What to Expect When You Hire Professional House Cleaners

We get a lot of first-time clients who are nervous about having cleaners in their home. Totally normal. You're letting strangers into your personal space. But after you understand the process, most people wonder why they waited so long to hire help.

Here's exactly what to expect when you book professional cleaning in Newmarket, Aurora, or anywhere in York Region - based on our process at TidyupCo and what's standard across the industry.

Before the Cleaners Arrive

Booking Your Cleaning

Most companies let you book online, by phone, or both. You'll provide basic info: home size, type of cleaning (regular vs deep), special requests, preferred date and time.

Confirmation and Reminders

Expect a confirmation email or text with the appointment details. Most companies send a reminder 24-48 hours before your cleaning. Some also send a notification when cleaners are on their way.

Should You Clean Before Cleaners Come?

No deep cleaning needed, but a quick tidy helps us work efficiently. We clean surfaces, floors, bathrooms - but we're not organizers. If there's clutter everywhere, we can't access what needs cleaning.

Day of Cleaning: What Happens

Arrival and Introduction

Professional cleaners arrive on time (or call if running late). They'll introduce themselves, confirm the scope of work, and ask about any special requests or areas to focus on.

Do You Need to Be Home?

Your choice. Many clients provide access and leave - either through a key, lockbox, or garage code. Others prefer to be home during the first cleaning. After you build trust, most people let cleaners work independently.

If you're home, you don't need to entertain or watch the cleaners. They're professionals doing their job. Most clients work from home in another room or run errands while we work.

What Gets Cleaned (Standard Service)

Here's what professional cleaning typically includes for a standard service:

What's NOT Included (Usually)

Standard cleaning doesn't include everything. These are typically extra services or not included:

• •Inside ovens or fridges (deep clean service)
• •Inside cabinets or drawers
• •Laundry or dishes (unless specifically requested)
• •Exterior windows (often an add-on)
• •Moving heavy furniture
• •Organizing or decluttering

Products and Equipment

Professional cleaners bring their own supplies and equipment. You don't need to provide anything unless you have specific product preferences (like eco-friendly or scent-free products - just ask in advance).

After the Cleaning

Walk-Through and Inspection

Good companies do a final walk-through to make sure everything's completed. If you're home, they'll ask if you want to check anything specific. If you notice something missed, speak up immediately - most cleaners are happy to address it on the spot.

Payment

Payment methods vary by company. Many accept credit cards, e-transfer, or online payment. Some bill you after the cleaning, others collect payment on arrival. Tipping is appreciated but not required (10-20% is standard if you're happy with the service).

Follow-Up

Expect a follow-up message asking about your experience. This is when you provide feedback, request adjustments for next time, or book your next cleaning if you want recurring service.

Common First-Time Questions

What Makes a Good Cleaning Company

Not all cleaning services are equal. Here's what to look for when choosing a company in Newmarket or York Region:

• Insured and bonded: Protects you if something breaks or goes missing
• Clear pricing: No hidden fees or surprise charges
• Good communication: Responsive to questions and concerns
• Satisfaction guarantee: Will return to fix issues
• Consistent quality: Same standards every visit

The first cleaning is always a bit of adjustment as you figure out preferences and routines. But after that? Most clients say it's one of the best decisions they've made for their household. More time for what matters, less stress about cleaning.