You’ve decided to hire professional cleaners. Now you’re wondering: What exactly will happen when they arrive? Will they know what I want? Should I hide things? Do I need to prepare my home? What if they judge my space?
These are normal concerns. Not knowing what to expect creates anxiety, which is why this guide walks you through your entire first professional cleaning appointment—from the moment you book until the cleaners leave and your home is sparkling.
Understanding the process removes uncertainty, builds confidence, and makes your first experience smooth and stress-free. This is your complete walkthrough of what professional house cleaning actually looks like from start to finish.
Before Your First Appointment: Preparation Timeline
Your first professional cleaning appointment starts before the cleaners arrive. Here’s what you need to do:
When You Book (1-2 Weeks Before)
| Task | Why It Matters | Time Needed | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schedule appointment | Secures your date/time slot | 5 min | Confirm date, time, and service type |
| Confirm property details | Ensures accurate estimate and team size | 10 min | Property size, number of rooms, any special requests |
| Discuss access | Team knows how to enter | 5 min | Where are keys, entry codes, building access details? |
| Clarify special requests | Customizes service to your needs | 10 min | Pet areas, sensitive items, areas to avoid |
| Ask questions | Eliminates uncertainty | 10-15 min | Ask anything unclear about the service |
| Get confirmation | Written record of appointment | 2 min | Email confirmation with date/time/details |
Sample Booking Conversation:
“Hi, I’d like to book a professional cleaning service for my 2-bedroom apartment. When are you available?”
[Schedule appointment]
“What should I do to prepare my home? Do I need to move things? Are there any areas I should pay special attention to?”
[Discuss any special requests]
“What time should I expect your team? How long will it take? Who will I be working with?”
[Get details about the visit]
3-5 Days Before Your Appointment
| Preparation Task | Why | How Much Prep |
|---|---|---|
| Confirm in writing | No-show prevention; written record | Email confirmation |
| Make note of special requests | Team knows your preferences | Text or email reminder |
| Prepare items to move | Clear clutter for cleaning | 15-30 minutes |
| Identify areas to protect | Communicate any delicate surfaces | Mental note or written list |
| Plan your schedule | Know if you’ll be home or away | Calendar update |
Day Before Your Appointment
| Task | Purpose | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Quick tidy (optional) | Removes large items obstructing access | 15-30 min (optional) |
| Locate house keys/entry info | Team can access home | 5 min |
| Note any last-minute requests | Add to communication | 2-3 min |
| Move personal items (if needed) | Protects valuables during work | 10-15 min |
| Confirm your availability | Know if you’ll be home | Mental note |
Important Note: You don’t need to deep-clean before cleaners arrive. Professional cleaners expect some clutter. Your job isn’t to make your home “clean enough”—their job is to clean it completely.
Morning of Your Appointment
| Time Window | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 hour before | Be ready if team arrives early |
| 30 minutes before | Have entry access ready (keys, codes, building access info) |
| 15 minutes before | Confirm you’re home if that’s the arrangement |
| At appointment time | Be ready to greet team and discuss any last-minute details |
What Happens When the Team Arrives
This is the moment you meet your professional cleaning team. Here’s exactly what will happen:
First Contact (5-10 Minutes)
The team arrives.
They’re on time or call 15 minutes before if running behind.
They introduce themselves.
You’ll meet the team lead or primary cleaner. They’re friendly, professional, and ready to work.
They walk through your home.
They take a quick tour to assess the property and identify any specific cleaning needs or concerns.
Sample First Interaction:
- “Hi! We’re the cleaning team from Galaxy Maids. Is it okay if we get started?”
- Team leader walks through, mentally noting clutter level, surface types, any items needing special care
- “We’ll start in the kitchen, move to the bedrooms, then bathrooms. Does that work for you? Any areas you’d like us to pay special attention to?”
Initial Assessment Walk-Through (5-10 Minutes)
The team checks out your space to understand the scope:
| What They’re Assessing | Why | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| Property layout | Efficient cleaning path | Plan team movement and timing |
| Surface types | Use correct products and techniques | Hardwood floors need different care than tile |
| Clutter level | Estimate time needed | More clutter takes longer to clean around |
| Special items | Avoid damaging valuables | China, art, delicate furniture noted |
| Pet areas | Special attention needed | Pet hair, odor management |
| Problem areas | Concentrated effort | Stains, sticky spots, problem surfaces |
| Bathroom/kitchen condition | Detailed work needed | Grimy surfaces need more time |
What You Should Point Out:
| Item Type | Why Mention | How to Communicate |
|---|---|---|
| Valuable items | Prevent accidental damage | “Please be careful with these” or show them |
| Delicate surfaces | Use correct products | “This is marble, please use gentle products” |
| Pet areas | Extra cleaning needed there | “Our dog sleeps on the couch; please vacuum thoroughly” |
| Problem areas | Needs extra attention | “This bathroom tile is tricky; please focus here” |
| Items to avoid | Prevents damage or intrusion | “Please don’t move items on my desk” |
| Allergies/sensitivities | Use appropriate products | “I’m sensitive to strong fragrances” |
Team Setup (5 Minutes)
The cleaning team sets up:
| Setup Task | What They Do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bring in equipment | Vacuums, mops, cleaning supplies | 2-3 minutes |
| Assess supply needs | Confirm they have everything needed | 1 minute |
| Test cleaning products | Small area to confirm safety | 30 seconds |
| Establish workflow | Decide which team member does which areas | 1-2 minutes |
What You’ll See:
- Professional-grade equipment (commercial vacuum, mop system)
- Quality cleaning supplies in organized caddy
- Team members in uniform or professional attire
- Protective measures (shoe covers if requested, organized trash system)
During the Cleaning: What’s Happening Room by Room
Once they start, here’s what a professional cleaning looks like:
Timeline and Work Order
Professional cleaners follow a specific sequence for efficiency:
| Phase | Areas | Duration | What’s Happening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Entry/Living | Entryway, living room, hallways | 20-30 min | Vacuuming, dusting, general tidying |
| Phase 2: Kitchen | Kitchen appliances, counters, sink | 30-45 min | Detailed surface cleaning, appliance exteriors |
| Phase 3: Bedrooms | Bedrooms, closets, surfaces | 20-30 min | Dusting, vacuuming, straightening |
| Phase 4: Bathrooms | Bathrooms, toilets, sinks, tiles | 30-45 min | Sanitization, detailed cleaning, mirror work |
| Phase 5: Final touches | Trash removal, organization, final check | 10-15 min | Vacuum pathways, organize items, trash out |
The Kitchen Cleaning (30-45 Minutes)
Here’s exactly what professional kitchen cleaning includes:
| Task | How Long | What Gets Cleaned |
|---|---|---|
| Clear counters | 5 min | Move items aside; wipe down surfaces |
| Sink cleaning | 5 min | Scrub sink basin; shine fixtures; drain clean |
| Appliance exteriors | 10 min | Wipe down fridge exterior, stovetop, microwave outside |
| Countertop cleaning | 10 min | Scrub spills; sanitize surfaces; shine |
| Cabinet fronts | 5 min | Wipe down cabinet doors and hardware |
| Trash removal | 3 min | Empty trash; replace bag |
| Floor | 5-10 min | Sweep; mop; ensure no sticky spots |
What They Do NOT Do (Unless Deep Cleaning):
- Inside appliances (oven, refrigerator interiors)
- Baseboards (unless deep cleaning)
- Cabinet interiors
- Windows (unless deep cleaning)
The Bathroom Cleaning (30-45 Minutes)
Professional bathroom cleaning is detailed and sanitary:
| Task | Focus | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet cleaning | Inside bowl, seat, exterior base | 8-10 min |
| Sink cleaning | Basin, faucet, countertop, mirror | 8-10 min |
| Shower/tub cleaning | Walls, floor, fixtures, glass | 10-15 min |
| Grout and tile | Tile surface cleaning; grout attention | 5-8 min |
| Floor cleaning | Sweep; mop; ensure dry | 5-8 min |
| Final touches | Mirror shine; trash removal | 3-5 min |
What You’ll Notice:
- Strong sanitization (your bathroom smells clean and fresh)
- No water pooling or wet spots
- Shine on fixtures and mirrors
- Organized items in logical spots
The Bedroom Cleaning (20-30 Minutes)
| Task | What Gets Done |
|---|---|
| Dusting | All surfaces, furniture, window sills |
| Vacuuming | Under bed, around furniture, full carpet |
| Making beds | Often left unmade for easy access; sometimes made if you prefer |
| Straightening | Items organized; clutter minimized |
| Pet hair removal | Special attention to pet areas |
Living Areas and Hallways (20-30 Minutes)
| Task | Details |
|---|---|
| Dusting | TV, shelves, pictures, decorations |
| Vacuuming | Carpets, under furniture, corners |
| Straightening | Throw pillows, blankets, items organized |
| Floor care | Hard floor vacuuming and mopping |
Throughout the Cleaning: Professional Practices You’ll Observe
What marks a truly professional cleaning service:
| Professional Practice | What It Looks Like | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Organization | Equipment and supplies in neat order | Efficient workflow; doesn’t clutter your space |
| Attention to detail | Getting into corners, under furniture | Nothing is missed |
| Product knowledge | Using specific products for surfaces | Prevents damage; ensures effectiveness |
| Respect for your space | Being careful with items, not moving unnecessary things | Your belongings are treated carefully |
| Efficiency | Team working systematically, not wasting motion | Gets job done in promised time |
| Communication | Checking in if questions arise | Solves issues before they become problems |
| Protective measures | Using shoe covers, protecting floors | Keeps your home protected during work |
| Quality control | Checking work as they go | Mistakes are corrected immediately |
How Long Will It Take?
Cleaning duration depends on property size and condition:
| Property Size | Typical Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio/Small 1-Bed | 2-3 hours | Quick, efficient work |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | 3-4 hours | Standard timing |
| 3-Bedroom Home | 4-5 hours | More rooms, more time |
| 4+ Bedroom House | 5-7+ hours | Large properties may require longer |
| Heavily Cluttered | +30-60 minutes | More time to clean around items |
| Very Dirty | +30-60 minutes | Stubborn stains need more attention |
Timeline Example: 2-Bedroom Apartment
| Time | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Team arrives; walk-through assessment |
| 9:10 AM | Kitchen cleaning begins |
| 9:45 AM | Bathroom 1 cleaning begins |
| 10:30 AM | Bedrooms cleaning begins |
| 11:00 AM | Bathroom 2 cleaning begins |
| 11:30 AM | Living areas, hallways, final touches |
| 12:00 PM | Team walks through with you; checks quality |
| 12:10 PM | Team leaves |
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes
During the Cleaning: What You Should Do
You don’t need to do much, but here’s what works best:
If You’re Home During Cleaning:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Stay out of the way | Team works uninterrupted; focused cleaning | You’re confined to one area |
| Go to another room | Reduces disruption to team | You might hear some noise |
| Run an errand | Team has full access; you get break | Less supervision |
| Stay available for questions | Quick clarifications possible | Slight interruptions |
Best Practice: Be available for the first 10 minutes (in case they need clarification), then step back and let them work. You can check in at the end.
If You’re Away During Cleaning:
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Key access | Leave key, code, or unlock entry door |
| Security | Professional company is bonded/insured |
| Communication | Leave phone number in case of questions |
| Special instructions | Leave written note for any special requests |
| Pet management | Keep pets in one area or leave instructions |
| Valuables | Put away items you’re concerned about (optional) |
Most Common: You can be at work, running errands, or anywhere else. Your home is secure and the cleaning happens without you there.
What NOT to Do During Cleaning
| What NOT to Do | Why | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Don’t follow them around | Makes them uncomfortable; slows work | Trust the professionals; check on progress occasionally |
| Don’t give constant direction | Too many instructions slows them down | Discuss preferences at start; let them execute |
| Don’t deep-clean alongside them | Defeats purpose of hiring professionals | Let them do their job |
| Don’t criticize their work as they go | Demoralizing; they can fix at end | Wait until they’re done to discuss any concerns |
| Don’t restrict access to areas | Harder to clean if they can’t access spaces | Open your home fully for best results |
| Don’t move items constantly | Interrupts workflow | Let them move things; they’ll put back correctly |
After Cleaning: The Final Walkthrough
When the team finishes, here’s what happens:
Final Inspection (5-10 Minutes)
The team leader does a final check.
They walk through to ensure quality and completeness.
They invite you to walkthrough.
You both go through together to confirm satisfaction.
| What They Check | What You Should Check |
|---|---|
| All surfaces clean | Run finger across surface; check for dust |
| No missed spots | Look behind doors, in corners, under items |
| Bathrooms sanitized | Smell for cleanliness; check fixtures shine |
| Kitchen surfaces | Check for any sticky spots or spills |
| Floors | Walk around; feel for any wet spots |
| Trash removed | Confirm all trash is gone |
| Items organized | Check that belongings are in right places |
| Overall appearance | Does the space look and feel clean? |
What If You Notice an Issue?
If something isn’t done to your satisfaction:
| Situation | What to Do | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Minor imperfection | Point it out immediately | Team can fix it on the spot (2-5 min) |
| Area needs more attention | Ask them to touch it up | Team returns to area and re-cleans |
| Overall dissatisfaction | Communicate clearly but respectfully | Most companies offer rework at no charge |
| Damage occurred | Report immediately | Company addresses liability; makes it right |
Sample Response:
“I noticed the bathroom floor still has some sticky spots. Could you mop that area again?”
Professional companies WANT to fix issues before you leave because it’s easier than rework callbacks.
Payment and Documentation
| Process | Details | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Payment method | Credit card, check, or app payment | Usually processed before leaving |
| Receipt | Provided via email or printed | Confirms service date and amount |
| Future appointment | Schedule next cleaning if recurring | Booked before they leave |
| Feedback form | Some companies ask for brief feedback | Quick online survey (optional) |
| Contact info | You have team lead’s contact for questions | In case issues arise |
After They Leave: What’s Different About Your Home
Here’s what you’ll notice after professional cleaning:
| Change | What It Feels Like | Time It Lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Sparkle and shine | Surfaces gleam; mirrors shine | Days to weeks depending on use |
| Freshness | Home smells clean and fresh | Days to a week |
| Organization | Items in order; clutter minimized | Until things accumulate again |
| Cleanliness | Surfaces are actually clean, not “good enough”** | Weeks depending on use |
| Peace of mind | Knowing your home is genuinely clean | Ongoing with regular service |
| Space and light | Home feels more open without surface clutter | Days to weeks |
| Breathing easier | Dust and allergen reduction | Ongoing benefit |
Most People Report: “I forgot what my home looked like clean.”
Common Concerns: Addressed
“Will they judge my home if it’s messy?”
No. Professional cleaners have seen it all. Their job is to clean, not judge. They understand that most people’s homes have some clutter. That’s literally why you’re hiring them.
“What if I’m not home? Is it safe?”
Yes. Professional cleaning companies:
- Are bonded and insured
- Conduct background checks on employees
- Have systems for key management
- Have customer reviews based on trustworthiness
- Are trained in professional protocols
You’re actually safer with professionals than a random handyman.
“What if they break something?”
They’re insured. Professional cleaning companies carry liability insurance. If something breaks due to their work, they cover it. This is another reason hiring professionals is safer than DIY.
“Should I hide my valuables?”
Up to you. Valuables should generally be hidden anyway for security. But professional cleaners aren’t interested in your belongings—they’re focused on cleaning. If you’re concerned, you can put items away, but it’s not necessary with reputable companies.
“What if they don’t clean how I want?”
Communicate expectations. Before they start, explain:
- “I prefer hardwood floors mopped with minimal water”
- “Please use unscented products; I’m sensitive to fragrance”
- “Focus on the kitchen today”
Most companies will accommodate reasonable preferences.
“How will I remember what day they’re coming?”
You’ll get reminders.
- Confirmation email with date/time
- Calendar invitation (if they send one)
- Text reminder (some companies offer this)
- Put it on your phone calendar
You won’t forget.
“What if I need to reschedule?”
Most companies allow rescheduling.
- Generally 24-48 hours notice
- Contact them via phone, email, or app
- They’ll find alternative time slot
- No penalty if reasonable notice given
“Should I tip the cleaning team?”
Tipping is appreciated but optional.
- 10-15% tip is customary for good service
- Cash tip to team lead works best
- Not required—service is what you’re paying for
- But appreciated if they go above and beyond
| Tipping Guideline | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Standard service | 10% of service cost | If satisfied |
| Excellent service | 15% of service cost | If they exceeded expectations |
| Outstanding service | 15-20% | If they solved special problems |
| Not required | $0 | Service cost is complete payment |
Common First-Time Scenarios
Scenario 1: You’re Home During Cleaning
8:45 AM: Team calls 15 min before arrival
9:00 AM: Team arrives; you greet them at door
9:05 AM: You show them special requests: “Please use gentle products on the wood floors”
9:10 AM: They start; you go to your bedroom with a book
11:00 AM: You peek in periodically to check progress
12:00 PM: Team leader walks you through; everything looks great
12:15 PM: You walk them out; confirm next appointment
Total Time at Home: About 3 hours (mostly hands-off)
Scenario 2: You’re Away During Cleaning
8:30 AM: You leave home; unlock door for team
9:00 AM: Team arrives; uses your key to enter
9:05 AM: Team starts cleaning
12:00 PM: You text team lead: “Are we on schedule?”
12:05 PM: Response: “Almost done! Should be out by 12:15”
12:15 PM: Team leaves; locks door securely
5:00 PM: You arrive home to sparkling clean space
Your Involvement: Minimal—just unlock the door
Scenario 3: First Deep Clean (More Detailed)
9:00 AM: Team arrives for 4-hour deep clean
9:10 AM: Walk-through; they note areas for extra attention
9:20 AM: Team splits up; multiple areas cleaned simultaneously
11:00 AM: Midway check-in; everything on track
12:30 PM: Final touches; final inspection
1:00 PM: Your home is comprehensively cleaned
Quality Level: Much more detailed; additional areas covered
Setting Yourself Up for Success
What Makes a Great First Experience
| Factor | How to Ensure It |
|---|---|
| Clear communication | Discuss expectations upfront |
| Realistic expectations | Understand what’s included in service |
| Professional company | Choose well-reviewed, established company |
| Access to home | Ensure team can easily enter |
| Advance notice | Confirm appointment day before |
| Feedback after | Tell them what went well |
Questions to Ask Before They Arrive
| Question | Why Ask | What to Listen For |
|---|---|---|
| “What time should I expect you?” | Confirms timing | Specific time + flexibility buffer |
| “How long will it take?” | Realistic timeline | Honest estimate for your property |
| “What if something breaks?” | Insurance coverage | Assurance they’re insured |
| “Can I call if I have questions during?” | Communication | Willingness to answer |
| “What’s your policy if I’m not satisfied?” | Quality guarantee | Commitment to fixing issues |
| “Should I prepare my home?” | Reduces first-time stress | Clear, simple answer |
After Your First Cleaning: Next Steps
Evaluating Your Experience
After the team leaves, assess:
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of cleaning | ☆☆☆☆☆ | Does your home look/feel clean? |
| Professionalism of team | ☆☆☆☆☆ | Were they courteous and efficient? |
| Communication | ☆☆☆☆☆ | Did they explain what they were doing? |
| Value for cost | ☆☆☆☆☆ | Was the service worth what you paid? |
| Would you use again? | Yes / No | Overall satisfaction |
If You’re Satisfied
Book your next appointment. Schedule recurring service (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly).
Leave a review. Tell others about your positive experience.
Recommend them. Share with friends and family.
If You Have Concerns
Contact the company. Explain what wasn’t right.
Give them a chance to fix it. Most issues can be resolved quickly.
Rebook if they fixed it. Don’t abandon a company over one mistake; give them opportunity to improve.
Find someone new if needed. You deserve a service you’re happy with.
Frequently Asked Questions: First Professional Cleaning Visit
Q: Do I need to clean my home before the professional cleaners come?
A: No. Your home can be messy. That’s what you’re paying them for. You don’t need to do prep work. Just clear large items that obstruct access if it helps them work faster, but this is optional.
Q: What should I do about my pets during cleaning?
A: Keep pets in one area or put them outside if safe/weather permits. Let the cleaners know about pets so they’re prepared for pet hair. Some people board pets for the day, but it’s not required.
Q: Should I stay home for my first cleaning?
A: Either way works. Many people stay the first time for reassurance, then leave subsequent cleanings. Or you can leave immediately and trust the professionals. Whatever makes you comfortable.
Q: What if I’m in a condo/apartment with building restrictions?
A: Tell the cleaning company about building rules (no parking in certain spots, noise restrictions, etc.). Professional companies are experienced with multi-unit buildings and know how to follow building protocols.
Q: Will they use strong chemical smells that are overpowering?
A: Professional cleaners use industrial-grade products that are effective in small amounts. Ask about scent preferences. Many companies offer fragrance-free or lightly scented options. Tell them about sensitivities upfront.
Q: What if I have allergies?
A: Definitely tell the cleaning company about allergies. They can:
- Use hypoallergenic products
- Avoid certain fragrances
- Focus on allergen removal (vacuuming carpets thoroughly, dusting baseboards)
- Work around your allergy triggers
Q: How will they know where things go if they move items?
A: Experienced cleaners know the general organization of homes. Glasses go in kitchen cabinets, books on shelves, clothes in bedrooms. If you have unusual arrangements, just point it out: “My coffee mugs are in the left cupboard” or they’ll ask questions.
Q: What if my home is in really bad condition?
A: Professional cleaners handle all conditions. That’s what they do. Don’t be embarrassed. They’ll work systematically and get your home clean regardless of starting condition.
Q: Do I need to move furniture for them to clean under it?
A: They’ll move lighter furniture themselves. For heavy furniture, let them know and they’ll move it. You don’t need to pre-move things unless you want to.
Q: What if they finish earlier than expected?
A: They’ll let you know and leave. If they finish in 2.5 hours instead of 3, that’s a good thing—they were efficient. You’re still paying the agreed amount; you don’t get a refund for finishing faster.
Q: Can I watch them work?
A: Sure. Some people like to observe. Just stay out of their way. They may be less efficient if you’re hovering, so give them space to work.
Q: What if I notice something doesn’t look right after they leave?
A: Call them immediately. Most companies offer a 24-hour window to address issues. They’ll usually come back and fix the area at no charge.
Q: Should I sign anything before they start?
A: You should have an agreement about:
- Service date and time
- Services included
- Cost
- Payment method
This is usually handled when booking. It prevents misunderstandings.
Q: What if an emergency happens and I need to cancel?
A: Call the company immediately. Most have 24-48 hour cancellation policy. Emergencies are usually understood, but give as much notice as possible.
Q: How soon can I book a follow-up cleaning?
A: Ask when you pay. You can usually schedule the next appointment immediately—weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or whenever works for you.
Your First Cleaning: What to Expect Summary
| Phase | What Happens | Duration | Your Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before | Book, prepare, confirm | Days before | Minimal prep |
| Arrival | Team arrives, walk-through | 5-10 min | Greet, communicate needs |
| Cleaning | Professional team works | 2-5 hours | Stay out of way or available |
| Final inspection | Team walks through with you | 5-10 min | Approve work |
| After | They leave; you enjoy clean home | Ongoing | Schedule next appointment |
Ready for Your First Professional Cleaning?
Your first professional cleaning doesn’t need to be stressful. Now that you know exactly what to expect, you can feel confident and excited about reclaiming your clean home.
Galaxy Maids provides professional house cleaning services throughout NYC. Your first visit includes:
- Friendly, professional team
- Clear communication about your needs
- Thorough professional cleaning of your entire home
- Quality guarantee
- Easy scheduling for future appointments
We also offer apartment cleaning and deep cleaning services if you want more comprehensive work.
Book Your First Cleaning Today in 60 Seconds
Choose your date, confirm your property details, and we’ll handle the rest. You’ll get a confirmation email with everything you need to know.
First-time customers often tell us: “I should have done this years ago.”
Let’s get your home clean. Schedule your first appointment now.
We serve Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, Westchester County, and Nassau County.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your First Professional Cleaning Visit
Q: Do I need to clean my home before the professional cleaners come?
A: No. Your home can be messy. That’s what you’re paying them for. You don’t need to do prep work. Optional: clear large items if they obstruct access, but this isn’t required.
Q: What should I do about my pets during cleaning?
A: Keep pets in one area or outside if weather permits. Let cleaners know about pets so they’re prepared for pet hair. Boarding pets is optional but can help.
Q: Should I stay home for my first cleaning?
A: Either way works. Many stay the first time for reassurance, then leave subsequent cleanings. Whatever makes you comfortable.
Q: What if I’m in a condo/apartment with building restrictions?
A: Tell the company about building rules (no parking, noise restrictions, etc.). Professional companies know how to follow multi-unit building protocols.
Q: Will they use overpowering chemical smells?
A: Professional products are effective in small amounts. Ask about scent preferences. Most offer fragrance-free options. Tell them about sensitivities upfront.
Q: What if I have allergies?
A: Tell the company about allergies. They can use hypoallergenic products, avoid certain fragrances, and focus on allergen removal.
Q: How will they know where things go if they move items?
A: Experienced cleaners know typical home organization. For unusual arrangements, just point it out or they’ll ask.
Q: What if my home is in really bad condition?
A: Professional cleaners handle all conditions. Don’t be embarrassed. They’ll work systematically and get your home clean.
Q: Do I need to move furniture for them to clean under it?
A: They’ll move lighter furniture. For heavy furniture, let them know. You don’t need to pre-move things.
Q: What if they finish earlier than expected?
A: They’ll let you know. If they finish in 2.5 hours instead of 3, they were efficient. Cost is the same.
Q: Can I watch them work?
A: Sure. Some people like to observe. Stay out of their way; let them work efficiently.
Q: What if I notice something wrong after they leave?
A: Call immediately. Most have 24-hour window to fix issues. They’ll usually come back at no charge.
Q: Should I sign anything before they start?
A: You should have agreement about date, time, services, and cost. Usually handled when booking.
Q: What if I need to cancel?
A: Call immediately. Most have 24-48 hour cancellation policy. Give as much notice as possible.
Q: How soon can I book follow-up cleaning?
A: Ask when you pay. Schedule next appointment immediately—weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or as needed.
Ready to book your first professional cleaning?
Galaxy Maids makes scheduling easy. Book in 60 seconds online and get a confirmation email with all appointment details.
Your clean home is waiting. Schedule today.
We serve Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, Westchester County, and Nassau County.
