How to Prepare for a Deep Cleaning Service (and Regular House Cleaners)

How do I prepare my house for a cleaning service?

Pick up clutter from floors, counters and tables; empty the sink or load the dishwasher; put away food; gather toiletries in bathrooms; secure pets; store valuables, cash and important papers; and tell the team your top priority rooms. Don’t pre-clean, and don’t spray cleaners beforehand, because mixing products can create harmful fumes.

The 15-minute pre-cleaning checklist

• Clear counters and tabletops
• Pick up toys, shoes and laundry from floors
• Empty the sink; run or load the dishwasher
• Gather loose bathroom items into a basket
• Leave clean sheets on beds if linens are part of the service
• Put pets in a safe room or crate
• Put away jewelry, cash, medications and documents
• Make a short note of priority areas

Should you clean before the cleaners come?

No, you don’t need to clean before the cleaners come. You should tidy, meaning pick up clutter so surfaces are reachable, but leave the actual cleaning to the professionals. Cleaners expect dirt; that is the job. Clutter, though, slows them down and means less time on the areas you care about.

This is the difference between tidying (putting things away) and cleaning (removing dirt and germs). You handle the first; your team handles the second.

Is my house too dirty for a cleaning service?

Almost never. Professional cleaners see homes after new babies, illnesses, renovations, long work seasons and moves every week. A first visit may need a deep clean rather than a standard clean, and it may take longer, but there is no reason to feel embarrassed. Just be honest about the home’s condition when you request a quote.

The only exceptions are true biohazard situations (for example, hoarding with pests or mold remediation), which require specialized companies.

What is the 5-5-5 rule for cleaning?

The 5-5-5 rule is a quick tidying method: spend 5 minutes picking up 5 items in 5 different areas, or set a 5-minute timer in each of several rooms. It is a good habit for keeping clutter down between professional visits, so your cleaners can spend their time on deep cleaning instead of pickup.

Related: the 80/20 rule for house cleaning and other quick rules that make maintenance easier.

Do I need to be home during a deep cleaning?

No. Most clients are home for the first few minutes of the first visit to walk through priorities and give access, then leave. Many recurring clients provide a key, garage code or lockbox. If you work from home, let the team know which room you’ll be in so they can work around you.

Planning your first visit? See what to expect from a professional cleaning service.

What should I tell my house cleaner before the first visit?

Tell your cleaner which rooms matter most, any surfaces that need special care such as marble, natural stone or hardwood, products you prefer or are allergic to, pet details, alarm or access instructions, and any rooms that are off-limits. Clear instructions on the first visit lead to consistent results on every visit after.

Write it down once and keep it on the fridge. Your recurring team will learn your home quickly from there.

Should I leave cleaning supplies for the cleaners?

Usually not. Professional cleaning companies bring their own supplies and equipment, including vacuums and microfiber. Leave out only special products you want used on specific surfaces, such as a stone-safe cleaner or a fragrance-free product for allergies, and tell the team where they are.

MH Cleaning Service teams arrive fully equipped and are pet-friendly. Just let us know about your furry family members when you request a quote.