Get Quotes from Top Cleaning Services in Indianapolis, IN

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Cleaner in Indianapolis

Prevention and containment of COVID-19 have become a matter of extreme importance in Indianapolis, which has documented about 225000 COVID-19 cases and almost 3000 deaths since 2020. One of the most effective ways to limit the disease's transmission is to maintain the highest levels of hygiene by cleaning and disinfecting on a regular basis according to stated CDC COVID-19 cleaning recommendations. Consequently, it is best to hire professional cleaning services that are conversant with State Covid-19 Guidance to perform a thorough cleaning of your homes and offices. To further ensure that the cleaning service you are hiring cleans and disinfects your home and workplace effectively, make use you ask the following questions:

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Cleaning Service in Indianapolis?

Before hiring a cleaning service, check that they adhere to all city and state regulations and have the necessary licenses. This will ensure that you do not act in disregard of the law. While small-scale residential or commercial cleaning services in Indianapolis are not required to seek any business licenses in order to operate, there are, however, a few steps that must be followed before beginning such a service.

Before starting a cleaning service in Indianapolis, it is important to, first and foremost, get a business name. A good business name may be arrived at by simply throwing around name ideas and seeing which is best liked. However, entrepreneurs looking for a business name that does not include their complete names should check to see if the name they want is available in Indianapolis. They should consider beginning their business name search at the Marion County Recorder's Office to minimize legal issues and client confusion. After that, they can use the Internet to make sure their business name is not being used in Indianapolis or some other place in the state.

Business owners can register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service even if they do not intend to hire staff. An EIN, which can be applied for online, is useful in creating a company bank account and lowering the risk of identity theft. Service businesses do not need to register with the Indiana Department of Revenue or file a Business Tax Application because they do not sell products or tangible items. However, Indianapolis's sole proprietors and general partners must file individual state income tax forms to pay taxes on their earnings.

You can get more information about estimated tax requirements by contacting the Indiana Department of Revenue at:

State of Indiana Government Center North
100 North Senate Avenue,
Room N105
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 232-2240

For information regarding cleaning business licenses in Indianapolis, you may reach the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services at (317) 327-8700 or their office at:

Department of Business and Neighborhood Services
1200 Madison Avenue
Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46225

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Cleaning Services in Indianapolis?

Cleaning and maintenance costs are frequently dictated by a variety of factors. Cost is often determined by the size of the house or facility that needs to be cleaned, the type of cleaning that needs to be done, and the current status of the cleaning area. Because some cleaning companies in Indianapolis charge hourly rates while others charge a flat rate, it is important, so as not to be caught unawares, to understand the pricing structure of the cleaning company you are considering. When looking for a cleaning service, getting quotes from a few different cleaning professionals in Indianapolis is also a good idea. This can give you a ballpark figure of how much cleaning services cost in the city.

Individuals who provide building and grounds cleaning and maintenance services in Indianapolis are estimated to earn around $31,780 per year. A comparison of the average hourly wages of workers in Indianapolis' building and grounds cleaning and maintenance industry against those of workers in the rest of Indiana and five other major cities in the country is provided below:

Indianapolis Cleaning Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$15.28
Indiana Cleaning Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$14.62
Los Angeles Cleaning Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$18.32
Chicago Cleaning Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$16.44
Houston Cleaning Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$13.53
Phoenix Cleaning Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$15.26
Washington D.C. Cleaning Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$17.29
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What Types of Cleaning Services Do You Offer?

It is vital to understand the services offered by your chosen cleaning business and to ensure that the cleaning service you hire is well-equipped to handle your home's cleaning requirements. Cleaning services such as regular room cleaning, deep house cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, and total apartment cleaning are more common. Some cleaning firms likewise offer specialized cleaning services such as live-in housekeeping and maid services, enhanced disinfection, green, and holiday cleaning services.

It is important to find out what cleaning materials will be used and how much the cleaning company's services will cost you before agreeing to any cleaning service contract. Here are some pricing estimates for cleaning services in Indianapolis:

House cleaning
$98.00 - $328.00
Residential carpet cleaning (per hour)
$110 - $230
Commercial carpet cleaning (per room)
$34.88 - $43.60
Upholstery and furniture cleaning
$59.30 - $62.78
Armchair cleaning
$30 - $55
Footstool or ottoman cleaning
$18.08 - $33.69
Loveseat cleaning
$76.71 - $98.47
Office chair cleaning
$15.82 - $24.09
Pillow cleaning
$6.06 - $9.00
Recliner cleaning
$49.64 - $67.29
Straightback chair cleaning
$25.20 - $35.00
Graffiti removal and protection (per square foot)
$1.32 - $2.22
Industrial cleaning services (per square foot)
$0.20 - $0.30
Janitorial services (per square foot)
$0.10 - $0.19 
Maid services (per hour)
$21.50 - $25.00
Medical office & healthcare facility cleaning services (per square foot)
$0.16 - $0.27

Do You Comply with Indianapolis's COVID-19 Regulations?

When doing cleaning services in your home or building, hiring a cleaning agency familiar with the city's COVID-19 laws and following them is critical to creating a healthy and safe environment for you and others. As of March 2022, Indianapolis had a 15.0 percent positive test rate and had successfully vaccinated around 63.4 percent of its inhabitants. Its daily new cases are currently at 1.9 per 100,000, with an infection rate of 0.51. While the vaccination rate is not particularly high compared with other cities in the country, Indianapolis continues to do its best.

If you have any inquiries about the COVID-19 guidelines in Indianapolis or their implementation in businesses, you can contact the Indiana Department of Health by visiting their office at:

Indiana Department of Health
2 North Meridian Street,
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 233-1325

Do You Provide Commercial Cleaning Services for Non-Residential Buildings in Indianapolis?

Residential cleaning services in Indianapolis clean and disinfect residential homes, whereas commercial cleaning services clean business structures such as offices, workplaces, medical facilities, schools, and industrial facilities. The type of cleaning service supplied is what sets these cleaning services apart. Commercial cleaning companies, for example, are unable to perform cleaning services in private residences due to the type of cleaning supplies necessary for such homes.

While commercial cleaning services in Indianapolis are not generally required to have an occupation-specific license, The Indiana Department of Environmental Management, however, requires anyone who wants to carry out solid waste activities, such as waste removal and disposal, to file a permit or registration application and have it approved by IDEM before starting work. Approval of applications is handled by the Office of Land Quality (OLQ). Permits and registrations are valid for five years and must be renewed in accordance with the requirements.

For more information about solid waste disposal for commercial cleaning services, contact the Indiana Department of Environmental Management at (317) 232-8603 or visit their office at:

Indiana Department of Environmental Management
Indiana Government Center North
100 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Do You Engage Unionized Cleaners for Non-Residential Buildings in Indianapolis?

Cleaning a commercial property in Indianapolis with a union cleaning service has a lot of advantages. To begin with, it will prevent work disruptions, which are frequently created by such unions protesting the usage of non-unionized employees. As a result, you will save money on non-unionized janitors who would otherwise be unable to work. Additional benefits include the use of regularly trained and certified members and the guarantee of getting properly insured workers.

Service Employees International Union Local 1 is responsible for bringing together 50,000 workers throughout the Midwest, including janitors and cleaning experts. Local 1 of the Service Employees International Union is the union's founding local, and it covers 11 cities in six states, including Indianapolis. Janitors and other cleaning professionals are represented by a union that works together to raise and maintain standards. It is important to note that these agreements offer the union some authority over commercial activity in the city, including cleaning services. Even while hiring cleaning firms that are not union members may appear less expensive, you may face pressure from SEIU Local 1 to terminate their services.

Do You Offer Covid-19 Disinfecting Services in Indianapolis?

You must clean and disinfect your home correctly and professionally to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. This is especially critical if a COVID-19 infection has been confirmed among your household's residents or regular visitors. While many Indianapolis cleaning companies offer COVID-19-related cleaning and disinfecting services, you must check that your preferred contractor follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rules. Keep the following items in mind when cleaning a COVID-19-infected home:

  • Clean the polluted home's visibly dirty and high-touch surfaces on a regular basis.
  • Clean surfaces with soap and water before disinfecting them if they are dirty.
  • Close off the area where the ill person was and wait at least several hours before cleaning and disinfecting it. As a result, the risk of respiratory particle exposure will be lowered. Restrict access for two hours after the sick person has departed.
  • Clean and disinfect all locations the sick person uses, paying special attention to frequently touched surfaces.
  • If possible, isolate any areas where the sick person has been, and wait 24 hours before cleaning.
  • Make sure you store and handle chemicals in a safe manner.
  • Follow the instructions on the label and wear gloves and any other protective gear recommended by the product.
  • After each use, dispose of the disposable gloves. If reusable gloves are used, they should only be used for cleaning and sanitizing COVID-19 surfaces and not for any other reason. After removing the gloves, wash your hands right away.
  • Remove any visible contamination from soft surfaces such as carpeted floors, carpets, and drapes, then clean them with the appropriate cleaners.
  • Use products that are safe for porous surfaces and have claims for developing viral infections that have been approved by the EPA.

Ensure that your chosen cleaning service is not only aware of these regulations but that they are also following them when cleaning and sanitizing your house or business. Pay special attention to the disinfectants you'll be utilizing for the work, and make sure they're on the EPA's list of permitted disinfectants.

What Cleaning Supplies Do You Use?

Cleaning materials vary depending on the cleaning technique, the item, the location, and the surface to be cleaned. A non-toxic, dissolvable, easy-to-use, and odorless cleaning solution is required in residential structures, while an acid-based cleaning solution is required in industrial settings. Before choosing a cleaning professional to perform any cleaning services in your home or commercial facility, make sure that the cleaning services will be performed with the proper cleaning materials and equipment. Cleaning chemicals are usually used in four main ways; abrasives, acids, degreasers, or detergents.

Abrasives are substances or chemicals that aid in the removal of debris from hard surfaces by scrubbing or rubbing. Acid cleaners are the most powerful cleaning agents and should be used with caution because they may be extremely toxic and corrosive if not properly diluted. Degreasers, often known as solvent cleaners, aid in removing grease from various surfaces. In the past, methylated spirits were often employed, but now non-toxic, non-fuming degreasers are more conventionally used in avoiding chemical contamination. The most common sort of cleaning agent is detergent, which is used to break up dirt or soil so that it may be washed away more readily.

You should ensure that the cleaning service provider has all of the necessary equipment in addition to the cleaning chemical. Vacuum cleaners, disposable rags, mops, brushes, and cleaning cloths are common cleaning tools and equipment necessary for a cleaning service. Finally, find out if your cleaning work necessitates the use of sanitizers or disinfectants like bleach, iodine, or quaternary ammonium compounds (quats or QAC) to prevent the spread of viruses, germs, and fungi.

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Cleaners in Indianapolis?

While cleaning is generally thought to be a safe career, accidents sometimes happen. Over the course of the job, and no matter how knowledgeable and attentive these cleaners are, damage can be done to your property. It is also possible that the cleaning contractor you hire, or someone else, will be hurt while working on the project. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, building cleaning and maintenance employees in the United States suffered 64,790 nonfatal occupational injuries and up to 307 fatal occupational injuries in the year 2020. As a result, you should double-check that the cleaning service you are considering is fully insured.

While insurance is not required for cleaning services in Indianapolis, it is a good idea to make sure your cleaning service is properly covered, especially with general liability insurance, which protects you and compensates for losses. Ensure the cleaning company has worker's compensation insurance if staff are involved. Check to see if your cleaning service is insured. Bonds protect you from financial damages caused by your cleaning service's dishonesty and fraudulent conduct, such as theft, misappropriation, or forgery.

Before they begin the job, you should request a copy of your cleaner's insurance certificate to ensure that they are appropriately insured and bonded for any injuries or unintended property damage that may occur. Double-checking these documents with the concerned insurance company is also a good idea.

For inquiries relating to insurance, contact the Indiana Department of Insurance at:

Indiana Department of Insurance
Consumer Services Division
311 West Washington Street,
Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (800) 622-4461

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Cleaner in Indianapolis

Indystar, a local Indianapolis news organization, reported in 2015 that an elderly retiree lost $76,000 in a home improvement scam. Three door-to-door home renovation contractors had approached the 87-year-old man, persuading him that he required some home repairs. The dubious men requested 11 checks for amounts ranging from $1,500 to $15,000 over the course of 15 days, all to the tune of $76,000.

For example, scammers acting as qualified cleaning contractors are popular perpetrators of home improvement-related fraud. Most of these cleaners prey on city residents after a catastrophe that necessitates extensive cleaning services or during the spring when people are thinking about home repair initiatives. To avoid falling victim to a home improvement scam, observe the following tips:

  • Look out for warning signals like cash-only arrangements, high-pressure sales methods, hefty upfront payments, reluctance to share references, and handshake deals without a contract.
  • Be wary of contractors who provide low-cost estimates only to discover flaws that cause the price to skyrocket. If you object to these arbitrary increments, such cleaning companies would threaten to leave the project unfinished.
  • Inquire with your family, friends, and coworkers about contractors who have done a good job in the past.
  • Contact the Indiana Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at (317) 232-6330 and the Better Business Bureau for complaint information on contractors you are considering before signing a contract or making a payment.
  • Obtain a number of bids from local contractors. Avoid contractors who show up at your door unexpectedly and offer discount pricing for cleaning services.
  • Before making a payment, make sure you have a signed contract. According to Indiana law, home renovation contracts worth more than $150 must be in writing. Before signing the contract, double-check that it contains vital information like the job's pricing, the contractor's name, address, email, signature, payment plan, etc.
  • Never pay in full for a project before it starts.
  • If you make a down payment, the rest of your payments should be contingent on accomplishing specific tasks.
  • If the cleaning service arranges to finance, the contractor should give you an installment sale contract that details various credit terms, such as the finance fee and the annual percentage rate (APR).

In Indianapolis, you can report a deceptive cleaning contractor or a fraudulent cleaning company to the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Indianapolis Attorney General by filing a complaint online or visiting their office at:

Consumer Protection Division
302 W. Washington Street,
5th Floor
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 232-6330 or (800) 382-5516

You can also contact the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to register additional complaints at (317) 327-3811 or visit the Department at:

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
50 North Alabama Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204