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Having extra help around the house in the form of a house cleaner can be super beneficial. In addition to the mental benefits that come with having a clean space, you no longer need to spend your weekends scrubbing bathrooms and countertops (hence, you’ll have more time). Before making the investment, though, it’s understandable to want to know exactly what you’re in for.
“Bringing in house cleaners can definitely make home maintenance easier, and knowing what to expect — and what not to — helps ensure a smooth experience overall,” says Karina Toner, operations manager for Spekless Cleaning in Arlington, Virginia. “It’s important to note that every house cleaning service operates differently, and what’s included may depend on the cleaner or company you hire.”
From the duties you can expect to be performed to buying (or not buying) cleaning products beforehand, here are the house cleaning service details you need to know before committing.
Key takeaways
- House cleaners are different from housekeepers in that they’re less frequent and take on fewer tasks.
- Generally, house cleaners are hired on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or bi-monthly basis.
- Some house cleaners will ask you to provide cleaning supplies and equipment, but many bring their own.
What do house cleaners do?
The most important question before hiring a cleaning professional: What do house cleaners do exactly? Different from a housekeeper, which is someone with more of a constant presence in your home, here’s what a house cleaner may take care of, per Toner and Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid:
- Wipe down appliances and countertops.
- Scrub stovetop and microwave.
- Vacuum and mop floors.
- Dust shelves and baseboards.
- Wipe down furniture.
- Clean mirrors and picture frames.
- Change linens.
- Clean showers, tubs and toilets.
- Take out trash.
“A house cleaner,” notes Toner, “focuses on general cleaning tasks to keep your home tidy and hygienic.”
“Many providers may be willing to add extra services, such as laundry or dishwashing, for an additional fee.”
— Karina Toner, operations manager, Spekless Cleaning
What house cleaners don’t do
House cleaning services are designed to maintain a clean, comfortable home, Mock explains, adding that services can be “customized to meet specific needs, ensuring clients only pay for what is required.”
That being said, both Mock and Toner note that house cleaners typically do not do the following:
- Clean toys.
- Pick up clutter.
- Laundry.
- Wash dishes.
- Deep cleaning tasks, such as carpet shampooing, upholstery cleaning, mold removal.
- Organization.
- Heavy lifting or moving furniture.
- Outdoor cleaning, such as pressure washing, yard work and gutter cleaning.
- Pet-related cleaning beyond vacuuming pet hair (no litter box or waste removal).
Whether you go with an independent cleaner or a professional team, these exclusions generally apply, explains Toner. “However,” she states, “many providers may be willing to add extra services, such as laundry or dishwashing, for an additional fee.”
Tasks like dealing with pet waste or moving heavy furniture will likely be a no either way, she points out, noting: “These are often declined due to insurance restrictions, rather than personal/provider preference.”
How often does a house cleaner come?
It depends — how often do you want them to come? While house cleaners visit less frequently than housekeepers, you can tailor the schedule to what works best for your lifestyle and budget.
Common options include:
- Weekly. Best for busy households or those who want a consistently clean home with minimal effort.
- Biweekly. A popular balance for those who have time (and inclination) to do light upkeep between visits.
- Monthly. A good option for lower-maintenance homes that need a periodic refresh.
- One-time cleaning. Ideal for special occasions, deep cleaning needs and/or move-out cleaning.
“A professional cleaning team is often best for recurring services since they have the staff and scheduling system to ensure reliability,” notes Toner. “An independent cleaner may be more flexible for last-minute or ad hoc cleanings, making them a good fit for sporadic deep cleans.”
Do house cleaners provide their own supplies?
While there’s no hard and fast rule here, both Mock and Toner note that, generally, professional companies will bring supplies, while smaller, independent cleaners may not — or they may only bring some.
“This is something that truly varies, depending on who you hire,” says Toner. “Professional cleaning teams typically bring their own industry-standard cleaning supplies and equipment, ensuring consistency and efficiency during each visit. Independent cleaners may do the same, though some may only carry a limited selection and ask clients to provide items like vacuum cleaners, mops or specific cleaning products.”
If you’d like to use eco-friendly cleaning products, there likely will be an extra fee, Toner adds, also noting that providing your own products is always an option, as well.
“To ensure maximum efficiency, it is recommended that toys, clothing and personal items be picked up before the cleaner arrives.”
— Marla Mock, CEO, Molly Maids
How to prep for a house cleaning service
It’s an age-old question — should you clean before the cleaner comes? And the answer is simple: Tidy up and remove clutter.
“To ensure maximum efficiency, it is recommended that toys, clothing and personal items be picked up before the cleaner arrives,” says Mock. “This helps ensure that all possessions are in their proper place and allows the cleaning team to focus on the task at hand.”
Other things to do before the house cleaner arrives:
- Secure valuables and personal items. Store away important documents, jewelry and cash for peace of mind and so they don’t get misplaced.
- Make special requests clear. “If you have specific areas that need attention, communicate them before the cleaning starts,” Toner says.
- Provide access instructions. If you’re not home, ensure the cleaners have a way to enter.
- Secure pets. When appropriate, find a place for your dog or cat so they’re comfortable while the home is cleaned.
Is a house cleaner right for you?
Find a house cleaner.
While the benefits of having a house cleaner are hard to argue with, it’s important to take both your budget and lifestyle into account when deciding whether to hire someone, and if so, the frequency of their visits.
To get the most bang for your buck, Toner notes, make sure to work out the details beforehand and understand what to expect in terms of job scope. “This,” she says, “will help you get the most out of your house cleaning service.”
