If you’ve hired someone to come clean your home, you are probably relieved to pass off the dusting and mopping but also wondering what’s next? There are some things you can do to make sure you and your cleaner are on the same page, including providing a checklist of cleaning tasks. Here’s how the process will likely go.
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Do an initial walk-through together
It’s typical to have a cleaner come to the home before your first cleaning, so you can show them around, and they can tell you exactly what services they offer. This is a perfect time to ask any questions you have and make sure you’re aligned as far as what’s expected.
Share any special requests
During the walk-through, be sure to tell the cleaner any special requests you have, so they know upfront. For example, you may want them to use gentle products on your marble tile, or you may have a rug that requires special care. Communicating preferences upfront will help prevent issues from arising later.
Kick-off with a deep cleaning
Most cleaning services offer deep cleaning for the first visit, so expect things to be done super thoroughly. That also means you may pay a higher rate than you will be charged for a regular cleaning.
Review and align on a regular cleaning checklist
Many professional cleaners say they have their own checklists for cleaning a home. If you’re unsure if yours does, definitely ask. It’s likely they’ll be happy to provide it for you to look over.
If they don’t have their own checklist, consider providing one. It might look something like this:
Kitchen
- Clean appliance surfaces
- Clean microwave interior and exterior
- Wipe cabinet fronts and handles
- Wipe tables and chair seats
- Wipe countertops
- Wipe backsplash
- Clean sinks and faucets
- Vacuum and/or mop floors
- Wipe window sills and blinds
- Wipe baseboards
- Dust wall art and knickknacks
- Dust lights and/or ceiling fans
- Empty trash
Bathrooms
- Wipe and clean tub, shower and shower walls
- Clean and sanitize toilets, interior and exterior
- Clean glass surfaces and mirrors
- Wipe countertops
- Wipe cabinets
- Clean sinks and faucets
- Vacuum and/or mop floors
- Wipe window sills and blinds
- Wipe baseboards
- Dust vanity lights
- Clean switch plates
- Empty trash
Bedrooms, living areas and other rooms
- Dust furniture tops, sides and fronts
- Vacuum and/or mop floors
- Clean glass surfaces and mirrors
- Wipe window sills and blinds
- Wipe baseboards
- Dust wall art and knickknacks
- Dust lamps, lights and/or ceiling fans
- Clean switch plates
- Empty trash
Agreeing to the checklist in advance will help you understand exactly what your cleaners will and won’t do. Of course, just because there’s a checklist doesn’t mean the cleaner will be going through the motions.
Request your next deep cleaning
After your initial cleaning, if you use the service regularly — weekly, bimonthly or monthly, for example — cleanings may take less time and be less extensive, as your cleaners will be maintaining their work from that first deep cleaning. But you’ll likely want to request another deep cleaning here and there as needed.
Some folks, especially those with young children, require deep cleans more frequently than others. But most people only need them twice a year or so.
>> Looking for help to clean your home? Find a housekeeper now.