When Cheap Cleaning Goes Wrong: A Real Case from Amsterdam. 220€ VS 25€/h + 600€ + damage :(

We charge €220 for a normal professional cleaning — including our own products, professional machines, and trained cleaners.

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Our client thought:“€220 ?

That’s too expensive.”

So he hired someone for €25/hour instead.

Bargain, right? 😌

Well… that “bargain” caused over €600 in damages.

Yes. €600+.

We had cleaned the home before, but the client wasn’t happy with the price, so he decided to randomly hire a cheaper cleaner.

And this is what happened. 😅

Moral of the story?

Cheap cleaning isn’t cheap — it’s just expensive later.

Here is what happened...

Hiring a cleaner should bring peace of mind. A fresh-smelling home. Shining surfaces. Less stress. But what happens when a “cheap” cleaning service ends up costing thousands of euros in damage?

Just last week, we at Cleaning24 were called to a home in Amsterdam after a customer had a very bad experience with a cheaper cleaner. What we found was not just poor cleaning — it was permanent damage, expensive mistakes, and avoidable costs that no homeowner should have to face.

This is a real story. And unfortunately, it’s not a rare one.

The Situation: Choosing a Cheaper Cleaner

Like many homeowners, this client wanted to save money. She found a cleaner online offering services at a significantly lower price than professional cleaning companies in Amsterdam.

On the surface, the cleaner seemed reliable:

• He arrived on time

• He brought his own products

• He was confident and quick

But confidence without knowledge can be dangerous — especially when it comes to cleaning.

Mistake #1: Anti-Limescale on Chrome Fixtures

What Happened in the Bathroom

In the bathroom, the cleaner noticed limescale on the taps, shower fixtures, and chrome details. Instead of identifying the type of chrome finish, he used a strong anti-limescale (anticalc) product.

Within minutes, the damage was done.

Chrome fixtures are extremely sensitive to acidic products. Professional cleaners know that:

• Many anticalc products contain aggressive acids

• Chrome coatings are thin and protective

• Once damaged, chrome cannot be restored

The Result

• The chrome lost its shine

• Dark stains appeared

• The surface became rough and dull

• The protective layer was completely destroyed

No polishing. No cleaning. No professional product can reverse that damage.

The chrome parts were ruined permanently.

Why This Damage Is Irreversible

This is something many people don’t understand, so let’s explain clearly.

Chrome fixtures are not solid chrome. They are usually:

• Brass or metal coated with a thin chrome layer

• Protected by a clear finish

When aggressive chemicals are applied:

• The chrome layer is chemically burned

• The surface oxidizes

• The damage goes beyond “stains”

Once that layer is gone, replacement is the only option.

The Hidden Costs Begin

After assessing the bathroom, the client faced unavoidable expenses:

1. Replacing All Chrome Fixtures

• Taps

• Shower controls

• Shower hose and head

These were high-quality fixtures, not budget ones.

2. Hiring a Plumber

Replacing chrome fixtures is not a DIY job:

• Old fittings had to be removed

• New ones installed

• Seals checked

• Water tested

3. Time & Stress

• Waiting for deliveries

• Scheduling a plumber

• Living with a damaged bathroom

What started as “saving money” turned into hundreds, possibly thousands of euros in costs.

Mistake #2: Steam Cleaning the Sofa

Cleaned but still dirty

As if the bathroom damage wasn’t enough, the cleaner decided to clean the sofa using a steam machine.

This is one of the most common and most destructive mistakes cheap cleaners make.

Why Steam Cleaning Upholstery Is Risky

Not all sofas are steam-safe.

Professional cleaners always check:

• Fabric type

• Manufacturer cleaning codes

• Stitching and padding

• Color fastness

Steam introduces:

• High heat

• Excess moisture

• Pressure

If used incorrectly, it can:

• Damage fabric fibers

• Cause water stains

• Loosen glue inside cushions

• Create uneven drying

What Happened to the Sofa

When the sofa dried:

• The fabric looked patchy

• Water marks appeared

• Texture became uneven

• It looked worse than before cleaning

This wasn’t dirt — it was damage.

Why Cheap Cleaners Make These Mistakes

Lack of Training

Cheap cleaners often:

• Learn from experience, not education

• Copy methods they’ve seen online

• Use “one product for everything”

No Understanding of Surfaces

Professional cleaning is about material knowledge, not effort.

Each surface reacts differently:

• Chrome ≠ stainless steel

• Marble ≠ ceramic tile

• Upholstery ≠ carpets

Wrong Equipment

Steam machines are powerful tools — but in the wrong hands, they destroy more than they clean.

He Called us after 3 weeks :))

When Cleaning24 Was Called In

The client contacted Cleaning24 after seeing the damage and realizing the situation was out of control.

We arrived the same day.

Our First Step: Damage Assessment

We never start cleaning immediately.

We:

• Inspect every surface

• Identify what can be fixed

• Clearly explain what cannot be reversed

Transparency is part of professionalism.

What We Could Fix (In 2 Hours)

Deep Cleaning the Entire Home

Using professional-grade, surface-safe products, we:

• Removed residue left by wrong chemicals

• Neutralized acidic remains

• Properly cleaned floors, kitchen, and bathroom surfaces

Sofa Improvement

While we couldn’t reverse the fabric damage:

• We rebalanced moisture

• Reduced visible marks

• Improved overall appearance

Result

In just 2 hours, the home looked:

• Cleaner

• Fresher

• Properly maintained

But honesty matters.

What We Could NOT Fix

Bathroom Chrome Fixtures

The damage was permanent.

We clearly explained:

• Why the chrome could not be restored

• Why polishing would make it worse

• Why replacement was the only option

This honesty builds trust — even when the news is bad.

The Real Cost Comparison

Cheap Cleaner:

• Low hourly rate

• Wrong products

• No accountability

• Permanent damage

Professional Cleaning24 Service:

• Correct products

• Trained cleaners

• Surface protection

• Same-day re-clean guarantee

The difference is not price — it’s value.

Our Same-Day Re-Clean Guarantee

At Cleaning24, we stand behind our work.

If something doesn’t meet your expectations:

• We return the same day

• At no additional cost

• Until it’s right

That’s confidence built on experience.

Why Professional Cleaning Is an Investment

Your home is:

• One of your biggest financial investments

• Filled with delicate materials

• Not a testing ground for cheap chemicals

Professional cleaning protects:

• Surfaces

• Furniture

• Fixtures

• Long-term value

How to Avoid These Mistakes

Before hiring a cleaner, ask:

• What products do you use?

• Are they surface-specific?

• Do you use steam on upholstery?

• What happens if something is damaged?

If the answers are unclear — walk away.

Why Clients Choose Cleaning24

✔ Professional-grade solutions✔ No product mixing✔ Trained, detail-focused cleaners✔ Honest assessments✔ Same-day correction if needed

We don’t experiment on your home.

Final Thoughts

This Amsterdam case is a perfect example of how cheap cleaning can become very expensive.

The client saved money for a few hours — and paid for it with:

• Ruined chrome fixtures

• Plumber costs

• Replacement expenses

• Stress and frustration

At Cleaning24, our goal is simple: Clean your home properly, safely, and professionally — the first time.

📩 Book professional home cleaning in Amsterdam with Cleaning24

Because fixing damage is always more expensive than preventing it.