What to Expect During Your First Cleaning Appointment

So, you finally booked your first cleaning appointment—yay!

Whether it’s your first time ever hiring a professional cleaning service or just your first visit with Scrubishly, you’re probably wondering:

“What exactly happens during the first clean?”

Totally fair question.

At Scrubishly, we believe in making your experience as smooth, clear, and helpful as possible—no awkward surprises, no confusion, and definitely no mess left behind. In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly what you can expect before, during, and after your first cleaning visit.

Why the First Cleaning Is Different From the Rest

Your first cleaning is like a reset for your home.

It’s usually more detailed, more customized, and a little more time-consuming—especially if the space hasn’t had professional cleaning in a while.

Think of it as setting the foundation. Once we get your space sparkling, recurring visits become quicker and easier to maintain.

🧼 At Scrubishly, we call this your “Initial Clean”—a one-time deep effort to bring everything up to our standard.

Before the Cleaning: How to Prepare

No, you don’t need to scrub the toilet before we arrive. That’s literally what we’re here for.

But a little preparation can help us clean more efficiently and effectively.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Tidy up loose items: Put away clothes, toys, and personal items. We won’t know where they belong, so tidying up helps us focus on cleaning.
• Secure pets: If you have animals at home, we recommend placing them in a separate room or crate during the cleaning.
• Provide clear access: Make sure we can enter your building, unlock doors, and access the areas you want cleaned.
• List your priorities: If there are specific areas you want us to focus on (or skip), let us know before we arrive.

✨ Not home during the clean? No problem. Just let us know how to access your home safely, and we’ll handle the rest.

What Happens During the Cleaning Appointment?

Our professional team arrives ready to work with eco-friendly supplies, a detailed checklist, and a smile. Every home is different, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect:

1. Walkthrough & Clarification (if you’re home)

We’ll walk through your space with you briefly to:

• Confirm any special instructions
• Address priority areas
• Answer any last-minute questions

If you’re not home, we go off the instructions you’ve given us—simple and easy.

2. Start With the High-Traffic Areas

We usually begin in the areas that collect the most dirt—like the kitchen and bathrooms.

In the kitchen, we’ll:

• Wipe countertops and cabinet faces
• Clean the sink, faucet, and stovetop
• Wipe the exterior of appliances (fridge, microwave, oven)
• Sweep and mop floors

In the bathrooms, we’ll:

• Scrub sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers
• Disinfect surfaces and mirrors
• Wipe fixtures and handles
• Clean floors and remove trash

3. Dusting and Detailing

Dust collects fast, especially on surfaces we don’t think about every day.

We’ll dust:

• Baseboards
• Windowsills
• Shelves
• Furniture
• Picture frames and décor

We also wipe down:

• Light switches
• Door handles
• Bannisters

🧽 This is one of the areas where a professional clean really makes a difference. We get the spots most people forget!

4. Vacuuming and Floor Cleaning

We vacuum:

• Carpets
• Rugs
• Under furniture (if accessible)
• Edges and corners

We also mop or steam-clean hard floors based on your home’s flooring type and needs.

5. Final Touches and Checklist Review

Once everything’s cleaned, we do a walkthrough to make sure:

• Everything is completed as requested
• No spots were missed
• Trash is emptied
• The space feels fresh and ready

If you’re home, we’ll let you take a look before we leave. If not, we’ll follow up with a note or message confirming completion.

How Long Does the First Cleaning Take?

The time depends on:

• The size of your home
• The number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• The level of buildup or clutter
• Any special add-on services (like inside appliances)

On average:

• A condo or 1-bed apartment takes 2 to 3 hours
• A 3-bedroom house can take 3 to 4.5 hours
• Larger or more cluttered homes may take longer

🕓 We’ll always give you an estimated time when you book—no surprises.

What’s Included in the First Cleaning?

At Scrubishly, our first cleaning typically includes:

• Thorough surface wiping and disinfecting
• Full bathroom and kitchen cleaning
• Dusting of all reachable surfaces
• Vacuuming and mopping all floors
• Interior window cleaning (where reachable)
• Trash removal
• Spot-cleaning walls and doors (on request)

We also offer add-ons like:

• Inside oven/fridge cleaning
• Laundry folding
• Blind and vent cleaning
• Extra time for organizing or decluttering

What Should You Do After the Cleaning?

Simple—enjoy your clean space!

But also:

• Let us know how we did. We love feedback.
• If something wasn’t up to your expectations, tell us ASAP. We’ll make it right.
• Consider booking a recurring plan if you loved the service and want to keep your home in great shape.

Common Questions About First-Time Cleanings

“Do I need to be home during the cleaning?”

Nope! As long as we have access and clear instructions, we’re happy to clean while you’re out. Many clients prefer this.

“Will the same cleaners return next time?”

We do our best to send the same team each time for recurring clients. It helps build trust and consistency.

“Can I book recurring service after the first clean?”

Absolutely! Most clients who start with a one-time clean end up booking weekly or biweekly visits.

Final Thoughts: Your First Clean Should Feel Like a Fresh Start

Hiring a cleaning company shouldn’t feel complicated—it should feel like a relief.

At Scrubishly, our goal is to give you a clean home and peace of mind. From start to finish, we’re here to support you with professional, friendly service that’s tailored to your home and your lifestyle.

Whether you’re preparing for guests, clearing out stress, or just want to come home to that “ahh” feeling—your first cleaning is the beginning of something better.

‍