Getting a cleaner: how much do I need to clean in advance?:)

[MareofBeasttown]

I am getting a cleaner for the first time. Smallish 3 bed London flat, but one room occupied by a teenager who has been busy with exams and therefore left it quite untidy ( not dirty). And DH working from home. How much do I need to clean before the cleaner gets here? I have hired her through an agency. Feeling slightly apprehensive.

It needs to be tidy so they can clean - we make sure all surfaces and floors are clear, bins emptied, beds made, washing up in dishwasher

I just used to make sure it was tidy. We don't have a cleaner anymore as she was just rushing more and more and missing half of it. I'm fairly certain she wasn't staying the full two hours judging by how long it took me to do far more than she did at the weekend 🙄

I always said you don’t actually need a cleaner, just the threat of one

The more untidy it is, the less time they’ll have to clean. So clear surfaces where possible.

Uncluttered surfaces. No skid marks in toilet. Pick up things from the floor.

Tidy so the cleaner can clean - don't clean, thats what they are paying them for.

@Findahouse21

It needs to be tidy so they can clean - we make sure all surfaces and floors are clear, bins emptied, beds made, washing up in dishwasher

Oh, this I can do, mostly. I do have a dark wood floor in the kitchen and living room area which honestly needs to be hoovered everyday. I hope she doesn't flee when she sees it.