Should You Clean Before the Cleaners Come?

Hiring a professional cleaning service should make life easier—not more confusing. But many homeowners still wonder: Should I tidy up before the cleaner arrives? How much? And is it weird to “clean for the cleaner”?

We get it. These are totally normal questions (even if they feel a little awkward to ask). The good news: you don’t need to scrub your house from top to bottom before we show up. But a little prep goes a long way toward helping your cleaning professional work efficiently—and making sure you get the most out of every visit.

Here’s how to get your home “clean-team ready” without overthinking it.

Step 1: Clear the Sink and Counters

The kitchen tends to be the most time-intensive area in any home. To help your cleaner focus on real cleaning—not sorting—start by taking care of the dishes.Load them into the dishwasher or wash and set them aside to dry. This simple step frees up counter and sink space so your cleaner can dive straight into grease-cutting, wiping, and sanitizing.

Step 2: Put Food Items Away

Before your cleaner arrives, tuck away anything edible: leftovers, bread, snacks, pasta boxes, produce on the counter—anything that could get in the way or accidentally mingle with cleaning products.Even when using gentle, non-toxic, essential-oil-based solutions (like the ones we make by hand at Green Home Cleaning), it’s best to keep food out of the splash zone.

Step 3: Do a Quick Declutter Sweep

You don’t need a picture-perfect home—just a surface-ready one.Spend a few minutes clearing common areas:

• Shoes off the floor

• Mail and kiddo items off tables

• Toiletries and accessories off bathroom counters

• Personal items gathered and stashed in drawers or baskets

When surfaces are open, your cleaner can spend less time moving things around and more time giving those areas a thorough, detailed clean.

Step 4: Prep the Bedrooms

If your cleaner doesn’t handle changing linens, go ahead and make the beds so they can focus on dusting and vacuuming.If bed-making is part of your service, leave fresh sheets in an easy-to-find spot. That way, no one has to pause to hunt through closets.

Enjoy a More Efficient, Peaceful Clean

A few minutes of prep means your cleaning professional can spend their time on what they do best—transforming your home into a fresher, healthier space.It’s not about “cleaning for the cleaner.” It’s about helping them maximize your time and your investment.

If you're in Asheville and want a non-toxic, eco-friendly clean that leaves your home sparkling—not chemically scented—let us help. Call 828.505.7320 or reach out through our contact form to schedule your next service.