Ultimate Guide to Preparing Your Home for Professional Cleaners
Last updated: November 2024 | Reading time: 6 minutes
You’ve scheduled your first professional cleaning service – congratulations! You’re about to experience the joy of coming home to a spotless house without doing the work yourself. But you might be wondering: “What should I do before the cleaners arrive?”
As Atlanta’s trusted cleaning service for over 20 years, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners prepare for their first cleaning. This guide will help you get the most value from your professional cleaning service.
The Short Answer: What You Need to Do
The good news? You don’t need to clean before the cleaners arrive! However, a little preparation helps our team work more efficiently and ensures you get the best possible results.
Quick Checklist (5-10 minutes of prep):
- Pick up clutter and personal items
- Secure valuables
- Clear kitchen and bathroom counters
- Put away laundry
- Secure pets
- Leave special instructions if needed
That’s it! Now let’s dive into the details.
Room-by-Room Preparation Guide
Kitchen Preparation
Do this before we arrive:
- Clear countertops of small appliances, mail, and items
- Put away clean dishes from the dish rack
- Empty the sink
- Throw away obvious trash
- Wipe up large spills (we’ll handle everything else!)
Don’t worry about:
- Dirty dishes – we can work around them or you can leave them in the dishwasher
- Greasy stovetops – that’s our job!
- Sticky counters – we’ll get them sparkling
- Dirty floors – we’ll clean them thoroughly
Bathrooms Preparation
Do this before we arrive:
- Remove personal toiletries from counters (or group them together)
- Put away medications and personal items
- Remove bath mats and towels you want washed separately
- Clear shower caddy or organize shower products
Don’t worry about:
- Soap scum – we specialize in removing it
- Hard water stains – we have the right products
- Toilet cleaning – definitely our job!
- Mirror spots – we’ll make them streak-free
Bedrooms Preparation
Do this before we arrive:
- Pick up clothes from the floor (put in hamper or closet)
- Clear nightstands and dressers
- Make beds or strip linens (if you want sheets changed)
- Put away jewelry and valuables
- Close closet doors if you don’t want them cleaned inside
Don’t worry about:
- Dusting – we’ll handle all surfaces
- Vacuuming – that’s our specialty
- Under the bed – we’ll vacuum there too
- Organizing – we clean, we don’t judge!
Living Areas Preparation
Do this before we arrive:
- Pick up toys, books, magazines
- Clear coffee tables and end tables
- Put away gaming equipment, remotes (or group together)
- Pick up items from the floor
- Move valuable décor items if concerned
Don’t worry about:
- Furniture dusting – we’ve got it covered
- Vacuuming and mopping – our expertise
- Baseboards – we’ll wipe them down
- Light fixtures – we’ll dust them
Special Situations: What to Know
Pets in the Home
We love your furry family members! Here’s how to prepare:
Best option: Secure pets in a separate room, crate, or outdoor area during cleaning
Why?
- Keeps pets calm and safe
- Prevents escape through open doors
- Allows us to clean more efficiently
- Reduces stress for anxious pets
Tell us about:
- Any aggressive or fearful pets
- Where pet food/water bowls are (we’ll clean around them)
- Any pet accidents that need special attention
Valuables and Personal Items
While our team is fully background-checked, bonded, and insured, we recommend:
- Put jewelry in a safe or locked drawer
- Secure cash, credit cards, and important documents
- Lock up medications
- Put fragile heirlooms in a safe place
- Secure firearms according to local laws
This protects both you and our team from any concerns or misunderstandings.
Access and Entry
You don’t need to be home! Many of our clients prefer to be out while we clean. Options:
- Lockbox: Provide a key in a lockbox with code
- Garage code: Share your garage door code
- Hidden key: Let us know secure location
- Smart lock: Provide temporary access code
- Be home: Totally fine if you prefer!
What Professional Cleaners Do (and Don’t Do)
What’s Included in Standard Cleaning
✅ We WILL clean:
- All floors (vacuum, sweep, mop)
- Dust all accessible surfaces
- Clean and sanitize bathrooms (toilets, showers, sinks)
- Clean kitchen (counters, sinks, appliances exterior)
- Make beds (if linens are on the bed)
- Empty trash and replace liners
- Wipe down light switches and door handles
- Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
❌ Not typically included (unless requested):
- Dishes and laundry
- Inside refrigerator or oven (deep cleaning add-on)
- Inside cabinets or closets
- Organizing clutter
- Exterior windows (add-on service)
- Carpet shampooing (separate service)
- Move furniture to clean under (unless specified)
Communication is Key: Tell Us About
Help us give you the best service by letting us know about:
Special Requests
- Problem areas: “Please pay extra attention to the kids’ bathroom”
- Priorities: “The kitchen is most important today”
- Preferences: “Please use our vacuum, not yours”
- Products: “We prefer fragrance-free products”
Home Specifics
- Alarm codes and instructions
- Thermostat preferences
- Light switches (especially unusual ones)
- Any areas that are off-limits
- Delicate surfaces requiring special care
Health or Safety Concerns
- Allergies (we can use hypoallergenic products)
- Chemical sensitivities
- Recent illness (we’ll take extra disinfection measures)
- Home repairs or construction areas
First-Time Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning
Your First Deep Clean
The first cleaning (initial or deep clean) takes longer because we’re establishing a baseline. Expect:
- More thorough cleaning of all surfaces
- Extra time on problem areas
- Attention to areas missed by previous cleaning
- 2-3 hours for average home
Ongoing Maintenance Cleaning
After the first clean, regular maintenance is faster:
- 1-2 hours for average home
- Maintaining the clean baseline
- Preventing buildup
- More efficient service
The Night Before Checklist
Make your cleaning day smooth with this simple evening routine:
- 5 minutes: Do a quick walkthrough and pick up clutter
- 2 minutes: Clear bathroom and kitchen counters
- 1 minute: Put away valuables
- 1 minute: Check pet arrangements
- 1 minute: Confirm entry method (key location, code, etc.)
Total time: 10 minutes
Common Questions Answered
Should I clean before the cleaners come?
No! You don’t need to clean. Just pick up clutter and personal items so we can access surfaces. We’re trained professionals – we’ll handle the actual cleaning.
Do I tip house cleaners?
Tipping is appreciated but never required. If you’re happy with the service, 15-20% is standard, or $10-20 per cleaner for regular service.
How often should I have my home professionally cleaned?
Most families choose:
- Weekly: Busy families, homes with pets/kids, high-traffic homes
- Bi-weekly: Most popular – maintains cleanliness well
- Monthly: Singles, couples, or very tidy households
What if I’m not satisfied with something?
Call us within 24 hours! We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and will return to address any concerns at no charge.
Can you use my cleaning products?
Yes! If you prefer specific products (eco-friendly, fragrance-free, etc.), just let us know. Otherwise, we bring professional-grade supplies.
Making the Most of Your Cleaning Service
Pro Tips from 20 Years of Experience
1. Establish a routine pickup system
Create designated spots for common clutter (mail basket, toy bin, key hook). Quick 5-minute pickup before each cleaning becomes effortless.
2. Communicate preferences early
Your first cleaning is the perfect time to establish preferences. Don’t wait until the third visit to mention you prefer a different bathroom cleaner!
3. Build a relationship with your team
When possible, request the same cleaning team. They’ll learn your home, your preferences, and work more efficiently.
4. Adjust frequency as needed
Start with bi-weekly, then adjust based on results. Some homes stay cleaner longer; others need more frequent service.
5. Schedule around your life
Book cleaning before hosting events, after home projects, or on days you’re typically out of the house.
Ready to Experience Professional Cleaning?
Now that you know how to prepare, you’re ready for a stress-free professional cleaning experience!
Remember: We’re here to make your life easier, not add stress. Don’t worry about having a “perfect” house before we arrive. That’s literally our job!
Schedule Your Cleaning → Call (404) 494-0649
About Ace Maid Services
Ace Maid Services has been providing professional house cleaning and commercial janitorial services throughout Atlanta’s North Metro area since 2000. We serve Cumming, Suwanee, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Buford, Duluth, and surrounding communities.
Our team is fully licensed, insured, and background-checked. We offer flexible scheduling, eco-friendly product options, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Serving: Cumming, Suwanee, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Buford, Duluth, and surrounding North Atlanta areas.
Licensed & Insured | Background-Checked Team | 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed | Same-Day Service Available