How Should I Prepare My House For A Cleaner?

Whether this is your first time booking a cleaning service or you're familiar with the process, it's normal to have some questions. You might be curious about what to expect before the cleaner arrives, what you should do to prepare, and how the cleaning process unfolds. You may also wonder about the professional conduct of cleaners—things like etiquette, policies, and how they operate in your home. We’re here to guide you through the entire process, from scheduling your cleaning to enjoying a freshly cleaned home afterward.

What Does a House Cleaner or Housekeeper Do?

A housekeeper or cleaning person is typically someone who works for a professional cleaning company like Sparkle & Shine Cleaning LA. They can also be independent contractors, but without a personal recommendation, hiring an independent cleaner comes with potential risks. Many independent cleaners don’t carry liability insurance, meaning if something is damaged in your home, you might not be able to get compensation. Additionally, they may not offer a satisfaction guarantee or have the resources to return and correct any issues. With a reputable cleaning service, you have the peace of mind that if something goes wrong, they’ll make it right.

When hiring a cleaner, there are a few signs that indicate whether they’re a good fit. A professional cleaner will arrive on time, ready to work, with all the necessary supplies and equipment. They’ll respect your home, treating your belongings with care, and they’ll work efficiently, making the most of the time they have. Pay attention to how they interact with your pets if you have any—this can reveal a lot about their professionalism. A cleaner who is polite, well-prepared, and considerate is the kind of person you want maintaining your home. On the other hand, if they show up late, are poorly dressed, or seem inattentive, it might be time to reconsider. While outward appearances aren’t everything, if a cleaner looks disorganized or is rude to your pets, these could be signs of deeper issues.

Prepping for and Reviewing the Cleaning Service

So, you’ve decided to hire a cleaning service, and you're ready to experience the luxury of a professionally cleaned space. To make the process as smooth as possible, it helps to know what to expect before, during, and after the cleaning, and how you can prepare.

Before the Clean:

• You should receive a booking confirmation, and sometimes a reminder, depending on the service. This helps ensure the appointment goes smoothly and there are no mix-ups.
  

• It's not necessary to pre-clean, but do declutter—put away personal items, clothes, and any small objects. This allows the cleaner to focus on deeper cleaning tasks without distractions or obstacles.

  
  

• If you’re working from home, or need certain areas cleaned at specific times (like your home office), communicate that in advance. This way, the cleaner can plan around your schedule and ensure your needs are met without disruption.

During the Clean:

• The cleaner will methodically work through every part of your home. It's standard practice to give them space to work, but feel free to check in if you have specific requests or questions. If there’s something you’d like done in a particular way, letting them know ahead of time ensures you get exactly what you want.

  
  

• Be mindful of their time. Professional cleaners aim to work efficiently, so any guidance or requests should be clear and concise. This allows them to stay on track and deliver the best results.

After the Clean:

• Once the cleaning is finished, take 10–15 minutes to do a walkthrough while the cleaner is still present. Check each area to make sure it meets your expectations. If there’s something you’re not happy with, let the cleaner know right away so they can address it before leaving.

  
  

• If you weren’t home during the cleaning, take time to review their work when you return. Many professional services offer a satisfaction guarantee, meaning they’ll come back to fix any issues you might find. Don’t hesitate to contact them if you feel something was missed or needs further attention.

Should You Clean Before the Cleaner Arrives?

A common question many people have is whether they should tidy up before the cleaner arrives. The quick answer is no—you’re hiring a professional to take care of the cleaning for you. However, there are a few things you can do to make their job easier and ensure the best results.

Decluttering is key. While the cleaner will handle the actual cleaning, it's helpful to remove any personal items or clutter that might get in the way. This could mean picking up toys, clothes, papers, or anything else scattered around. The cleaner will appreciate a tidy environment to work in, and it allows them to focus more on cleaning tasks rather than organizing your things.

Here are a few additional tips to prepare:

• Dishes & Laundry: Double-check with the cleaning service if they handle dishes or laundry, as not all services include these tasks. If they don’t, be sure to tidy these areas yourself beforehand.

  
  

• Food & Trash: Put away any leftover food and take out the trash. This avoids any confusion about what should be thrown away.

  
  

• Surfaces: Clear surfaces like countertops, desks, and dressers, so the cleaner can dust and sanitize them thoroughly.

Cleaners prefer when personal belongings are neatly put away, as this lets them focus entirely on scrubbing, dusting, and making your home sparkle. Having to decide what to do with your personal items can slow them down and add stress to their day, so a little preparation goes a long way.

How to Get Ready for Your Next House Cleaning: 10 Easy Preparation Tips

Preparing for a professional cleaning doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little bit of planning, you can ensure your cleaners can work efficiently and deliver the best possible results. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how to get your home ready before the cleaning crew arrives:

1. Secure Personal Items. Before your cleaning service, take a few minutes to put away any valuable or personal items. Jewelry, important documents, and small electronics are best stored in a secure place. While professional cleaners are trustworthy, it’s always better to keep anything valuable out of sight to avoid accidental misplacement. Additionally, this helps free up surfaces like dressers and nightstands, allowing the cleaners to dust and wipe down those areas thoroughly.
   

2. Handle Food and Dishes. If you have leftover food or dirty dishes around, it’s best to handle them before the cleaners arrive. Most cleaning companies won’t know whether food should be saved or thrown away, and leaving it out can lead to dirty areas being skipped over. Similarly, dishes in the sink or on counters can block access to those spaces, making it difficult for your cleaners to sanitize properly. To avoid this, make sure all food is stored in containers or tossed, and any dishes are either cleaned or neatly stacked out of the way.
   

3. Tidy Up Laundry. Even if laundry services aren’t included in your cleaning package, it’s helpful to pick up any clothes, towels, or sheets that may be lying around. Stray laundry can not only slow down your cleaners but also make it difficult for them to access certain areas. A quick sweep through your home to gather loose items will let your cleaner focus on deep cleaning, not picking up after you. Plus, having the laundry out of the way ensures that surfaces like floors and countertops can be cleaned without obstacles.
   

4. Manage Pets. Pets, while lovable, can be a source of disruption during a cleaning. Even the friendliest dogs or cats may get in the way, making it difficult for cleaners to move around or complete their tasks. Dogs drinking water or wandering around the house can create messes just after an area has been cleaned. To prevent this, consider securing your pets in a separate room or outside during the cleaning process. Not only will this make the cleaning go faster, but it will also ensure that your pets stay safe and out of the cleaners’ way.
   

5. Make the Bed or Prep Bedding. Some cleaning services may offer to change your bedding, but not all do. It’s a good idea to double-check with your cleaning company about whether this is part of the package. If changing the bedding is included, have your fresh sheets set aside so the cleaners can easily find them. If not, you might want to handle the task yourself to keep things moving smoothly. A well-made bed instantly makes your room look more polished and can help your cleaners focus on other tasks like dusting and vacuuming.
   

6. Clear the Clutter. One of the most important things you can do to help your cleaners is to declutter. Clutter, whether it’s shoes in the hallway, magazines on the coffee table, or toys scattered around the living room, can slow down the cleaning process. Most professional cleaners will avoid moving personal items, which means those areas may not be cleaned as thoroughly. Put shoes and clothes away, store food in the fridge, and toss out any obvious trash. A clutter-free space allows cleaners to focus on the detailed work of cleaning your home to perfection.
   

7. Communicate Clearly. Communication is key to getting the most out of your cleaning service. When booking, make sure to go over your specific needs and expectations with the company. If you have special requests—like focusing on certain areas, avoiding others, or handling pet hair—make those clear ahead of time. It’s also important to confirm whether any of these requests come with extra charges. For instance, some services charge more for laundry or pet-related cleaning. Putting any instructions in writing, like in an email, ensures there’s no confusion about what’s expected.
   

8. Declutter Counters. Counters, shelves, and desks are prime spots for collecting everyday items like mail, keys, or food containers. These surfaces can be tough to clean if they’re covered with stuff, so take a few minutes to clear them off. Removing small appliances, jars, and personal items will allow the cleaners to wipe down and disinfect surfaces more effectively. This small step makes a big difference in ensuring your counters, shelves, and desks are spotless and free of dust or grime.
   

9. Decide on Security Access. If you won’t be home during the cleaning, it’s essential to think ahead about how your cleaners will access your home. Decide whether you’ll disarm your security system temporarily or provide the cleaning company with a security code. Reputable companies will always keep this information confidential. It’s a small detail, but ensuring smooth access means your cleaners can get to work without any delays.
   

10. Give Cleaners Space. Whenever possible, it’s best to leave the house while the cleaners work. This allows them to move freely and clean efficiently without worrying about getting in your way. If you work from home or can’t leave, try to coordinate with the cleaners on which areas they’ll clean first. You can move to another space while they work, minimizing disruptions on both sides. Communication here is key—your cleaners will appreciate the heads-up, and you’ll enjoy a spotless space without having to shuffle around.

How Much Should You Tip a House Cleaner?

Tipping a house cleaner is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for their hard work. But how much should you give? Like many service industries, the general range is between 10% to 25% of the total cleaning fee, depending on the level of service and your satisfaction. For a one-time deep clean or regular maintenance cleaning, consider tipping closer to 20-25% if you’re highly satisfied with the results. For standard cleaning or touch-ups, 10-15% is appropriate.

If you're unsure about how much to tip, think about factors like the scope of work, any special tasks the cleaners handled, and how well they followed your instructions. For instance, if you requested extra attention to the bathrooms or dealing with pet hair, and the cleaners delivered exceptional results, a larger tip is a nice gesture of thanks. Keep in mind that tipping is always optional, but it can go a long way in building a positive relationship with your cleaning team.

Finding the Right Cleaning Service Near You

Choosing the right cleaning service is about more than just finding someone nearby; it’s about finding a company you can trust to care for your home. While there are many independent cleaners available, it’s often safest to go with a professional cleaning company like Sparkle & Shine Cleaning LA. Here’s why:

• Experience and Training: Professional cleaning companies typically hire trained staff who know how to handle different cleaning tasks, from deep-cleaning carpets to sanitizing kitchens.

  
  

• Streamlined Process: From booking the appointment to completing the job, professional companies have established procedures that make the entire process smooth. You can expect reliable scheduling, thorough cleaning, and professional follow-up.

  
  

• Peace of Mind: With a trusted company, you don’t have to worry about the finer details like security or background checks. Established companies often have vetted and insured employees who are experienced in handling residential cleanings.
  

While independent cleaners may sometimes offer lower rates, they may not have the same level of professionalism, experience, or liability coverage as a well-established company. For the best combination of reliability and quality, going with a professional service ensures your home gets the care it deserves, without any unnecessary risks.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How should I prepare my house for a cleaner?

Before the cleaner arrives, tidy up any clutter, put away personal items, and ensure the cleaner has access to all necessary areas.

Do I need to clean before the cleaner arrives?

No, but organizing clutter and clearing surfaces will help the cleaner focus on deeper cleaning tasks.

Should I be home while the cleaner is working?

It's up to you. Some people prefer to be home, while others feel comfortable leaving the cleaner to work alone.

How often should I hire a cleaner?

It depends on your needs. Some people hire weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Discuss your preferences with the cleaner.

What should I provide for the cleaner?

Most cleaners bring their own supplies, but it’s a good idea to ask in advance if they need any specific tools or products.

Can I ask the cleaner to focus on certain areas?

Yes, you can request the cleaner to prioritize specific areas or tasks. Clear communication helps ensure your needs are met.

How do I choose the right cleaner for my home?

Check reviews, ask for recommendations, and ensure the cleaner is insured and experienced for the tasks you need.