As someone who straddles the line between a neat freak and a total mess, I totally get the pre-cleaning jitters before the house cleaner arrives. Will they judge my grimy bathroom? Cringe at the pile of dirty dishes in the sink? Or, even worse, accidentally toss out that important document I had just misplaced?
Well, I’ve got great news – after chatting with some seasoned house cleaning pros, I can confidently say that a little bit of pre-cleaning can go a long way in making your cleaner’s visit seamless and stress-free. But, like most things in life, there’s a delicate balance to strike.
So, let’s dive in and explore how to properly prepare for your house cleaner’s visit, shall we?
Decluttering the Essentials
First things first – let’s talk about decluttering. According to Justin Carpenter, the owner of Modern Maids in Dallas, it’s super helpful when clients tidy up their counters in the kitchen and bathroom before the cleaner arrives.
“The reason is that all clients have a preferred way or place they keep things,” Justin explains. “For example, if you leave out your hair dryer, curling iron, and other products, the cleaners have to move them so they can clean the counters properly, and could end up placing your items in the wrong drawer.”
Similarly, Natalie Barrett of Nifty Cleaning Services in Australia suggests putting away any important documentation, bills, and other papers you don’t want displaced or thrown out by mistake. It’s a simple way to ensure your valuables stay safe and sound.
Now, when it comes to your floors, Justin says you don’t necessarily need to clean them beforehand – that’s what the cleaners are there for! “Whether you get a basic cleaning or a deep cleaning, cleaning the floors will always be included,” he reassures. The only exception, of course, is if something on your floors could pose an infection risk to your cleaners, like animal poop or blood. In that case, definitely clean and disinfect before they arrive.
Tackling the Trash and Dishes
Alright, let’s talk trash and dishes. According to Natalie, there’s no need to get rid of your overflowing kitchen or bathroom trash beforehand – that’s something the cleaners should take care of as part of their job.
As for your dishes, Natalie says it’s ultimately up to you, but most house cleaners should be able to handle those as well. “You can make the job easier for them though by keeping a drying rack next to your sink,” she suggests.
Avoiding Cleaner Catastrophes
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the dreaded fear of your cleaners judging the state of your home. Janice Stewart, the owner of Castle Keepers House Cleaning in Atlanta, has some reassuring words for us:
“There is no need to clean the general buildup of dirt that is part of daily living,” she says. “And there is certainly no need to be embarrassed about the condition of your home – we’ve seen all sorts over the years.”
However, Janice does caution against leaving out certain items that could put your cleaners at risk. “It’s important to properly dispose of biohazardous items like uncapped insulin syringes and IV bags,” she advises. “And absolutely do not leave weapons out or under pillows or bedside tables.”
It’s also a good idea to put away any adult magazines, movies, or sex toys, so your cleaners don’t have to deal with them. After all, as much as they want to help you create a comfortable home, it’s your job to make sure they’re comfortable too.
The Importance of Communication
Finally, let’s talk about communication. Finn Pegler, the owner of DeluxeMaid in Indianapolis, has a simple message for us: “As long as you’re not leaving out biohazards or weapons, there’s no need to stress about the condition of your home.”
He explains, “We’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help, not to judge. The best thing you can do is let us know if there are any specific areas or items you’d like us to focus on, or if there are any special requests or concerns you have.”
So, feel free to give your cleaner a heads-up about any problem areas or quirks to be aware of. It can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and successful visit.
Embracing the Process
Remember, the home you love starts here, and that includes all the messy, lived-in bits in between. Your house cleaner is there to help, not to critique. So, take a deep breath, let go of the stress, and embrace the process. After all, you’re paying them to do the dirty work – so let them!
And who knows, you might just find that a little pre-cleaning can be a surprisingly therapeutic way to start your week. After all, there’s something to be said for the satisfaction of a tidy, clutter-free space.
So, the next time your house cleaner is on the way, resist the urge to scrub every inch of your home. Instead, focus on the essentials, communicate your needs, and let the professionals work their magic. Your future self (and your house cleaner) will thank you.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a house cleaning service to book!
