How to Prepare Your Home Before the Cleaners Arrive
The number one mistake homeowners make with professional cleaning services is expecting the team to clean around clutter. A professional house cleaner's job is to clean surfaces — counters, floors, fixtures, furniture — not to sort through mail, fold laundry, or organize shelves. The more decluttered your home is before we arrive, the deeper and more thorough the cleaning we can deliver.
Tidy, But Don't Over-Clean
There's a counterintuitive instinct to clean before the cleaners come. Resist the urge to scrub anything — that's our job. What you should do is pick up objects from surfaces and floors: shoes by the door, dishes in the sink, papers on the counter, laundry on the floor. This isn't about neatness; it's about giving the cleaning team clear access to every surface they need to clean.
Secure Valuables and Irreplaceable Items
A professional team handles your home with care, but accidents happen. Before any cleaning visit, move valuables, heirlooms, and irreplaceable items to a safe location. This isn't a reflection of distrust — it's simple common sense that protects both you and the cleaning team from stressful situations.
Communicate About Pets
If you have pets, let your cleaning team know in advance. We're pet-friendly, but we need to know: Will your dog stay in the home? Is your cat likely to hide in the laundry room, which we need to clean? Are there pet-only spaces we should be careful about? A quick note before arrival prevents surprises for everyone.
Note Problem Areas or Special Requests
If there's a bathroom that needs extra attention, a particular stain you want us to focus on, or areas of your home you prefer we don't touch — tell us before the visit, not after. We can adjust our approach when we know what matters most to you.
Plan for Your Team's Access
If you won't be home, arrange access in advance. A key left with a neighbor, a lockbox code, a building concierge — whatever works for your situation. Let us know where to find the key and where to leave it when we're done. We take your home's security seriously.
Quick Tips
- Pick up items off the floor (clothes, toys, shoes) so we can vacuum and mop every inch
- Clear kitchen counters of small appliances you want moved
- Put dirty dishes in the dishwasher or sink, not on the counter
- Remove personal items from bathroom counters (toothbrush, razor, etc.) if you want a deep counter wipe-down
- Leave a note if there's anything specific you want us to focus on or avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I clean before the cleaners arrive?
No — don't scrub anything. Just declutter. Pick up objects from surfaces and floors so our team can access every surface. The cleaning is our job.
What if I'm not home when the cleaners arrive?
Most of our clients aren't home. Arrange key or lockbox access in advance, and we'll communicate with you before and after the visit.
What should I do with my pets?
Let us know about pets in advance. We're pet-friendly, but we need to plan around them. Many clients crate their dogs or keep cats in a specific room during cleaning.
Need Help With Your Home?
Brittney Jani Services — professional house cleaning in San Francisco and the Bay Area for over 10 years.