You do not have to clean before the cleaner comes. That is the whole point of hiring one. But ten minutes of preparation changes the visit from good to great, because the time goes into cleaning instead of moving your things around.
These are the steps that matter most, in the order that saves the most time. They apply whether it is your first cleaning or your fiftieth. If it is your first, our guide on what to expect from a first house cleaning walks through the day itself.
What this post covers:
- Pick up what is on the floor and the counters
- Put away valuables and private items
- Plan for pets
- Give clear access instructions
- Write down your priorities
- Handle the things a cleaner will not move
Pick Up Floors and Surfaces
Cleaners can tidy normal everyday items, but they cannot clean around a pile. Every minute spent moving toys, laundry, mail, and dishes is a minute not spent on the bathroom or the floors.
- Clear the floors of clothes, shoes, toys, charging cords, and pet bowls.
- Clear bathroom counters so the whole surface can be wiped, not just the gaps.
- Clear kitchen counters of dishes, small appliances you rarely use, and stacked mail.
- Put dirty dishes in the dishwasher or the sink, and leave the dishwasher door closed if you want the inside cleaned.
- Clear the tops of nightstands and dressers enough that a cloth can pass over them.
If the house is very cluttered, the team may skip areas or the quote may change. At Sunshine Clean & Care, our policies say that if substantial organization or pickup is needed before surfaces can be cleaned, additional charges may apply or certain areas may be skipped. It is far better to know that before the day.
Secure Valuables and Private Items
Put away anything you would not want moved, touched, or accidentally damaged. This protects your things, and it protects the cleaner from any question later.
- Cash, jewelry, medications, important documents, firearms, and collectibles belong in a locked drawer, a safe, or a closet you will not ask to have cleaned.
- Anything fragile, antique, or already loose, such as a wobbly shelf or a cracked frame, is best set aside or pointed out in advance.
- Close and put away personal paperwork, bills, and anything with account numbers.
Our policy is that cleaners do not open drawers, cabinets, purses, or jewelry boxes unless cleaning inside them is part of the service. Still, the simplest approach is to put the valuable things out of the way.
Plan for Pets
Most cleaners like pets. But a loose dog at the door or a cat that slips out is a real problem, and a nervous animal makes everyone's day harder.
- Tell the cleaner about every animal in the house, including their names and whether they are friendly.
- Crate, gate, or close pets into a room that is not being cleaned, or take them out for the visit.
- Put away pet food, litter boxes, and chew toys that would be in the way.
- Mention pet accidents ahead of time. Cleaning up animal urine, feces, vomit, or litter boxes is not part of standard cleaning at Sunshine Clean & Care, so it needs to be handled before the visit.
Our pet-friendly cleaning tips go deeper on keeping a home clean with animals.
Ready to get a cleaner who works from your list? Sunshine Clean & Care will walk you through preparation when you book, and a deep clean is a good first step for a home that has not had a thorough clean in a while.
Share Access and Parking
A locked door is the most common reason a cleaning gets lost. Send the details before the day, not the morning of.
- Door codes, lockbox codes, garage codes, and gate or community codes.
- Where to park, and any guest parking rules in your community or HOA.
- Whether anyone will be home, and which door to use.
- A phone number that is answered on cleaning day.
If the team cannot get in, the visit may be treated as a same-day cancellation under our policies. A text confirming the access plan the night before prevents it.
Write Down Your Priorities
Cleaners work from a standard checklist, but you know what bothers you. A short note makes sure those things get done first.
- The two or three spots you care about most, such as a shower with grout stains or a kitchen backsplash.
- Any surface that needs special care, like natural stone, painted cabinets, or antique wood.
- Any product you cannot use, or manufacturer instructions that are not obvious.
- Extras you want, such as the inside of the oven or interior windows. These are often add-ons, so request them before the appointment so enough time is scheduled.
Handle What Cleaners Will Not Move
Cleaners clean around furniture and appliances, but heavy pieces stay put for safety reasons. If you want the floor under a sofa, a bed frame, or a refrigerator cleaned, move the piece before the team arrives or tell them in advance. Our cleaners are not required to move heavy furniture or appliances.
Also remove anything you do not want wet: rugs you need to keep dry, items on the floor of a shower, and plants on window sills that could be knocked over.
For a first visit especially, consider reading through our how it works page so you know what to expect from scheduling through the final walk-through.
Want a cleaner and a clear plan for the first visit? Call us or send a note. We will tell you what to prepare and answer questions about pets, access, and what is included.
