Your weekend should not disappear under a mop. House cleaning services can take the scrubbing off your list, every week or just once. This guide explains the main types of house cleaning, what each one usually includes, how to describe your home so the bids are accurate, and what to ask before you hire a cleaner.
Types of house cleaning
| Type | What it usually covers |
|---|---|
| Regular cleaning | Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, kitchen and bathrooms, on a schedule |
| Deep cleaning | Everything in a regular clean plus baseboards, grout, inside appliances, build-up |
| Move-in or move-out | A deep clean of an empty home, inside cabinets and drawers |
| After a remodel | Fine construction dust on every surface, vents, windows and floors |
How to describe your home for accurate bids
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and roughly how big the home is
- Pets, and how much hair you are dealing with
- The type of clean and how often
- Extras: inside the oven or fridge, windows, laundry, carpets
- Anything special: stairs, high ceilings, delicate floors
Regular visits: weekly, every two weeks or monthly
A schedule keeps the home from getting to the "Saturday scrub" point. Weekly suits busy households with kids or pets; every two weeks suits most homes; monthly works when you keep up with the basics yourself.
Cleaning after a remodel
Construction dust is fine and gets everywhere: tops of doors, inside drawers, vents and window tracks. Say in your post that it is after a remodel so cleaners can plan the right time and tools.
Room-by-room: what a good clean covers
| Room | Regular clean | Deep clean adds |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Counters, sink, stovetop, outside of appliances, floors | Inside oven and fridge, cabinet fronts, backsplash grease |
| Bathrooms | Toilet, sink, tub or shower, mirrors, floors | Grout, soap scum build-up, behind the toilet, vents |
| Bedrooms | Dusting, vacuuming, making beds if asked | Under beds, baseboards, ceiling fans, window sills |
| Living areas | Dusting, vacuuming, floors, trash | Behind furniture, blinds, light switches, door frames |
Getting ready for the first visit
- Pick up clutter so cleaners can reach surfaces; they clean, they usually do not organize.
- Point out problem spots and anything fragile or off-limits.
- Decide on products: theirs or yours, and any you prefer to avoid.
- Arrange access and pets for the time of the visit.
Homes with pets, kids or allergies
Pet hair, sticky floors and dust build up fast. Say so in your post, and mention allergies or products you avoid. Cleaners can plan extra vacuuming, the right tools and the right products.
One-time clean or a regular schedule?
| Choose a one-time clean when | Choose a regular schedule when |
|---|---|
| You are moving in or out | Busy weeks leave no time for cleaning |
| You are hosting a big event | Pets and kids bring in dirt every day |
| A remodel just finished | You want your weekends back for good |
| You want a reset before starting regular visits | You like coming home to a clean house |
Trust and safety: letting a cleaner into your home
- Message the cleaner before hiring and read their profile and reviews.
- Agree on access: a lockbox, a code or being home for the first visit.
- Put valuables and private papers away, as you would for any visitor.
- Ask whether the same person or team will come each time.
- Ask for proof of insurance and check it.
Keeping it clean between visits
A few habits stretch the time between cleans: a doormat at every door, a quick wipe of the kitchen counters each night, a squeegee in the shower, and ten minutes of pick-up before bed. Your cleaner then spends their time on the real cleaning instead of clutter.
Questions to ask a house cleaner
- What is included in the clean, and what costs extra?
- Do you bring the supplies and equipment, or should I provide them?
- Will the same person or team come each time?
- How do you handle keys or access when I am not home?
- Do you carry insurance? Ask for proof and check it.
What a good cleaning bid includes
- The type of clean and a room-by-room list of what is included
- Extras named clearly
- How long the visit should take, and how often
- Who brings supplies
Get house cleaning bids on BidHandyman
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