Cleaning Tips
How to Prepare Your Apartment for a Professional Cleaning Service
Booking your first professional cleaning raises a few practical questions. Do you need to clean first? What about your cat, your doorman, or the jewelry on the dresser? A few minutes of preparation helps your cleaner spend the appointment actually cleaning. Here is how to prepare for house cleaners in an NYC apartment.
Do you need to clean before the cleaners arrive?
No. Cleaning is the job you're paying for, and nobody expects a spotless home when they walk in. That said, a little tidying makes a real difference to the result, because time spent moving piles of clothes is time not spent on the bathroom or kitchen.
Tidying up vs. actual cleaning
Tidying means putting things away. Cleaning means wiping, scrubbing, dusting and mopping. Cleaners handle the second; a quick pass at the first helps them reach more surfaces.
A 15-minute tidy before your appointment
- Pick up clothes, shoes and bags from the floor
- Clear counters and tables of mail, papers and small items you don't want moved
- Put dishes in the sink or dishwasher
- Clear the tub and shower ledges if you want them fully scrubbed
- Leave beds unmade if you want fresh sheets put on, with the clean set out
Securing valuables and personal belongings
Put away jewelry, cash, important documents and anything sentimental or fragile. This isn't about trust; it simply removes any question about items being moved or bumped while surfaces are cleaned. If there's a room or area you'd prefer left alone, mention it in your booking notes.
Pets, access instructions and building requirements
Pets
Tell us about pets when you book. Anxious pets are often happier in a closed room or crate during the visit. Point out litter boxes, food bowls and any areas pets shouldn't access.
Getting in
In NYC, access is usually the biggest variable. Include clear instructions: doorman or front-desk key handoff, buzzer number, lockbox, or whether you'll be home. If your building needs a service entrance, freight elevator, guest-list entry or a Certificate of Insurance, add that too so it can be arranged in advance.
Walk-ups and parking
Note your floor and whether there's an elevator. It helps your cleaner plan for carrying supplies and equipment.
Do you need to provide cleaning supplies?
No. TidyLine brings supplies and equipment. If you'd like a specific product used, for a sensitive surface or an allergy, leave a note when you book and set it out before the appointment.
Choosing between standard and deep cleaning
For a first visit, the right choice depends on when your home was last professionally cleaned. Standard Cleaning (from $149) suits homes that are already maintained. Deep Cleaning (from $199) is better for buildup and is a common first cleaning. Moving? Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning is built for empty homes.
To see exactly what each service covers, read what a professional apartment cleaning includes.
What to expect during your first appointment
- Your cleaner arrives within your chosen arrival window
- If you're home, it's a good moment to point out priorities or areas to skip
- Kitchens and bathrooms usually take the most time
- You don't need to stay; many customers leave access instructions and go about their day
- Afterward, walk through and check the result
If something was missed, TidyLine's 24-Hour Make-It-Right Guarantee applies: let us know within 24 hours and we'll return to correct it at no additional charge.
Ready to book?
Choose your service, home size, extras, date and time on our booking page. Your price is shown before you confirm, and there's space for access and pet notes.
Frequently asked questions
Should I clean before the cleaners come?
No. A quick tidy of clutter helps, but the actual cleaning is what the cleaners are there for.
Do I need to be home during the cleaning?
No. Many customers leave access instructions such as a doorman key handoff. Just include the details when you book.
Do I need to provide cleaning supplies?
No. Supplies and equipment are included. If you want your own products used, leave a note when you book.
What should I do with my pets?
Mention pets when you book. Anxious pets are often more comfortable in a closed room or crate during the visit.
What if something was missed?
Let us know within 24 hours and we'll return to correct it at no additional charge.