How to Prepare Your Home for a Professional Clean (And Get More Value from Every Visit)
How to Prepare Your Home for a Professional Clean (And Get More Value from Every Visit)
Preparing for a professional clean does not mean cleaning your home before the cleaner arrives. It means doing a few simple things that let them spend their time on actual cleaning rather than navigating around clutter or working out where things belong.
The tips here are quick and practical. Most take under ten minutes total, and they make a measurable difference to the result you get.
Clear Surfaces of Clutter and Personal Items
Your cleaner cannot wipe down a surface that is covered in bills, kids' school bags, or last night's dishes. Spend five minutes before they arrive doing a quick round of the main surfaces:
- Kitchen benchtops: move appliances that do not live there permanently
- Bathroom vanity: clear off personal products so the surface can be properly wiped
- Coffee table and side tables: stack magazines, move remotes
- Bedside tables: clear personal items you would prefer not to be moved
You do not need to organise everything perfectly: just clear enough space for the cleaner to reach the surface.
Pick Up Items from Floors
Floors cannot be vacuumed or mopped around clothes, shoes, or toys. Before your cleaner arrives:
- Pick up any clothing from bedroom or bathroom floors
- Move shoes to a rack or doorway
- Shift children's toys into a basket or their room
- Pick up any items that have migrated from where they belong
This one step alone significantly increases how much floor area gets properly cleaned. It is the single most effective thing you can do.
Secure Pets
If you have pets, make sure they are either in a room away from where cleaning is happening or safely outside. This is about two things: the safety of your pet around cleaning products, and the efficiency of your cleaner: a dog following them from room to room genuinely slows things down.
Let your cleaner know about your pets when you book so they can plan accordingly.
Be Specific About Your Priorities
If there is a particular area you want your cleaner to focus on (the bathroom, the oven, the kids' rooms) tell them before they start. Do not assume they will automatically prioritise what matters most to you.
The same goes for areas you want skipped: if you have a home office you prefer not to be touched, say so clearly. Good communication at the start of each visit saves time and avoids misunderstandings.
Let Them Know About Any Issues
Before your cleaner starts, mention anything unusual:
- A tap that runs hot instantly
- A floor that needs a specific product
- A surface that scratches easily
- A pet that might escape if a door is left open
These are quick notes that prevent accidents and ensure your home gets the best care.
Leave Access Instructions if You Are Not Home
Many customers prefer to leave a key and not be home during the clean, that is completely fine. If that is your setup:
- Leave clear instructions on where the key is
- Confirm the alarm code if needed
- Note which areas to include and exclude
- Specify how to lock up on the way out
You can add notes to your booking when you book your first clean with Chores Away.
After the Clean
When your cleaner finishes, take a few minutes to walk through with them if you are home. This is the best time to flag anything that needs a second look rather than waiting until the next visit.
If you notice anything after they have left, message or call within 24 hours. Most issues that arise are quick to resolve and a good cleaning company will always want to know.
Q: Do I need to clean before my cleaner arrives?
No. The whole point is that they do the cleaning. What helps is decluttering (removing personal items and picking up from floors) so they can access the surfaces they need to clean.
Q: Should I be home when the cleaner is there?
It is up to you. Some people prefer to be home; others prefer to leave a key. Either works well. If you are home, it can be helpful to be available at the start to clarify priorities.
Q: What if the clean does not meet my expectations?
Let us know as soon as possible: within 24 hours is ideal. Chores Away guarantees the quality of every visit and will arrange a fix if something was missed.
Q: How do I set up recurring cleans?
When you book with Chores Away, you can select a recurring schedule: weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. You can also change or pause this at any time.
Ready to experience what a properly prepared clean feels like? Book The Essential Upkeep and see the difference a professional team makes.
Want professional results without the effort? See what Chores Away offers.