Should You Be Home When Your Cleaner Visits?
Weigh up the pros and cons of being at home during a clean, how to handle the first visit, and practical ways to arrange access if you are out.
Many people feel awkward about being home while someone cleans, and equally awkward about leaving a stranger alone in the house. There is no single right answer. Here is how to think about it, with practical suggestions for both approaches.
Reasons to be home
The first visit. Being there lets you show the cleaner around, point out priorities and explain things like which surfaces are delicate, how the boiler or alarm works and what to do about pets. A fifteen-minute walkthrough prevents a lot of misunderstandings.
Specific jobs. For a deep clean or tenancy clean, you may want to check results with the cleaner before they leave so any missed areas are addressed on the spot.
Peace of mind. Some people simply feel more comfortable in the early weeks, and that is perfectly reasonable. Trust usually builds with each visit.
Reasons to be out
Efficiency. Cleaners often work faster without interruptions, and you can get on with your own day.
Comfort for both sides. Many cleaners prefer an empty home because they can move around freely, put music or a podcast on and not worry about disturbing you.
Working from home. If you are on calls or need quiet, it may be easier to agree a time when you are out, or to ask the cleaner to start with rooms you are not using.
A sensible approach for new arrangements
- Be home for the first one or two visits. Walk through the property, show where supplies and equipment are and agree priorities.
- Write a short list. A single page covering tasks, no-go areas and any particular care instructions saves repeated explanations.
- Move to remote access once you are comfortable. Many people do this after a few visits.
- Do a quick check afterwards. Walk through the home, and give any feedback by message.
If you are out: access options
- Let them in and leave. Simple for the first few visits.
- Key safe. A small lockbox attached to the property, with a code you change when needed.
- Spare key. Common for long-term arrangements. See giving a cleaner a key.
- Neighbour or concierge. Useful in flats or blocks with a front desk.
- Smart lock codes. If you have one, a code that is time-limited or can be changed is convenient.
Whichever method you use, agree what happens at the end of the visit: lock up, set the alarm and message you to confirm they have finished.
Privacy and valuables
You are entitled to privacy. Put away sensitive documents, financial papers, passports and valuables as you would for any visitor, and consider closing off rooms you do not want cleaned. Tell the cleaner clearly which rooms are off limits. A professional will respect that without fuss.
Pets and children
If you have pets, tell the cleaner in advance, and decide whether animals should be shut in a room or out in the garden. If children or vulnerable adults are at home, think about whether you are comfortable with that arrangement, and be present if you prefer. Our safety page gives broader guidance on safe use of the platform.
Managing the relationship
It is fine to leave notes, message about what you would like done or ask for something extra. Keep conversation in the booking messages when possible so there is a record. On Compito, you can message the provider before and after a visit, and leave a review after the booking is complete.
A worked example
You book a fortnightly clean for a two-bed flat, and you work from home on Tuesdays. For the first visit, you stay for the first twenty minutes to walk through, then work in the spare room with the door closed. On the second visit, you go out for a coffee. By visit four, you leave a key in the key safe and message the cleaner to confirm. Each step is small, and you can pause at any stage if something does not feel right.
What to do when you are home
- Choose a room to work in and tell the cleaner it is off limits until they ask.
- Keep a list of tasks visible so you do not need to interrupt.
- Be clear about conversation: friendly is fine, but many cleaners work best without long chats.
- Avoid giving instructions mid-task that change the scope without agreeing time.
Different circumstances
Older or less mobile households. Having a family member or neighbour pop in occasionally can be reassuring, and the cleaner may appreciate someone else being aware of the visit.
Households with children. Think about whether it is appropriate for a cleaner to be alone with children, and agree that arrangement openly.
Shared houses. Appoint one person to liaise, and agree which communal areas are covered.
Rented property. Check if your landlord or agent needs to be told that someone will have access.
If you feel uneasy
Trust your instincts. You can change the arrangement, ask the cleaner to work only when someone is home, or end the booking. Raise worries calmly and directly. For concerns about safety or conduct, see our safety page and contact support.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to tidy before the cleaner arrives?
Yes, a little. Pick up clothes, toys and loose items from floors and surfaces so cleaners can spend time cleaning. See how to prepare for a cleaner's visit.
Is it rude to stay in the house?
Not at all. Many people work from home or stay in. Just agree whether you would like to chat or be left to get on, and keep out of the way of vacuuming and mopping.
Should I check the cleaner's work straight away?
It is helpful, particularly early on. Quick, polite feedback while the cleaner is still there is easier to act on than a message the next day.
What if the cleaner prefers me to be out?
That is a common preference and not a reflection on you. Work out a compromise, such as being home for the first visit and out afterwards, or staying in a separate room.