Okay, so I needed a deep clean for my flat in Brighton before my mates visited, right? Didn't wanna do it myself ’cause last time I nearly threw my back out scrubbing the bathtub. Googled "cleaning services Brighton" and bam – loads popped up. How’s anyone s’posed to pick?

The Hunt Begins

Started ringing around local firms first. Called three places with flashy websites. First one sounded proper rushed, quoted me a price but dodged questions about cleaning products. Second one didn’t even pick up – voicemail full! Third asked for a £50 deposit upfront just to book. Nah mate.

Digging Deeper

Scrolled through loads of reviews next. Realised some companies with 5-star ratings only had like… three reviews total. Sketchy. Made myself a little checklist in my notes app:

• Transparent pricing – no hidden fees
• Own equipment – ain’t lending my vacuum
• Local team – Brighton based, knows the area
• Actual availability – not ghosting me

The Test Run

Booked two different companies for small jobs first. One just for kitchen deep clean, other for bathroom scrub. First mob turned up 40 mins late with half their gear missing – dude legit used my dish sponge on the oven. Grim. Second team? Showed early, brought everything smelling lemony fresh, even moved my heavy plant pots without asking. Night and day difference.

Final Showdown

Went full send with the good bathroom crew for the whole flat. Took ’em four hours – windows, skirting boards, inside the damn fridge coils. Charged by the hour but threw in carpet spots for free when they saw my kid’s juice stain. Left a note saying "cheers" with emergency Hobnobs. Bet they appreciated that more than a review.

Honestly? Trial and error wins every time. Forget the fancy names – check how they handle a simple phone call. That right there’s the real test.