Having a professional cleaner take care of your house is an instant relief. There’s nothing like crossing a massive chore off your to-do list!
That said, it’s normal to have a few questions, whether it’s your first clean or you’re a few services in. One of the most common things our new clients ask is whether they’re supposed to stay home or head out while the cleaner works.
There’s no wrong answer here. It depends on what you’re comfortable with, your schedule, and the type of service you booked.
It can be a dilemma while you’re still getting used to the arrangement. Some people worry that they’ll get in the cleaner’s way, while others are uneasy about leaving a new person alone in their house.
However, professional cleaners can work in both an empty and an occupied home. A little communication is all it takes for the clean to go smoothly.
Still on the fence? Keep reading — we’ll explain everything you need to consider!
Do Most People Stay or Leave? | Does Staying Slow the Cleaner Down? | Does the Type of Clean Matter? | What to Do Based on Your Situation | Etiquette Tips if You Stay Home | How to Arrange Access if You Leave
Staying or Leaving — Either Works!
Whether you stay home or leave, both options have their pros and cons.
Here’s a quick look at how each one works:
| STAYING HOME DURING THE CLEAN | LEAVING DURING THE CLEAN |
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Best for:
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Best for:
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Things to consider:
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Do Most People Stay Home or Leave?
If you’re worried about being the “odd one out,” don’t be! Both options are common. Our clients at Maid2Match are actually a mixed bag.
Many of our customers have busy schedules, so they just add some notes to their booking and leave a key.
A lot of people are home for every visit, too. They might be working remotely, caring for a family member, or looking after young kids. And some people simply like being there while the cleaning is done.
Then there are those who fall somewhere in between.
Our first-time clients usually prefer to meet their cleaner in person so they can explain a few things before heading out.
Others stay for the first couple of visits and start handing over a key once everyone has gotten into a groove. And eventually, some customers become more comfortable switching between staying and leaving depending on their schedule.
Whatever works best for you, you don’t have to fret about your cleaner. They’re professionals who are trained to navigate both an occupied house and an empty one.
Will I Slow the Cleaner Down if I Stay Home?
Not at all — so long as you’re not doing yoga in a room they need to mop or trying to chat while they’re scrubbing!
It’s easier for cleaners to get through the house when it’s empty, but simply being there won’t slow them down.
If you stay, the main thing is to give your cleaner enough space to work.
When they arrive, say a quick hello or show them the layout of the house. After that, it’s best if the conversation doesn’t eat into their cleaning time.
Try to stay in one area, too. Just remember that your cleaner might need to access the room you’re “parked” in to dust surfaces, vacuum, or mop.
Does the Type of Clean Matter?
It does, more than most people expect.
Whether you booked a flat rate or hourly rate cleaning (or a once-off service) influences how useful it is to stay home.
Here’s what we recommend based on what you booked:
| Type of Service | Our Recommendation |
| Flat rate clean | Staying is optional |
| Hourly clean | Staying helps, but leaving instructions works too |
| Once-off clean | Stay for the first few minutes or leave detailed instructions |
We’ll explain why each service works differently below.
If you booked a flat rate clean
In a flat rate (fixed price) cleaning service, the scope is already set since it covers the whole house.
Each cleaning provider is different, but at Maid2Match, our cleaners use a detailed room-by-room checklist for flat rate bookings. That includes bathrooms, bedrooms, the kitchen, and living spaces.
You can read our blogs ‘What Do House Cleaners Usually Clean?’ and ‘How Long Does It Take To Clean A House Professionally?’ to get a better idea of what to expect.
Generally, the cleaning tasks are already defined, meaning you don’t need to be there to explain everything that needs to be done.
But of course, you’re still welcome to show the cleaner around so they know the floor plan of your home.
If you booked an hourly clean
With an hourly clean, your input matters more since there’s no fixed checklist. What the cleaner does in your home depends on your priorities.
We recommend hourly bookings for those who want a partial clean — say, just the bathrooms or the kitchen. Since the clean will be done for a fixed block of time, we ask customers what they want cleaners to focus on.
However, booking an hourly service does not mean you’re required to be home.
Our team records your top priorities along with any other requests when you book, and passes them on to your cleaner. Even if you won’t be there when the cleaner arrives, they’ll already know what to focus on.
Not every provider collects your instructions before the visit, though, so confirm in advance how you can share instructions with your cleaner.
If you booked a once-off clean
If you booked a once-off rather than a recurring clean, the guidance you give before the cleaner gets to work is especially important.
With a recurring service, the cleaner learns your space and your preferences over the first few visits. But with a once-off, they don’t have that familiarity or learning curve.
That’s why it’s helpful to be there for a few minutes when your cleaner arrives. You can let them in and specify which rooms to clean and which to skip. That way, nothing gets missed and areas you’d rather leave untouched aren’t included by mistake.
Sharing your priorities also helps ensure you get the results you’re looking for in that single session.
If staying doesn’t work, though, be sure to leave detailed instructions when you book.
Still Can’t Decide? Here’s What to Do Based on Your Situation
We’ve broken down a few common scenarios to help you figure out if staying or heading out is best.
Take a look and see which one sounds most like you:
- It’s my first cleaning service
- I’m uncomfortable leaving someone new in my home
- I feel awkward being around someone while they work
- I work from home
- I have kids running around
- I have pets at home
1. It’s your first cleaning service
The Verdict: Staying home is a good idea, even for just the first few minutes.
If you’ve never booked a house clean before, you’re probably unsure what actually happens when your cleaner arrives.
Think of the first visit as an introduction between you, your cleaner, and your home.
Because the cleaner is still unfamiliar with your space, a quick walkthrough saves a lot of guesswork later on. It often results in a better clean, too.
As you go, tell them about the quirks of your home — a fur-covered corner where your dog loves to nap, a bathroom that hasn’t been cleaned in a while, or any area you’d like them to focus on.
Moreover, point out which surfaces need special care, such as an antique table or a benchtop with a worn finish. And don’t forget to mention which rooms matter most and which ones to skip (if needed).
If you plan to head out afterwards, be sure to show your cleaner how you’d like them to lock up.
Getting these details sorted means you and your cleaner are on the same page. They can confidently get straight to work, and you can leave knowing your home is in capable hands.
To know more about what happens on the first booking, head over to our guide on what to expect from your first cleaning service.
2. You’re uncomfortable leaving someone new in your home (yet)
The Verdict: Staying home for the first few visits is reasonable — and very common.
Letting someone new into your home takes a leap of faith. And there’s no rule that says you have to hand over the keys before you’ve even met the person who will be cleaning your space.
Plenty of our clients actually prefer to hang around for the first few cleans until they’ve built up rapport with their cleaner.
A few habits help if you’re feeling hesitant. Before the visit, tuck away jewellery and other valuables, sentimental items, or sensitive documents in a safe place. And lock rooms you want to keep off-limits.
It’s also more reassuring to book a cleaning company with permanent employees rather than contractors, because they tend to vet their staff more thoroughly.
At Maid2Match, for example, every cleaner goes through interviews, a police check, and an NDIS Worker Screening (as we’re registered for NDIS Cleaning).
Additionally, we’ll reach out to give you the name of your cleaner before your booking. And if your regular cleaner goes on holiday or takes a sick day, we’ll let you know that we’re sending a fill-in, who’s a fully vetted employee, too.
3. You feel awkward being around someone while they work
The Verdict: Leaving the house might be the more comfortable choice for you.
Some people can’t relax with their favourite show or rest on the couch while someone else is busy scrubbing around them.
Maybe you feel guilty that you’re not helping, or you’d rather skip the small talk.
However you feel, it is valid, and it’s okay to step out while the clean is ongoing.
If you’re unsure about leaving a key out but you don’t want to stay the whole time, you can just meet your cleaner, share instructions, then head out. No need to stay the whole service if you’re not up for it!
4. You work from home
The Verdict: Staying home is usually easiest — with a little coordination.
Professional cleaners are used to working around people typing away on their laptops, so don’t worry about being in their way. The cleaner won’t be in yours either!
However, a couple of things will make things smoother.
For instance, inform your cleaner if you have any meetings. That way, they can save the noisy tasks like vacuuming for a better time. They should also know where you’re working so they can move to other areas of the house when you need some quiet.
Many of our clients who work remotely ask for their office space to be cleaned either first or last. Between meetings can work, too.
If you have your office done first thing, you can step away for a quick coffee then settle in at your desk for the rest of the day. If it’s cleaned last, you can keep working through the visit then move to a finished room when the cleaner reaches your office.
And one last thing: it’s best to hire a cleaner who brings their own equipment and supplies. That way, you won’t be pulled away to dig out rags or cleaning sprays.
5. You’ve got kids running around
The Verdict: Either stay or leave — it comes down to what feels more manageable for you.
Any experienced cleaner has worked around young kids before. No need to apologise for having a lively house!
That said, keeping the kids out of whichever room is being cleaned is a must — partly so they don’t get in the way, but mostly for their own safety.
Even if a cleaner uses child-safe products, you still don’t want your kids getting their hands on a newly wiped surface or dashing across a damp floor.
Other than that, the house doesn’t have to be completely calm. Your cleaner tackles one room at a time, so you and your kids can hang out in an area that’s already been cleaned. Some parents just play with their kids out in the yard, too.
But if all of that sounds like more than you want to take on, you can schedule the visit around nap time or school hours.
It’s also fine to head out of the house. Take your kids to the park and come back to a freshly cleaned space.
6. You have pets at home
The Verdict: Either option works, as long as your pets are safe and comfortable.
Having pets doesn’t automatically mean you have to stay during the clean. Plenty of our clients head out and leave their fur babies at home without a worry.
However, always give a heads up about your pets when you book a cleaning service. That lets your cleaning provider send someone who’s comfortable around animals and doesn’t have any pet allergies. Also, that reminds your cleaner to take extra precautions while in your home.
If you’re heading out, make sure your pets are in a secure area with plenty of water. You can keep them in a crate (if they’re already crate-trained) or block off a room with a baby gate.
Also, let your cleaner know about any specific house rules, such as doors or windows that must stay shut to keep your pets from escaping. Flag “no pet zones” in the house as well.
Another thing to consider is your pet’s personality.
Some will snooze through the entire service, but others may not be as relaxed. If your dog gets stressed around new people or loud vacuums, consider staying for the first few visits until they get used to the routine.
Once your cleaner and your pets get to know each other, you’ll feel more confident leaving them at home if needed.
Staying Home? A Few Etiquette Tips
If you’re staying — whether you’ve chosen to or you simply can’t get out that day — you might be wondering what exactly you should do while someone cleans your home.
There are no rules to follow, but a few things will make the visit smoother for you and your cleaner.
Declutter first (if you like). Putting away toys or clothes lets your cleaner get straight to cleaning. But if you’d rather they handle the tidying, that can be added to the service, too.
Start with a quick hello. Greeting your cleaner sets a friendly tone, especially if it’s their first visit. It’s also a good chance to familiarise them with your home and explain your preferences.
Keep them in the loop about your day. Let your cleaner know if anything might affect the clean, such as if you need to cook or if you need some quiet time while you work.
Offer a glass of water. It’s optional, but offering your cleaner a drink is a thoughtful gesture that can make them feel welcome.
Let your cleaner focus on the job. Avoid hovering or chatting throughout the visit. A simple “I’ll let you get to it—give me a shout if you need anything” is plenty.
Settle in one area. Pick a spot and let the cleaner work around you. When the cleaner reaches the room you’re in, move somewhere that’s already been cleaned.
Think about kids and pets. Try to keep children and pets away from the room being cleaned to avoid accidents and minimise distractions.
Once all of that’s sorted, you can get on with your day. If you’d normally be at your desk, looking after the kids, or relaxing on the couch, you can do so while the cleaning gets done.
You may also provide constructive feedback after the clean — that lets your cleaner take care of any missed spots right away.
Heading Out? Here’s How to Arrange Access
If you’d rather be out for the entire service, you’ll need to sort how your cleaner will get inside. It can be nerve-wracking at first, but thousands of homeowners do it every day.
There are a few ways to manage your cleaner’s access to your home:
Leave a key. This is the easiest option. Keep a spare key in a safe place and let your cleaner or provider know where to find it. That’s also better than handing your key over to a cleaner. That way, if a fill-in covers a visit, they can still enter your home.
Set up a key safe or lockbox. Many people choose this as a long-term solution. A combination lockbox near the door keeps your key secure — just share the code with your cleaner or provider.
Use a smart lock. A smart lock usually lets you generate a temporary guest code. Set it for cleaning days; no need to think about keys at all.
Share instructions upon booking. When you book, include specific instructions like which doors to lock or where to pop the key on the way out. Your cleaner will make sure the house is properly locked up when they leave.
Wondering what happens if your regular cleaner is away?
A good cleaning company will either send a fill-in or ask if you prefer to reschedule.
If someone else is coming, all reminders on how to enter the home or how to lock up afterwards carry over to them. You won’t have to re-explain anything or rush back to let them in.
Once the practical details are handled, you can enjoy the best part of hiring a cleaner: opening the door to a fresh, tidy home. The floors are clean, the kitchen is sorted, and the bathroom smells nice. And you get a big chunk of your day back!
What Happens Once Your Cleaner Knows Your Home?
Many of our clients stay home for the first few cleans, then later feel comfortable leaving a key.
The first few visits are when being around (or at least being there when your cleaner arrives) is most useful.
Your cleaner is still getting to know the ins and outs of your home, so there’s more communication involved. You’re also building trust and making sure everything meets your expectations.
But things get easier once you and your regular cleaner have settled into a rhythm.
Your expectations become clear and the cleaner is familiar with your space, so they can better tailor what they do around your needs.
For example, they might notice that cobwebs tend to build up in the ceiling corners by the one-month mark and take the initiative to handle them as part of their routine.
And that’s really the benefit of having a regular cleaning service. With a good cleaner, you can stop keeping an eye on everything yourself!
Keep in mind that how personalised the service is depends on whether you’ll get the same regular cleaner or whether they show up on the same day and time.
If you’re still comparing providers, we covered what to look for and what to ask before you book in our blog ‘How To Find A Good House Cleaner.’
So, Should You Stay or Leave for a Cleaning Service?
There’s no wrong answer — the best choice is the one that fits you.
You might feel more comfortable staying home, or you might prefer to head out and come back to a clean home. Many of our clients also shift between staying and leaving depending on what their week looks like.
Whatever you choose, you get a clean home and one big thing off your plate!
Curious how it all works? You can read about our house cleaning services and see how each visit can be shaped around you and your home.
