Do This Before the Visit
- Confirm the service address, arrival window and access method
- Pick up clothing, toys, paperwork and fragile personal items
- Clear dishes or explain how they should be handled
- Secure pets or provide clear pet instructions
- Identify rooms that are off-limits
- Share parking, gate, concierge or lockbox details
- Point out delicate finishes and product restrictions
What You Do Not Need to Do
Do not scrub bathrooms, mop floors or dust the house simply because a cleaner is coming. That duplicates the work you are paying for.
The useful distinction is between cleaning and access. Picking up a crowded bathroom counter gives the cleaner access to the surface; wiping the entire counter yourself is pre-cleaning.
Communicate Priorities Clearly
If one room or problem matters most, say so before the visit. “Please spend extra time on the primary bathroom grout” is more useful than “make everything perfect.” A specific priority helps the cleaner allocate limited time.
- Areas that have not been cleaned recently
- Stains, residue or damage that may not be removable
- Surfaces that require a specific product
- Allergies or fragrance preferences
- Pets, shedding or accident areas
- A hard stop tied to guests, a walkthrough or property access
After the Cleaning
Inspect the priority areas while the visit is still fresh. If something within the agreed scope was missed, communicate specifically and promptly. Clear feedback is easier to act on than a general statement that the home “doesn’t feel clean.”
For recurring service, note small preferences that will matter next time. Consistency improves when the same instructions do not have to be rediscovered at every visit.