Declutter but Do Not Pre-Clean
The most common mistake homeowners make is scrubbing their house before the cleaning crew arrives. You do not need to pre-clean! Professional cleaners are there to handle the dirt, grime, and heavy scrubbing. However, you do need to declutter. Putting away toys, clothes, papers, and personal items allows cleaners to focus entirely on sanitizing and detailing surfaces rather than sorting through your belongings.
Clear Floors and Counters
To ensure your cleaning team can vacuum, mop, and wipe down surfaces efficiently, take a few minutes to clear obstacles out of the way:
- Pick up items scattered across bedroom and living room floors.
- Remove small appliances, mail piles, and clutter from kitchen and bathroom countertops.
- Lift dining chairs or small furniture items off the floor if requested, or simply ensure clear pathways for vacuums and mops.
Manage Dishes and Laundry
Professional residential cleaners focus on deep surface hygiene rather than daily chores.
- Dishes: Ensure your kitchen sink is free of dirty dishes, or load them into the dishwasher so cleaners can thoroughly scrub the sink basin and faucet.
- Laundry: Toss stray clothes into hampers, and if you have requested bed linen changes, leave a fresh set of sheets neatly laid out on top of each bed.
Secure Pets and Valuables
Even the friendliest pets can become stressed or escape through an open door when cleaning professionals arrive with vacuums and cleaning equipment.
- Secure dogs and cats in a quiet room, crate, or outdoor enclosure during your appointment.
- Store cash, jewelry, and irreplaceable family heirlooms safely away to protect your valuables and give cleaning staff an unobstructed workspace.
Confirm Access
Ensure your cleaning team can enter your home smoothly without delays:
- Provide door codes, lockbox combinations, or garage instructions well in advance.
- If you live in a high-rise or secured building, notify front desk security and reserve elevator service if required.
Share Priorities
Every home is unique. If you have specific areas that require extra attention—such as a heavily used home office or a particular bathroom—let your cleaning team know right at the beginning of the visit or coordinate your priorities ahead of time.
What Not to Do
- Do Not Hide Dirt: Let cleaners see the actual state of your home so they can allocate their time effectively.
- Do Not Leave Harsh Chemicals Out: Professional teams bring their own commercial-grade supplies and eco-friendly equipment, so you don’t need to purchase or leave out specialized cleaners.
Ready to experience a spotless, refreshed living space? Explore our core options, review our master checklist, find answers on our FAQ, request a personalized estimate, and book your professional recurring cleaning or deep cleaning with Queen Anne Cleaning today!
FAQ
Should I clean before cleaners arrive?
No! You should never pre-clean your home. Simply declutter surfaces and pick up loose items so the cleaning team can focus directly on dusting, scrubbing, and sanitizing.
What should I put away?
Put away personal items, clothing, shoes, loose papers, toys, and valuables so cleaners have unobstructed access to floors, tables, and countertops.
Should I be home?
You do not need to be home. Many clients provide a secure door code or key management instructions and return to a freshly cleaned house.
Do cleaners bring supplies?
Yes. Professional cleaning teams arrive fully equipped with all necessary vacuums, microfiber cloths, and cleaning solutions.