How to choose a professional oven cleaner
A short checklist for booking an oven cleaner with confidence, whether or not they are one of our members.
1. Check who you are dealing with
- Look for a business name, a landline or mobile number that is answered, and a website or business profile that matches.
- If they show a badge from a scheme, check it with the scheme. You can verify our members by member number, business name or phone.
- Limited companies can be looked up free on Companies House.
2. Ask about insurance
A professional cleaner should hold public liability insurance in case something in your home is damaged. Our members need at least £1 million of cover. It is reasonable to ask to see a certificate.
3. Read reviews in more than one place
Look at reviews on more than one platform, and read the negative ones as well as the positive ones. Look at how the business replies. A long run of recent reviews is more useful than a few old ones.
4. Agree the price first
- Ask for the price in writing before the visit, and what it includes (for example racks, door glass, hob or extractor).
- Ask whether anything could be charged on the day, and why.
- Our code of conduct requires a clear price before work starts and no charges that were not agreed.
5. Ask how the job is done
- Where removable parts are cleaned (many professionals use a dip tank kept in the van).
- What products are used, and whether they are suitable for your oven.
- How long the visit should take, and when you can use the oven again.
- What happens if you are not happy with the result.
6. Before the visit
- Tell them the make and type of your oven, range cooker or hob.
- Ask whether the oven needs to be off and cool before they arrive.
- Clear the area around the oven so they can work.
If something goes wrong
Contact the business first and give them the chance to put it right. If it is one of our members and it is not resolved, see our complaints process. Citizens Advice also gives free consumer advice at citizensadvice.org.uk.