- A few minutes of preparation help the crew spend their time cleaning, not working around obstacles.
- Clear surfaces, secure valuables, confirm access and share your priorities.
- Write down any special instructions so they carry over to every visit.
You do not need to clean before the cleaners come. You do need to make it easy for them to do the job well.
Before the first visit
- Confirm access: keys, fobs, alarm instructions and a contact person.
- Decide what areas are in scope and which are off limits.
- Tell the company about any special floors, surfaces or equipment.
- Share health and safety rules, such as medical or daycare requirements.
- Provide a list of any safety concerns, like fragile items or hazards.
Before every visit
- Clear desks and counters of loose papers and personal items if you want them wiped.
- Lock away valuables, cash, confidential files and prescription items.
- Put away food and drinks that should not be moved.
- Lock or close any rooms that are off limits.
- Make sure trash is in the bins and not on the floor.
- Leave a note for anything unusual, such as a spill or a repair.
Why clear surfaces matter
Crews are trained not to move or read your papers. If your desk is covered, it will probably be dusted around. A clear surface gets wiped properly.
Communicate your priorities
Tell the company what matters most. For example, restrooms, entrances and break rooms may be more important than storage rooms. Priorities help the crew use their time well. See what's included in commercial cleaning and the daily cleaning checklist for common tasks.
Keep one point of contact
Name one person who can answer questions and receive reports. That keeps instructions consistent.
After the first few visits
Walk the space with the supervisor and adjust. The first month is for fine-tuning. Learn more about timing in how long commercial cleaning takes.