What to Ask a Cleaner to Do: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners
- thecleaningexpert6
- Aug 14
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 21
When it comes to keeping your home clean, hiring a professional cleaner can save you time, effort, and energy. However, to ensure that you get the best possible results from the service, it's important to communicate clearly about your expectations. If you're new to hiring a cleaner or simply want to make sure you're covering all the bases, this guide will help you understand what to ask a cleaner to do.

1. General Cleaning Tasks to Expect
Before getting into specific tasks, it’s important to have a general understanding of what professional cleaners typically handle. Generally, house cleaning services include:
Dusting and wiping down surfaces
Sweeping and mopping floors
Vacuuming carpets and upholstery
Cleaning bathrooms and kitchens
However, there are many tasks that might be unique to your home. Here’s a breakdown of what you should ask your cleaner to do for the best possible results:
2. Living Room and Common Areas
The living room is often the heart of the home, where you spend time with family and guests. It's essential to keep this area neat and tidy. When discussing your cleaning needs with the cleaner, ask about:
Dusting and wiping down all surfaces, including coffee tables, shelves, and entertainment units.
Vacuuming upholstery, such as couches, chairs, and pillows, to remove dirt, pet hair, and debris.
Cleaning baseboards and corners, which are often overlooked but collect dust.
Wiping down electronics, such as televisions, remote controls, and lampshades, to keep them free from dust and grime.
3. Kitchen Cleaning
The kitchen is one of the most important spaces to maintain cleanliness, as it’s where food is prepared. When hiring a cleaner, make sure to request:
Cleaning countertops and backsplashes, especially in areas where food is prepared.
Sanitizing high-touch areas, like handles, switches, and knobs, to prevent the spread of germs.
Cleaning and disinfecting appliances, such as microwaves, stoves, ovens, and refrigerators.
Washing dishes and cleaning the sink, if you need the cleaner to do more than just surface cleaning.
Mopping the floor, especially if there are spills or stains.
4. Bathroom Cleaning
Bathrooms need regular cleaning to maintain hygiene and prevent the build-up of grime. Be sure to specify that the following tasks are to be done:
Scrubbing and disinfecting toilets, sinks, and tubs to remove soap scum, toothpaste stains, and mold.
Wiping down mirrors and glass surfaces to ensure they are streak-free.
Cleaning and sanitizing showerheads and faucets to remove limescale buildup.
Mopping the floor and cleaning behind toilets where dirt tends to collect.
5. Bedroom and Closet Cleaning
A clean bedroom contributes to a good night’s sleep and a calming atmosphere. Here’s what to ask the cleaner to do:
Dusting furniture, including dressers, nightstands, and lamps.
Changing bed linens (if you request this service).
Organizing the closet, if needed, to keep clothing and shoes in place.
Vacuuming under the bed and other furniture that might collect dust or debris.
6. Deep Cleaning Services
While routine cleaning is essential, there are times when your home may need a deep clean, especially if it hasn’t been cleaned in a while. You can request the following deep cleaning tasks:
Carpet cleaning to remove embedded dirt, stains, and allergens.
Cleaning windows and blinds, including inside window tracks, to ensure a spotless view.
Cleaning behind appliances like the fridge and oven, where dirt often accumulates.
Sanitizing high-traffic areas, such as hallways and entryways, to reduce the spread of germs.
Cleaning light fixtures and ceiling fans to remove dust and cobwebs.
7. Specialized Cleaning Requests
If you have specific needs, be sure to communicate them clearly. Some examples of specialized requests include:
Cleaning pet areas such as pet beds, litter boxes, and pet-friendly furniture.
Cleaning air vents and filters to improve indoor air quality.
Organizing specific rooms or spaces, such as home offices, laundry rooms, or playrooms.
Cleaning outdoor spaces, such as patios or decks, if you want your cleaner to tackle these areas as well.
8. Communicating Expectations Clearly
To ensure that the cleaner understands your needs, it’s important to communicate effectively. Here's how:
Create a checklist of tasks you want done and discuss it with your cleaner before they begin.
Prioritize tasks that are most important to you. For example, if you have a busy schedule, you may want to prioritize kitchen and bathroom cleaning.
Provide feedback after each session to help the cleaner understand your preferences and improve the service.
9. What Not to Expect
While house cleaners can tackle a wide range of tasks, there are certain jobs that might be outside the scope of their services. These may include:
Laundry (unless specified as part of the service)
Organizing personal items like clothes and paperwork
Cleaning up after a major event or renovation (unless you opt for a specialized post-construction cleaning)
Lawn care or exterior maintenance
10. Conclusion
Hiring a professional cleaner can make your life much easier, but clear communication is key to ensuring that the service meets your expectations. By asking the right questions and being specific about what you want done, you can enjoy a clean, tidy, and organized home without the stress. If you’re looking for reliable and thorough house cleaning services in Mississauga, ON, and nearby areas, The Cleaning Expert is here to help. We offer comprehensive cleaning packages tailored to your needs, whether you’re looking for regular cleaning or a deep clean. Get in touch with us today for a sparkling clean home!
FAQs
What tasks should I ask a cleaner to do in the kitchen?You should ask your cleaner to clean countertops, appliances, sinks, and the floor. Make sure high-touch areas like handles and knobs are sanitized.
How often should I schedule a deep cleaning for my home?It's recommended to schedule a deep clean every 3 to 6 months, depending on the size of your home and your cleaning needs.
Can I request a cleaner to organize my closet?Yes, if you need your closet organized, you can specify this as part of the cleaning service.
Is it necessary to clean behind appliances?Cleaning behind appliances is important to maintain cleanliness and prevent dust and grime buildup, especially in the kitchen.
Do cleaners handle pet-related cleaning tasks?Yes, cleaners can clean pet areas, including pet beds and furniture, upon request.
If you're in Mississauga, ON, or nearby areas, and need a house cleaning service, feel free to contact The Cleaning Expert for a thorough and customized cleaning experience!
Contact Us for Your House Cleaning service in Mississauga, ON & Nearby Areas
Company Name: The Cleaning Expert
Address: 50 Burnhamthorpe Rd W Suite 53, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C2, Canada
Phone: +1 647 699 7165
Comments