Hiring a professional house cleaning service can be a game-changer for keeping your home clean and organized. However, to maximize their visit, it’s essential to prepare your space so they can focus on thorough house cleaning rather than basic tidying up.
Here are the 3 best ways to prepare for your house cleaner’s arrival:
1. Declutter Your Space
Before your scheduled professional house cleaning occurs, take some time to pick up items like toys, clothes, papers, and other clutter. This not only gives the cleaner full access to surfaces and floors but also ensures they can focus on cleaning instead of organizing.
Kitchen
- Clear the countertops: Move small appliances, dish racks, or containers to give the cleaner full access.
- Empty the sink: Wash or load dirty dishes into the dishwasher.
- Remove food and clutter: Clear items like fruit bowls, snacks, or coffee mugs from surfaces.
Bathrooms
- Pick up personal items: Remove toiletries like shampoo bottles, razors, and toothbrushes from counters and tubs.
Living Areas
- Organize loose items: Gather toys, books, magazines, or remote controls into designated bins or baskets.
- Move small furniture if necessary: If you want certain areas vacuumed or mopped thoroughly, shift small furniture out of the way.
Bedrooms
- Pick up clothing: Place dirty laundry in hampers and put clean clothes in closets or drawers.
- Clear nightstands: Remove books, water glasses, or electronics to ensure surfaces can be wiped down.
Miscellaneous
- Provide cleaning supplies if required: If your cleaner doesn’t bring their own products, set out items like a vacuum, mop, or preferred cleaning solutions. CottageCare uses environmentally friendly cleaning products.
- Ensure easy access: Unlock doors, deactivate alarms, and provide clear instructions for entry.
- Secure pets: Keep pets in a separate area or kennel to avoid distractions during the cleaning process.
Why it’s important: Cleaners are not usually responsible for decluttering. A tidy space allows them to dedicate their time to scrubbing and sanitizing.
- Quick tip: Use baskets or bins to temporarily store items you don’t have time to organize.
2. Communicate Your Priorities
Most cleaners have a routine, but if there are areas you’d like them to prioritize, let them know in advance. This could include focusing on the bathrooms, tackling dusty blinds, or giving extra attention to the kitchen. Point out specific areas or items that require special care or attention. For example:
- Areas with sentimental value (e.g., a family heirloom display).
- Fragile surfaces like marble that need specific cleaning products.
- Antique furniture or delicate décor that shouldn’t be moved.
- Why it’s important: Clear communication ensures that your expectations are met and prevents any misunderstandings.
- Quick tip: Create a checklist of specific tasks or areas to share with your cleaner.
3. Secure Valuables and Fragile Items
To avoid any accidents or misunderstandings, put away valuable or fragile items before the cleaner arrives. While most professional cleaners are careful, it’s always better to take precautions.
- Why it’s important: This protects your belongings and gives you peace of mind while the cleaner is working.
- Quick tip: Store fragile pieces in a designated cabinet or drawer until after the cleaning is done.
BONUS Tip: Give Feedback Afterward
After the first cleaning session, provide constructive feedback. Let the cleaner know what they did well and if there’s anything you’d like them to adjust next time.
- Example: “The kitchen looks amazing! Next time, could you pay extra attention to the shower tiles in the bathroom?”
By following these steps, you’ll ensure a smooth and productive cleaning session. A little preparation goes a long way in helping your house cleaner deliver the best results!
Key Takeaway
The more specific and clear you are, the better your cleaner can meet your expectations. Open and respectful communication ensures a productive partnership and a spotless home!
Looking for house cleaning services in your area?
CottageCare cleans homes in dozens of locations across the United States and three in Canada. Find the location nearest you and request a quote, or give us a call for the most up-to-date cost of house cleaning services near you.
- Akron, OH
- Aurora/Parker, CO
- Barboursville, WV
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Bloomington & Normal, IL
- Calgary North, ALB
- Calgary South, ALB
- Calgary West, ALB
- Carrollton/Lewisville, TX
- Charlotte, NC
- Columbia, SC
- Columbus Northeast, OH
- Denver Cherry Creek, CO
- Des Moines, IA
- Eden Prairie/Bloomington, MN
- Ft. Wayne, IN
- Greater Fort Worth, TX
- Kansas City, MO
- Lake Norman, NC
- Lake Oswego & Milwaukie, OR
- Leawood, KS
- Little Rock, AR
- Littleton/Highlands Ranch, CO
- Menomonee Falls, WI
- Munster, IN
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Olathe, KS
- Orange County, NY
- Peoria, IL
- Plano, TX
- Prairie Village, KS
- Richmond, VA
- Seattle/Olympia, WA
- Shawnee, KS
- South Bend, IN
- St. Charles, MO
- St. Louis Town & Country, MO
- Tulsa, OK
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Winter Garden, FL
