Work with the best
Working with
Absolute Domestics
Established in 1993, Absolute Domestics is a recruitment and referral agency that specialises in the placement of home cleaners. Our cleaners help busy families and those needing help with the housework, giving them back valuable time and providing assistance with the household chores.
It is the largest agency of its kind and provides work for thousands of people throughout Australia and New Zealand. The work is what we do in our own homes every day; the only difference is you get paid for it!
Start as an Independent Cleaning Contractor
By Madisson Dillon | Published Apr 24, 2024
About Absolute Domestics
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Absolute Domestics offers regular and one-off domestic cleaning services that can be booked via our website or over the phone. A regular service is an ongoing weekly or fortnightly clean and is our most popular service with Thursdays and Fridays our busiest days. A fill-in cleaner can be organised for the client if you are away sick or on holidays.
There is an additional charge to our clients if cleaning products and/or equipment are required to be provided by the cleaner. Your Team Manager will advise you of this charge of which you will keep.
A one-off service includes Spring Cleans, Move In/Move Out and End of Lease cleans. These are very detailed cleans, often required to meet real estate standards and are handled by dedicated one-off cleaning specialists.
Products and equipment are supplied by the cleaner and these jobs are typically more time consuming, sometimes lasting 1 or 2 days.
The role of the Agency is to recruit and train cleaning contractors, attract and retain clients and provide ongoing work for our cleaning service providers.
You will be assigned a Team Manager to coordinate jobs between yourself and our clients and help you along the way. They are there to listen and support you if you have any concerns e.g. too much work, not enough work.
You will be given their direct telephone number and email address so that you can contact them for any questions you have.
Receiving Work
You must download the App to get work. It’s user-friendly and easy to use.
You can browse jobs, select the work that suits you and manage your own roster. When taking jobs, you must check the job offer notes to ensure you meet the client’s requirements. You have 1 hour to cancel it before it’s allocated to you permanently. Once you accept the booking, you will receive the client’s phone number. The client is then sent your details, including your phone number. Please call the client within 24 hours of accepting the booking to arrange a time to meet.
From the Dashboard you will see jobs available in your area, recent notifications and upcoming cleans. To browse new jobs, click the orange jobs available button displayed or press the Browse Jobs tab on the bottom of the page. From here you will see two options – Available Jobs and Job Offers.
Available Jobs are any new jobs in your area tht are on offer. Do not take a job unless you really want it and press back to keep browsing.
Job Offers are jobs that have been sent to you by your Team Manager that might be suitable for you. Use the same process to accept a job offer.
The client’s criteria is established by asking the following questions:
- What sort of service are they wanting?
- The frequency required e.g. weekly or fortnightly
- How many hours of cleaning would they like e.g. 3 hours
- Is there a preferred day for the service?
IMPORTANT— You absolutely do not just turn up to a job without contacting the client first. If you don’t have the phone number, then you haven’t got the job yet!
- Ensure you factor in travel time before accepting a job.
- Please don’t accept a job until you are absolutely certain it is going to work for you, for example, you may not be familiar with the area the job is in so it is a good idea to check. Advise your Team Manager so they can make a note on the client’s file that you are checking the address and will get back to them. This is better than accepting the job, then handing it back prior to start as this does not appear professional to the client.
- Always call the client on initial contact, following up with an SMS if they do not answer within 24 – 48 hours.
- If you are unable to make contact with the client after 2 attempts, please notify your Team Manager.
- so they can follow up with the client
- Notify your Team Manager of any permanent changes to your roster.
- If a client cancels with you, let your Team Manager know.
The Client's Role
The client’s role is to provide a safe working environment for you, provide suitable and appropriate products and equipment, and to pay you on the day of the clean.
Our clients choose to book through the Agency rather than engage a private cleaner because of the following benefits:
- Simple and effective booking process with flat hourly rates
- Cleaner works to your priorities in the time frame you allocate i.e. Client decides what day they want the cleaning, how many hours of cleaning they want and what tasks they want completed
- Having the same regular cleaner each visit who becomes familiar with what you want done and where your cleaning products and equipment are kept
- Fill-in and replacement cleaners when required
- And most importantly, cleaners that are screened for suitability, police checked, reliable, trustworthy and fully insured.
- Frequent turnover of service providers or constant changes to days and time of the cleans.
- Poor communication with the cleaner.
- Poor standard of cleaning.
- Dusting around items without lifting them and dusting underneath.
- Not doing enough work in the time allocated.
- Cleaners leaving the job before the allocated time or before the job is done.
- Cleaners not using their initiative to identify and complete obvious tasks.
- Not putting away cleaning products and equipment.
- Not working to the clients instructions.
The Cleaner's Role
Your role is to provide domestic cleaning services for our clients. The work you do helps create quality time for busy individuals who want their weekends back, time for themselves, and a clean, tidy home.
- Residential cleaning, tidying, washing, ironing, anything that is deemed a domestic chore
- Work a minimum f 10 hours per week
- Have a mobile phone and message bank for communication
- Give the Agency 2 weeks notice if you are resigning or taking holidays.
- If you are sick, initially advise affected clients and ask if they require a replacement cleaner. Then notify your Team Manager
- A reliable car is preferable
- Be prepared to travel up to 30 minutes
- Maintain contact with the Agency as required
- Quote your ID (K/number) in all verbal and written communication
- Have a receipt book to leave a receipt for clients and change for cash payments
- Respect the client’s privacy
- Remit the Agency Fees at the end of each week and/or after the last service for the week
- Abide by the Agency Terms & Conditions as an independent contractor
Do:
- Meet with each new client prior to the first clean. This initial meeting gives you both the opportunity to meet each other and discuss the client’s requirements.
- Notify your Team Manager of permanent changes to your roster — if a client changes day, hours, or cancels completely.
- Notify your Team Manager if the client gives you a referral of a potential new client.
- Discuss in detail how to clean any unfamiliar surfaces, such as stainless steel, marble, granite, timber or antiques and take notes.
- Be friendly but not intrusive — communicate with the clients so you both have the same expectations as to what needs to be done.
- Sometimes the client might give you more work than you can complete. Please discuss this with the client. Call them in the evening or leave a simple note explaining that you worked as quickly as you could but could not finish all the work in the allotted time.
- Should a new client allocate too much work for the time booked, ask the client to prioritise tasks. Request more time on the first service if you think there is some catching up to do. Always ensure that the client is willing to pay for any extra work you undertake.
- Leave a message for the client if you have undertaken extra work or need to tell them something. Invite them to call you if they would like to give you any further instructions.
- If you are expected to wash clothes, you MUST ask the client to sort all clothes into different loads and give you washing instructions. Still be sure to check for sorting errors, for example a red sock in whites or a label stating dry clean only.
- Carry all cleaning products in a bucket to avoid spilling or leakage of any containers.
- Make sure you remove bathmats before using shower cleaners as the cleaning products usually contain bleach. This can damage the mats.
- Be careful when working so as not to scuff furniture, skirting boards, etc.
- Make sure you plug any appliance back in after you have unplugged it for cleaning purposes
- Lock up carefully. Check doors and windows. If you are given keys, keep them safe. Do not label keys with the client address and phone number in case they are lost.
Don’t:
- Do not take your children or any other person not registered with the Agency to the job.
- Do not take personal phone calls while you work.
- Do not smoke in the house under any circumstances.
- Do not go into personal space such as drawers unless the client asks.
- Do not turn on the TV, stereo or air conditioner unless invited to do so by the client.
- Do not drag furniture or equipment over polished floors
- NEVER use a scourer as it will scratch most surfaces, unless instructed to do so by the client, and then ONLY on the surface you have been instructed to clean.
- DO NOT clean Plasma or LCD screens, unless instructed to do so by the client.
- Bleach should be used only under instructions from the client as it can be very damaging. This also includes bleach based products like Exit Mould and Domestos.
- Do not leave early.
- Do not discuss the details of the client’s household and private lives with anyone except us, and then only to the extent that affects your working conditions. Remember you are in a position of trust.
- Do not burden the client with your personal problems.
- Do not take clients privately within 12 months of them canceling the service with the Agency (Terms & Conditions)
Handy items for you to have with you include:
- Bucket
- Gloves
- Bin liners
- Microfibre cloth
- Squeegee
- Toothbrush
- Old towel
- Morning Fresh detergent
- Deodorant and a spare shirt
- If you see ironing piling up, offer to do it for the client.
- If client is going on holiday, offer to tidy the cupboards, clean the oven or fridge while they are away.
- If the client is moving, promote our other services by suggesting a move out/end of lease clean.
You are the face of Absolute Domestics, so please:
- Be punctual and reliable
- Treat the client with respect
- Be enthusiastic and flexible
- Dress and conduct yourself appropriately.
You will generate your own work with a positive and cooperative approach.
Make common sense common practice — we give you the work, it’s up to you to keep it.
Meet & greet process
- Call, don’t text the client to introduce yourself and organise a time to meet prior to starting the job.
- Discuss what time the cleaning will take place and confirm first clean.
- Confirm how payment will be made? Cash or direct deposit.
Take a notepad and pen, or have one handy if arranging by phone
- Wear a polo shirt / t-shirt and black shorts or trousers
- Smile, maintain eye contact and establish a rapport with the client
- Address the client by name
- Ask questions (open ended to gain as much information as possible) but don’t take longer than needed
- Prioritise jobs to be completed in the allocated time
- When you meet the client for the first time, it is recommended that you wear the company t-shirt, introduce yourself as being registered and referred by Absolute Domestics to help them with their housework. This is because it is important that the client is confident and sure that you are registered with the Agency and comfortable with giving you access in their home and trusted with they key to the house.
- There is no requirement to wear the company t-shirt apart from the first time you meet a new client.
- How will I get in on the day of the clean?
- What do I do with the keys when I lock up?
- Do you have an alarm system? If so can you show me how to turn it on and off?
- Do you have any pets? What are their names?
- For security reasons, I will be keeping the front door locked so please let me know if anyone else will be coming to your home for any reason.
- May I use the fan or open windows in hot weather while I clean?
- Establish where to leave written notes and payment/receipts e.g. kitchen bench
- Where do you keep your products?
- What products do you use on which surfaces?
- Where do you keep your cloths and equipment? How to use?
- Would you like to show me the rooms you want me to clean?
- Are there any no go zones?
- How would you like me to dispose of your rubbish?
- Where is the iron and ironing board and how do I use it?
- Is the ironing in priority order?
- Do you want me to hang clothes or fold them? Where do you want me to put the ironed clothes?
- Can you sort the washing into piles?
- How do I use the washing machine? What cycles do you use?
- What products should I use and where do they go? Do you want the washing hung outside or inside? Where are the laundry basket and pegs kept? Where is the washing line? Consider pets?
- How do I use the dryer?
- What should I do with the dry washing?
- Do you want the linen changed or beds made?
- If linen needs changing, can you please leave the clean linen in each room for me?
- What do you want me to do with the dirty linen?
- Am I doing cleaning only or will there be some tidying? If so, which areas?
- Do you want me to wash the dirty cloths (time permitting) or put them in the laundry?
- Remember to return products and equipment to where they belong. Leave empty products out or leave a note for the client if products need replacing.
Agency Placement Fees
Our clients pay for the cleaning service on the day of the clean. This payment will include your hourly rate as well as the Agency Placement Fee.
As an independent contractor, you are responsible for passing on our Agency Placement Fee at the end of each week. Please follow the instructions below once you have been invited to create an account so that we can reconcile Agency Placement Fees and the Insurance Levy each week.
It is important to note that fees will not generate until the day after the service. You only need to pay Agency Fees once each week. For example, if you work on Friday, then pay the whole week on Saturday but if your last day of work for the week is Wednesday then you can pay the fees on Thursday.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Log into https://my.absolutedomestics.com.au
2. Click on the Fees tab and select Absolute Domestics Fees
3. Select Completed for all jobs done
4. Select Job Not Done and a reason for all jobs not completed
5. Select Pay Now to pay the Agency Fee and Insurance Levy by visa, debit or credit card
You may be offered a job where the client has a discount. Discounts may be offered to a client because they have had a disappointing experience and has a valid and justified complaint. The Agency may have offered 1 hour free or even a free clean.
You are required to leave a receipt every time you service the clients home unless instructed not to by the client. Not only is the receipt confirmation of a completed service, it also provides a record for your proof of earnings.
Example Receipts
Workplace Health & Safety
Absolute Domestics takes great pride in finding domestic cleaning work in homes throughout Australia and New Zealand, helping busy professional couples, time poor families and the elderly with their housework.
It is recommended that an initial meet and greet is organised between the client and the cleaner to run through what is required and to provide an opportunity to become familiar with the home environment.
You should always feel safe from harm or concern while in a client’s home so if you ever come across a situation where you feel unsafe, uncomfortable or the conditions are unhygienic, please leave the client’s house and call your Team Manager at the Agency to report the incident to them.
Please be as informative as possible to enable your Team Manager to assess the situation and deal with it accordingly.
Health and Safety is an important consideration to be taken when performing work to ensure illness and injury does not occur. It should not be an add-on consideration to the work being done. It should be incorporated in the way work is carried out.
The Work Health and Safety Act 2011, the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 place obligations on persons conducting a business or undertaking with respect to ensuring health and safety in a workplace.
As a service provider, you too have obligations under this Legislation. The Legislation covers many aspects and has many regulated requirements to address health and safety issues in all industries. However, in general terms and in medium to low risk industries, an understanding of the management of risk is essential and sufficient.
Therefore, to comply with the Legislation, generally a Risk Management approach is to be adopted. This involves identifying hazards in the work environment, assessing the level of risk those hazards present to those in the work environment and then taking the most appropriate action that will eliminate or minimise the risks.
What is a hazard?
A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm or injury in the workplace (example – slippery floor, hazardous chemical, heavy object).
What is a risk?
A risk is the likelihood of the hazard to cause injury or harm to persons in the workplace (example – a person could slip on the slippery floor, the outcome of this could result in serious injury).
How do I control risk?
As hazards in the work environment may change from visit to visit, a fresh assessment of the workplace needs to be undertaken at each visit and not just rely on the assessment undertaken at the initial visit. This will ensure all risks are being managed.
The most important step to take in managing risks is to eliminate them as much as reasonably practicable and when elimination is not achievable, minimise them as much as reasonably practicable.
Your own experience will help you decide on what is the most effective, practical and efficient controls to use and when you’re not sure, seek the assistance of your Team Manager. Remember, don’t introduce a risk while trying to eliminate one.
Example of steps to eliminate or minimise risk (Slippery floor example)
- Short term (minimise risk): Make anyone who is in the work environment aware that the floor is wet or slippery and guide persons away from it (Example: Advise persons in the house and put a chair/s over it or around it)
- Longer term (eliminate risk): Clean it up
The most important point to remember in Risk Management is to remain alert by identifying the hazards before you become involved with them and they become a risk to you.
The following table gives some examples of how to apply the Risk Management Process. It is not an exhaustive list of hazards, but it provides the necessary information to apply the process. Personal experience and knowledge will assist in most circumstances.
Click on the below for examples pictures of the safety equipment.
Household installed safety switch
Safety Gloves
Face mask — respirator
Safe step ladder
Safety glasses
Hand Trolley
Hazards in Domestic Cleaning
- Faulty equipment — vacuum cleaners, irons, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.
- Broken or faulty electrical outlets or switches
- Frayed or damaged cords — broken or damaged plug tops
- Moisture around electrical equipment (electricity and moisture do not go together)
- Exposed wires hanging out of walls
- Electrical appliances with uncovered connection block
- Electrical appliances getting unduly hot
- Broken light fittings
Things to ask the homeowner:
- Is the house fitted with a safety switch? If not, consider having your own
- Are electrical checks carried out periodically on appliances, power leads and the safety switch?
- How electrical appliances operate
- Is there anything I should be particularly aware of?
- Restricted room around work areas
- Bending, twisting and over reaching
- Work at height
- The need to bend or reach for extended periods of time
- Working environment (floor, lighting, temperature)
- Lifting & putting down (vacuum cleaner, bucket/mop, laundry basket, chairs)
- Carrying (as above, plus iron & ironing board, bed clothes, ladder, rubbish)
Things to ask the homeowner
- Where to store objects causing clutter/restricted room.
- Do they have a ladder?
- Correction of work environment issues
- Location of appliances to be used
- Rubbish disposal location
Points to remember
Carrying the load:
- Test the load before picking up. Ensure it’s within your lifting capacity and if packaged, ensure the package is secure
- Plan the path you are to take. Ensure it’s free of obstacles
- Change direction by turning your feet, not your back
- Your nose and your toes should always be pointing in the same direction. Any sudden twisting can result in back injury
- Rest if you are fatigued. Set the load down and rest for a few minutes
Picking up and setting down loads:
Bend your knees to pick up and put down the load. Squat down and let your legs do the work. Keep your back straight/chin in. Remember not to twist your body and keep the load close to your body. Try not to lean out with the load when picking up and putting down
Plan your release. Once the load is where you want it and on secure footing, release your grip. Never release your grip unless the load is secure
- Be aware of emergency procedures in case of accidental use or spillage of substance
- Are containers clearly labelled and in their original containers – is there a safer product to use?
- Are substances stored appropriately and out of reach of children?
- Is appropriate personal protective equipment available?
- Do you experience any ill effects from particular substances?
- Ensure adequate ventilation is provided when using substances
- Be aware of precautions to take when using toxic chemicals for example oven cleaners and grease removers
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions/specifications if there is a need to dilute chemicals
- Be aware of fumes from chemicals and do not inhale
Things to consider asking the homeowner:
- Are they prepared to purchase safer products
- Have they mixed any chemicals — precautions to take, has it been properly labelled (risk statements and controls should be on mixed or decanted chemicals)
- Are they prepared to relocate storage point of chemicals to safer location with spill tray if necessary
Points to remember
- Be sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions
- Be sure to use personal protective equipment as required — safety glasses, gloves, respirator, apron
- Know what to do if feeling ill effects or contact is made with chemicals
- Provide as much ventilation as possible when using chemicals
Most common injuries sustained in Queensland annually are caused by manual tasks:
- Strains and sprains (legs, arms, trunk, back)
- (Lifting/carrying heavy loads, reaching/bending/twisting, repetitive movement, slipping/tripping and falling)
Prevention is the key.
- The Risk Management Process: Identify, Assess, Control.
- Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if no other control is available (Gloves, safety glasses, respirator, plastic apron, appropriate footwear).
- Suitable enclosed, non-slip footwear is recommended.
- Move trip hazards — don’t try stepping over them.
- Use mechanical aids to reduce over-exertion.
- Use a ladder not a chair — be aware of falls.
- Stay alert not fatigued —hydrate regularly, rest if necessary and try not to rush (this is often when accidents occur).
- Plan your work to become effective and efficient.
- Remember you are the person responsible for your health, safety and wellbeing.
Reporting incidents is an important part of a good workplace health and safety system. These reports can often be used to flag circumstances not previously addressed and provide the opportunity to become more health and safety aware.
All incidents should be reported to the client and the agency, and recorded. This includes:
- Injuries sustained by clients or workers.
- Emergency situations, near-miss incidents where no injury has been sustained but requires positive preventative action.
Report concerns by phoning your Team Manager so this can be documented.