Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about CleanInstead

Do eco-friendly products actually kill germs?+
Absolutely. Our products are EPA-registered and hospital-grade. They use natural enzymatic reactions to kill 99.9% of bacteria without toxic fumes or harsh residues that can harm your family and pets.
How does your Rewards Program work?+
It's completely automated! Every time a clean is completed, your account is automatically credited toward free services. After 3 cleans you get a free fridge clean, after 6 you get free windows, and after 10 you earn an entirely free cleaning session.
What if I'm not happy with the clean?+
We offer a 24-hour "Barefoot Guarantee." If we missed something or you're unsatisfied for any reason, simply let us know and we'll return to fix it at absolutely no cost to you.
Do you bring your own supplies?+
Yes! Our teams arrive fully equipped with all necessary eco-friendly products, microfiber cloths, and professional-grade tools. You never need to provide anything. All our products are plant-based and non-toxic.
Are your cleaners insured and background-checked?+
Every cleaner goes through our rigorous 4-step vetting process, which includes a comprehensive criminal background check, professional reference checks, an eco-product skills assessment, and full insurance verification before they ever enter your home.
What areas do you serve?+
We currently serve Surrey, Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Langley, Delta, Coquitlam, and surrounding areas in Metro Vancouver, BC. Contact us to confirm availability in your specific location.
How do I get a quote?+
You can use our instant quote calculator on our Pricing page for an estimate right away. For a customized quote, simply fill out the contact form or give us a call — we'll get back to you within a few hours.
What's included in a recurring maintenance clean?+
Our recurring clean includes dusting all surfaces, HEPA vacuuming throughout, mopping with plant-based soap, kitchen sanitizing (counters, sinks, stovetop), bathroom scrubbing (tub, toilet, vanity, mirrors), and replacing compostable bin liners.
What's the difference between a recurring clean and a deep clean?+
A recurring maintenance clean covers all the essentials for ongoing upkeep. A deep clean includes everything in recurring PLUS inside oven & microwave cleaning, inside fridge wipe-down, baseboard wiping, window sill cleaning, and light fixture dusting. Deep cleans are ideal for first-time clients, seasonal refreshes, or post-illness cleaning.
Do you offer move-in/move-out cleaning?+
Yes! Our move-in/move-out cleaning service is comprehensive and perfect for renters wanting their deposit back or new homeowners wanting a fresh start. We clean every surface including inside cabinets, appliances, and fixtures.
Can you clean after construction or renovations?+
Absolutely. Our post-construction cleaning service handles dust removal from all surfaces, debris cleanup, window and fixture polishing, and thorough vacuuming with HEPA filters to capture fine construction dust particles.
Booking
How far in advance should I book?+
We recommend booking at least 3-5 days in advance, especially for deep cleans and move-in/out services. For recurring clients, we schedule regular visits that work with your calendar.
Booking
What is your cancellation policy?+
We ask for at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. This helps us adjust our team's schedule. Contact us as soon as possible and we'll work with you to find an alternative time.
Booking
How long does a typical cleaning take?+
A standard recurring clean for a 1,500 sq ft home typically takes 2.5-3.5 hours. Deep cleans take 30-50% longer. Move-in/out and post-construction cleans vary based on the space condition.
Products
What cleaning products do you use?+
We use 100% plant-based, non-toxic, EPA-registered products. Our teams arrive with durable glass bottles and medical-grade microfiber cloths. Zero single-use plastics, zero harsh chemicals. All products are safe for children, pets, and people with sensitivities.
Products
Will my home smell like chemicals after cleaning?+
No! Our plant-based products leave your home smelling fresh and natural, without any harsh chemical odors. Many clients with allergies and sensitivities appreciate the clean, neutral scent.
Insurance
What happens if something gets damaged during cleaning?+
All our cleaners are fully insured under our comprehensive liability insurance. In the rare event of damage, we take full responsibility and will work with you to resolve the situation promptly and fairly.
Areas
Do you serve areas outside of Surrey?+
Yes! We serve the entire Metro Vancouver area including Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Langley, Delta, Coquitlam, New Westminster, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and White Rock.
Areas
Is there an extra charge for service outside of Surrey?+
We keep our pricing competitive across Metro Vancouver. For locations further from our Surrey base, there may be a small travel surcharge, which will be clearly communicated before you confirm your booking.
Eco-Friendly
Is eco-friendly cleaning actually as effective as traditional chemical cleaning?+
Yes. Modern green cleaning technologies utilize powerful plant-based surfactants, enzymes, and essential oils to break down grease, grime, and bacteria just as effectively as traditional methods. Natural disinfectants like citric acid and hydrogen peroxide are proven sanitizers that kill 99.9% of germs without leaving behind the toxic residue that chemical cleaners do. Our EPA-registered, hospital-grade products have been rigorously tested to meet the same performance benchmarks as conventional cleaners.
Eco-Friendly
Why is green cleaning safer for my children and pets?+
Infants and pets spend significantly more time on the floor and frequently put their hands or paws in their mouths. Traditional cleaners often leave behind residues of ammonia, bleach, and phthalates that can cause skin rashes, respiratory distress, or even poisoning if ingested. Our non-toxic, plant-based products ensure that every surface your child crawls on or your pet sleeps near is clean and safe for them to explore.
Eco-Friendly
How does eco-friendly cleaning improve my home's air quality?+
Many conventional cleaners release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can trigger asthma, migraines, and long-term lung damage. Studies have compared the effects of prolonged VOC exposure to smoking cigarettes indoors. CleanInstead uses low-to-no VOC products to ensure your family breathes fresh, purified air rather than lingering chemical fumes.
Eco-Friendly
Are eco-friendly cleaning services more expensive?+
While some green products carry a slightly higher upfront cost, they are often more concentrated, requiring less volume to achieve a superior clean. The long-term health benefits — such as reduced triggers for allergies and asthma, fewer sick days, and lower medical expenses — far outweigh any marginal cost difference. We also offer an Eco-Friendly Kit upgrade as an add-on to any service plan.
Eco-Friendly
Does CleanInstead use my products or bring their own?+
We provide all our own premium, eco-certified supplies to ensure every job meets our rigorous safety and performance standards. Our teams arrive with durable glass bottles, medical-grade microfiber cloths, and a complete toolkit. You never need to provide anything.
Eco-Friendly
I have a member of my household with chemical sensitivities. Is this right for us?+
Absolutely. Our services are specifically designed for households with allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities. We avoid synthetic fragrances and dyes entirely, which are the most common triggers for respiratory and skin irritation. Many of our clients report immediate improvements in their symptoms after switching to CleanInstead.

Still Have Questions?

Reach out to our team — we're happy to help!