Explain a cleaner to me as a beginner...

[NoHope4BobHope]

Sorry for the title, wasn't sure how best to word it. I'm a lone parent to a 9m old and work PT at the moment. I admit I haven't had time or the energy to do a full clean since I was in the late stages of pregnancy. I'm considering getting a one off cleaner in to get the bulk of it up to date so it will be easier to manage moving forward. But I have a few questions that i cant seem to find the answer to...

Would it be best to get a spring clean, a general one or a deep clean? What's the difference and what does each one include?

Am i supposed to go out when the cleaner comes and just leave them to get on with it or hang around?

Is it worth it or should I find a way to manage it on my own?

I have had various cleaners, mainly through an agency.
They listen to what you have in mind and then advise.
i have fortnightly with the focus on bathrooms and kitchen and general clean throughout.
It’s not perfect.They miss things that I’d do for example.
if you are very behind on cleaning they may need to start of with a deep clean. They may offer to come and view and quote.
the first cleans take more time as they are getting to know your home and finding a routine.Overall I think it is worth it
we tend to go out for most of the time but we don’t have to. If we are home we arrange to move rooms so the cleaner has a good chance to work undisturbed.

@Nomorecoconutboosts thank you, that is helpful.

The house isn't dirty or anything, I still do the general tidying/cleaning/hoovering, etc regularly. It's mainly for the jobs you should do every so often or the ones i probably have forgotten need doing like skirting boards, dusting, cobwebs, under furniture, etc that I'd like done and then I can see if it's something I can start and keep on top of easily moving forward (which is my main motive) or if it would be better just to hire them as a regular thing.

I suppose it would probably be wise to get the full lot done as one off starter and go from there. maybe?

Different agencies or independent cleaners would probably make different suggestions. I know my agency charges quite a lot for a deep or one off clean.
maybe approach someone and ask for a one off but check if they have capacity to offer regular cleans if that is what you decide?

I hired through personal recommendation. Speak to them before and explain exactly what you want. I wouldn’t use an agency as I would want the same person every week. The standard of cleaning is very variable. I have had two that are ok and then my last cleaner was amazing and also an incredibly nice woman.

With my agency you get the same cleaner unless they are away - and the opportunity to interview them yourself.