The age-old adage, 'cleaning before the cleaner,' holds more truth than one might think. It's not about deep-cleaning your home, but rather a strategic approach to tidying that can significantly enhance the cleaning experience. This simple act can benefit both the client and the cleaner, ensuring a more efficient and effective service.
The Emotional and Practical Benefits
Kate Croukamp, co-owner of Clean Like a Pro, explains that clients often tidy up for two main reasons. Firstly, it's an emotional response to self-consciousness about mess or clutter, aiming to present a more organized home. Secondly, it's practical, as it allows cleaners to focus on the actual cleaning task within the allocated time frame. By tidying up, clients enable cleaners to maximize their efficiency, ensuring a thorough job without unnecessary delays.
Sara Allan, owner of Housekeeping Heroes, emphasizes the impact of tidying on the cleaning process. When cleaners spend time organizing clutter and moving items, the cleaning itself takes longer, leading to higher costs for clients. This inefficiency can also result in overlooked details, as cleaners may be distracted by the need to rearrange items.
The Art of Tidy Preparation
Jemima, a mother, understands the importance of a pre-clean tidy. She ensures her cleaner can focus on the task at hand, removing any obstacles that might hinder their work. Additionally, she considers her cleaner's feelings, wanting to present a well-maintained home, especially since her sister-in-law is currently the cleaner.
Mikala's mother shares a similar approach, keeping the home tidy by returning items to their designated places and ensuring the sink is empty. These simple actions create a seamless cleaning experience.
What Needs to Be Tidy?
Allan provides practical advice on what clients should tidy before the cleaner arrives. This includes clearing toys from floors for easy vacuuming and mopping, removing benchtop clutter, putting away paperwork, taking pets outside, and removing clothes from furniture. For those who request bed-making services, Allan advises stripping bedding and putting it in the laundry, leaving fresh linen for the cleaner to make the beds.
Croukamp also offers valuable tips, suggesting clients put away unnecessary items, clear bathroom vanities and kitchen countertops, pick up clothes, toys, and belongings from the floor, and stack dishes or empty sinks. These preparatory steps ensure a smoother cleaning process.
Embracing the Tidy Approach
Not everyone prioritizes tidying before the cleaner's arrival. Cherie Polwarth, a professional cleaner from Maid2Match, acknowledges that some clients are comfortable with cleaners handling clutter, accepting the trade-off for less detailed cleaning. However, for those seeking a more thorough job, tidying up beforehand is essential.
In conclusion, 'cleaning before the cleaner' is a strategic move that enhances the cleaning experience. It's a simple yet powerful practice that benefits both clients and cleaners, ensuring a more efficient and satisfying service.
