Omaha, Nebraska - 7 July, 2005 -

Even Jessica Simpson, Texas bombshell star of MTV's hit reality show, "Newlyweds," spent one episode begging her new husband, Nick Lachey, to let her hire a better cleaning professional: "Is there, like, maids for, like, celebrities?" While Nick doesn't want to embark on a search for another one, the job just doesn't cut it for Jessica. The experts at Merry Maids are stepping in to provide tips for selecting a home cleaning service good enough for even the most discerning celebrities. Do your homework. Interview several providers, ask for references and check them. After all, they will be spending time in your home and you must be comfortable with them. Make sure the provider pays all Social Security and federal, state and local taxes. If one company's price is substantially lower than another's, it could signify that they are not paying the appropriate taxes and insurance. Make sure you're covered. If you hire a professional company, it should carry insurance that will cover you in the event a worker is injured in your home. If you a hire a person or individual without this insurance, your home owners' insurance would likely cover medical costs in the event of an injury, but would not cover the worker's lost wages. Reputable providers like Merry Maids carry Workers' Compensation insurance that will protect you in the case of an injured employee. Check into their tools. Find out what cleaning products and equipment will be used to clean your home. Some providers require their customers furnish cleaning supplies and equipment. Others use bleach and only dry dust furniture. Merry Maids provides its own equipment and cleaning supplies relieving customers of the added expense and inconvenience. According to the Commerce Department, the average homeowner spends about $509 annually on housekeeping supplies and $667 on various household equipment. Confirm their expertise. Cleaning professionals should have a knowledge of cleaning products and various types of equipment, effective cleaning techniques, time management and organizational skills, communication skills, the ability to interact well with household occupants such as children and pets, and knowledge of company policy and workplace safety.

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