When you take the leap and book your first housecleaning service, you understandably have a few expectations. You expect the end result to be an immaculate home. More than that, you expect to have a stress-free experience from start to finish.
After all, using a cleaning service should save you time and energy, and it shouldn’t be a source of stress. Being prepared is the perfect way to ensure that everything goes as planned. If you’ve recently booked your first cleaning visit, here’s what to expect in your home.
Preparing Your Home for the Cleaning Team
Pre-cleaning your home may seem counterintuitive. After all, you’re paying a team to come in and do the cleaning for you. This step will help you get the most out of your service. It involves picking up the kids’ and pets’ toys, tossing dirty clothes and towels in the hamper and clearing off the counters.

The cleaning team will then have easy access to the areas that need to be cleaned, and you won’t have to worry about items getting moved to an undesired location.
What the Cleaning Team Will Do
Before the cleaners arrive, arrangements will be made to grant access to the cleaning team. This might involve providing access to a spare key or remote access to the garage door. You may also need to provide alarm codes to the cleaners.

The cleaning team will arrive on your doorstep at the scheduled time and with all of the supplies and tools necessary. You won’t need to provide any cleaning products or tools. With customizable cleaning services available, the cleaners will cover all of the chores that you requested.
Duration of the First Cleaning Visit
Typically, a first cleaning visit requires deep cleaning. This includes routine cleaning chores like mopping, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning counters and more.

Deep cleaning also includes cleaning the interior of your appliances, cabinets and drawers. It also includes cleaning the windows, baseboards and other areas. By deep cleaning the house first, all of the grime is removed, and routine cleaning sessions going forward are more effective.
Questions to Ask Before the Cleaning Service Arrives
Each cleaning company has somewhat different procedures, policies and services. To better set reasonable expectations, here are some questions to ask before the cleaners arrive.
- How frequently should my house be cleaned?
- How long will the first service last?
- How long will future services last?
- How do you vet your cleaners?
- What if I’m not happy with the service?
- Do I have to be home during the service?
- Do you recommend any additional services for my home?
- Should I tip the cleaners?
Tips to Maximize the First Cleaning Experience
Choosing the most qualified cleaners for the job is an important step to having a great experience.

There are a few other things you can do to get the most from your cleaners:
- Communicate your needs and expectations.
- Clear away the clutter before the cleaners arrive.
- If the cleaners will change the bedding, set out fresh sheets.
- Understand which services will and won’t be done.
- Ask about the timing and recommended frequency for the cleaning services.
- Provide feedback after the visit so that your future cleaning services meet your ongoing expectations.
After the Cleaning Visit
Before the cleaners leave, walk through the house. Point out any areas that don’t meet your expectations. This gives the cleaners the chance to brush up on any areas before they leave. If the cleaners will return, set expectations for the next visit.

If you have any concerns, immediately notify the management team. A manager may be onsite with the cleaning crew, or you may need to give him or her a call.
FAQs
Do I need to be home during the cleaning?
Being home for cleaning services is not necessary. However, many people prefer to be home for at least the first cleaning service. This gives you a chance to see the cleaners in action and to provide any special instructions that you may have forgotten to provide. You can also do a walk-through after the service to ensure that everything has been done to your standards.
What if I’m not satisfied with the cleaning?
If you aren’t satisfied with the cleaning, let the team know as soon as possible. If you’re home during the service, point out problem areas before the cleaners leave. They can make it right immediately. If the cleaners have already left the cleaning company may schedule a follow-up visit.
Can I request additional services during the first visit?
Yes. In fact, the cleaners may identify the need for other services and make a recommendation. Any services that cannot be completed during the first visit can be completed at the next service.
At Better Clean, we want every customer to get the most out of their cleaning services, and this begins at the very first visit. Whether you have questions about our regular and deep cleaning services Boston or you want to customize your service, we are available to help. Get in touch with our housecleaning specialists today to get your home cleaned to your expectations.