If you’re cleaning your home, especially before moving in or out, the help of a professional cleaning service is less of an option and more of a necessity. However, a growing number of consumers are experiencing unexpected damage when using cleaning services, so caution is advised. Beyond simple dissatisfaction, from absurd ‘filth terrorism’ incidents to subtle demands for ‘extra charges,’ cleaning that you’ve diligently entrusted to others often becomes a source of stress. As of 2026, it’s crucial to know specific ways to wisely choose a cleaning service and prevent unpleasant incidents.
Expecting a clean environment for a new beginning only to suffer damage can happen to anyone. To protect consumer rights and experience satisfactory cleaning services, it’s important to carefully check the company’s reliability and thoroughly review the situation before and after signing a contract. Now, let’s examine recent major damage cases and learn practical tips for choosing a safe and reliable cleaning service in detail.
Analyzing Recent Cleaning Service Damage Cases: What Went Wrong?
In 2026, consumer damage related to cleaning services continues unabated. Recently, an outrageous ‘filth terrorism’ incident shocked many. It was reported that a cleaning service employee deliberately spread filth in a customer’s living room after the customer complained about the move-in cleaning condition. Such incidents go beyond mere poor cleaning quality, raising fundamental questions about the company’s professional ethics and service mindset. Furthermore, cases of consumers being asked for unexpected additional costs after using cleaning services are steadily increasing.
According to the Korea Consumer Agency, applications for cleaning-related damage relief in the first quarter of 2026 more than doubled compared to the same period last year. Of these, 24% were related to demands for additional costs, often pressuring consumers by threatening to stop cleaning or refusing deposit refunds if the costs weren’t paid. Especially with the increase in non-face-to-face contracts through online platforms, cases of sudden demands for additional costs exceeding 300,000 won on-site, citing factors like contamination levels or house structure, are frequent. There were even instances where additional fees were charged after plumbing, such as toilets, had already been opened, making it difficult for consumers to refuse. These damage cases clearly show that consumers need to be more cautious when choosing a cleaning service and during the contract process.
Criteria for Choosing a Cleaning Service to Avoid Being a ‘Sucker’
Choosing a reliable cleaning service might seem complicated, but by adhering to a few key criteria, you can significantly reduce potential damage. First, when selecting a company, you should check if it has a transparent quotation system. Companies that conduct non-face-to-face contracts without on-site estimates are highly likely to demand additional fees on-site. Therefore, it’s best to clearly confirm the actual cleaning scope and estimated costs through an on-site estimate whenever possible. Next, it’s important to verify their official business registration and inquire about their damage compensation insurance coverage.
- Mandatory Contract Review: Verbal agreements are seeds of dispute. You must receive a written contract that specifies the cleaning scope, costs, conditions for additional fees, cleaning time, and after-sales service regulations.
- Review and Reputation Verification: Carefully examine reviews from actual users through online communities, blogs, and rating sites. The company’s response to unsatisfactory reviews is also an important criterion for judgment.
- Professionalism and Equipment Check: You can gauge cleaning quality by inquiring whether cleaning professionals are deployed and what types of specialized equipment and detergents are used.
- After-Sales Service Policy Check: You should confirm in advance how defects are handled after cleaning and what the scope of compensation is.
Through these criteria, you should find a company with actual service quality and reliability, not just one that looks good on the surface.
Hidden Additional Fees: How Should You Respond?
One of the most common types of damage when using a cleaning service is ‘unexpected additional fees.’ To wisely deal with such situations, thorough preparation and firm 대응 are necessary in advance.
| 대처 단계 | 세부 내용 | 주의사항 |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Clear Confirmation Before Contract |
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Do not sign a contract based solely on a ‘rough estimate’ over the phone. |
| Step 2: Specify in Contract |
|
Vague wording can lead to future disputes. |
| Step 3: When Additional Fees are Demanded On-Site |
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You are not obligated to pay additional fees simply because work has already begun. |
| Step 4: Payment After Cleaning Completion |
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If problems arise after paying an advance, resolution can be difficult. |
Through this process, consumers can calmly respond even if a company unfairly demands additional fees. Above all, clear information verification and a written contract before signing are essential.
Smart Ways to Respond When Problems Arise
Even with the utmost caution, problems can arise. When a dispute occurs with a cleaning service, it’s important to know how to respond wisely.
- Secure Evidence: You must secure all relevant materials, such as before-and-after cleaning photos, videos, contracts, text messages, and call recordings. Especially if direct damage like breakage or contamination has occurred, detailed evidence must be preserved.
- Send a Certified Letter to the Company: If verbal resolution fails, send a Certified Letter clearly stating the details of the damage and your demands. This serves as important evidence in legal disputes.
- Consultation and Damage Relief Application with Korea Consumer Agency: You can receive consultation and apply for damage relief through the Korea Consumer Agency’s 1372 Consumer Counseling Center. The Consumer Agency plays a role in mediating disputes and facilitating agreements.
- File a Small Claims Lawsuit: If the amount of damage is small, you can file a Small Claims Lawsuit in court to seek a quick resolution.
Through these procedures, consumers can assert their rights and receive compensation for damages. If it’s difficult to resolve alone, seeking professional help is also a good option. Especially with the recent surge in consumer damage, actively utilizing the help of relevant agencies is wise.
While using a cleaning service offers convenience, it also carries potential risks. As of 2026, with various damage cases being reported, consumers themselves must remain vigilant, carefully select companies, and thoroughly manage the contract process. It’s crucial to research sufficient information in advance, confirm any suspicious aspects, and actively respond when problems arise. Be a smart consumer and safely create a clean and pleasant environment.