If you’ve ever booked a professional house cleaning and thought, “Do I need to clean before the cleaners come?” you’re not alone. Many homeowners wonder if they should pick up clutter, give special instructions, or just leave everything as-is. The truth is, a little preparation goes a long way. With a few simple steps, you can make sure your cleaners spend their time on the real work—scrubbing, shining, and refreshing your home—instead of moving piles of laundry or hunting for a clear countertop.

This guide will walk you through easy things to do the day before, how to set clear expectations, and what details to share for a smooth experience. By the end, you’ll feel prepared, organized, and stress-free when cleaning day arrives.

Why Preparing Matters

Think of prep work as laying the foundation for a successful appointment. It cuts down on wasted time and allows the cleaners to dive straight into the tasks that matter most. It also eliminates confusion about what should be done and what shouldn’t, so everyone is on the same page.

If you’re booking a one-time deep clean, it helps to know what’s typically included in that service. That way, you can align your goals and avoid surprises. A few minutes of preparation now can mean sparkling results later.

A Step-by-Step Prep Routine

Here’s a simple checklist to get your home ready:

• Clear the clutter. Tidy up surfaces and floors by putting away toys, dirty dishes, scattered mail, and laundry. This allows cleaners to focus on sanitizing and polishing, not sorting through personal items.
• Secure pets and valuables. Keep furry friends comfortable in a crate or separate room so they aren’t underfoot. Place fragile items, sensitive documents, and valuables in a safe spot.
• Set your priorities. Decide which spaces or tasks matter most to you. Write down your top three (like the kitchen counters, bathrooms, or high-traffic floors) and mention any areas you’d prefer skipped.

Communication Makes the Difference

A short note can save a lot of guesswork. Share details such as:

• Preferred products (for example, fragrance-free options).
• Areas with stubborn stains or trouble spots.
• Rooms to skip this visit.
• Alarm codes, lockbox instructions, or parking information.

This not only helps your cleaners tailor their work but also reassures you that your expectations are understood.

Smooth Access and Safety on Cleaning Day

Think ahead about logistics:

• Provide access if you won’t be home, whether through a code, lockbox, or smart lock.
• Make sure lights work well—bright spaces help cleaners see every detail.
• Empty the sink or run the dishwasher so the kitchen is fully accessible.
• Leave out your preferred cleaning products if you want them used.
• Place fresh trash liners near bins for a quick reset.

These little touches keep things efficient and maximize the results.

Keeping the Shine Between Appointments

Want that fresh-clean feel to last longer? Do small resets during the week. A 10-minute nightly tidy, wiping spills as they happen, and using baskets to corral clutter can make a big difference. These mini habits extend the life of your professional cleanings and make future visits quicker and more cost-effective.

Set the Stage for Sparkling Results

Preparing your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By decluttering surfaces, securing pets and valuables, communicating your top priorities, and ensuring easy access, you’re setting up both yourself and your cleaners for success.

And if you’re ready to make cleaning day completely effortless, let our team handle the hard work for you. From deep cleans to recurring upkeep, our professional services keep your home fresh and welcoming—so you can simply relax and enjoy the sparkle.

Cleaning your walls can be a bit of a nerve-wracking task since nobody likes scrubbing away on a layer of paint or precious wallpaper by accident. Perhaps you’re just finding fingerprints, scuff marks, or that mysterious stain you really want to be rid of.

Regardless of the reason, this guide is here to help effectively clean your walls without risking their finish.

How Do You Know It’s Time to Wash Walls?

Sometimes, it’s pretty apparent when a wall needs cleaning. Smudges, fingerprints, and visible dust or dirt are tell-tale signs. However, even when you can’t see grime, regular cleaning keeps your walls fresh and your room nice.

The general rule of thumb? For moderately used rooms, give the walls a gentle clean every six months, and for less used ones, at least once a year.

How to Clean Different Types of Interior Walls

Different wall finishes and materials take some special approaches to cleaning. Here’s how to handle each type without damaging the paint or wallpaper.

Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paint tends to be a bit tougher than other finishes, so you have a little leeway. Beginning with a dry cloth or duster, gently dust the wall to knock off any loose particles. Dip a sponge into a mixture of mild detergent and warm water, then gently wipe down the wall in small, circular motions. Don’t soak the sponge—too much water hurts even the toughest finishes. Then go back and wipe off any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.

Water-based or Latex Paint

Latex paint, while popular for its ease of clean-up, is a little touchier than oil-based paint. Be gentle with it; dust the wall first. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Dip a microfiber cloth in and go over the wall in light strokes.

For more stubborn stains, dip a sponge in the soapy solution and rub in small circular motions, being careful not to apply too much pressure. Finally, dry the wall with a soft, clean towel.

Vinyl Wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper is washable and thus very easy to maintain. In order to clean, use a mixture of mild soap in water with just light dampness on the sponge used to lightly wipe the surface.

Warning: Do not scrub; vinyl can handle moisture but still scratches easily. Wipe clean with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap film. Pat dry lightly.

Dry Clean, Non-Washable Wallpaper

Special care should be taken with non-washable wallpaper because water may cause it to tear. For general cleaning, use a dry microfiber or a duster for dust and light dirt removal. If there are marks, try to use a dry sponge–sometimes called a “chemical sponge–that lifts the dirt off without moisture.

Tips to Keep Your Walls Clean All Year Round

Want to avoid frequent cleaning of your walls? Try these easy tricks:

• Dust regularly because dust settles everywhere, including walls. The more frequently you dust, the less deep cleaning you will need to do.
• Spot clean because spills or other marks do need cleaning immediately, but never with an approach that is ever too aggressive; otherwise, you might leave heavy buildup in its aftermath.
• Avoid the use of harsh chemicals. Always go for a mold, pH-neutral one.

Walls Done? Now, Let's Keep Your Home Sparkling!

If the idea of cleaning feels overwhelming, or you’re looking for expert care, CHRIStal Clean is here to make your cleaning tasks easier. Check out our deep cleaning service, and let us give your house a fresh and polished look without the hassle!