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How to get ready for your house cleaner (without cleaning first)

You don't need to clean before the cleaners come. But ten minutes of the right prep makes every visit go further. Here's what actually helps.

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By Back to Clean. Published November 4, 2026.

The rule of thumb: pick up, don't clean. Clear the surfaces you want cleaned and let the team handle the cleaning.

Before your first cleaning

  1. Clear counters and floors. Cleaners clean surfaces they can reach. Mail, toys, laundry piles and dishes take time to work around, and time spent moving things is time not spent cleaning.
  2. Load or run the dishwasher. A sink full of dishes blocks the sink and counters from getting a proper scrub.
  3. Put away valuables and anything fragile you'd rather they skip. It's easier for everyone.
  4. Decide on entry. If you won't be home, share a door code or lockbox. With Back to Clean, entry details stay private to the team assigned to your home.
  5. Tell the team your priorities. If the shower glass or the stovetop bugs you most, say so. First visits go best when the team knows what matters to you.
  6. Mention anything to avoid. A fragile surface, a room to skip or a special floor that needs a certain product is all good to know up front.
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Before every visit after

Once you're on a regular schedule, prep gets even simpler:

What you don't need to do

What a regular visit covers

So you know what to expect, here's what every Back to Clean visit includes:

Inside the fridge, oven and cabinets is our Extra Detail add-on for $20 a visit.

A simple pre-visit checklist

Stick this on the fridge. It takes about ten minutes the night before:

If something gets missed

It happens, especially on the first couple of visits while a team learns your home. Tell us and we come back within 48 hours to fix it, free. Clear feedback early helps your team get it exactly right going forward.

Ready to stop thinking about cleaning? See your monthly price.

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Common questions

Should I clean before the house cleaner comes?

No. Pick up clutter so surfaces are reachable, but leave the cleaning to the team.

Do I need to provide cleaning supplies?

Not with Back to Clean. Your team brings all the supplies, and they're included in your monthly price.

Is it okay if I'm not home?

Yes. Many people share a door code or lockbox. Entry details stay private to your team.

What if I need to skip a week?

With Back to Clean you can pause for travel or a busy month whenever you need to, online.

Keep reading

A clean house, on repeat.

One flat monthly price. Same team every visit. No tips, no fees, no contracts.

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