Introduction
Having a cleaning service come to your home can make life a lot easier. However, it’s important to follow proper etiquette when preparing for your cleaner’s visit. Treating your cleaner with respect and making some simple preparations ahead of time will help ensure a positive experience for both of you.
Clear Access and Provide Supplies
Before your cleaner arrives, make sure to tidy up and provide access to the areas you want cleaned. This will allow them to efficiently clean your home.
- Remove clutter from surfaces. Clear off countertops, tables, dressers, etc. This gives your cleaner open space to work.
- Put away personal items. Your cleaner doesn’t need access to things like financial documents or medication. Keep those private items put away.
- Make a clear path. Move furniture if needed so your cleaner can easily get to all areas.
Also, provide any cleaning supplies and equipment your cleaner will need:
- Vacuum – Make sure it’s easily accessible.
- Cleaning solutions – Provide a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner. Check with your cleaner on preferences.
- Mop and bucket – Provide these for floor cleaning.
- Dusting tools – Microfiber cloths, dusters, etc.
- Scrub brushes – For tile, grout, bathtubs, etc.
- Gloves – Rubber gloves to keep their hands protected.
Pick Up Personal Belongings
It’s important to pick up your personal belongings throughout the house before the cleaner arrives. This includes:
- Clothing and towels – Don’t leave dirty clothes or used towels lying around.
- Dishes – Rinse and load any dirty dishes into the dishwasher.
- Beds – Strip the beds so sheets can be changed.
- Bathrooms – Remove personal items from countertops and showers.
- Floors – Pick up toys, shoes, books, etc.
Your cleaner is there to clean – not pick up after you. So make sure your belongings are put away.
Set Appliances to “Home Mode”
When leaving for a cleaner, put appliances like your thermostat and electronics into “home mode.” This means:
- Adjust thermostat – Set the temperature at a comfortable level for cleaners. Around 70°F is ideal.
- Leave out waste bins – Make sure trash and recycling bins are accessible.
- Turn on lights – Illuminate roomscleaners will be working in.
- Pause electronics – Pause/disable any electronics like stereos or televisions so they’re not distracting.
These simple steps will help your cleaner work comfortably in your home.
Secure Valuables
It’s wise to secure valuables before your cleaning service arrives. While reputable companies screen their cleaners, it’s impossible to eliminate theft risk completely.
Some tips for securing valuables:
- Lock up jewelry, cash, etc. Place expensive/sentimental items in a locked location like a safe.
- Hide private documents. Secure financial statements, medical records, etc. in a private space.
- Put away medications. Don’t leave prescription medications in open areas like bathrooms.
- Lock windows and doors. Double check that your home is secure before leaving.
Don’t leave tempting valuables in plain sight. But usually, just using common sense precautions is enough.
Leave a Note with Instructions
Leave a note for your cleaner highlighting cleaning priorities or special instructions. Your note can include:
- Rooms to focus on – List any high traffic rooms that need extra attention.
- Surfaces to sanitize – Note kitchen counters, doorknobs, etc. needing disinfecting.
- Tasks to skip – Are there any standard tasks you want skipped this visit?
- Other instructions – Provide any directions needed to access supplies, etc.
The note helps your cleaner know what’s most important to you. Place it in an obvious location like on the kitchen counter.
Provide a Tip
Leaving a tip shows your cleaner you appreciate their hard work. Unless service wasn’t satisfactory, plan to leave a tip. Some guidelines on tipping cleaning services:
- Amount – 10-20% of the total service cost is standard. Adjust based on service quality.
- Method – Cash or check left on the kitchen counter works well.
- Frequency – Tip each time unless problems occurred that visit.
Tipping is at your discretion, but it’s a nice way to say thanks!
Conclusion
Preparing properly for your cleaning service shows respect for the cleaner entering your home. By tidying up, securing valuables, leaving instructions, and providing a tip, you can help ensure a smooth, positive experience. Treating your cleaner kindly and making their job easier leads to better service for you as well.
