How to Prepare for a House Cleaner: 10 Steps for a Better Clean

A professional clean is time-based, so preparing well makes a real difference. Ten minutes of prep the night before means more of your booked time goes into the floors, bathrooms and kitchen instead of moving piles of mail. Here’s what to do before your cleaner arrives.

1. Declutter surfaces and floors

Put away clothes, shoes, toys, papers and dishes. Clear countertops, nightstands and the bathroom vanity. Cleaners can wipe around a few items, but a cleared surface gets cleaned properly.

2. Decide your top priorities

Pick the two or three areas that matter most this visit, such as “kitchen and primary bathroom first”. If time runs short, those get done.

3. Choose the right service and length

A regular clean maintains a home. A تنظيف عميق covers the buildup in places like baseboards, grout and inside appliances. Not sure which you need? Read deep cleaning vs regular cleaning. Cleanster bookings have a 2-hour minimum, and larger or busier homes benefit from more time.

4. Add the extras you want ahead of time

Inside the oven, inside the fridge and interior windows are usually add-ons. Booking them in advance means your cleaner arrives with enough time scheduled. See our house cleaning add-ons guide.

5. Write clear booking notes

• How to get in: door code, lockbox, concierge, parking
• Rooms or items that are off-limits
• Surface warnings: natural stone, unsealed wood, delicate fixtures
• Any products you’d like used or avoided

6. Plan for pets

Mention pets in your notes. Crate nervous animals or keep them in a closed room, and put away food bowls and litter so they aren’t knocked over.

7. Secure valuables and private items

Cleanster cleaners are background-checked through ClearChecks and have 3+ references. Still, it’s sensible to put away cash, jewelry, medications and important documents, the same way you would for any visitor.

8. Check supplies and equipment

If you’d like your own vacuum or products used, leave them out where they’re easy to find. Make sure the water and lights work in every room you want cleaned.

9. Be reachable

Keep your phone nearby in case your cleaner has a question about access or priorities. Your cleaner manages the job in the CleansterPro app, so updates come through quickly.

10. Do a quick walk-through afterward

Check your priority areas soon after the visit. If something was missed, our 48-hour Happiness Guarantee has you covered. Contact support between 8:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT.

Printable pre-clean checklist

Make it a routine

A regular schedule keeps prep light because clutter never piles up. On Cleanster, Chores booked every 2 weeks get 7% off. Ready to book? Book a house cleaning. Prices vary by location and you’ll see yours before you confirm.

الأسئلة الشائعة

Should I clean before the cleaner comes?
No. Just tidy. Picking up clutter lets your cleaner focus on actual cleaning.

Do I need to be home?
Not necessarily. Many customers leave access instructions in their booking notes.

Should I tip?
Tipping is optional. See do you tip house cleaners.