cleaning products I preferred (standard or eco-friendly), and the site automatically suggested the amount of time needed (two hours). I then picked three dates and times that worked for me.

Right away, I got an email confirming my order and letting me know that I’d get another email to confirm the exact time. And I did. Of course, I ended up having to reschedule — twice! (I can’t be so busy that I can’t even find a time to have someone else come clean my apartment, can I? I’m not saving the world or anything!) Luckily, it was incredibly easy to reschedule my appointment — I just had to click a link that said “reschedule” and the process worked just like the initial scheduling. Eventually, I got something that worked and I was so excited.

My cleaning professional was going to bring her own cleaning supplies and I giddily reread the list of what was included in the cleaning. In the kitchen alone, she was going to wipe down the exterior of the appliances, clean the cabinet fronts, clean the microwave (inside and out!), empty the sink, scrub the sink, dust, vacuum and mop, and take out the garbage. The bathroom, bedroom, and living room were also going to get some TLC.

My cleaner was set to arrive at 8:30 a.m. (the company did call the day before to confirm and set up a more specific time). She rang my buzzer closer to 9 a.m., but my apartment is basically impossible to find, so I blame my address. Upon arrival, she took her shoes off (my request), unpacked her cleaning supplies, and asked for a tour of the place. Get this: She asked if I wanted her to change my bed sheets (I didn’t!). And she didn’t even recoil at the splattered pasta sauce on the stovetop! I asked if she wanted water (she didn’t) and then she got to work in the kitchen while I did some editing in the bedroom.

She finished the kitchen and living room while I worked and then I moved into the living room so she could clean the bedroom and the bathroom. The session was supposed to last two hours, but it was closer to two-and-a-half. I’m not sure if that’s because she was being extra thorough or she thought our apartment was extra messy. I’m going to say it was the former.

For the most part, she had all the cleaning supplies she needed. She did ask to use my vacuum and for Swiffer pads. But I had both of things, so we were in luck!

When she was finished, she asked me to do a check. The place was spotless. She had cleaned everything just as well as I would have myself (only I would have had to do it at, like, midnight). Amazon said that my cleaning professional would even take out the trash at the end. She asked where my building’s garbage was kept, but it’s pretty complicated and I figured taking it out myself was literally the least I could do.

The cleaning cost around $80, plus I tipped $20. After polling some of my friends in the suburbs, I learned that the average for an entire house cleaning is around $90. So $80 for a few small rooms isn’t great, but this is New York City we’re talking about, and it’s actually on par with other cleaning services in the city. (Note: Amazon doesn’t charge your card until the service happens and you don’t have to worry about any money stuff with your cleaning professional, aside from tipping.)

I couldn’t have been happier with the results. I got a sparkly clean apartment, while also getting lots of work done! I wish I could afford this service on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, but that’s a little pricey for my budget. I’m not even sure I’d spring for this once a month. What I am sure about: It’s a great emergency option when things get out of hand.

I love that I didn’t have to spend time hunting around for a cleaning service in my area, or even really pick up the phone. Amazon made the process oh-so-easy and that’s something I really appreciate when I feel like I don’t even have time to wash a pot.

Related: Why It’s Totally Worth It to Have a Weekly House Cleaner

Have you tried anything through Amazon Home Services? And what are your thoughts, in general, about hiring someone to clean your house?