What to expect from a maid service?

General - by [email protected] - June 5, 2025

Professional cleaner in modern luxury home providing eco-friendly cleaning service in Town and Country, Missouri.

What to Expect from a Maid Service

So, here’s how it went down…

Emily had just pulled into the driveway—Starbucks in one hand, phone in the other, two kids screaming in the backseat about who touched whose granola bar.

She opens the front door and BOOM.
That smell… Lemon. Pine. Fresh linens.
Everything was gleaming. The floors? You could ice skate on ’em. The couch? Fluffed like a Pinterest pin. The bathroom? Let’s just say even her mother-in-law would be speechless.

And the best part?

She didn’t lift a finger.

That’s when it hit her…
This wasn’t just about a clean house.
It was about walking into peace.
It was about finally getting her time back.

But let’s rewind for a sec…

When she first booked the service, she had no idea what to expect from a maid service. Would they judge her clutter? Would they move too fast? Too slow? Would it be worth the money?

Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever asked yourself those same questions…
Relax. I’ve got you.

Because in this post, I’m going to walk you through exactly what to expect from a maid service—the good, the not-so-obvious, and the “WOW I didn’t know they did that??”


So… you’re thinking about hiring a cleaning service?

Smart move. Let’s break down exactly what that means—what you get, how it works, and what not to expect—so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time living.


How Maid Services Work

Here’s how it usually goes…

We start with a deep clean—what we call a “reset.” This gets every nook and cranny back to square one. After that, we move into routine visits (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) that maintain that clean baseline.

A certified cleaner (or a small, trained team) shows up with professional tools, eco-safe products, and a checklist tailored to your home. Pricing? Flat-rate per visit or based on square footage—no surprises.

Quick stat: The average American spends over 5 hours a week cleaning. That’s more than 250 hours a year. What if you could reclaim that time?


The Types of Services You Can Choose From

Every home is different. That’s why our services flex to fit your lifestyle:

  • Standard Cleaning: Dusting, mopping, surface wiping, bathrooms, kitchen… the works.
  • Deep Cleaning: Baseboards, vents, behind appliances—stuff even the best DIYer skips.
  • Move-In / Move-Out: Empty homes need a special touch—we handle closets, cabinets, and everything in between.
  • Specialty Add-Ons: Fridge interiors, carpet shampooing, laundry service, organizing, even balcony and garage sweeping.
  • Commercial & Vacation Turnovers: Fast, efficient, and discreet—ideal for short-term rentals or business spaces.

What’s Included in a Basic Clean?

Let’s get specific:

  • Surfaces: Furniture, shelves, décor, electronics—dusted and wiped.
  • Floors: Carpets vacuumed, hard floors swept and mopped.
  • Bathrooms: Sinks, tubs, toilets, mirrors, fixtures—disinfected and polished.
  • Kitchen: Counters, backsplash, stove, sink, microwave, and appliance exteriors.
  • Trash: Emptied and liners replaced.
  • Tidying: Straighten throws, fluff pillows, declutter visible messes.

Heads up: That sponge by the sink? A study found it can host 54 billion bacteria per cubic centimeter. Yikes.


What Happens During Your First Cleaning?

This is the “big one.”

Your first visit tackles everything. We hand-wash baseboards, scrub grout, wipe blinds, clean light switches, door frames, and yes—even inside the fridge. Once your space is reset, future visits are simply maintenance.


How Often Should You Book a Pro?

It depends on your household. Here’s a quick guide:

Your LifestyleRecommended Schedule
Busy family, pets, or allergiesWeekly
No pets, minimal messBi-weekly
DIYer who cleans in-betweenMonthly
Vacation home or travel-heavyAs needed

Quick Prep Checklist Before Your Cleaner Arrives

No need to scrub… but do a quick pick-up:

  • Toys in bins
  • Counters cleared
  • Dishes loaded

Time spent moving stuff is time not spent detailing your sinks and floors. Help us help you.


Should You Provide Supplies?

We bring eco-friendly, commercial-grade tools. But if you have preferences (fragrance-free, allergy-friendly), let us know. Independent cleaners may ask to borrow your vacuum—just clarify before the visit.


What Cleaners Don’t Handle

Let’s set expectations. We don’t:

  • Remove mold or biohazards
  • Do repairs or handyman work
  • Move heavy furniture or appliances
  • Wash exterior windows above the first floor (unless arranged)

What You’ll Still Need to Do

We’re good, but we’re not live-in help 😉

Between visits, you’ll still handle dishes, laundry, spills, and pet messes. Think of us as your home’s reset button.


What Does It Cost?

You’re probably wondering…

  • $25–$50/hour per cleaner (national average)
  • $110–$320/visit for a 2,000 sq ft home
  • $0.06–$0.16/sq ft for flat-rate pricing

Your total will depend on home size, cleaning level, add-ons, and logistics like parking or travel.


What to Look for in a Cleaning Service

Don’t settle. Here’s what the best pros offer:

  1. Licensed, bonded, and insured
  2. Background-checked team
  3. Eco-friendly options
  4. Satisfaction guarantee
  5. Clear checklist (no surprises)
  6. Transparent pricing
  7. Easy online booking + reminders
  8. Flexible rescheduling
  9. Consistent communication

FAQs

  • Do I need to be home? Nope. Smart locks or key codes work great.
  • Should I tip? Totally up to you. 10–20% is common.
  • How long does it take? Standard visits: 1–3 hours. Deep cleans: Double that.
  • Can I see a checklist? Absolutely—just ask us.
  • Need help prepping? We’ve got printable declutter guides on our site.

Bottom line?
Your home deserves more than rushed chores squeezed into an already packed week.

You bring the life.
We’ll bring the sparkle.


More blog articles: 

Welcome to Clean Town and Country

How often should a Cleaner come?