Starting the Hunt for Cleaners

So my apartment in Abu Dhabi looked like a tornado hit it after my kids’ birthday party. Sticky floors, crumbs everywhere – total disaster zone. I grabbed my phone thinking "gotta find a cleaning service ASAP". Searched "best cleaning companies Abu Dhabi" and wow... pages full of options. Felt like choosing a needle in a haystack.

My 3-Step Selection Process

First, I skimmed Google reviews like my life depended on it. If a company had below 4-stars, I swiped left immediately. Next, I messaged five different services asking:

• "Can you send cleaners tomorrow morning?"
• "What exactly’s included in basic cleaning?"
• "Any extra charges for balcony or fridge?"

Two never replied. One quoted double the others – instant rejection. The last two sent detailed checklists. That’s when I checked their licenses online because honey, nobody’s cleaning my place without proper paperwork.

Test Drive & Negotiation

Chose "Desert Shine Cleaners" for a trial bathroom-and-kitchen clean. Guy showed up 15 minutes late – not cool. But wow, he scrubbed my oven like it insulted his mother! Negotiated 20AED off for the tardiness though. Made him walk through every room pointing out trouble spots before starting.

Surprising Dealbreakers & Wins

Told them upfront: "Bring your own supplies or don’t bother coming". Previous cleaners used cheap chemicals that made us sneeze. Also caught one dude trying to shortcut dusting behind my TV – showed him the security cam footage. Petty? Maybe. But now they know I’m watching.

Best trick? Paid half upfront, half after inspection. Made them fix two dusty corners immediately. The floor manager actually apologized and sent someone back same day. Final result? My marble floors literally reflected my face. Kids thought it was ice skating rink!

Golden Rules I Learned

• Always compare exact task lists – "deep clean" means wildly different things
• Unlicensed companies bail when you demand insurance proof
• Morning slots get better staff than afternoon crews
• Tip in cash ONLY after full walkthrough inspection

Honestly? Good cleaners are worth their weight in gold here. But you gotta be annoying about details – saves headaches later. My place now smells like lemons and victory.