Prepare Your Home for a Visit from Cleaning Professionals

OMAHA, Neb., April 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A friend once confided that a service couldn't clean her home well because it was too "dirty." The service wasn't talking about removing dirt, grease or pet hair; it was pointing out the difficulties of deep cleaning because of the surface clutter.  

There are many ways to ensure that you'll get the most from professional cleaners. Experts at The Maids (www.maids.com), the only franchised residential cleaning service to clean for health using environmentally preferable products, offer these ideas to prepare your home for a visit from pros.

Clutter, clutter everywhere

Cleaning specialists focus on eliminating dirt, contaminants and allergens; they are not in the business of organizing. Piles of papers on the countertops, books stacked in the corners, or clothes in a heap on the floor should be removed to allow workers to thoroughly clean every surface. Since most services work around these objects, there will places in the home that don't benefit from a deep cleaning. And, in turn, that means you won't get the full benefits of paying for a service.

If you are short on time, throw the items in boxes and place them in the garage or basement. "Clutter" might include dishes in the kitchen sink, items on shower floors or bathtub ledges, clothing and toys, pet items, and piles of books, magazines or papers.

Some services may consent to move piles around, but this takes time and likely will cost you more money. And because workers don't know where these things are meant to go, you may find yourself wasting time trying to find what they've put away or have placed in an unfamiliar stack.

Private matters

Save anything you don't want the workers to see, including bills, personal documents, or other items that should remain private. This precaution protects both you and the workers.

Special requests

If there is something special you want done, call the service several days before the scheduled visit to make arrangements. Leaving a note likely won't produce the desired results because workers might need extra time or additional cleaning products to comply with the request.

Give feedback

Once workers have cleaned your home, be sure to tell the service how you feel about the results. Building a relationship with the service and your cleaning professionals is the best way to ensure your continued satisfaction.

About The Maids

Known for its 22-Step Healthy Touch® Deep Cleaning System, The Maids is the only franchised residential cleaning service to clean for health, combining environmentally preferable cleaning supplies and state-of-the-art equipment with a methodical process to maintain the healthiest living environment possible for families. The Maids enjoys a 96 percent customer referral rate, distinguishing them as the residential cleaning service of choice. Visit The Maids (www.maids.com) for more information.

SOURCE The Maids