By SDB Clean
Start with your three priorities
You do not need to clean the house before a cleaner arrives. A little preparation helps the visit focus on the work you actually need. Write down the three areas that would make the biggest difference: perhaps the main bathroom, kitchen surfaces and downstairs floors. Explain whether you want regular upkeep or a more detailed reset. A booking duration is a limit on available time, so agree which tasks should come first if everything cannot fit.
Clear access to the surfaces you want cleaned
Move paperwork, clothes and fragile ornaments from the main working areas where practical. Leave a clear route through hallways and stairs. Cleaning and organising are different tasks; if sorting possessions is part of your request, discuss that beforehand. Put valuables and private documents away, and keep items you do not want moved in a clearly identified place. This also makes it easier to see what has been cleaned at the end of the visit.
Explain your home and its materials
Point out natural stone, unfinished wood, specialist flooring and any surface with manufacturer care instructions. Tell the cleaner about existing damage and products you do not want used. Do not assume a product suitable for one bathroom is suitable for every finish. If you have pets, explain where they will stay during the visit and whether doors must remain closed. Agree beforehand who supplies equipment and cleaning products.
Arrange access without sharing private details publicly
Confirm the appointment, parking arrangements and how the cleaner will enter. Share entry instructions directly through the agreed booking contact rather than in a public review or social comment. If you will be out, agree how keys are handled and how the property should be secured afterwards. Mention any rooms that are off limits and any alarm instructions that are needed for this visit.
Use a short first-visit handover
Before work starts, walk through your priority rooms and confirm the scope. Appliance interiors, high-level cleaning and heavy furniture moving should never be assumed to be included. At the end, check the agreed areas together where possible and raise anything that needs attention. For future visits, keep a short rotating list of detail tasks alongside the regular essentials.
Your copyable booking note
Priority rooms: ____. Main tasks: ____. Surface care instructions: ____. Equipment arrangements: ____. Access and parking: shared directly. Pets or restricted rooms: ____. Tasks to discuss separately: ____. Send your requirements to SDB Clean before confirmation so the visit can be planned around your home, rather than an assumed standard checklist.
Plan your next clean
Explore our regular home cleaning service or send your cleaning requirements.