Self-employed cleaning jobs: how to choose the right ones and reply well

When you are self-employed, you are in business for yourself. You usually decide which clients to take, set your prices and choose how the work is done. That is different from being an employee or an agency worker. GOV.UK's employment status guidance (opens in a new tab) explains the differences.

A good job request tells you most of what you need. Check for:

• the type and size of property or workplace
• the tasks, and anything excluded
• whether it is one-off or regular, and how often
• the date, days and times of day
• who supplies products and equipment
• parking and how access will be arranged
• the indicative budget

If something important is missing, ask before you commit.

• Travel: include the time and cost of getting there and back.
• Rate: does the budget cover your time, products and travel?
• Skills: is it the kind of cleaning you do well?
• Insurance: does your cover suit the type of property?
• Timing: can you fit it in reliably, not just this week?

Saying no to a poor fit leaves room for better work. Our pricing guide can help you set a minimum.

"Hi, I'd be happy to help with the weekly clean at your office. I've cleaned small offices for four years, including kitchens and washrooms, and I'm available Tuesday and Friday evenings. My rate for this would be around £X per hour, with my own products. Could you tell me how access works after hours? Thanks, Jo."

Keep it short, mention the relevant experience, confirm availability and ask one useful question.

• exactly what is included
• the price, and whether it is per hour or per job
• when and how you will be paid
• what happens if either of you cancels
• how access will work

Agree access arrangements privately. Key safe codes and alarm details should never appear in a public job post or a group chat.

On KleanLinc, employers will describe their requirement and you choose which opportunities to respond to. Nothing is allocated to you. When an employer wants to connect, you decide whether to be introduced for that work, and the conversation continues in messaging.

Employers do not receive your private documents through the normal platform flow, so you should not need to send ID or certificates in a message. If someone asks you to pay to secure a job, treat it as a warning sign.

KleanLinc is a UK platform preparing to launch. Joining the Founding Cleaner list is free and records your interest only: it does not create a live account or guarantee work.