Most people book a cleaner to save time, then wonder whether they should clean before the cleaner comes. You should not. But ten minutes of preparation means more of the visit goes on real cleaning, and you get a better result for the same price.
Why preparation matters
Professional cleaners are usually paid by the hour. In Toronto, our rate is $35 to $40 per hour. Every minute spent picking up clothes, moving piles of mail or searching for a key is a minute not spent on your kitchen or bathrooms. Preparation is not about cleaning; it is about clearing the way.
The 12-step checklist
Before the first visit
- Decide your priorities. Which rooms matter most? Is it the kitchen, the bathrooms, the floors? Tell your cleaner, so if time runs short, the important things are done.
- Point out special surfaces. Marble, granite, unsealed wood, antique furniture, induction cooktops and anything delicate need specific products. Show them on the first visit.
- Mention allergies and sensitivities. If anyone in the home has asthma, allergies or a sensitivity to fragrance, ask for fragrance-free products or leave out the ones you trust.
- Agree access. Key, lockbox, door code, concierge, garage remote: decide how the cleaner gets in and how the home is locked up. For condos, register the cleaner with the concierge and book the elevator if your building requires it.
- Sort parking. In much of Toronto, parking is the hardest part of the visit. Tell your cleaner about visitor parking, a driveway spot or a loading area.
Before every visit
- Pick up clutter. Clothes, toys, papers and dishes off floors, counters and tables. Cleaners clean surfaces; they cannot clean under piles.
- Load the dishwasher or stack the dishes. A sink full of dishes means the sink and counters cannot be cleaned properly.
- Put valuables, cash and private papers away. Not because of trust, but so nothing gets moved or misplaced while surfaces are dusted.
- Secure pets or tell us about them. Some dogs love visitors and others are frightened of vacuums. A closed room or a walk during the visit helps everyone.
- Leave out fresh linens if you want beds changed.
- Tell us about any changes: a room to skip, a spill that needs attention, guests arriving tonight.
- Make sure water, power and lights work, and that there is a vacuum outlet on each floor.
What you do not need to do
- Pre-clean. That is the job you are paying for.
- Buy products. A professional company such as ours brings its own equipment and eco-friendly products.
- Stay home. Many of our clients are at work during the visit; we confirm access and can send photos.
- Move heavy furniture. Cleaners move light items where it is safe; heavy pieces stay put.
Your first visit: what to expect
The first visit usually takes longer, because the cleaner is learning your home and removing build-up that regular visits will not face again. If it has been a while since a thorough clean, consider starting with a deep clean. After that, regular house cleaning every week or two is faster and cheaper per visit. Read deep cleaning vs regular cleaning to decide which you need.
At the end of each visit, we walk through the home with you, or send photos if you are out, so anything missed is fixed on the spot.
Preparing for special cleans
Move-in and move-out cleaning
Empty every cabinet, drawer and closet, take everything out of the fridge and freezer, and defrost the freezer if you can. Make sure water and power are still on. See our move-out cleaning checklist and move-in and move-out cleaning.
Post-construction cleaning
Make sure all trades are finished, bulk waste is gone and the lights work. See post-construction cleaning.
Carpet cleaning
Vacuum is optional (we do it), but move small items, toys and breakables off the floor, and plan for the carpet to dry for a few hours. See carpet and upholstery cleaning.
Before a festival or a party
Book early: the weeks before Diwali, Christmas, Hanukkah, Lunar New Year and Eid fill quickly. Tell us which rooms your guests will use, so those come first. Check our seasonal offers when you book.
Tipping your cleaner in Canada
Tipping is not required, but it is appreciated for great work, especially around the holidays or after a particularly tough clean. Many clients give a holiday tip at the end of the year to a regular cleaner instead of tipping every visit.
Ready to book?
Book online in about a minute on our booking page, or call or WhatsApp 647-921-1060 for a free estimate. We clean homes across Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton and the GTA. Our team is insured and covered by WSIB.
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