Booking a cleaner doesn't mean you need to do anything before they arrive — but a few small preparations can dramatically improve the outcome. And a few common "helpful" things people do actually make the cleaning take longer or worse. Here's the practical guide.
The TL;DR
Do: clear surfaces of small clutter, move pets to a safe space, communicate any "don't touch" items, leave a note about anything unusual.
Don't: pre-clean before the cleaner arrives, hide your normal mess, "test" the cleaner with extra dirty conditions, or stand over them watching.
What to do BEFORE the cleaner arrives
1. Clear surface clutter (10-15 minutes)
Pick up loose items from kitchen counters, bedside tables, bathroom counters, and floors. The cleaner can clean AROUND items, but they'll do a better and faster job if surfaces are clear.
What "clear" looks like:
- Kitchen counters: small appliances stay, but clear away mail, dishes, random items
- Bathroom counters: toiletries can stay (we'll move them and put them back), but clear hampers and personal items
- Floors: pick up shoes, toys, anything that's just lying around
- Dining table: clear the table surface (let us see the wood)
Time required: about 10-15 minutes for a typical 3-bedroom NEPA home. Don't deep-clean — just clear.
2. Move pets to a safe space
For everyone's safety (yours, the pet's, and the cleaner's):
- Cats: close in a bedroom or office. Cats often bolt or hide in places that delay the cleaner.
- Dogs: crate, bedroom, backyard (weather permitting), or doggy daycare. Even friendly dogs can get protective when strangers handle their stuff.
- Birds: cover or move to a quiet room — vacuums stress them.
- Reptiles, hamsters, fish: usually fine; just tell us if there are any tank/terrarium maintenance preferences.
Tell us your pet's name in the quote form notes. We'll greet them appropriately and avoid stressing them.
3. Strip beds (if you want fresh linens)
Most NEPA cleaners (us included) will remake beds with whatever linens are on them or freshly placed at the foot of the bed. If you want fresh sheets, leave a clean set folded on each bed before we arrive.
4. Note anything we should know
Leave a quick note on the kitchen counter (or text us) for anything unusual:
- "Don't touch the items on the dining table — those are work documents"
- "The downstairs bathroom toilet runs weird, just leave it after flushing"
- "Cat is hiding under the bed in the master, ignore him"
- "We're trying a new floor cleaner from under the sink — please use that one"
Anything we'd otherwise have to guess about, just tell us.
5. Confirm access
If you're not home, make sure your cleaner can get in:
- Key under the mat / hidden spot — confirm location with us
- Garage code — confirm the code works
- Lockbox — confirm combo
- Door unlocked — confirm what time you'll unlock it
- Smart lock with one-time code — send us the code that morning
What NOT to do (common mistakes)
Don't pre-clean before the cleaner arrives
This is the #1 thing people do that backfires. You're paying us to clean. If you spend an hour cleaning before we arrive, you've done our job for us — and we still charge the same flat rate. Save your time. Just clear clutter (per above) and let us do the actual cleaning.
The exception: if you're embarrassed about the state of the house, that's understandable but unnecessary. We've seen it all. Don't tidy up beyond clearing surfaces.
Don't "test" your cleaner with extra dirt
Some homeowners deliberately leave extra mess on the first cleaning to "see if they really clean." This makes the first visit run longer and costs more (deep cleans are priced higher). It also doesn't actually test anything — a good cleaner will handle any condition; a bad cleaner will skip just as much regardless of how dirty the house is.
Better way to evaluate: book a normal cleaning, see the result. If you're not happy, tell us within 24 hours and we come back free. That's a real test, no playacting required.
Don't stand over the cleaner watching
It's awkward for everyone and slows the cleaner down. If it's the first visit and you want to be home to do a walk-through at the start and end, that's perfectly normal. But during the actual cleaning, go grocery shopping, work in another room, take a walk — let them work.
Don't leave valuables out as a "test"
Same logic as the dirt test. We're insured and bonded against theft, and our cleaners are background-checked. If you're not sure you trust the cleaner, the answer isn't to entrap them — find a different cleaner you do trust.
Don't expect us to handle non-cleaning tasks
We don't:
- Walk dogs
- Receive packages
- Do laundry beyond what's on a bed (linen swap)
- Cook or prep meals
- Babysit
- Run errands
- Move large furniture
- Repair anything broken
If you need any of these services, hire a person specifically for that. We're cleaners.
Don't forget to communicate scope changes
If you've done a renovation since we last visited, added a room, gotten a new pet, or anything else that changes the scope of the job, tell us BEFORE the visit (not after). Scope changes mid-visit make pricing confusing for everyone.
What we'll do for you (no need to ask)
Most reputable NEPA cleaners (us included) will handle these without being asked:
- Move small items to clean under them, then put them back exactly where they were
- Refill toilet paper / hand towels from visible stocks
- Empty all trash bins + replace liners
- Make beds (with current linens, or fresh if you've left them out)
- Wipe down the inside of the microwave even if you didn't ask
- Spot-clean baseboards (full scrub on deep-clean visits)
- Light dusting of decor without rearranging your styling
FAQ
Should I tip the cleaner when they leave?
Tipping is optional. If you'd like to: $10-20 per visit for great work, or a holiday bonus, is the local norm. Cash is preferred (so it goes directly to the cleaner). For recurring service, tipping every other visit or monthly is fine — no need to tip every single visit.
What if the cleaner is running late?
We'll text you. NEPA traffic, weather, or a previous job running long can delay arrival. If we're more than 30 minutes late, you'll hear from us proactively.
Can I leave a key for the cleaner with my doorman / building manager?
Yes — common arrangement for downtown Scranton apartments and buildings with concierges. Just confirm the handoff with us in the quote form.
What happens if my cleaner can't make it?
We send a backup cleaner who's been briefed on your home. The backup is also background-checked and trained — never an outside contractor.
Is there anything I should ask the cleaner directly during the visit?
Yes — feedback is always welcome. If something is being done in a way you'd prefer differently, just say so on the spot. Cleaners are happy to adjust technique to your preferences. Better to communicate immediately than save it up.