If you’re getting a cleaner for the first time, you might be unsure about what preparations are necessary. Should you tidy up before they arrive? Do you need to clean the house beforehand? It can be confusing to figure out what to do before your first cleaning service appointment. Fortunately, Maid Bright is here to help. We’ve compiled a list of five things you can do to get your house ready for a maid service.
1. Take Charge of Your Personal Belongings
When it comes to personal belongings and treasured keepsakes, no one knows them better than you. It’s not just money, passports, and jewelry that require your attention – even sentimental trinkets, books, and antiques are important.
Before your cleaning team arrives, take the time to search your home for any items you want to keep safe. Clear them from places like the dining table or other surfaces where they may be at risk of being misplaced. By doing so, you can prevent the cleaners from accidentally misplacing these items as they tidy up.
2. Tidy Up Clothes and Laundry Before Your Cleaning Service Arrives
It’s important to remember that most cleaning services don’t include laundry as part of their service. Therefore, if you have dirty clothes, sheets, or other items scattered throughout your home, it’s best to pick them up beforehand.
Take a moment to check your bathroom, bedroom, and laundry room, and gather all dirty laundry in one location, whether in the hamper or washing machine. This simple step will make enjoying your freshly cleaned home easier after the cleaning team has finished their work.
3. Ensure Your Pets Are Safe During Your Cleaning Service
Pet policies can vary between cleaning companies. While some allow friendly dogs or cats to roam freely while cleaning, others require pets to be confined in a crate or another secure location.
At Maid Bright, we’re comfortable with well-behaved animals being out and about, but we kindly ask that you clean up after them before our arrival. However, if your pet has a history of aggression, it’s best to secure them safely to prevent any potential accidents during the cleaning service.
4. Setting Your Security System for Your Cleaning Service
If you plan on having your home cleaned while you’re away, you may wonder whether to arm your security system. One option is to provide the arming and disarming information to the cleaning team, allowing them to secure your home during the cleaning process. However, if you prefer not to share this information, it’s best to disarm your security system so our team can clean your home without any issues.
5. Get Rid of Dirty Dishes Before Your Cleaning Service Arrives
There’s nothing quite like coming home to a sparkling clean house after a professional cleaning service. However, the sight of dirty dishes can easily dampen that feeling.
To ensure that your cleaning team can work efficiently, it’s best to load any dirty dishes into the dishwasher before they arrive. This clears up space and allows them to do a more thorough job. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the dishes later and can fully enjoy your fresh and tidy home.
6. Protect Fragile Items During Your Cleaning Service
Accidents can happen, and fragile items are always at risk of getting broken during a cleaning service. To prevent any potential mishaps, taking precautions and securing any delicate objects in your home is important.
This is especially important for items that hold sentimental or monetary value or those that require special cleaning techniques. If you have any such items in your home, it’s recommended to inform your cleaning professional beforehand so that they can take extra care while cleaning around them. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your valuable belongings remain safe and protected during the cleaning.
7. Understanding Proper Etiquette for Your House Cleaner
Knowing the proper etiquette for interacting with your house cleaner can help avoid any potential misunderstandings or awkward situations. Before the cleaning service, take some time to research the do’s and don’ts of interacting with your cleaning professional.
If you have any specific concerns or questions, be sure to address them ahead of time or during the hiring process. Your cleaning professional will likely be happy to answer any pressing questions and provide reassurance.
When it comes to tipping, it’s always a nice gesture to show your appreciation for a job well done. A tip of around 20% is generally considered appropriate, but you can adjust this based on the quality of service and your own personal circumstances. Following these guidelines can help ensure a positive and respectful relationship with your house cleaner.
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8. Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Cleaning Service
When choosing a cleaning service, you will typically have the option of a general house cleaning or a deep clean. Each service comes with a standard set of tasks that the cleaning professional will perform.
If you have any specific requests or additional tasks in mind, it’s important to communicate them beforehand and be prepared for any additional fees that may be required. Setting clear expectations with your cleaning professional ensures that your needs are met and avoids any potential disappointment.
It’s important to keep in mind that while cleaning professionals strive to do their best, it may not always be possible to achieve perfection or meet every expectation. Setting realistic expectations and communicating clearly can help ensure a successful and satisfying cleaning experience.