First-time clients ask this constantly: "Do I need to clean before you come?" No — but a few minutes of prep genuinely gets you a better clean. Here's what helps and what doesn't.
Nine things that help
- 1. Pick up, don't clean up. Clear clothes, toys and dishes from surfaces. Every minute we spend relocating stuff is a minute not spent scrubbing.
- 2. Tell us your priorities. "The master bathroom matters most" changes how we allocate time. Use the notes field when you book or just tell your crew.
- 3. Secure anxious pets. Vacuums are villains in most dogs' worldview. A closed door or crate keeps everyone calm.
- 4. Sort out access. Door code, lockbox, garage keypad, or be home — decide before the arrival window starts.
- 5. Point out problem areas. That mystery stain, the shower door that's been cloudy for a year — flag it. We'd rather know.
- 6. Clear the sink if you can. A dish-free sink means we can scrub and polish it properly. (Or add a dish load to your visit.)
- 7. Mention delicate items. Heirloom china, unstable shelves, that lamp with the tricky switch — 10 seconds of warning prevents accidents.
- 8. Leave special products out. We bring everything, but if you prefer a specific product for, say, your stone counters, leave it out with a note.
- 9. Set the thermostat like you're home. Cleaning is physical work — a 78° house in July slows everyone down.
Three things you can skip
- Pre-cleaning the bathrooms. Truly — that's the job. Scrubbing before we arrive just means paying twice for the same work (once in your time, once in ours).
- Staying home to supervise. Welcome to, but unnecessary. Most of our clients aren't home; you'll get the same clean either way, and the same familiar crew every visit.
- Tipping every visit. Appreciated, never expected. A review or a referral honestly helps your crew more.
Ready to put it to use? Get your flat-rate quote — takes about two minutes, and the notes field is where all those priorities go.