Having a housekeeper is becoming more of an essential need and less of a luxury. Being able to outsource tasks allows people an opportunity to have the time to do more things they need to. Instead of spending 8 hours cleaning your home, you can use that time to be with your family or work on your business. Check out these 7 things your housekeeper wants you to do. These things will allow you and your housekeeper to have a good cleaning experience.
Turn the Temperature Down
Cleaning your home can be a physical task. It can require constant moving and lifting. If possible, turn the temperature down to allow your housekeeper to work in a comfortable environment. I’m sure you don’t want your cleaner to drip sweat over all of the work they have recently completed. I personally have my thermostat set to 69 degrees when the housekeeper is cleaning. Although typically that temperature is too chilly for me, I want my cleaner to feel comfortable for the few hours they are in my home. Consider purchasing a smart thermostat to control you setting on your phone or through Alexa.
Remove All Clutter So Your Housekeeper Can Clean
Removing the clutter allows your cleaner the ability to concentrate on actually cleaning the space. You can’t expect your cleaner to know what items are trash, to be kept, or to be organized. Your cleaner may not know where to put certain items. My husband use to always ask why I cleaned my house for the housekeeper. I had to explain to him that I needed the cleaner to actually do tasks such as deep cleaning the kitchen, scrubbing the shower down, and wiping down window seals and baseboards. I do not need my cleaner wasting time trying to shuffle junk mail around. Decluttering is not the job of a housekeeper. If the table or countertop is full of clutter, the cleaner may not be able to properly clean, polish the furniture, or even dust.
Put Your Pets Up
Yes, our pets are an extension of our families. I’m sure your housekeeper loves all fur babies. But when they are cleaning your home, it’s best to temporarily put the fur babies away. I consider my Simon to be my middle child. However, when the housekeeper is cleaning, Simon is outside on the patio. The cleaner is able to clean the entire house, including his room (the closet under the stairs). If you’re able to contain your pet in a designated area or kennel, this will allow your housekeeper to clean the entire space without being interrupted by being jumped on, licked, and/or making additional mess.
RELATED POST: 7 Benefits of Hiring a Housekeeper
Wash Your Towels and Bath Mats
Prior to the housekeeper’s arrival, toss the towels and bath mats into the washing machine. Your cleaner will be wiping down and sanitizing the countertops and floors. Putting down fresh towels and mats will only enhance the cleaning. You wouldn’t want your cleaner to just vacuum a previously used mat if you have the opportunity to wash it. These items will be washed and dried in time to put down when the cleaner has concluded there cleaning.
Have Water Available For Your Housekeeper
It’s common courtesy to have water available in your home for guests and service providers. Having a bottle water can make a difference for your cleaner. Typically your cleaner may bring their own beverage. However, life always happens. They may have left their drink at home or it could have spilled. Having water available for your cleaner is an excellent way to show your respect and appreciation.
RELATED POST: 6 Things to Outsource to Have More Time For Your Family and Business
Temporarily Remove Your Soap From The Shower
When preparing your home for your housekeeper, I recommend removing your bar soap and excessive toiletries from the shower and/or tub and sink. Do you really want another person touching your personal hygiene items? I have a little basket that I temporarily place these items in under the sink. This practice is for the comfort of me and the housekeeper. This also gives your cleaner the opportunity to clean the space more effectively and better. They will not have to clean around your soap or have to physically touch it.
Communicate With Your Housekeeper
Communication goes both ways. I personally do not want to be like Anika Noni Rose’s character in the Netflix Series “The Maid”. But I find it best to express your expectations with your cleaner and allow your cleaner the opportunity to share their concerns. Utilize your cleaner’s experience and knowledge. They may be able to recommend the best cleaning items or ways to remove a stain on something you have been struggling with.
I hope you found these tips helpful. I would love to hear some of the things you do to prepare for your housekeeper. Please leave any questions and or comments below.
As always, if you need help getting your home and life organized, register for my free “5 Days to an Organized Home & Life” email course. You’ll receive tips and suggestions for five days and a copy of my eBook. You can register for the free course at www.decoratorsvoice.com/free5daycourse.
For information about my Full Home & Life Organizational Strategies course, please visit www.decoratorsvoice.com/homestrategiescourse. In this course, you’ll receive tons of useful information, access to my private Facebook group, and a physical organizational kit.
Thanks for stopping by. If you have any organizational or decorating questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I would love to hear from you. For information concerning our decorating services and products, please visit www.divineelementsofdesign.net
Great points! One thing we do in our house in regard to cleaning the shower is to run the exhaust fan while we shower and let it run about 30 minutes after we are done with showering. This simple move has helped eliminate the excess water in the air and cuts down on the cleaning process. Also, squeezy the shower walls and door so the cleaning at a minimum each week. Thanks for sharing!
You’ve nailed it with this post! It’s such a thoughtful reminder that having a housekeeper is about mutual respect and creating an environment that benefits both parties. I especially appreciate the emphasis on decluttering before they arrive and considering their comfort with the thermostat setting. Your tips are practical and will surely make the cleaning process smoother.
Thank you so much for commenting and your kind words. It’s exactly about mutual respect.