You do not need to clean before the cleaners come. That is a common myth, and it defeats the point. But a bit of preparation helps them do a better job in the time you have booked. Here is what is worth doing.
Pick up clutter from surfaces and floors
Cleaners cannot wipe a counter that is covered in mail, or vacuum a floor covered in toys. Any time they spend moving things is time not spent cleaning. Do a quick lap with a laundry basket and put things where they belong:
- Clear kitchen counters and the bathroom vanity.
- Pick up clothes, shoes and toys from floors.
- Clear the dining table and desks, or stack papers neatly in one spot.
- Put loose items on beds and sofas in a basket.
Cleaners generally will not sort personal papers or belongings, and it is better that they do not.
Put away valuables and private items
Store jewelry, cash, prescriptions, important documents and anything fragile or sentimental in a closet or drawer. This is not about distrust. It is a good habit for anyone who has people in the home, and it also keeps delicate items from being knocked over accidentally.
Deal with dishes and laundry
Run the dishwasher or clear the sink if you can. A sink full of dishes blocks access to the faucet and basin. If you have laundry on the floor, gather it into a hamper. If you want linens changed, leave clean sheets out and say so in advance.
Plan for pets
Tell your cleaners about pets ahead of time. Then decide where the animals will be during the visit:
- Nervous or protective pets are often happier in a closed room with water and a toy, or out with a friend, at a daycare or on a walk.
- Cats can slip out through open doors, so mention it and consider keeping them in one room.
- Put away pet food bowls and medications, and pick up chew toys.
Let the team know if your pets have sensitivities so they can choose suitable products.
Make sure they can get in
- Share door codes, gate instructions or where a key will be, in advance.
- Note alarm codes and how to turn the system off.
- Clear parking or tell them where to park.
- If you will be home, a quick hello on arrival helps.
Leave clear notes
A short written note goes a long way. Mention:
- The rooms that matter most to you this visit
- Any surfaces that need special care, such as natural stone, wood, or delicate finishes
- Areas that are off limits, like a home office or a closed nursery
- Any spills or stains and what they came from
If you have preferences on products, say so. Specific requests are easier to follow than vague hopes.
Clear the way to the work
Cleaners need access to floors, sinks, showers and appliances. If you have a lot of furniture stacked in a room or boxes in front of a shower, move them out of the way. Also let them know if you would like inside appliances included, and empty them first if so.
What you can skip
- You do not need to scrub before they come.
- You do not need to buy special supplies unless you want a certain product used. Ask what the team brings.
- You do not need to apologize for the mess. Cleaners have seen it all.
Stay or go?
Either is fine. Some people like to be home for the first visit to walk through expectations, then leave for later visits. Others prefer to be out every time. Whatever you choose, be reachable by phone in case a question comes up.
A quick pre-visit checklist
- Surfaces and floors cleared
- Valuables stored
- Pets planned for
- Access instructions shared
- Notes written
Ready when you are
At Bethel J Cleaning Services, our vetted, background-checked cleaners work nationwide, and we are happy to talk through prep details when you book. Browse our residential services or ask for a free quote to get started.