The Clean Before the Clean: What Is It, and Do I Have to Do It?

If you’ve ever hired a cleaner or know someone who has, you’ve probably heard the phrase: “I need to clean before the cleaner comes!” At first, it sounds a little counterintuitive… Why would you clean when you’re paying someone to do exactly that? Isn’t the whole point of hiring a cleaner to take that burden off your shoulders?

So, what exactly is the clean before the clean, and do you really have to do it?

What Is the Clean Before the Clean?

The “clean before the clean” isn’t about scrubbing floors or dusting shelves before your cleaner arrives—it’s about tidying up and preparing your home so that they can focus on the actual cleaning tasks you’ve hired them for. This means picking up clothes, putting away toys, clearing kitchen benches, moving things out of the way, and generally decluttering spaces that might otherwise slow them down.

Think of it this way: A cleaner is there to clean, not to organise your personal belongings. If they have to spend extra time picking up shoes, sorting mail, or stacking dishes, that’s less time they can spend on disinfecting surfaces, vacuuming, or deep-cleaning your bathroom.

Why Does It Matter?

Most cleaners are paid by the hour, so making sure they can get straight to work ensures you get the best value for your money. If they have to spend the first 20 minutes tidying up, that’s 20 minutes less spent on the deep cleaning tasks that really make a difference in your home.

Here’s why a little pre-cleaning effort on your part can be beneficial:

• Maximises the cleaner’s time – More time spent on scrubbing, dusting, and disinfecting means a cleaner home overall.

• Ensures nothing gets missed – If surfaces are cluttered, it’s harder to clean thoroughly. Some cleaners are hesitant to touch or move personal belongings due to the risk of breakage or damage. If there’s a pile of papers and personal items on the bench, there is a risk of water or chemicals getting on the paperwork and damaging it.

• Helps maintain organisation – Tidying before a clean can help keep your home more organised in the long run.

• Creates a more efficient routine – The cleaner can move through their tasks more smoothly without needing to stop and move items around.

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Do I Have to Do It?

The short answer? No, you don’t have to tidy before your cleaner arrives, but it certainly helps.

I have a few wonderful clients who like to do their “clean before the clean”—simple things like moving everything off the bathroom bench or washing the dishes before I arrive. To be honest, it does not go unnoticed and is much appreciated. So a BIG THANK YOU to those clients who do this! It affords me the time to focus on the really important things that they are paying me for.

But What If I Don’t Have Time?

If you don’t have time to tidy up before your cleaner comes, that’s okay! Just be aware that they may spend part of their scheduled cleaning time doing that instead, which might mean less deep cleaning gets done. I, personally, am happy to offer tidying as part of my service, but it’s always a good idea to let me know in advance so we can discuss your expectations. That way, we can ensure that we’ve allowed enough time to tidy and clean, and we can work out what’s a priority for you.

How to Make It Easier

If the idea of pre-cleaning feels overwhelming, here are a few quick and easy ways to streamline the process:

• Do a quick five-minute tidy-up – Set a timer and pick up as much as you can before your cleaner arrives.

• Use baskets or bins – Have a designated bin for miscellaneous items that you can sort later.

• Delegate tasks – Get family members involved in putting things away. If you have children, this can be done on a roster or reward basis.

• Keep it simple – Just focusing on high-traffic areas like kitchen counters and bathroom sinks can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a cleaner is all about making life easier, not harder. While a little bit of tidying before they arrive can help them do their job more efficiently, it’s not a requirement. If you want to get the most out of your cleaning service, a quick pre-clean can go a long way in ensuring your home is as spotless as possible. After all, the goal is to enjoy a clean, fresh space without the stress, so do what works best for you!

If you’re unsure what’s expected, a simple conversation with your cleaner can go a long way. Ask them about their process, what they prioritise, and whether they’re happy to include light tidying as part of their service.