A Personal Elf places importance of your safety, the safety of your home, and the care while serving you with trusted Certified & Professional Cleaners. Our policy allows you to enjoy your quality of life by providing extra time for you while we care for your home, your business and life's most cherished pieces. All of our team members are completely insured and have gone through an in-depth interview process, which includes thorough personal background checks and drug screens. With highly respected risk management, in any adverse event, every safeguard is in place to guarantee a worry free experience.
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The family owned, A Personal Elf, began with a simple idea of giving more time for the enjoyment of life. Erica Castano, Founder of Gainesville's A Personal Elf - Maid & Concierge Services, recognized that a great majority of families work long hours and are spending less time together every day. On top of long hours, families live stress filled lives and when they come home, there is still so much to do. From laundry cleaning and folding, to mopping the floors and dusting the furniture; the lists just got longer and longer.
Our clients have peace of mind that their safety, security and privacy are always respected. Each of our Elves is fully insured, thoroughly screened, professionally trained, and bonded. Most of our clients are setup for recurring maintenance in a weekly, biweekly and even monthly style using our Star Programs.
Reviews (30)
Nouf
May 27, 2022
Erin Bogart
Mar 01, 2022
I called to get a quote on a cleaning multiple times; on the occasion the phone was answered, the guy that answered it sounded drunk and told m to fill out the form on the website to get a quote. I couldn't believe he wouldn't just answer my question over the phone, very poor customer service. I actually had filled out the form though and when I didn't get a response, I made calls. They are obviously not responsive and are not committed to quality customer service. Will be taking my business elsewhere.
Lucia Madey
Feb 22, 2022
Critical: Responsiveness I used their service several times. Decided to go with another company. I had given them a key to my house when they started so they could clean if I was out of town. It's been 5 weeks since I asked kindly for my key to be returned. To date, they still have my key! Not good business! Service: Standard cleaning
Gregg Marrocco
Jul 29, 2021
Brent Lopez
Jul 23, 2021
Nicole Booth
Jul 17, 2021
This is my second time using this company. The first time was about 15 years ago. Every other company I have used has done a poor job, but Erica and her team are amazing! All of the elves I have had have been awesome. It definitely takes the stress off of me having a nice clean house. It's really inexpensive too. You definitely get a good value and I will recommend them to anyone I know.
Pat Bern
Jun 05, 2021
Today was our first Elf service. We are extremely pleased with the result. There are so many ways one can judge a cleaning service - and our team hit all the targets. On-time arrival; bright and attentive attitude; no nonsense thorough work; careful with our things, attentive to special needs, suggesting things we hadn't thought of. A very successful beginning with Elf.
Genevieve Murphy
Mar 31, 2021
Absolutely fabulous! They were able to squeeze in a deep clean and my bathroom and wood floors have never looked so amazing. Their attention to detail while dusting and doing the floorboards is spectacular. They are now a monthly need and I'm so excited to have their services in my life! Thank you for the incredible job. Service: Deep clean
Patricia S.
Dec 27, 2019
We had two ladies from A Personal Elf deep clean our home the day after Christmas. Our house is about 1200 sq feet and it took them a little over 4 hours. Everything was spotless when they left. Every surface was sparkling clean. They thought of all the little details even down to cleaning the hard water spots off my coffee pot. Very thoughtful, professional, hardworkers. I would definitely use them again!
Erica E.
Jul 10, 2018
When I tell you that Brenda and Carmen just left my apartment less than 3 hours ago and I RAN to write this review. WOW. I am amazedddd at the wonderful work of these sweet ladies! First, I am so apologetic because the cleaning did not start out perfectly and it was totally my fault! I mistakengly passed on the incorrect gate code (I primarily use a gate buzzer, so I was rusty on the numbers) and the freshly-cut key that I left for them didn't work for whatever reason! YIKES! Luckily, I don't live far and ran over to let them in.
They were waiting patiently and were so understanding and got right to work. Before I went to lunch, I decided to swing by the apt and check out what those wonderful little ladies had done. As I was pulling in, they were pulling out of my home and I happily waved goodbye. Upon walking into the apartment with my friend, we were both BLOWN AWAY. Not only did it smell wonderful, it was SPARKLING. It's such a small place, but I felt very cluttered with so many items and they organized every nook and cranny!
My bathroom is SPARKLINGGGG WHITE! I wish I could have been on camera as I gasped and shrieked at the amazing job they did. They even went beyond the task list I left behind and hung up my oven mitts, found things I hadn't seen in months and left my apartment better than I have ever seen it before, literally. Also, Rudy was amazing when I initially called in with a longgg list of questions.
He was patient, kind and joked along with me as I asked my silly questions as a first-time client lol. I only got to get a quick look at my freshly cleaned apartment, but I was blown away by what I saw. I can't wait to go home and truly sit down and enjoy my sparkling home, and can't wait until my next cleaning. :-)
They were waiting patiently and were so understanding and got right to work. Before I went to lunch, I decided to swing by the apt and check out what those wonderful little ladies had done. As I was pulling in, they were pulling out of my home and I happily waved goodbye. Upon walking into the apartment with my friend, we were both BLOWN AWAY. Not only did it smell wonderful, it was SPARKLING. It's such a small place, but I felt very cluttered with so many items and they organized every nook and cranny!
My bathroom is SPARKLINGGGG WHITE! I wish I could have been on camera as I gasped and shrieked at the amazing job they did. They even went beyond the task list I left behind and hung up my oven mitts, found things I hadn't seen in months and left my apartment better than I have ever seen it before, literally. Also, Rudy was amazing when I initially called in with a longgg list of questions.
He was patient, kind and joked along with me as I asked my silly questions as a first-time client lol. I only got to get a quick look at my freshly cleaned apartment, but I was blown away by what I saw. I can't wait to go home and truly sit down and enjoy my sparkling home, and can't wait until my next cleaning. :-)
Nancy Kanter
Apr 05, 2018
We have been using A Personal Elf for both home and office cleaning for more than 3 years. The company, owners, office staff and our elves (Erica and Brittany) are all professional, responsive, and stand behind their services. They have been receptive to all of our feedback, and clearly want to do a great job. We have had the unfortunate experience of a previous cleaner stealing from us, so we were especially careful in choosing a company that is trustworthy. We always feel comfortable with our elves in our home, and we love our sparkles!
Amber E.
Feb 06, 2018
I've been using A Personal Elf on and off for over a year. They are always very good. They usually call right before they come, which is nice bc I can give any last minute instructions. All have been really great with my dog too. Yesterday, they had extra time so they cleaned some of my large windows and I don't think they've ever looked this good!
I highly recommend them and treating yourself to a bi-weekly or monthly service--it's the best knowing that you are coming home to an impeccably clean (and organized) house!
I highly recommend them and treating yourself to a bi-weekly or monthly service--it's the best knowing that you are coming home to an impeccably clean (and organized) house!
Laura DePaz Cabrera
Jan 06, 2018
We've been using A Personal Elf for about three months now. We did a lot of research before choosing a company and looked into cleaning from an individual and from various companies. We are very happy with A Personal Elf. Erica and Brittany are great! They are thorough and very responsive to needs and requests. We feel that we get a great service and value and working with Rudy to get everything set up was super easy! It has made such a difference in our lives to have help cleaning the home and I would recommend A Personal Elf to anyone who is looking for some sparkle!
Lita T.
Oct 20, 2017
I've been using A Personal Elf for years for my home cleaning needs. They are so great! Their staff is alway eager, friendly, and dependable. Jennifer is my current cleaner and she is fantastic! So personable, warm, yet professional. I work from home often and feeling comfortable around the person coming to work in my home is so important to me.
She is sweet to me, my kids, and even likes my dog : She's flexible and attentive to our family's needs. She even finds things we've lost in the house; she pays attention to all the details and I only have the mid-level service the company offers. On top of all of that she's efficient! I can't recommend her and her company enough.
She is sweet to me, my kids, and even likes my dog : She's flexible and attentive to our family's needs. She even finds things we've lost in the house; she pays attention to all the details and I only have the mid-level service the company offers. On top of all of that she's efficient! I can't recommend her and her company enough.
Trevor B.
Jun 02, 2017
There are advantages and disadvantages to using a "business" like A Personal Elf versus hiring an individual to clean your house. We tried hiring individuals and found that they either didn't have the right tools to do the job properly or they were unreliable. So we went back to A.P.E. and right away we were pleased with the reliability and professionalism.
The downside to a business like this is that you will probably see some turnover and therefor you will have some cleaners that are better than others. Right now, we couldn't be happier with Mildred & Vivian. Our house is sparklingly clean and they have great attention to detail. They're also very good with our dogs and seem to genuinely like them.
The downside to a business like this is that you will probably see some turnover and therefor you will have some cleaners that are better than others. Right now, we couldn't be happier with Mildred & Vivian. Our house is sparklingly clean and they have great attention to detail. They're also very good with our dogs and seem to genuinely like them.
Jenny B.
Jun 01, 2017
I always love to come home to a clean and organized home. Caroline goes beyond to assure that our house is spotless and always goes the extra mile to help. I have used this service for many years for many different things and I have never been disappointed. They treat us like family and if we need something, they do everything they can to help. I would highly recommend them for so many reasons.
Jeff T.
Oct 26, 2016
Amanda H.
Oct 16, 2016
Caroline always does a fantastic job! She gets five out of five stars. I love coming home after she as cleaned. It is not only clean, but tidy. I'm only leaving four stars because costumer service can be difficult if you have a complaint. (I have never had a complaint about Caroline), and the office does not always pass on needed information to the Elves. I once had to change the location of the key, notified the office, but the elf didn't know where to find it.
Bill F.
May 05, 2016
Ruby H.
Apr 21, 2016
I've been with A Personal Elf for for some time now, and I have been the most satisfied with my current elf Tanya I am disabled and feel Tanya knows what needs to be done without direction she is very organizated as well as extremely detailed and so pleasant also as soon as she arrives she asks how a am and if i need assistance with anything special.
I want to keep her as my constant / permanent elf as I trust I can relax and not worry about the house. SHE IS A JOY TO HAVE and we feel so Happy to to have her. As I have explained I am disabled and for me it's much easier to have time you come into my home she knows where to start so that I can lay down and rest and I don't have to tell a different from week-to-week room to room what needs to be done I trust time use detailed work and I don't have to worry about her timing she's here thinking the entire time that she is supposed to be and everything is done she goes above and beyond to make sure that I don't have to worry and I can just rest I don't want to go through I knew Al every week or even every other week I'm very satisfied with Tanya so if there's any way possible I would like to have time yeah every week not every other but every week she knows exactly what to do and that's what we need at our home that's what would make our lives much easier and assist me the most my husband also has some medical issues and it's not always here either - explain to us what needs to be done so we just would like to stay with Tanya a personal elf has done a great job for us but she has just been very thorough and we like her and we kept comfortable with her thank you very much. if Tanya is not coming I need to be called and made aware as now she is every other, ,I send a review last week, also Ruby
I want to keep her as my constant / permanent elf as I trust I can relax and not worry about the house. SHE IS A JOY TO HAVE and we feel so Happy to to have her. As I have explained I am disabled and for me it's much easier to have time you come into my home she knows where to start so that I can lay down and rest and I don't have to tell a different from week-to-week room to room what needs to be done I trust time use detailed work and I don't have to worry about her timing she's here thinking the entire time that she is supposed to be and everything is done she goes above and beyond to make sure that I don't have to worry and I can just rest I don't want to go through I knew Al every week or even every other week I'm very satisfied with Tanya so if there's any way possible I would like to have time yeah every week not every other but every week she knows exactly what to do and that's what we need at our home that's what would make our lives much easier and assist me the most my husband also has some medical issues and it's not always here either - explain to us what needs to be done so we just would like to stay with Tanya a personal elf has done a great job for us but she has just been very thorough and we like her and we kept comfortable with her thank you very much. if Tanya is not coming I need to be called and made aware as now she is every other, ,I send a review last week, also Ruby
Lynn F.
Feb 23, 2016
Susan M.
Jan 06, 2016
I've been using Personal Elf for a couple of months now. They are wonderful. I had been hesitant to start using a house cleaning service due to cost and having someone in my home when I'm not there. The cost is very reasonable and lower than I had expected. And they are bonded, insured and very trustworthy. I am always excited to come home and see their great work. My elf is Mellisa and she does a fantastic job.
Barbara B.
Feb 27, 2015
Chad P.
Jun 30, 2014
I'm obsessed. I can't believe how good of a job these little elfs did! We had them do a move out cleaning and the place was perfect (landing us our deposit back)! They did SO much more than what I expected and consolidated everything that was left in the house into one nice and tidy spot in the living room making that final leg of the move SO much more bearable. We can't wait to use them again and again.and again and again. :) Pros: Yes, yes they are. Cons: No, no they're not. :)
Carly A.
May 25, 2014
Over the years I have hired a few cleaning services, and I can honestly say none come close to the quality of a Peesonal Elf. They are reliable, the have attention to detail, the communicate well, and they leave everything spotless. If they have ever missed anything they take care of it immediately. I use them for my home and my business. It takes cleaning off my list of concerns and allows me to focus on the rest of my life!
Miguel A.
May 25, 2014
Debbie G.
Mar 21, 2014
We have A Personal Elf clean our home once a moth and I can not wait for that once a month. They do all the things we don't want to do on our weeks off. They are honest and dependable and we higly recommend them! They also clean our office twice a month and it helps tremendously on my to do list so I can focus on making money in our Buisness. Again honest and dependable we give them a key they come in at night and we do not have to worry about anything! So awesome!
Chase P.
Feb 11, 2014
Ian S.
Feb 01, 2014
I first started using A Personal Elf in 2010. I was very impressed with their professionalism and cleaning ability. Their prices were very reasonable, and the owner, Rudy, was very accommodating. However, about a year or two ago, the project management was separated into commercial and non-commercial cleaning. The owner's wife, Erica, took over scheduling and supervising the non-commercial operations, and that is when things started to go down hill.
There were many scheduling problems, from being told my appointment needed to be rescheduled less than a week before the appointment, to being told I couldn't reschedule my own appointment for several weeks. It became more difficult to find out when the cleaners would be at my home and my auto-debit was not properly charged on numerous occasions.
I have two cat, and one is deathly afraid of a vacuum cleaner. I am not comfortable letting cleaners clean when I am not home. It became more and more obvious that the company had more than enough customers, and I had become too much of a bother for them. I have recently switched to another cleaning company that I am very happy with. The cleaning staff at A Personal Elf is still very good, but the management had made the experience too painful to continue with them.
If you are fine with giving cleaners your keys and are ok with giving them a 8 hour window to clean, they are probably fine. But if you need anything special, you should consider looking elsewhere.
There were many scheduling problems, from being told my appointment needed to be rescheduled less than a week before the appointment, to being told I couldn't reschedule my own appointment for several weeks. It became more difficult to find out when the cleaners would be at my home and my auto-debit was not properly charged on numerous occasions.
I have two cat, and one is deathly afraid of a vacuum cleaner. I am not comfortable letting cleaners clean when I am not home. It became more and more obvious that the company had more than enough customers, and I had become too much of a bother for them. I have recently switched to another cleaning company that I am very happy with. The cleaning staff at A Personal Elf is still very good, but the management had made the experience too painful to continue with them.
If you are fine with giving cleaners your keys and are ok with giving them a 8 hour window to clean, they are probably fine. But if you need anything special, you should consider looking elsewhere.
Ned P.
Jul 17, 2013
The cleaners said they smelled gas in my kitchen (it's a gas stove) and abandoned the house mid-job. I went home immediately and found nothing out of the ordinary with the stove and smelled no gas in the house. Here is a summary of the issues I experienced: -I was told when I scheduled my appointment that I would receive a call the day before giving me an appointment time.
I never received that call and had to call myself on the morning of the scheduled appointment. -The job was left mostly undone aside from the bathrooms being partially cleaned despite utilizing well over half the scheduled time, which I was told should be sufficient to clean the whole place. -The place was left unlocked and unattended with many lights on and all ceiling fans on. -They extended multiple offers to reschedule at my expense, which I declined considering the gas stove isn't going anywhere.
Since it caused the cleaners to abandon the place in the condition mentioned above, I could only assume that no cleaning would take place on a rescheduled appointment. -What is supposed to be a time-saving and helpful service turned into a huge headache. For a company that was highly recommended to me, I could not have been more disappointed in my experience.
I never received that call and had to call myself on the morning of the scheduled appointment. -The job was left mostly undone aside from the bathrooms being partially cleaned despite utilizing well over half the scheduled time, which I was told should be sufficient to clean the whole place. -The place was left unlocked and unattended with many lights on and all ceiling fans on. -They extended multiple offers to reschedule at my expense, which I declined considering the gas stove isn't going anywhere.
Since it caused the cleaners to abandon the place in the condition mentioned above, I could only assume that no cleaning would take place on a rescheduled appointment. -What is supposed to be a time-saving and helpful service turned into a huge headache. For a company that was highly recommended to me, I could not have been more disappointed in my experience.