You’ve made the smart decision to hire a professional cleaning service. But to ensure your cleaning team can work their magic most efficiently and deliver the sparkling results you expect, a little preparation on your part goes a long way.
For first-time clients of cleaning services, knowing what to do before your cleaning appointment can transform a good clean into an exceptional one. This guide will walk you through essential pre-cleaning steps, decluttering tips, and advice on communication with cleaners so you can maximize cleaning efficiency and get the most out of your professional home cleaning service.
Why Pre-Cleaning Matters: Maximizing Efficiency and Value
You might think, “Why should I clean before the cleaners come?” It’s a valid question! However, a few minutes of preparation on your end translates directly into better value for your money and a more thorough clean. Here’s why home readiness is key:
- Time is Money: Professional cleaners charge by the hour or by the scope of work. If they spend significant time tidying up personal items, they have less time for the actual deep cleaning tasks like scrubbing grime, dusting surfaces, and sanitizing bathrooms.
- Better Access: Moving clutter out of the way allows cleaners direct access to surfaces that need cleaning, like countertops, floors, and shelves.
- Safer Environment: Removing obstacles and fragile items creates a safer workspace for the cleaning team.
- Clear Expectations: Your preparation helps set the stage for what you want cleaned and where the focus should be.
Your Essential Pre-Cleaning Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these pre-cleaning steps to ensure your home is ready for its transformation:
1. The Great Declutter: Pick Up Personal Items
This is the most crucial step! Your cleaning service isn’t there to organize your belongings; their job is to clean surfaces.
- Clear All Surfaces: This includes kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, bedside tables, dressers, and coffee tables. Put away dishes, toiletries, papers, remotes, kids’ toys, books, and decorative knick-knacks.
- Tip: Use laundry baskets or designated bins to quickly gather items from each room and move them to a temporary spot (like a bedroom corner or a closet) if you’re short on time.
- Tidy Floors: Pick up clothes, shoes, pet toys, blankets, and any other items from the floor in all rooms. This allows the cleaning team to vacuum and mop efficiently without having to move things around.
- Clear Showers/Tubs: Remove all shampoo bottles, soaps, and loofahs from shower caddies and tub edges so cleaners can scrub these areas thoroughly.
- Bedrooms: Make sure beds are made (or strip them if you want linens changed by the service) and clothing is put away.
2. Secure Valuables & Important Documents
For peace of mind and security:
- Put away any valuable jewelry, cash, important documents, or small electronics.
- Lock away firearms or sensitive items in a secure location.
- If you have a home office, ensure sensitive papers are filed away.
3. Address Obstacles & Pet Considerations
- Move Small Furniture: If you want cleaners to clean underneath light furniture (like ottomans or small chairs), move them slightly to allow access. For heavier items, discuss this with your cleaning service beforehand.
- Pet Management: Decide where your pets will be during the cleaning. Some clients crate their pets, put them in a secure room, or take them out for a walk. Inform your cleaning service about your pets beforehand.
4. Communicate Your Priorities & Expectations
Before cleaning day, have a clear understanding with your service:
- Specific Instructions: If you have areas of particular concern (e.g., a stubborn stain, a high-traffic area, or a room you want extra focus on), communicate this clearly. Many services offer a platform for notes or have a pre-cleaning call.
- No-Go Zones: Clearly identify any areas you don’t want cleaned or touched.
- Special Requests: Discuss any specific tasks outside the standard cleaning package (e.g., interior of oven, refrigerator deep clean, window washing) and confirm if they are included or an extra charge.
- Access: Confirm how the cleaners will enter and exit your home (key, code, meeting you).
5. Empty Trash Cans
While your cleaners will likely empty your bins, emptying them yourself ahead of time can be a small time-saver and ensure they start with empty liners, if that’s your preference.
6. Final Walk-Through
Before the cleaning team arrives, do a quick walk-through of your home. Does anything still need to be picked up? Are all surfaces clear? This quick check can significantly maximize cleaning efficiency.
Cleaning Day Preparation: What to Expect
- Be Accessible: If you plan to be home, be available to answer any questions the team might have. If you’re leaving, ensure they have all necessary access information.
- Manage Expectations: Understand what your specific cleaning package includes. A standard cleaning might not include every nook and cranny or deep scrubbing of every single surface. Don’t hesitate to ask your service for their standard checklist.
- Feedback Process: Understand how to provide feedback after the cleaning, whether it’s through a call, email, or online review system.
Conclusion
Preparing your home for a professional cleaning service isn’t about doing their job for them; it’s about optimizing their time and maximizing the value you receive. By taking these simple pre-cleaning steps – decluttering, securing valuables, and communicating clearly – you set the stage for an efficient, thorough, and truly refreshing clean. You’re not just getting a clean home; you’re investing in peace of mind and more free time.
At Refreshing Spaces, we are dedicated to providing exceptional cleaning experiences. We value your partnership in preparing your home, allowing our expert team to focus on delivering the highest standard of cleanliness. Ready to experience the refreshing difference?
Visit or contact us to book your professional home cleaning and let us help you reclaim your space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to "clean" my home before the professional cleaners arrive?
You don’t need to deep clean, but you should tidy up and declutter. This means picking up personal items, clearing surfaces, and tidying floors so the cleaners have clear access to the areas they need to clean. This allows them to focus on actual scrubbing and dusting, maximizing your service value.
2. What if I forget to pick up some items before they arrive?
Most cleaning services will work around items left out, but they will likely clean around them rather than picking them up and putting them away. This means those areas won’t get a thorough clean, and valuable time might be used for tidying rather than dedicated cleaning.
3. Should I leave specific instructions for the cleaning team?
Yes, absolutely! Good communication with cleaners is key. Most services appreciate notes for specific areas of focus or “no-go” zones. Some services offer an online portal for notes or will call you beforehand to discuss priorities.
4. What about my pets during the cleaning?
It’s best to discuss your pets with the cleaning service beforehand. Many clients secure their pets in a crate, a separate room, or take them out for a walk during the cleaning to ensure both the pets’ safety and the cleaning team’s efficiency.
5. How can I ensure I get the most out of my cleaning appointment?
The best way is to declutter thoroughly beforehand. Also, have a clear understanding of what’s included in your specific cleaning package, communicate any special requests or priorities, and provide an easy way for the cleaners to access your home.