What The Maids does and who runs it
The Maids is a residential housekeeping franchise that operates in the United States and Canada. The company does not do deep cleaning projects like carpet shampooing or window washing — it focuses on regular interior cleaning: bathrooms, kitchens, dusting, vacuuming, and mopping. You schedule recurring visits (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) and a team of two to four people arrives to clean your home on that schedule.
The Maids is owned by Frontdoor Inc., a publicly traded company that also owns Mr. Handyman and Molly Maid. Individual locations are franchised, meaning a local owner operates the branch in your area but follows The Maids' system and pricing structure. When you call or book online, you reach the local franchise office, not a national call center.
The company has locations in roughly 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, though not every city has a branch. You can search for your local office on The Maids' website by entering your zip code.
Key Takeaways
- The Maids sends a team of two to four cleaners to your home on a schedule you choose, focusing on standard interior cleaning rather than specialized deep cleaning.
- Pricing varies by location, home size, and frequency, but you can request an in-home estimate before committing to service.
- Each local franchise operates independently, so the quality, response time, and exact services can differ between branches.
- The company uses its own cleaning products by default, though some franchises may allow you to provide your own if you request it in advance.
- You can pause or cancel service, but the terms depend on your local franchise's contract and cancellation policy.
How pricing works and what affects your cost
The Maids does not publish a single national price list. Instead, each franchise sets its own rates based on local labor costs, overhead, and competition. A two-bedroom home in Denver will cost less than the same home in San Francisco, and a monthly cleaning costs less per visit than a weekly one.
The main factors that change your price are the size of your home (measured in square footage), how often you want service (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly), and what rooms you want cleaned. Most franchises offer a free in-home estimate where a representative visits, measures your space, and gives you a written quote before you commit. This estimate is binding — the price quoted is what you pay, unless you later request additional services.
Some franchises offer discounts for signing a longer contract (six months or a year) or for paying upfront. Others charge a one-time setup fee. Ask your local branch what discounts or payment options they offer when you request your estimate.
What The Maids includes in a standard cleaning visit
A typical visit covers bathrooms (toilet, sink, shower or tub, mirrors, and floors), kitchen (counters, sink, and appliances on the outside), bedrooms (dusting and vacuuming), living areas (dusting, vacuuming, and mopping), and hallways. The team does not usually move furniture, do laundry, wash windows, or clean inside the refrigerator or oven unless you pay extra for those services.
The time spent depends on your home's size and how often you have service. A weekly cleaning of a 2,000-square-foot home might take two hours; a monthly cleaning of the same home might take three or four hours because more dirt has accumulated. The team works from a checklist to may support consistency across visits.
If you have specific requests — organizing closets, cleaning inside cabinets, washing baseboards — ask about them during your estimate. Some are included in the standard service; others cost extra. Your local franchise will tell you what is possible and what the additional cost would be.
How to book and what to expect on your first visit
Start by finding your local The Maids franchise on the company's website or by calling the number listed for your area. You can request an estimate online or by phone. During the estimate appointment, a representative will walk through your home, ask about your cleaning priorities, and provide a written quote that includes the service frequency, price per visit, and what is covered.
Once you accept the estimate, you choose your first cleaning date. The team will arrive during the scheduled time window (usually a two-hour window). Bring your house key or make sure someone is home to let them in. The team will introduce themselves, confirm which rooms to clean, and ask about any special instructions — for example, if certain items are fragile or if you have pets.
Before they leave, they will do a walkthrough with you to make sure you are satisfied with the work. If something was missed or not done to your standard, tell them when ready so they can address it. Most franchises will return to fix any issues at no extra cost if you report them the same day.
Cleaning products and what you need to provide
The Maids brings its own cleaning supplies and equipment to each visit. The company uses commercial-grade products that are designed for efficiency and safety. You do not need to buy or stock cleaning supplies for the team.
If you have concerns about specific chemicals — for example, if you have asthma or chemical sensitivities — mention this during your estimate. Some franchises can use fragrance-free or hypoallergenic products, or you can ask whether they allow you to provide your own supplies. Policies vary by location, so confirm this in advance rather than on cleaning day.
You do need to provide access to water and electricity, and a place for the team to store their equipment (usually a closet or garage). If you have a small home or limited storage, mention this during the estimate so the team can plan accordingly.
Pausing, changing, or stopping service
If you need to skip a cleaning, contact your local franchise as soon as you know. Most allow you to reschedule without penalty if you give at least 24 to 48 hours' notice. If you cancel on short notice, some franchises charge a cancellation fee.
If you want to change your service frequency (for example, switching from weekly to bi-weekly), call your franchise and ask about modifying your plan. There is usually no fee to adjust the schedule.
To stop service entirely, you will need to cancel your contract. The terms depend on your local franchise — some allow month-to-month cancellation with notice, while others require you to complete a minimum contract period (often three or six months). Review your contract or ask your franchise what the cancellation policy is before you sign up.
What to do if you are unhappy with the service
If the cleaning does not meet your standards, contact your local franchise within 24 hours. Describe what was missed or done incorrectly, and ask them to return and correct it. Most franchises will send the team back at no charge if the issue is reported promptly.
If the problem happens repeatedly, ask to speak with a manager or the franchise owner. Explain what is not working and ask what they can do to improve. Some franchises will adjust your service plan, assign a different team, or offer a credit toward your next visit.
If you cannot resolve the issue with the local franchise, you can contact The Maids' corporate office through their website to file a complaint. Corporate can sometimes intervene, though the franchise owner has primary responsibility for service quality in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request the same team every time?
Most franchises try to send the same team for consistency, but it is not always possible due to scheduling and staff availability. Ask your franchise if they can assign a regular team to your home. If a team member leaves or calls out sick, a substitute will fill in.
What if I am not home during the cleaning?
You can leave your door unlocked or give the team a key. Many customers are not home during their cleaning. Make sure valuables are secured and that the team knows how to lock up when they leave. Confirm the security arrangement with your franchise before your first visit.
Do I need to clean before The Maids arrives?
No. The team is there to clean your home as it is. You do not need to tidy up or pick up clutter beforehand. However, if there are items on the floor or surfaces that block access (like piles of laundry), the team may ask you to move them so they can clean underneath.
Can The Maids clean my rental apartment?
Yes, but check your lease first. Some rental agreements prohibit outside cleaning services or require landlord permission. Once you confirm it is allowed, book with your local franchise as you would for a home you own. The service works the same way.
What happens if something breaks during the cleaning?
Accidents happen. If the team breaks something, report it to your franchise when ready with photos if possible. Most franchises carry liability insurance and will cover the cost of replacing or repairing the item. Get the details in writing from the franchise.