Help center
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about how we work, what it costs, and how to book. Updated for Gainesville-area service.
General
What does a standard house cleaning include?
Our Full Clean typically covers kitchen surfaces, stovetop, sink, and appliance exteriors; bathroom surfaces including toilets, showers, tubs, mirrors, and fixtures; dusting of furniture, shelves, and light fixtures; vacuuming and mopping floors; making beds; emptying trash; and wiping baseboards and window sills. Our Deep Clean goes further with additional attention to areas like inside appliances, cabinets, vents, and wall spot-cleaning. Exact scope may vary by home — we'll confirm details when you book.
Are your cleaners background-checked and insured?
Yes. Every Doctor Sterile cleaner undergoes a background screening process before entering any home. We carry liability insurance for your protection and take responsibility for the training, quality, and conduct of our cleaning team.
Do I need to be home during the cleaning?
No — many of our clients provide access instructions (lockbox code, smart lock, garage code, or hidden key) and are at work or running errands during the clean. We'll confirm access details before your appointment, clean the home, and lock up when we leave. If you prefer to be home, that's fine too.
Do you bring your own cleaning supplies and equipment?
Yes. Our cleanings generally include all supplies, equipment, and travel. We use professional-grade, eco-conscious products that are designed to be gentle for households with children and pets. If you have specific product preferences or sensitivities, let us know when booking and we'll do our best to accommodate.
What is your re-clean guarantee?
If you're not satisfied with specific areas within the scope of the service performed, let us know within 24 hours and we'll return to re-clean the affected area at no additional charge. Re-cleans address missed items within the original service scope and do not cover pre-existing conditions, stains, or damage. See our Terms of Service for full details.
What if something is damaged during the cleaning?
Accidents are rare, but we take them seriously. If anything is damaged during a cleaning, please report it within 48 hours and we'll assess and work to resolve valid claims in a timely manner. We carry liability insurance to help cover eligible incidents. See our Terms of Service for our full liability policy.
What areas do you serve in Gainesville, FL?
We serve Gainesville and surrounding communities including Midtown, Haile Village, High Springs, Newberry, and Alachua. We generally do not add distance surcharges within our standard service area. Most locations are within 25 minutes of our base. Service area boundaries and pricing may be updated periodically.
How should I prepare my home for a cleaning?
Light tidying helps us be most efficient — pick up clothes, dishes, toys, and personal items from surfaces and floors. We clean around belongings, but clearing surfaces lets us give them proper attention. No need to vacuum or pre-clean. If there are rooms or areas you'd like us to skip, just let us know.
Do you use pet-safe cleaning products?
We use professional-grade, eco-conscious cleaning products that are designed to be gentle for households with pets and children. We avoid harsh chemicals, strong fragrances, and residue-heavy products. If your pet has specific sensitivities, please mention it when booking so we can take appropriate precautions.
Do you clean on weekends?
We offer Saturday service from 8 AM to 5 PM. Sunday service is not available. Our weekday hours are Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM. Saturday slots fill quickly — book early to secure your preferred time.
Pricing
How much does house cleaning cost in Gainesville, FL?
Pricing depends on home size, condition, and service level. As a general guide, our Quick Clean starts around $129 for a small apartment, our Full Clean starts around $249 for a typical 2-bedroom home, and our Deep Clean starts around $349. Prices generally include supplies, equipment, and travel. Final pricing is confirmed when you book. Visit our pricing page for estimates based on your bedrooms and bathrooms. Rates are subject to change.
Do you charge by the hour or a flat rate?
We generally quote flat-rate pricing based on your home's size (bedrooms and bathrooms) and the service level you choose (Quick Clean, Full Clean, or Deep Clean). You'll receive a price estimate before we arrive. The quoted rate typically includes supplies and travel. Final pricing may vary based on the actual condition and scope of work.
Is there a minimum charge?
Our lowest-priced service is a Quick Clean for a small apartment or studio, starting around $129. This generally includes about an hour of professional cleaning with supplies and equipment. Pricing is subject to change.
Do recurring clients get a discount?
Yes. Clients on weekly, biweekly, or monthly recurring plans receive loyalty pricing that improves over time. Recurring service also keeps your home in a consistently maintained state, which means each cleaning is faster and more thorough than a one-time deep clean starting from scratch.
Are cleaning supplies included in the price?
Yes. Our cleanings generally include all professional-grade supplies, equipment, and travel. We bring everything needed — you typically don't need to provide anything. If you have specific product preferences or sensitivities, let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate.
Do you charge extra for homes with pets?
We generally do not charge extra for homes with pets. Pet hair removal is part of our standard service. In cases of significant pet hair accumulation, it may add time to the cleaning, but we typically don't add surcharges for pet-friendly homes. We reserve the right to adjust pricing for unusually heavy cleaning conditions.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit and debit cards through our secure online payment system. For most residential cleanings, payment is processed after your cleaning is complete. For invoiced services, we send a secure payment link via email. Payment terms may vary by service type.
When is payment due?
For standard residential cleanings, payment is generally due after your cleaning is complete. For larger jobs (post-construction, commercial), payment terms are outlined in your invoice — typically due upon receipt. We reserve the right to require deposits for certain service types or new clients. See our Terms of Service for details.
Airbnb & rentals
Do you clean Airbnb and vacation rental properties between guests?
Yes — Airbnb and vacation rental turnover cleaning is one of our most popular services in Gainesville, especially during UF football season, graduation weekends, and spring tourism. A typical turnover includes linen changes, trash removal, kitchen and bathroom attention, floor care, restocking guest supplies, and damage reporting. Exact scope is confirmed when you book.
How fast can you turn over a rental property between guests?
We can typically complete a standard turnover within 2–3 hours depending on property size and condition. For same-day turnovers with tight check-out/check-in windows, we recommend booking at least one week in advance so we can schedule the right crew and time slot.
Do you handle linen changes and guest supply restocking?
Yes. Our turnover service includes stripping and remaking beds with fresh linens (provided by you or your linen service), replacing towels, restocking toiletries, and ensuring the property is guest-ready. We can work from your property's specific checklist if you have one.
Will you report damage between guests?
As part of our turnover service, our team conducts a visual walkthrough of the property. If we notice obvious damage, stains, missing items, or anything unusual, we'll do our best to document it and notify you before the next guest checks in. This is provided as a courtesy and does not constitute a professional property inspection or appraisal.
Can I set up recurring turnover cleanings synced to my booking calendar?
We recommend establishing a recurring turnover schedule that aligns with your booking calendar. While we don't have direct calendar sync integration yet, most hosts communicate their upcoming turnovers weekly, and we build them into our schedule with priority slots for recurring clients.
Do you clean vacation rentals near Gainesville's natural springs?
Yes. We serve vacation rental properties throughout the Gainesville area including High Springs, the Santa Fe River corridor, and properties near Ginnie Springs, Poe Springs, and Blue Springs. We generally apply standard pricing within our service area, though availability and rates may vary by location.
Student housing
Do you clean student apartments near UF?
Yes — we clean student apartments, duplexes, and townhomes throughout the Gainesville campus area, Midtown, and surrounding neighborhoods. We're experienced with the layouts and parking logistics typical of student housing. Our Quick Clean tier is popular with students who want a well-maintained apartment without the time commitment.
Do you offer move-out cleaning for UF lease transitions?
Move-out cleaning is one of our highest-demand services during UF's April–May and July–August lease transition periods. Our Deep Clean service covers everything landlords inspect: inside appliances, cabinets, closets, baseboards, light fixtures, window tracks, and floors. Booking early during these periods is essential — our schedule fills fast.
When should I book during UF move-out season?
Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance during April–May and July–August. These are our busiest periods due to UF's academic calendar driving a massive wave of lease turnovers. Returning clients and recurring plan members get priority scheduling during peak periods.
Do you offer a student discount?
Yes! UF Students and Employees both receive ongoing discounts on our cleaning services. Just let us know your UF affiliation when you book — we'll apply the discount automatically. Combined with our Quick Clean tier (starting around $129) and loyalty pricing on recurring plans, keeping your space clean is more affordable than you might think. Pricing and discount eligibility are subject to change; see our Terms of Service for details.
Commercial
Do you offer commercial cleaning services in Gainesville?
Yes. We provide commercial cleaning for small to mid-size offices, retail spaces, and professional suites in the Gainesville area. A typical commercial cleaning covers surfaces, restrooms, break areas, trash, and floors. We can generally work around your business hours, including evenings and early mornings. Scope and pricing are determined on a per-client basis.
Do you have commercial liability insurance?
Yes. We carry liability insurance that covers our cleaning operations for both residential and commercial properties. A certificate of insurance (COI) can be provided upon request for your building management or lease requirements. Coverage details are available on request.
Can you clean offices after hours or on weekends?
Yes. We understand that commercial cleaning often needs to happen outside of business hours. We offer evening and early-morning slots during the week, plus Saturday service. We'll work with you to find a schedule that doesn't disrupt your business operations.
Scheduling
How do I book a cleaning with Doctor Sterile?
You can book online at doctorsterile.com/book — just select your service type, home size, preferred date and time, and submit. No account required. You can also call us at (352) 663-5924 during business hours. We'll confirm your booking via email with all the details. All bookings are subject to availability and our Terms of Service.
How far in advance should I book?
For routine cleanings, 3–5 days in advance is usually sufficient. During peak periods (UF move-out season in April–May, football weekends, holidays), we recommend booking 1–2 weeks ahead. Recurring plan members have their slots reserved automatically. For urgent requests, call (352) 663-5924 — we can sometimes accommodate same-day or next-day bookings.
Can I cancel or reschedule my cleaning?
Yes. You can cancel or reschedule with at least 24 hours' notice before your appointment at no charge. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a cancellation fee. We understand plans change — just give us as much notice as possible. See our Terms of Service for our full cancellation policy.
Do you offer recurring cleaning plans?
Yes. We offer weekly, biweekly, and monthly recurring plans. Recurring service keeps your home in a consistently maintained state, which means each cleaning is more thorough and efficient than starting from scratch. Recurring clients also receive loyalty pricing and priority scheduling during busy periods.
What time will my cleaner arrive?
When you book, you'll select a preferred time window: Morning (8 AM – 12 PM) or Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM). We'll confirm your specific arrival time via email before the appointment. If traffic or a previous job causes any delay, we'll notify you promptly. Most appointments start within the first hour of your selected window.
What happens if I need to change my recurring schedule?
Recurring schedules are flexible. You can skip a session, change your day of the week, or adjust frequency (weekly to biweekly, etc.) at any time by contacting us. We just need 48 hours' notice for schedule changes to ensure we can adjust our routing.
