Customers are most protected if they use companies that hire employees. There are some issues associated with hiring subcontractors. The hiring cleaning company cannot direct them how the work should be done. Subcontractors may not be covered under any liability insurance. Legitimate cleaning companies are covered by L & I insurance and their employees are trained to OSHA standards. On the other hand, contractors are independent individuals and can be considered as vendors of the company you hire. There are not covered by L & I insurance and have not been trained. Using subcontractors or individuals is a gamble. You will never know what you can get!