So you finally decided to hire a house cleaner, huh? Good call. There’s nothing quite like walking into a clean house that smells fresh and feels, well, clean. But before you get too excited and expect every nook and cranny to be sparkling, let’s set the record straight. House cleaners are amazing at what they do, but they’re not magicians. There’s actually quite a bit they won’t touch—and it’s not because they don’t want to. Sometimes it’s about safety, sometimes it’s about practicality. Either way, knowing what to expect can save you from surprises later. Let’s break it down.
Preparing for a House Cleaning Service
Decluttering and Tidying Up
First things first—cleaners clean, but they don’t organize your life. If your counters are buried under piles of mail, loose change, and a random assortment of things that don’t belong there, they’re gonna have a hard time wiping them down. Do yourself (and them) a favor and clear off those surfaces. That way, they can focus on the actual cleaning part.
Securing Pets
Look, we all love our furry friends. But not everyone is comfortable around them, and some cleaners might be allergic. Even if your cleaner loves dogs or cats, having your pets underfoot while they’re trying to mop isn’t ideal. Crate them, put them in another room, or let them hang out in the backyard while the cleaners do their thing. It makes everything smoother.
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Areas House Cleaners Will Clean
Bathrooms
Ah, the bathroom. One of the main reasons most of us hire cleaners in the first place. It’s not exactly a fun place to scrub down. Fortunately, this is where house cleaners shine. They’ll get into the bathtubs, sinks, toilets, and floors. Expect sparkling faucets and gleaming mirrors when they’re done. But remember—they’re not unclogging drains or fixing leaky pipes. Cleaning only.
Bedrooms
Cleaners will dust, vacuum, and maybe even change your sheets if you leave fresh ones out. But if your closet is overflowing or your nightstand is cluttered, don’t expect them to sort through your stuff. Their job is to clean the space, not organize your shoe collection.
Kitchens
Counters, sinks, stovetops, and even the microwave (if you’re lucky) will get a good scrub. Some will wipe down the outside of your appliances, but most won’t clean the inside of your fridge or oven unless it’s pre-arranged. And if your sink is full of dishes? Yeah, they’re not handling that.
Living Rooms
Expect dusting, vacuuming, and maybe a little spot cleaning. They’ll hit your coffee table, entertainment center, and any other surface that needs some love. But if there’s clutter everywhere, they’ll just clean around it.
Items and Areas House Cleaners Won’t Clean
Biological Waste
This one’s pretty obvious, but it still needs to be said. House cleaners aren’t biohazard specialists. If there are pet accidents, medical waste, or anything along those lines, it’s not getting cleaned up. Call the right folks for that.
Laundry and Linens
Don’t expect your house cleaners to do your laundry or fold clothes. Sure, they might make the bed if you leave fresh sheets out, but running loads of laundry isn’t part of the deal. If you need help with that, hire a laundry service separately.
High or Hard-to-Reach Places
See that dusty top shelf that requires a ladder to reach? Most house cleaners won’t tackle that. It’s a safety thing. They’ll dust what they can reach with a step stool, but anything higher than that is on you.
Washing Machines and Appliances
If your washing machine smells funky, cleaners can give you tips on how to handle it. But they’re not scrubbing the inside of it for you. Same goes for the dishwasher. They’ll wipe down the outside, but loading and unloading dishes? Nope. That’s on you.
Windows
Windows are tricky. Most cleaners won’t touch them unless you specifically book a window cleaning service. It takes extra time and a different skill set to get them streak-free. If you need windows cleaned, plan ahead and book separately.
Strong Odors
Got a smell that won’t go away? Cleaners can freshen things up, but they’re not miracle workers. Lingering cigarette smoke, pet odors, or that mystery smell from the fridge might need more specialized attention.
Dishwashers
Remember that pile of dishes in the sink? Don’t expect your cleaner to load the dishwasher. They’ll wipe down the counters around it, but that’s about it. Load it yourself before they arrive.
Pest-Infested Areas
Got bedbugs or a roach problem? Call pest control. Maids won’t clean areas infested with pests, and you wouldn’t want them to. Pest infestations require a whole different level of care.
Heavy Objects
Cleaners will wipe around heavy furniture and appliances, but they’re not moving them. If you want the area under your fridge cleaned, you’ll need to move it yourself.
When to Call Specialized Professional Cleaners
Pest Control
For bugs, rodents, or anything creepy-crawly, skip the cleaner and call pest control directly. They have the right tools to handle the job.
Mold Removal
Mold is no joke. If you spot mold, hire a mold remediation specialist. Cleaners can wipe down the surface, but they’re not getting rid of the mold completely.
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
Regular vacuuming is part of the cleaning service, but deep carpet and upholstery cleaning? That’s a different gig. Call in a pro if your carpets need more than just a surface clean.
Chimney Sweeping
If your chimney’s dirty, call a chimney sweep. Maids aren’t equipped for that kind of work.
Air Duct Cleaning
Got dusty air vents? You’ll need an HVAC specialist for that. Cleaners will dust the outside, but inside the ducts is a whole other ballgame.
Conclusion
Hiring a house cleaner can be life-changing, but knowing what to expect is key. Cleaners handle the daily grime, but for specialized tasks, you’ll need to call the right professionals. Keep things tidy, clear the clutter, and let the cleaners do their thing. You’ll end up with a cleaner, fresher home—and a whole lot less stress.
Looking for a cleaning service in South Bay Los Angeles? Call VIP Maids now and book your house cleaning hassle-free.
