When you think about hiring a housecleaner, you might imagine a sparkling clean living space with every nook and cranny immaculately attended to. But what about that hefty sofa or the king-size bed? Will they be shifted to clean the hidden dust bunnies that lurk beneath? The simple answer is: it’s complicated.
There are some instances where housekeepers move smaller, lightweight furniture like chairs in the process of cleaning to get under them. When it comes to bigger items like your bed, though, it’s really unlikely your housekeeper is going to risk damaging the furniture or injuring themselves to move it. Of course, the exception could be cases like deep cleaning or when it’s requested by you beforehand.
Below, we’ll delve deeper into your questions about house cleaning practices, furniture moving policies, and what to expect when it comes to standards for your cleaning service.
What Does Standard Cleaning Practices Include?
When we refer to ‘standard cleaning,’ it’s essentially the routine cleaning that most homes require on a regular basis. Think of it as the housecleaning equivalent of general maintenance: dusting, sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming. So, where does furniture fit into this equation?
In most cases, housekeepers are going to dust and clean around furniture during a standard cleaning session. They will dust surfaces of furniture, wipe down areas that are easily accessible, and vacuum around them. The goal is to clean the visible and frequently-used areas, ensuring that the home looks tidy and well-maintained.
Smaller pieces of furniture, like dining chairs or small tables, might be moved temporarily to clean underneath. These are easily lifted and don’t pose much risk in terms of damage or injury.
Large items such as sofas, wardrobes, and beds often remain in place during a standard clean. The effort, potential damage, and risk of injury involved in moving such heavy pieces typically outweigh the benefits of cleaning beneath them, especially on a routine basis.
That being said, for areas beneath larger pieces, a cleaner might use extendable dusters or vacuum attachments to reach as far as possible without physically moving the furniture.
In essence, while a standard cleaning will leave your home fresh and inviting, it doesn’t typically involve significant furniture shifting. The primary focus is on making the accessible parts of the home shine, rather than uncovering every hidden spot.
Do House Cleaners Move Furniture During Deep Cleaning Sessions?
Deep cleaning, as the name implies, is a thorough and more intensive cleaning process than your typical standard clean. It’s about reaching those areas and corners that aren’t regularly addressed in routine cleaning. With this enhanced focus on detail, you might wonder if furniture is moved more aggressively during such sessions.
First, let’s clarify what deep cleaning entails. This type of service usually involves tasks like cleaning behind appliances, addressing grout and tile in bathrooms, washing baseboards, and possibly even cleaning inside ovens and refrigerators. It’s the kind of cleaning you might consider before moving into a new home, after a renovation, or at seasonal intervals to refresh the space.
While there is a heightened attention to detail during deep cleaning, it doesn’t automatically mean every piece of furniture will be moved. Lighter pieces might be shifted to access areas that aren’t regularly cleaned. However, the same concerns that apply during standard cleaning – namely, the potential for damage and injury – often still apply during deep cleaning.
If certain areas beneath or behind large furniture pieces need attention during a deep clean, it’s crucial to communicate this in advance. Some cleaning services might accommodate these requests, while others might have firm policies against moving heavy or particularly delicate items.
It’s worth noting that many professional cleaning companies like MOP STARS are equipped with tools and techniques that allow them to clean effectively around and beneath furniture without necessarily moving it. From long-handled brushes to specialized vacuum attachments, these tools can access hard-to-reach areas, providing a thorough clean without the need for heavy lifting.
In summary, while deep cleaning offers a more intensive cleaning experience, the movement of furniture is still approached with caution. It’s a balance of achieving a thorough clean and ensuring safety and preservation of property.
How to Find Out if a Cleaning Company Will Move Furniture
One of the essential aspects of hiring a housecleaning service is clear communication. This becomes particularly vital when you have specific needs, such as moving furniture, which might not be included in a company’s standard or even deep cleaning package.
Before scheduling a cleaning session, discuss any particular needs or concerns you might have. If moving furniture is a priority, it should be addressed early on to set clear expectations.
Keep in mind that some cleaning services might be willing to move furniture but could charge extra for the added labor and time. Always ask about any potential additional costs associated with your requests.
It’s also a good practice to get a written agreement or at least an email confirmation detailing the services you’re receiving, especially if they are outside the norm. This avoids any misunderstandings and sets clear expectations for both parties.
Liability Concerns: The Risks of Moving Furniture
In some cases, you may find that cleaning companies won’t move furniture even if it is requested. While it might seem straightforward to move a piece of furniture and clean underneath, from a professional cleaner’s perspective, this task comes with a set of risks that includes potential damage, injury risks, company policies, and insurance implications.
Moving furniture, especially if not done correctly, can lead to scratches on your floor, dents in your walls, or even damage to the furniture itself.
Shifting heavy objects poses a risk of injury. A cleaner might suffer a back injury, for instance, if they attempt to lift something too heavy without proper assistance or equipment.
Due to these concerns, many cleaning companies in Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and other cities have strict policies against moving heavy or particularly valuable items. Such policies protect both the cleaner and the homeowner. If a company is willing to move furniture, they likely have specific training or equipment to minimize risks.
If a cleaner does get injured while moving furniture in your home, there could be implications regarding liability and insurance. It’s essential to be aware of these and to ensure the cleaning company has appropriate insurance in place.
In short, the decision to move or not move furniture isn’t merely about cleanliness but involves weighing the risks and benefits from a broader perspective.
Should You Move Furniture Before Your Cleaner Comes?
Sometimes, you may want to move larger pieces of furniture that are covering areas you’d like to be cleaned. This takes care of any liability issues and also ensures that you can have your home cleaned to your standard.
If you’re able, you can shift furniture yourself before the cleaners arrive. This ensures the space is ready for cleaning without putting the responsibility on the service provider.
Of course, you should remember that moving heavy furniture carries risks. Always use proper lifting techniques and, if possible, have another person assist you to prevent injury or damage.
If you move furniture in advance, inform the cleaning company. This will set clear expectations and allow them to allocate time efficiently. Additionally, areas under furniture may require some extra time and cleaning, particularly if you haven’t cleaned under them in a while.
Conclusion
The relationship between housecleaners and furniture is a nuanced one, bound by practicality, safety, and client expectations. Whether you’re seeking a standard touch-up or a more intensive deep cleaning, understanding the typical practices concerning furniture movement can lead to a better experience.
If you do want your cleaning team to move furniture, be clear about your expectations. Keep in mind that there are potential risks and remember that some companies have policies preventing furniture from being moved. At the end of the day, a harmonious partnership with your cleaning service ensures not just a gleaming home, but also peace of mind.