WHAT DOES A HOUSE CLEANER DO?

What Does a House Cleaner Do?

If you’ve decided to hire a professional to clean your home, what can you expect? Hiring a house cleaner can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your life. Here’s what you should know and prepare for when hiring a professional cleaner:

1. Ask for References

• Always ask for a list of references. Talking to past or current clients can give you a better understanding of the cleaner’s reliability and quality of work. Reputable cleaning services often provide testimonials and may even have online reviews for you to check.

2. Understand the Cleaning Products

• Inquire about the types of chemicals and cleaning products that will be used. Ensure they are safe for your household, especially if you have children or pets or if anyone has allergies. Some cleaning services offer eco-friendly or green cleaning options, which use environmentally safe and non-toxic products.

3. Estimate the Cleaning Time

• The time needed for cleaning can vary. For instance, cleaning up after a large party will require more time than a regular weekly clean. On average, house cleaning can take between two to four hours. The initial clean may take longer, especially if the home hasn’t been cleaned recently.

4. Pricing and Fees

• Professional cleaners often charge by the hour with rates averaging around $25 per hour. However, some may offer a flat fee which can sometimes be more economical. Discuss the pricing structure upfront to avoid any surprises. It’s important to ask if the cleaner provides their own supplies or if you need to provide them, as this can impact the overall cost.

5. Specific Services

• Ask about the specific cleaning services offered. Rates can differ for various tasks such as interior cleaning, exterior work, or office cleans. Being specific about your needs helps in accurate cost estimation. This can include weekly or bi-weekly cleans, deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, and post-construction cleaning.

General Cleaning Services

Routine Cleaning Tasks:

• Bathrooms: Tiles cleaned and disinfected, baseboards wiped, toilet cleaned inside and out, sink and faucets polished, shower/tub scrubbed.

• Kitchen: Floors vacuumed and mopped, countertops and backsplash wiped down, outside of range hood and microwave wiped, exterior of appliances cleaned, sink scrubbed.

• Living Areas: Dusting of picture frames and commonly-used areas, mirrors cleaned, windowsills wiped down, chairs and tables cleaned, vacuuming or sweeping of floors, dusting of electronics and shelves.

Deep or Spring Cleaning Services

Detailed Cleaning Tasks:

• Kitchen: Inside of oven and range hood cleaned, grime behind appliances removed, inside and outside of cabinets wiped down, refrigerator cleaning if requested.

• Bathrooms: Scale removal from showerheads and tiles, grout cleaned, inside of drawers and cabinets wiped.

• Living Areas: Full dusting including hard-to-reach areas, fingerprints removed from doors, lamp shades wiped, upholstery vacuumed, intricate items dusted, baseboards and moldings wiped.

• Other Areas: Under-sink areas cleaned, blinds washed, cabinet fronts hand-wiped, carpet edges vacuumed, vents and ceiling fans dusted.

What a House Cleaning Professional Does Not Do

• Carpentry and Landscaping: House cleaners are not carpenters or landscapers. They do not perform tasks like building or repairing structures, trimming trees, mowing lawns, or gardening.

• Home Inspections and Plumbing: They are not home inspectors or plumbers. They do not perform inspections for real estate purposes, check for home safety issues, fix plumbing leaks, or install fixtures.

• Electrical Work: House cleaners do not handle electrical repairs, installations, or troubleshooting of electrical systems.

• Personal Errands: They do not run errands such as grocery shopping, picking up family members from appointments, or delivering items.

• Cooking and Childcare: House cleaners do not cook meals for families or provide childcare services like babysitting or nanny duties.

Typical Clients

Who Hires House Cleaners?

• Young Professionals: Busy schedules leave them with little time for cleaning. They benefit from regular maintenance to keep their living spaces tidy and presentable.

• Working Parents: Need help managing cleaning duties amidst childcare and work responsibilities. Regular cleaning helps maintain a healthy living environment for their children.

• Empty Nesters: Older adults who may require assistance with cleaning due to health issues. They may need help with tasks that require bending, lifting, or reaching.

• Seniors: Individuals whose health might not allow them to maintain their homes as they used to. Regular cleaning can prevent accidents and maintain hygiene.

Conclusion

If your schedule is too tight and you need a cleaning professional to help, then you should consider hiring a professional cleaner. Whether you need regular maintenance or a deep clean, professional cleaners can customize their services to meet your needs. Call us today for a consultation and let us take care of your cleaning needs!