Hiring a professional house cleaner can save you hours of time, but knowing exactly what they should clean is key to getting your money's worth. Many homeowners assume cleaners will scrub everything, but most services have a standard list of tasks and some optional add-ons. This guide breaks down what typical house cleaners cover, what's often extra, and how to communicate your expectations clearly.
Standard Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning: Know the Difference
Most cleaning companies offer two main types: standard (or recurring) cleaning and deep cleaning. Standard cleaning focuses on surface-level tasks like dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and wiping down counters. It's designed for homes that are already fairly tidy. Deep cleaning is more intensive and targets areas that are often neglected, such as inside cabinets, behind appliances, and detailed scrubbing of grout. If you're hiring a cleaner for the first time, a deep clean is recommended to reset your home, followed by standard visits to maintain it.
Room-by-Room Checklist of What Cleaners Should Do
Here's a detailed breakdown of tasks typically included in a standard cleaning for each room. Use this list to confirm with your cleaner before they start.
Kitchen: Clean and sanitize countertops, wipe down cabinet fronts, clean stovetop and cooktop, wipe exterior of appliances (fridge, microwave, dishwasher), clean inside microwave, scrub sink and faucet, sweep and mop floor. Deep clean extras: inside oven, inside fridge, inside cabinets, and degreasing backsplash.
Bathrooms: Clean and disinfect toilet (inside and out), scrub shower and tub, clean shower doors or curtain, wipe mirrors, clean sink and vanity, restock toilet paper and towels if provided, sweep and mop floor. Deep clean extras: scrubbing grout, cleaning shower head, organizing toiletries.
Living Room & Common Areas: Dust all surfaces (furniture, shelves, electronics), wipe down baseboards and window sills, vacuum carpets and rugs, mop hard floors, clean smudges from doors and light switches, fluff pillows and straighten furniture. Deep clean extras: cleaning blinds, washing windows, shampooing carpets.
Bedrooms: Dust furniture and nightstands, wipe down baseboards, make bed (if not changing sheets), vacuum or mop floor, clean mirrors and windowsills. Deep clean extras: moving furniture to vacuum underneath, washing bedding, organizing closets.
Common Items That Are Often Extra or Not Included
Many homeowners are surprised to find that certain tasks are not part of a standard clean. Always ask your cleaner about these: inside the oven, inside the refrigerator, inside cabinets, washing windows, cleaning blinds, washing dishes, doing laundry, organizing clutter, and handling pet waste. Some cleaners will do these for an additional fee, while others may not offer them at all. Be upfront about what you expect to avoid misunderstandings.
How to Communicate Effectively with Your Cleaner
To ensure you get the service you want, follow these steps: First, provide a written list of priorities before the first visit. Second, walk through the house together and point out any areas that need special attention. Third, ask about their standard checklist and compare it to yours. Fourth, be clear about what is NOT included. Finally, after the first clean, give feedback so they can adjust for next time. A good cleaner will appreciate clear instructions and will tailor their work to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I tip my house cleaner?
A: Yes, it's customary to tip 15-20% of the cleaning fee, especially for a job well done. Many homeowners tip per visit or give a larger tip during holidays.
Q: Do cleaners move furniture?
A: Standard cleaning usually does not include moving heavy furniture. They will clean around and under items that are easy to move. For deep cleaning, they may shift lighter pieces.
Q: Do I need to be home during cleaning?
A: Not necessarily. Many clients provide a key or garage code and trust the cleaner to work alone. However, being present for the first visit helps set expectations.
Q: How often should I schedule cleaning?
A: Weekly or bi-weekly is common for maintaining a clean home. Monthly may work if your home stays relatively tidy. A deep clean every 3-6 months is recommended.
Conclusion
Knowing what your house cleaner should clean helps you get the most value from their service. Use this checklist to communicate clearly, avoid extra charges, and ensure every room meets your standards. Remember that standard and deep cleaning differ, and always confirm what's included before booking. With clear expectations, you'll enjoy a sparkling clean home without the stress.