When hiring a professional cleaning service, many homeowners wonder what is actually included in a standard cleaning and what may cost extra.
At Eckler Cleaning, we believe transparency helps build trust with our clients. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about what our residential cleaning services include and how our team works in your home.
What does a standard house cleaning include?
A standard residential cleaning focuses on maintaining the overall cleanliness and appearance of your home. Our team works through each room following a consistent process designed for efficiency and quality.
A typical cleaning includes:
- Removing cobwebs from ceilings and walls
- Dusting blinds, vents, lamps, and surfaces
- Cleaning countertops and accessible surfaces
- Cleaning bathroom fixtures and mirrors
- Wiping the exterior of appliances and cabinets
- Vacuuming carpets and rugs
- Mopping hard floors
- Cleaning interior windows and windowsills when accessible
Our goal is to make your home look fresh, tidy, and professionally cleaned during every visit.
Do professional cleaners remove cobwebs?
Yes. Removing cobwebs is part of our standard cleaning process.
Our cleaning teams check more than just corners. They scan ceilings, walls, and other areas where cobwebs commonly appear to ensure the space looks truly clean.
What does dusting include during a house cleaning?
Dusting includes many surfaces throughout the home.
Our teams typically dust:
- Window blinds
- Lamp bases
- Baseboards
- Vents
- Small furniture
Special tools such as hand dusters help remove dust effectively without damaging delicate areas.
Do house cleaners clean inside windows?
Interior windows and windowsills are included in most standard cleanings when they are accessible.
If a window screen can easily be removed, our team may remove it to properly clean the window. If a screen appears damaged or difficult to remove, we leave it in place and notify the office.
How are bathrooms cleaned during a professional cleaning?
Bathrooms are cleaned from top to bottom to ensure sanitation and consistency.
Typical bathroom cleaning includes:
- Cleaning sinks and countertops
- Wiping mirrors
- Cleaning tubs and showers
- Washing bathroom fixtures
- Cleaning toilet exteriors
- Dusting or washing baseboards
- Cleaning bathroom accessories
Hard water stains sometimes require multiple cleanings to fully remove.
What does kitchen cleaning include?
Kitchen cleaning focuses on the most frequently used surfaces.
Standard kitchen cleaning includes:
- Wiping countertops
- Cleaning the sink
- Cleaning the outside of appliances
- Wiping cabinet fronts
- Cleaning the inside of the microwave
- Wiping the outside of trash cans when accessible
- Cleaning accessible surfaces
Our team will also lift smaller items on the counter when possible so the surface underneath can be cleaned.
What is the “50 percent rule” in professional cleaning?
The 50 percent rule helps determine how surfaces are cleaned when there are many items on them.
If a surface is less than 50 percent full, cleaners will typically lift items and clean the entire surface.
If a surface is more than 50 percent full, cleaners will clean around accessible areas to avoid damaging items or spending excessive time moving belongings.
This helps maintain efficiency while still providing a high-quality clean.
Do cleaners vacuum and mop floors?
Yes. Floor care is a core part of most cleaning services.
Our teams will:
- Vacuum carpets and rugs
- Vacuum edges and corners
- Use hose attachments when needed
- Mop hard floors using proper techniques
When mopping, the cleaner follows the natural direction of the flooring to avoid streaks.
What items will cleaners move during a cleaning?
For safety and efficiency, cleaning teams may move small and lightweight items.
Common items that may be moved include:
- Dining chairs
- Small ottomans
- Small end tables
- Trash cans
- Pet bowls
- Small plants
These items are moved temporarily so the area underneath can be properly cleaned.
Do house cleaners move rugs and mats?
Yes, many smaller rugs and mats may be moved during cleaning.
Examples include:
- Bathroom mats
- Entry rugs
- Hall runners
- Kitchen mats
Large rugs or rugs with furniture on them are typically left in place to prevent damage or injury.
What services usually cost extra during a house cleaning?
Some services require additional time, equipment, or specialized work.
Examples of add-on services may include:
- Exterior window cleaning
- Cleaning outside areas
- Washing baseboards or walls
- Cleaning inside appliances (other than microwaves)
- Detailed cleaning of decorations or collectibles
- Laundry services
These services can usually be added to a cleaning appointment when requested.
What happens if there are excessive dishes or clutter?
Cleaning services focus primarily on cleaning, not organizing.
If a home has large amounts of dishes, toys, or clutter that prevent cleaning, the team may:
- Spend a few minutes clearing space
- Recommend additional cleaning time for organizational services if needed
This helps ensure the team can focus on cleaning tasks.
What do house cleaners NOT clean?
Professional cleaning companies have safety policies about certain items.
Most cleaners will not clean:
- Televisions or sensitive electronics
- Valuable heirlooms
- Musical instruments
- Artwork or fragile displays
- Biohazards such as bodily fluids or mold
These items either require specialized care or present health risks.
Do cleaners move heavy furniture?
No. Most professional cleaning teams do not move large furniture.
Items that are usually not moved include:
- Couches
- Large coffee tables
- Recliners
- Dining tables
- Large appliances
If you would like the area underneath cleaned, moving these items beforehand is recommended.
Can cleaners use cleaning products provided by the homeowner?
Most professional cleaning companies require that cleaning products be approved before use. OSHA requires Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on file for all chemicals and all team members needs to be trained on products.
This ensures:
- Proper safety training
- Surface compatibility
- Compliance with safety regulations
If you have a preferred product, it can usually be reviewed by the cleaning company although not all products will be approved.
Have questions about your cleaning service?
Every home and family is unique. A professional cleaning company should be happy to discuss your specific needs and expectations.
If you have questions about your cleaning service or would like to schedule a cleaning, contact Eckler Cleaning and we will be happy to help.
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