Celebrated in the last quarter of the year, Diwali prompts a flurry of spring cleaning in most Indian homes partaking in the festival. After all, it is believed that the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi, who is worshiped during Diwali, will only enter a house that is clean and tidy. In the good old days, cleaning would begin weeks in advance, with most people using the occasion to polish furniture and add a fresh coat of paint to the walls. Today all you have to do is pick up the phone and dial a number.
Most maid services in the emirates, such as Flexible Maid, which charges Dh40 per hour, are able to do a thorough cleaning of your home that includes vacuuming, mopping, doing the bathrooms and kitchen and even the laundry. If they bring along their own equipment and cleaning products, the rate jumps to Dh50 per hour and a minimum booking of six hours is required — they are available at 24 hours’ notice. VR Cleaning Services’ (04 452 9227) offering includes: steam cleaning of AC vents, balcony, grouts, channels and windows, as well as cleaning garages. A team of six to ten people will take eight to ten hours for four-bedroom villa. It operates only in New Dubai and charges Dh1,600-Dh2,000. You need to book 48 hours prior.
Alps Creative Cleaning Services (04 346 5336) charges Dh40 per hour and also offers deep cleaning that also includes shampooing of sofa and carpets. Minimum billing is four hours. It operates in Bur Dubai, Mankhool, Satwa, Jumeirah, Karama and other older areas. Booking notice is 48 hours.
Al Sayaf Cleaning Services in Sharjah (06 562 3508) charges Dh650 to clean a two-bedroom home. This includes floor rubbing with machines and chemical care. Bookings are taken 24 hours in advance. A minimum four-hour booking is needed and your laundry will be done if time permits.
Clean Tech Services (02 558 2002) in Abu Dhabi offers all cleaning services, charging Dh650 for deep cleaning a two-bed flat with a team of two and Dh1,500 for a four-bed villa. Minimum billing is four hours.
