What's Included In A Professional House Cleaning? (Checklist Included)
If you think your home would benefit from a professional cleaning, there are many advantages to this, as it can be done to the highest standard, and a checklist can be arranged and done to benefit you.
However, some homeowners might not know what these lists have on them, so it can make it difficult to know what to ask for when your cleaner shows up, so it would be a good idea to know what a standard cleaning service includes.
That is why we have provided a list of chores that the average cleaning service includes, and we will answer more of your questions below.
What Does A House Cleaning Cover?
For this service, the cleaner usually has a checklist of their own, and sometimes they may ask the homeowner for a list of things that need cleaning, so while these can vary, a premium service typically covers the following items.
Bathrooms
- Empty trash
- Wipe and clean tubs, showers, and shower walls
- Clean and sanitize toilets, inside and outside
- Wipe baseboards
- Wipe windowsills and blinds
- Vacuum and mop floors (if needed)
- Clean sinks and faucets
- Wipe any cabinets and countertops
- Clean glass surfaces and mirrors
Kitchens
- Empty trash
- Clean switch plates
- Dust lights
- Wipe baseboards
- Wipe windowsills and blinds
- Vacuum and mop floors
- Clean sinks and faucets
- Wipe countertops
- Wipe tables and chairs
- Wipe cabinet fronts and handles
- Clean the microwave
- Clean appliance surfaces
Other Rooms
- Dust furniture sides, tops, and fronts
- Empty trashes
- Clean switch plates
- Dust lamps, lights, and ceiling fans
- Wipe baseboards
- Wipe windowsills and blinds
- Clean any glass surfaces or mirrors
- Vacuum and mop floors
What Won't A Cleaner Do?
As you can see, this deep cleaning is quite extensive and is typically done to the highest standard.
Tasks that may not be covered under this list include reorganizing your home, clearing any leftovers, folding any laundry, or cleaning and putting dishes away.
While some services may offer this, it can take time to do these, and it is even more important if you have them there for a 2-hour cleaning service, so you want them to be as effective and efficient as possible.
That is why knowing how long each task takes will give you a good idea of how much can get done in the time period so that you can avoid disappointment and confusion over the extent of the service.
Who Should I Use This Service?
There are many reasons you would need a service like this; one of these may be you simply don't have the time and have more than two bedrooms, where you struggle to keep on top of everything.
Or you have a rental and are either expecting an inspection or moving out and want to leave it as you found it.
This can look good to the house owner and will be within the lines of any rental agreement.
You might do a little cleaning yourself and want a deep clean every month, which is where this service comes in, as when you come to do your light cleaning after, you won't have as much to do, and it can save you time as you arrange each deep clean.
Why Should I use A Cleaning Service?
If you're someone who is methodical and prefer tasks to be done in a certain way, or are more relaxed and just want a nice-looking home, you'll find that professional cleaners can adapt to your needs and lifestyle, with a few examples looked at below.
Provide Experience
There's a good chance your cleaner has cleaned homes similar to yours so that they can bring their expertise and be able to leave finishes without any streaks or blemishes, primarily when referring to mirrors or windows.
This also means they can access professional equipment like high-end vacuums, all-purpose cleaners, good clothes, white vinegar, and baking soda solutions, which can be more effective on surfaces, carpets, refrigerators, and closets that may have an unpleasant smell.
Custom Cleaning
If you decide to arrange a deep clean every month or so, you might be able to sign an agreement with your cleaner to avoid any delays, and you know you are getting the expertise that comes from a service like this.
With this agreement, you can arrange a list of things you'd like them to cover, so they can work more effectively as if you're arranging this every month. Some areas may need less cleaning than others, so their time is also put to better use.
Some Tips When Using The Service
If you are using a cleaning service for the first time and don't know what to expect, there are a few ways you can make your home hospitable and easier to clean. A few of these examples can be found below.
Prepare Your Home
The first thing you want to do is make it as easy for them to clean as possible, so if you move any furniture or ornaments out of the way, the cleaner won't have to spend too much time moving things around or may cause a hazard.
This also means providing any cleaners or products that you'd prefer they use so that when they get to work, they can start immediately and avoids any issues when you talk about methods and the level of cleaning you are looking for.
Communicate With Your Cleaner
Next, you want to be as transparent with your cleaning needs as you can so the cleaner knows the extent of the cleaning job and can build trust if you decide to use them again.
This may mean having to be honest about your shortcomings, but your cleaner can accommodate these and offer solutions that don't need to be too difficult to manage and may even help you when you go to do some light cleaning yourself.
Remove Any Distractions
Even though you can have a good relationship with your cleaner, you want them to do a good job, so letting them get on with the tasks and avoid having any long conversations while they work is the best way to go.
If you have children, it may be best to keep them in one area of the house so they don't get in the way of the cleaning tasks, as this may limit what they can do during the time window.
If you put away any laundry, empty packaging, dishes, or toys, this can make the cleaner's job much easier.
This can be extended to ensuring beds are made up and surfaces are clear of any items so your cleaner has a better reach when cleaning specific areas.
Closing Thoughts
You also want to get the most value from the service, as professional services aren't the cheapest, so being open with your cleaning requirements can make the investment worth it.
This ensures a clean and pleasant home that you can be proud of and be able to keep on top of any household chores.