Checklist: 6 Things to Do When A Home Cleaner Is Coming

Your home cleaner wants to please and impress you by doing a great job. Here are some simple ways you can help that you may not ordinarily think about.

1. Secure your pets. Dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals that normally roam your home should be contained or restrained, whether in a crate or in a room behind a locked door. They can be a distraction, and you never know when something may trigger a normally friendly pet to attack a stranger. (Of course, children should be kept out of the way, as well.)
2. Provide clear, specific instructions. This is important if you have details you want to convey to clarify the work order or assignment. For example, you may have certain products available that you would like the cleaner to use for a certain task, such as oven or shower cleaning. Or you may want everything in a room dusted except a certain light fixture or vase. If you won’t be at home or will be otherwise unavailable during the cleaning time, text the cleaner in advance and leave a note in a conspicuous place.
3. Regulate the temperature. It’s important that the home not be sweltering or freezing during the cleaning time, even if you normally like it either way. Because body temperature tends to elevate with physical exertion, it would be courteous to set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature slightly on the cooler side. This helps the cleaner, undistracted by an uncomfortable temperature, work more efficiently.
4. Check alarms. If you will not be present, ensure that the cleaner is able to enter, work, and depart without tripping alarms. It’s also a good idea to let the cleaner know in advance if they need to deactivate and then reactivate alarms, providing clear instructions. Best practice, if you have the option, is to program or remotely control such security systems based on the agreed-upon time window for the cleaning appointment.
5. Give parking instructions. Do this in advance. It helps the worker to know parking practices, protocols, restrictions, or regulations on your property, on your street, or in your neighborhood. If you live in a single-family residence, let the cleaner know in advance if they may park directly on your property and, if so, where, such as a specific place on a driveway. If you prefer them to park on the street, and it has meters and/or time limits when they are scheduled to clean, let them know. If you live in an apartment building or similar multifamily site, tell the cleaner where guests should park. If you live in a gated community, make sure the proper authorities have any information they need in advance to ensure easy entry.
6. Provide contact info. If you won’t be there, be sure to let the cleaner know how best to reach you if there are questions for clarity regarding the work, or if there’s an emergency. Most clients prefer to be reached on their cell phones, and if so ask if they prefer a text or a call.

These are some best practices that can ensure a smoother, more pleasant experience for your cleaner and for you!