How to Prepare Your Home for a Cleaner's Visit
A practical pre-clean routine: what to tidy, what to put away, what to tell your cleaner and how to make every paid hour count.
Hiring a cleaner does not mean you have to scrub first, but a little preparation means the time you pay for goes on cleaning rather than clearing. Fifteen minutes before each visit can noticeably improve the result. Here is a routine that works for most homes.
The ten-minute reset
Walk through the home with a laundry basket and a bin bag, and do this in order:
- Clear floors. Pick up shoes, toys, bags, charging cables and anything the vacuum could catch.
- Clear surfaces. Kitchen worktops, bathroom shelves and bedside tables should be free enough to wipe. You do not need bare surfaces, just space to work.
- Wash up or load the dishwasher. Cleaners will wipe the sink area but generally will not tackle a pile of dirty dishes unless agreed.
- Strip or leave beds as agreed. If you want fresh sheets, leave clean ones out.
- Empty small bins. Or leave bin bags where the cleaner can find them.
- Put laundry in baskets. It stops piles being moved around and makes bedrooms easier to vacuum.
Put away what matters
- Valuables. Cash, jewellery, small electronics, passports and paperwork.
- Fragile or sentimental items. Move them to a safe spot or tell the cleaner where they are.
- Medication and personal items. Out of sight, especially if children are around.
- Anything you do not want moved. Mark it with a note, or tell the cleaner.
Tell the cleaner what you need
Leave a short note or message with:
- Priorities for this visit. For example, extra attention to the bathroom or the oven.
- Areas to skip. A child's room, a home office with sensitive papers, or a room being decorated.
- Anything that has changed. A spill, a new pet, a delicate new surface.
- Where equipment lives. Vacuum, mop and any special products.
A consistent written list on the fridge saves repeating yourself each week.
Practical details
- Parking. If parking is restricted, give clear directions or a permit.
- Pets. Decide whether animals will be in a separate room or garden. Tell the cleaner if a dog barks or a cat is nervous.
- Heating and hot water. Warm water and a comfortable temperature help cleaning. Check the hot water is on.
- Access. Confirm how the cleaner will get in, and what to do on leaving. Our guide on home security and keys gives options.
- Supplies. Confirm who provides products, and top up toilet roll, bin bags and cloths if you supply them.
Prepare for special jobs
For a deep clean, clear wardrobes, shelves and cupboards that you want cleaned inside, and move small furniture so floors are accessible. For an oven clean, empty the oven, clear nearby worktops and remove any items stored in the drawer below. For carpets, move light furniture and vacuum first if you can.
What not to worry about
You do not need to scrub, mop or pre-clean. Cleaners expect a lived-in home, and clutter is far more of a barrier than dirt. If you feel embarrassed about the state of the property, say so in advance; experienced cleaners have seen it all.
Get more from each visit
Think of the cleaner's time as precious. Rather than asking them to tidy, ask them to clean. If you want tidying included, say so, and agree extra time. On Compito, you can message your provider before the visit to confirm priorities and any preparation, so you both start on the same page.
A two-minute daily habit
If a ten-minute reset before each visit feels like a lot, spread it out. Keep a basket by the stairs for items that belong elsewhere, clear the kitchen worktop before bed and put dirty clothes straight into the laundry bin. By visit day the house is nearly ready. A one-page checklist on the fridge helps everyone in the household follow the same routine.
Preparing for the first visit
The first clean takes longer because the cleaner is learning your home. Make it smoother by walking them round, showing where equipment is kept and pointing out surfaces that need care, such as a marble worktop or an unsealed wood floor. Mention any quirks, such as a sticky back door, a cat that bolts or a boiler that needs a nudge. Agree what you would like them to message you about afterwards.
Common mistakes
- Leaving every surface piled high. The cleaner then spends their paid time moving things.
- Not mentioning pets. Some cleaners have allergies or fears, and an unexpected dog can be a problem.
- Forgetting to put supplies out. If you provide products, they should be easy to find.
- Changing scope on the day. Ask for extras in advance so time can be planned.
- Hiding a problem. Tell the cleaner about leaks, broken tools or anything that could be unsafe.
Households that need a different approach
If you are living with a long-term condition, an older relative or small children, tell the cleaner how to enter rooms, whether someone will be asleep and what to do with medication or baby equipment. If you run a business from home, agree which rooms are private. If you are in a shared house, agree a single contact person and a zone for each person's belongings so the cleaner does not have to guess.
Frequently asked questions
Should I clean before the cleaner comes?
No. Just tidy and clear so they can reach surfaces and floors. Pre-cleaning wastes your effort.
What if the cleaner arrives while I am still tidying?
It is fine. Tell them what you are doing and which rooms to start with. Most cleaners will adapt.
Should I leave payment out?
Agree this in advance. If you pay online through a platform, there is nothing to leave. If you pay by bank transfer or cash, arrange it clearly. See how to compare quotes for what to agree upfront.
Do I have to tidy away toys and clutter every time?
Clearing floors and surfaces helps, but you do not need perfection. Agree a realistic standard, and a good cleaner will work with it. Regular tidying habits save the most time.