House Cleaning Etiquette: Should I Stay or Should I Go?
You’ve just hired a cleaning service for the first time.
Or maybe you’ve been having your home cleaned for a while and are wondering if you’re doing it the “right way.”
Are you supposed to leave or stay when house cleaners come?
Should you office at a coffee shop for the afternoon or take the kids to the park for a few hours? And what about the dog?
Here we cover the fine points of house cleaning etiquette and what to do while the maid is cleaning.
Should You Leave When the Cleaning Lady Comes?
Whether you decide to leave or stay home while the cleaners work is up to you.
Your cleaners may find it easier to clean without anyone at home, particularly children. However, leaving isn’t always possible, especially if you work from home, and remaining home is also perfectly acceptable.
3 Reasons You Should Leave During House Cleanings if Possible
#1: Maids Typically Follow a Routine for Efficient Cleaning
Most house cleaners follow a specially thought-out plan for cleaning that allows them to clean your home like a well-oiled machine.
But when you’re home, and they have to navigate around you, it can distract them from their normal routine — making cleaning take longer than it should.
#2: You Get to Come Home to a Sparkling Clean Home
Leaving while your house is cleaned means you get to experience the joy of returning to a clean home!
Close the door on smudged windows and dusty floors — and return to sparking glass and vacuum lines.
Plus, a clean house smells amazing and helps relieve stress! Yes, please!
#3: You Can Get Other Tasks Done While They Clean
Make the most of the time your home is being cleaned by marking things off your “to-do” list or just having fun.
Here are a few great ideas for what to do while the maid is cleaning:
Run errands
Get your nails done
Schedule a dental appointment
Take a long walk
Hang out at a coffee shop
Take the kids (or yourself) to a movie
Meet up with a friend for lunch
Read a book; or
Explore a new area in town
You’ll spend your time being productive while helping your cleaners to be more efficient — a win-win for sure!
3 Reasons You May Need to Stay Home During House Cleanings
#1: You Work From Home
The latest stats reveal that over 4.7 million U.S. workers work remotely for at least half the work week.
If you’re working from home, you can't take time off just to have your house cleaned — so staying makes perfect sense.
#2: You Want to Build a Rapport With New Cleaners
Maybe you don’t feel comfortable having people in your home when you’re not there, or you want a chance to get to know your cleaning team.
No problem! You’ll just want to be sure to check out our house cleaning etiquette guidelines below.
#3: You Have a New Baby or Child Who Can’t Leave the House
There are times you simply can't leave the house.
Maybe you have a new baby or a child who isn’t feeling their best.
Or your children may be homeschooled or doing virtual schooling. In this case, you may consider using the day as a field trip if you’re able or doing school at the park or library.
What to Do While the Maid Is Cleaning and You Stay Home: 5 Proper Etiquette Guidelines
#1: Communicate With the Cleaning Team
Do you need to make lunch for the kids at 11:30? Have a virtual meeting at 1:00?
Communication is key!
Let your cleaning team know what area(s) you’ll be using and when — and get their opinions on how you can assist or stay out of the way.
They are happy to work around you. They just need to know the details, so they can make the most of their time in your home.
#2: Try to Avoid the Common Spaces
The common spaces in your home, like the …
Kitchen
Dining room
Bathrooms; and
Living room
… are the rooms that get the most use, meaning they’re going to be dirtier and can take longer to clean.
And while your team doesn't mind working around you if needed, having to navigate around you can make their cleaning time take longer than normal.
#3: Coordinate Having Your Work Area Cleaned First
An easy solution to balancing your work day with house cleaning day is to have the team clean your work area first.
Consider running a quick errand while they clean your office space, or using the time for your lunch break.
As soon as they’re done, you can move into the newly cleaned space and get right back to work.
#4: Keep Pets With You or Put Away
We all love our fur babies!
But pets can easily get in the way on cleaning day.
They may follow cleaners around the house, nudging them for scratches and snuggles. Plus, some cleaners may have pet allergies or animal phobias.
Keeping your furry friends put away during cleaning is always the most considerate option.
#5: If Home With a Child, Consider Having a Space to Stay in Together That Can Wait for a Future Cleaning
Especially if you’re home with a sick child, for the safety of the cleaning team, you’ll want to communicate the situation to them before they arrive. The cleaning crew may ask you to reschedule or complete a no-contact visit.
Consider staying in a bedroom or other space with your child, using this time together for a nap, movie, game, or to get school done.
The cleaning team can prioritize this room for an extra bit of cleaning on their next visit.
Whether You Leave or Stay, House Cleaners With Tidy Up Portland! Are Here to Ensure Your Home Is Sparkling Clean
Life is busy.
At Tidy Up Portland! we get it, and we want to help ease the stress by keeping your home fresh and tidy.
We professionally clean your home with products that are:
Eco-friendly
Non-toxic
Natural; and
Green
We offer affordable hourly and flat rates, based on your cleaning priorities and the size of your home.
Our cleaning teams are punctual and flexible — and strive to make your life on cleaning day as easy as possible.
And we're confident you won’t find a better cleaning service than Tidy Up Portland!
Book an appointment today.
