How to Prepare for House Cleaners: A Simple Checklist for Your First Visit
To prepare for house cleaners, declutter surfaces, wash or clear dirty dishes, put away valuables and fragile items, secure pets, tell the cleaners about any special requests, and sort out how they will get in. Angi says a quick tidy lets paid time go to actual cleaning.
Key takeaways
- Declutter surfaces so paid time goes to cleaning, not picking up. Angi calls this the first step.
- Angi says most house cleaners do not wash dishes unless that is specified, so clear the sink.
- Put valuables and fragile items away, and keep pets out of the way during the visit.
- Share special requests ahead of time, and ask how entry and security systems will be handled.
- Do a short walk-through on a first visit, and decide whether you want to be home.
How do you prepare for house cleaners?
Do a short reset before they arrive: pick up clutter, clear dishes, put away valuables, secure pets and note any special requests. Angi says the aim is to let your cleaner focus on cleaning rather than tidying. You do not need to clean first. You need to clear the way.
The most common first-time mistake is cleaning for the cleaner, which defeats the purpose. Angi's guidance is the opposite: pick up what is in the way so the visit can go to cleaning tasks. It notes you typically hire a service for a set number of hours, and that time could go to deep-cleaning crevices and mopping floors, or be wasted picking up toys.
The full checklist is below. If you are weighing whether to book at all, read is hiring a house cleaner worth it first.
What should you do in each room before the cleaners come?
Clear surfaces and floors in each room: toys, paper, loose items and dishes. A quick pass through each room is enough. Angi lists junk mail, loose change and anything on countertops, and advises washing and putting away dirty dishes so the sink area can be cleaned.
Use this as a quick pass, room by room:
- Kitchen: Angi notes that unless otherwise specified, most house cleaners do not wash dishes or deal with food messes. Wash or put away dishes so the sink and surroundings can be cleaned.
- Living areas: pick up toys, junk mail, loose change and other items from surfaces and floors.
- Bathrooms: the same decluttering idea applies. Clear what sits on counters and ledges so the surfaces can be cleaned.
- Bedrooms: pick up items from the floor and surfaces. Angi suggests telling your cleaner where fresh linens and towels are kept if you want sheets changed or towels replaced.
Reaching the surface is what matters. Our deep cleaning checklist shows what a thorough clean covers, so you can see which areas to clear most carefully.
What should you put away or lock up?
Put away valuables, cash, credit cards, confidential paperwork and anything fragile or irreplaceable. Angi says reputable cleaners are honest professionals, but it is sensible to take precautions against accidents and opportunistic theft. If an item needs special care to clean, tell the cleaner ahead of time.
Angi recommends two separate steps. First, secure anything that could easily break, such as a favorite vase, and let your pro know ahead of time if something is especially valuable or needs to be cleaned a certain way. Second, store valuables, cash, credit cards and confidential papers in a secure, out-of-sight place on cleaning day.
This is not a comment on anyone's honesty. It protects you from accidents as much as anything else. Angi says a cleaning service should carry worker's compensation and liability insurance, and to check with any service you hire. Cardinal Rule Cleaning is licensed and insured.
What should you do about pets?
Put pets away for the visit. Angi advises crating dogs and keeping cats behind closed doors, since animals can get in the way and your cleaner may have allergies or phobias. Tell your cleaner about any pet-related concerns in advance. Our pet guide covers the details.
Angi lists putting pets away as one of its steps: crate your dog and keep cats behind closed doors until the cleaners are finished. Pets can get underfoot, and a cleaner may have allergies or a phobia.
For more on the pet side, including cleaning products and wet floors, read what to do with your pets when cleaners come. If you have a pet-heavy home, deep cleaning a house with pets is also worth a look.
How will the cleaners get in, and should you be home?
Decide ahead of time. Angi says to adjust security systems, such as motion sensors or smart lock codes, so cleaners can enter without triggering an alarm. Whether you stay home is your choice: Angi says you will probably want to leave once you are comfortable with your cleaner, and suggests a first-visit walk-through.
Access is the detail that most often trips up a first visit. Angi says to turn off motion sensors or provide a temporary code if you use a security system or smart lock, otherwise the cleaner may be unable to enter or may trigger an alarm. Angi adds that with smart-home systems you can remotely reset security settings after the cleaner leaves.
On whether to be home, Angi says you will probably want to leave once you are comfortable with your cleaner, and that a reliable service will be trustworthy and well-vetted with references. For a first visit, Angi recommends a short walk-through to review what needs the most attention.
Entry arrangements differ by company, so ask yours how they handle keys, codes and access. We do not publish a one-size-fits-all rule here, because the right answer depends on your home and the arrangement you agree on.
What should you tell the cleaner before the first visit?
Tell them your priorities, special requests and anything needing particular care. Angi's example is dusty blinds you want addressed. Ask what is included and what costs extra, since Angi notes window washing, oven cleaning and changing sheets may carry surcharges. Clear expectations make the first visit easier.
Angi advises communicating needs clearly and preparing talking points in advance if you plan a walk-through, so time is not wasted. It also says to avoid over-the-top expectations: general cleaning and deep cleaning each have a set of basic tasks, and anything extra should be raised, along with any fees that may follow.
| Mention | Why |
|---|---|
| Priority areas | Time per visit is limited |
| Items needing special care | Some surfaces and objects need a specific method |
| Extras like blinds or sheet changes | May cost extra or be excluded |
| Pets and entry details | Avoids surprises at the door |
Not sure what to ask? See whether cleaners bring supplies and how to choose a cleaning company.
When you are ready, house cleaning in Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle starts with a free quote. Tell us about your pets, entry and priority areas when you request it.
Want this done for you? See our House Cleaning service or request a free quote.
Get your free house cleaning quote
Takes about 60 seconds. No obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to clean before the cleaners come?
No. You need to clear the way, not clean. Angi advises a quick clutter pick-up so the cleaner can focus on cleaning tasks. Clearing dishes, floors and surfaces is worthwhile, because visit time is limited and tidying uses it up before the cleaning starts.
Do house cleaners wash the dishes?
Not usually. Angi says that unless otherwise specified, most house cleaners do not wash dishes or deal with food messes. If you want dishes done, ask in advance, and confirm whether it is part of the scope or an extra.
Should I hide valuables before cleaners arrive?
Angi suggests putting valuables, cash, credit cards and confidential paperwork in a secure, out-of-sight place as a sensible precaution, while noting that reputable cleaners are honest professionals. Securing fragile items also protects against accidental damage during the visit, so move breakables out of the way.
Should I tip the house cleaner?
Angi says tipping for a job well done is never a bad idea and mentions around 20 percent as a figure. Our tipping guide goes into when and how much to tip, and how to factor it into your plans.
What should I do with my pets?
Angi advises crating dogs and keeping cats behind closed doors until the cleaners finish, partly because animals can get in the way and a cleaner may have allergies or phobias. Our dedicated guide to pets and cleaners covers product safety and wet floors as well.