What to sort out before a first clean

The first visit is easier if the cleaner is not guessing. You do not need a perfect house before someone arrives to clean it. You do need to remove the small uncertainties that waste the hour.

Access

Say whether you will be in. If you will not, don't assume a key can be left under a mat. Ask, when you enquire, what arrangement is possible. A neighbour, a coded box or a time when you can let someone in are all conversations to have before the day, not at the door.

Mention an alarm, a stiff lock, or a gate that does not latch. Flats need the buzzer number and the floor.

The rooms, in the right order

Name the rooms that matter if time runs short. A lot of people want the kitchen and bathrooms done properly before anyone touches a spare room. If a home office should not be disturbed, say that too.

Put valuables, medication and paperwork somewhere you are happy with. A cleaner should not have to decide whether a pile on the table is post or something to tidy away.

Pets, products, parking

A dog that is friendly still needs a plan: another room, a lead, or you at home. Cats usually sort themselves out. Say if a room is off limits because an animal is shut in.

If you want your own products used, leave them out and mention any surface that marks easily. We have not published a rule that we always bring supplies or never do.

In terraced streets around Stalybridge, Ashton and Denton, parking is often the thing that makes someone late. A note such as “park on the street behind” is worth more than a long description of the house.

Afterwards

If something was missed, be specific. “The bathroom mirror” is solvable. “It wasn't quite right” is not. Call 07888 755 755 rather than waiting to see if a regular visit will happen to fix it.