Hiring a professional house cleaning service is a fantastic way to reclaim your weekends and enjoy a spotless, fresh-smelling living space. However, to help your cleaning team work as efficiently and thoroughly as possible, a little preparation goes a long way.
Knowing what to tidy up—and what to leave strictly for the pros—ensures your cleaners can focus their time and energy on deep cleaning and sanitizing rather than organizing clutter.
Quick Answer: What Should You Do Before Cleaners Arrive?
Before your cleaning team arrives, your primary task is decluttering surfaces, picking up toys and clothes from floors, clearing the kitchen sink of dishes, and securing your pets. You do not need to pre-clean or scrub anything; simply clear the way so the team can get straight to work.
Why Preparation Helps Your Cleaning Team Deliver Better Results
Professional cleaners follow systematic, time-tested checklists to clean your home efficiently. When clothes, papers, and personal items are left scattered across counters and floors, cleaners spend valuable appointment time moving your belongings or working around clutter instead of scrubbing, dusting, and polishing. Clearing surfaces allows them to clean every square inch effectively.
Declutter, but Do Not Pre-Clean
Pick Up Toys, Clothes, and Papers
Toss stray laundry into hampers, gather children’s toys into bins, and stack loose mail or paperwork on desks so surfaces are clear.
Clear Floors and Main Walkways
Remove backpacks, shoes, workout gear, and rugs from the floor to give vacuums and mops an unobstructed path.
Remove Items From Counters and Tables
Clear bathroom vanities, bedside tables, and kitchen counters of personal items so cleaners can wipe down the actual surfaces easily.
Empty the Kitchen Sink and Manage Dishes
Cleaning crews generally do not wash dirty dishes or load dishwashers unless it was requested as a specific add-on service. Make sure your kitchen sink is completely empty and clean so the team can scour the basin, wipe down countertops, and load or run the dishwasher if arranged.
Secure Valuables, Documents, and Fragile Items
While reputable cleaning companies are thoroughly vetted, insured, and bonded, it is always best practice to protect your peace of mind:
- Put away fine jewelry, cash, and sensitive financial or legal documents in a safe place.
- Store fragile heirlooms, delicate knick-knacks, or unstable picture frames safely out of the way to prevent accidental bumps.
Prepare Pets and Confirm Safe Access
Provide a Key or Entry Code
Ensure the cleaning company has accurate instructions for entering your home if you plan to be out.
Secure Dogs and Other Pets
Even the friendliest pets can become stressed by vacuums, cleaning products, or strangers in their space. Keep dogs and cats safely secured in a quiet bedroom, crate, or fenced yard during the visit.
Share Alarm and Parking Instructions
Leave notes or text messages regarding your home security alarm code, gate pins, and the best available parking spots for their cleaning van.
Communicate Priorities and Add-On Requests
If there are specific areas of your home that need extra attention, let the team lead know right at the start of the appointment. Common requests include:
- Refrigerator or Oven Interior: Detailing major appliances if added to your booking.
- Linen Changes: Leaving clean sheets out if you want beds remade.
- Areas That Need Extra Attention: Pointing out heavy-traffic zones, pet scratching spots, or stubborn bathroom scale.
Preparing for Recurring Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning
- For Recurring Cleanings: Preparation is usually quick, taking just 10 to 15 minutes to clear floors and counters since maintenance visits happen frequently.
- For Initial Deep Cleanings: Take a little extra time to declutter deeply, clear out pantry shelves if appliance cleaning is included, and ensure heavy furniture is accessible if baseboards are being detailed.
What You Should Not Do Before Professional Cleaners Arrive
Do Not Mix or Pre-Apply Strong Chemicals
Never spray bleach, ammonia, or commercial oven cleaners on surfaces right before cleaners arrive. Mixing chemicals creates dangerous toxic fumes.
Do Not Hide Safety Hazards
Let the team know immediately if there are broken tiles, unstable step stools, loose handrails, or household hazards.
Do Not Panic-Clean the Entire House
Remember, you are paying professionals to clean! There is no need to vacuum, dust, or mop before they get there.
Final Five-Minute Preparation Checklist
- [ ] Floors and hallways cleared of toys and shoes
- [ ] Kitchen sink and counters completely empty
- [ ] Valuables and sensitive documents safely stored
- [ ] Pets secured in a comfortable, quiet room
- [ ] Entry instructions, keys, or security codes confirmed
Check it out: Diamond Cleaning service checklist
FAQ
Should I clean before professional cleaners arrive?
No, you do not need to clean. You should only tidy up by picking up clutter, clearing floors, and putting away personal items so cleaners can access all surfaces.
What should I put away before house cleaning?
Put away loose clothing, shoes, toys, paperwork, dirty dishes, fragile knick-knacks, and high-value items like cash or jewelry.
Do professional cleaners bring their own supplies?
Yes. Reputable professional cleaning companies bring all of their own commercial-grade equipment, vacuums, mops, and cleaning solutions.
Should I be home during the cleaning?
It is entirely up to you. Many homeowners provide a key or door code and run errands or go to work, while others prefer to be home during the first visit.
How should I prepare pets for cleaning day?
Keep pets securely in a separate bedroom, crate, or outdoor area so they stay calm and the cleaning team can work safely without interruption.
