Hiring a professional cleaner can make a world of difference, especially when you're balancing a busy schedule. With so much going on, outsourcing the cleaning can bring a surprising amount of relief.
But to truly get the most out of their services, it's helpful to understand the habits that might be hindering their work.
We’ve compiled 20 things cleaners wish clients would stop doing, ensuring a more efficient and harmonious cleaning experience for everyone involved. Let’s dive in!
It might seem harmless to leave laundry on the floor or random items on countertops, but clutter significantly slows down your cleaner’s workflow. Instead of focusing on actual cleaning, like vacuuming, sanitizing, or scrubbing, they have to move your belongings just to access the surfaces.
Even worse, there’s a risk of cleaners accidentally placing something in the wrong spot or misplacing important items. Tidying up before they arrive shows respect for their time and helps them deliver the best results.
Quick Fix: Take 10 minutes before your cleaner arrives to pick up laundry, mail, toys, and dishes. Think of it as setting the stage so they can do what they do best: deep cleaning!
Constant instructions, hovering, or questioning how they clean can be distracting and even demoralizing. Your cleaner is a professional who has likely developed efficient methods for getting the job done.
Micromanagement also sends the message that you don’t trust their expertise, which can damage your working relationship. While it’s absolutely fine to share your preferences or specific needs, once that’s done, give them space to work.
Pro Tip: Communicate your expectations clearly upfront, then step back. You’ll get a better clean and a happier professional.
You might think that using more product means a cleaner home, but that’s not the case. Overdoing it with sprays, disinfectants, or detergents often results in sticky surfaces or chemical buildup. Plus, it can make floors slippery or leave an unpleasant residue.
More importantly, some products are unsafe to use in large quantities—especially in homes with pets or children. Your cleaner likely has a trusted routine with balanced product use to ensure surfaces are clean, not coated.
Best Practice: Trust your cleaner’s judgment and use only the recommended amount of any cleaning product between visits.
Bleach and ammonia don’t belong together, neither do many other store-bought cleaners. Mixing chemicals can produce toxic gases or cause surface damage, even if the combo smells “extra clean.”
Cleaners often come across mixed products left by clients that create dangerous or ineffective results. If you’re trying to DIY a solution between visits, always read labels or check with your cleaner first.
Safety Tip: Stick to one product per surface unless you know it’s safe to combine. And always give cleaners a heads-up if you’ve used something unusual recently.
Cleaning isn't always about elbow grease, sometimes it's about patience. Many products, especially disinfectants and degreasers, require "dwell time" to break down grime and kill bacteria effectively. Spraying and immediately wiping defeats the purpose.
Cleaners know this, and it’s why they may spray a product and move on to another task before returning to wipe it down. Letting solutions sit gives the chemicals time to do their job, making for a much cleaner result.
Cleaning Tip: If you're maintaining between visits, try letting sprays sit for 5–10 minutes, especially in the bathroom or kitchen, for noticeably better results.
Would you wash your face with a dirty cloth? The same logic applies to mops, sponges, and vacuums. When cleaning tools aren’t regularly sanitized or replaced, they end up spreading bacteria and grime rather than removing it.
Your cleaner might bring their own tools, but if you provide items (or clean in between visits), it’s important to maintain them. A foul-smelling mop or mildewed sponge won't leave your surfaces fresh.
Tool TLC: Rinse out cloths with hot water, sanitize sponges in the microwave or dishwasher, and wash mop heads regularly. Replace tools as soon as they start to look worn.
A sink full of dirty dishes makes it hard, sometimes impossible, for your cleaner to get to the sink, faucet, or countertops. And if they’re spending time moving dishes around, that’s time taken away from sanitizing other areas.
Unless dishwashing is part of your cleaner’s responsibilities (and agreed upon), it’s best to at least rinse and stack them neatly or place them in the dishwasher before your appointment.
Quick Fix: Even a few minutes of pre-cleaning effort on your part can help your cleaner focus on the parts of your home that really need professional attention.
While many cleaners follow a checklist or routine, they’re not mind-readers. If there’s a spot that’s driving you crazy, or an area you want them to avoid (like a home office during meetings), they need to know.
Lack of communication often leads to missed tasks or dissatisfaction, not because the cleaner isn’t skilled, but because expectations weren’t aligned.
Talk It Out: Leave a friendly note or send a quick text the night before your cleaning appointment with any updates or priorities. It keeps everyone on the same page.
Regular cleaning appointments are meant for maintenance: wiping counters, vacuuming, disinfecting bathrooms, etc. But deep cleaning, such as inside appliances, baseboards, and high dusting, requires extra time, effort, and planning.
It’s frustrating for cleaners to be expected to do deep-clean-level work in a one-hour slot with no prior notice.
Plan Ahead: Want a spring refresh or move-out deep clean? Just ask. Most cleaners are happy to schedule these with extra time and an updated rate.
Your cleaner wants to do a great job, but they can’t fix what they don’t know. Many clients avoid giving feedback out of politeness, but gentle, constructive comments are appreciated and help improve the service.
At the same time, positive feedback goes a long way too. If you love how the shower sparkles or appreciate their attention to detail, let them know!
Be Honest & Kind: Whether it’s a quick chat, note, or text, clear feedback strengthens the relationship and improves outcomes on both sides.
As much as we all love our furry companions, they can unintentionally get in the way during cleanings. Pets may be curious, scared of vacuums, or even try to “help” by following the cleaner around.
This not only slows things down but can also pose safety hazards, especially when harsh chemicals or equipment are involved.
Tip: If possible, keep pets in a separate room or consider taking them for a walk or to doggy daycare during cleaning appointments. Your cleaner (and your pet) will thank you!
If your cleaner hasn’t been there in weeks (or months), don’t expect a quick sweep to restore your home to pristine condition.
Dust builds up, grime sets in, and certain tasks, like soap scum in the shower or grease on the stovetop, require more time the longer they go untreated.
Tip: Maintain a consistent schedule to keep your home manageable and get the best value from your cleaner’s efforts. It’s not just about appearances, it’s about preserving your home’s cleanliness and hygiene over time.
Cleaning is physically demanding, detail-oriented work. While tipping isn’t mandatory, it is deeply appreciated, especially if your cleaner goes above and beyond. Even a sincere thank you or a note of appreciation can go a long way.
Tip: Consider tipping for extra services or around the holidays. Better yet, leave a handwritten note, something personal that recognizes their hard work.
Cleaners typically have tightly scheduled routes and allotted time slots for each home. Asking for “a quick fridge clean” or “can you also do the windows?” may not be feasible on the fly.
Tip: If you know you’ll need something extra, give advance notice. Most cleaners are happy to accommodate special requests if they’re scheduled ahead of time (and compensated accordingly).
Leaky pipes under the sink, unstable shelving, or a loose stair rail can create unsafe working conditions for your cleaner. In some cases, they may have to avoid certain tasks altogether for their safety.
Tip: Maintain open communication about home repairs, and let your cleaner know if there are any areas to avoid. Addressing hazards helps prevent accidents and supports a productive cleaning session.
Frequent rescheduling might seem harmless on the surface, after all, life happens. But from your cleaner’s perspective, it can cause real disruption.
Most professional cleaners operate on a carefully coordinated schedule, often juggling multiple clients in a single day or week. When appointments are moved or canceled last-minute, it can leave them with unexpected gaps in their day and a loss of income they may not be able to recoup.
Tip: If you need to reschedule your cleaning, give at least 48 hours' notice. This helps your cleaner adjust their schedule, avoid income loss, and continue providing top-quality service. Consistency builds trust!
Even with trustworthy professionals, it’s always wise to put away valuables like cash, jewelry, or sensitive documents.
Not only does this remove temptation or suspicion, it also protects your belongings from being accidentally knocked over or lost.
Tip: Store valuables in a drawer, safe, or room that doesn’t need to be cleaned. It builds mutual trust and keeps everything secure.
If your cleaner can’t get to a room because the door is locked, or can’t clean behind the sofa because there's furniture in the way, their work will be limited.
Accessibility is key to a thorough clean.
Tip: Before they arrive, do a quick walkthrough of your space to ensure all rooms and key surfaces are accessible. It shows respect for their time and effort, and you’ll get a more complete clean.
Cleaning a home from top to bottom is no small task, especially when aiming for a high standard. Assuming it can all be done in an hour or two can lead to unrealistic expectations and rushed jobs.
Tip: Trust your cleaner’s expertise when they recommend how long they’ll need. Consider starting with a deep clean and transitioning into maintenance visits. Quality cleaning takes time, especially if attention to detail is important to you.
Professional cleaners aren’t just “house help.” They are trained, experienced experts in maintaining hygiene, cleanliness, and organization. Treating them as anything less can be disheartening and counterproductive.
Tip: Respect your cleaner’s time, skill, and boundaries. A little courtesy, offering a glass of water, asking how their day is, or simply being kind, can make a huge difference in building a long-term, positive relationship.
Building a respectful and communicative relationship with your cleaner enhances the quality of service and ensures a pleasant experience for both parties. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you contribute to a more efficient and effective cleaning process, resulting in a cleaner, more comfortable home.
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