What Can a Cleaner Do in 2 Hours (Explained)

If you're interested in hiring a cleaner, you know every second counts. Chances are you'll need them to stop by for at least a few hours, and you may wonder, what can a cleaner do in two hours?

The list above is by no means complete. It only gives you a basic guideline of what to expect. Because each house is different, you can customize the list based on your specific needs.

You will also need to research and consider a few things to answer this question. Before hiring someone, look at the info below to understand what they might do while they are in your home.

Every Service Is Different 

Whether hiring a company or a freelance cleaner, it's important to remember that every service is different. Not all cleaners offer the same thing, so getting some information beforehand about what they offer is essential. You might also want to ask about anything that costs extra before you ask them to do the job.

Some cleaners will do laundry upon request, but it isn't part of the original package. Others might not be willing to do any dusting. It just depends on who you hire. But, generally speaking, you can expect a cleaner to complete the following jobs within two hours:

• Clean the kitchen (including mopping the floors and washing a few dishes).
• Mopping the floors
• Clean one toilet
• Clean taps and sinks
• Hovering the house without moving furniture

Basic Tasks

There are a few basic tasks you can expect a cleaner to complete in just 2 hours while they are in your home. Every cleaner is different, but these are the most common services offered:

• Sweeping
• Vacuuming
• Mopping
• Dusting
• Empty Trash
• Simple Kitchen Wipe-Down
• Simple Bathroom Clean

This list is by no means complete. It's just what you will most likely receive during your cleaning. Often, when a cleaner has extra time, they will choose to spend more time on regular tasks unless asked otherwise. 

Extra Tasks 

The cleaner you hire might be willing to do some extra tasks, depending on who you hire. Some additional tasks include washing dishes or doing laundry, both of which are definitely time-consuming. 

If you intend to ask the housekeeper to do some extra tasks, you should anticipate that they will have less time to complete their routine. It’s important to keep this in mind. This might not be a big deal in some cases, but in others, you may not want to have the bathrooms or vacuuming skipped.

Setting Reasonable Expectations 

Knowing what to expect can make it easier for you to answer the question, “what can a cleaner do in two hours?”. You should check with them to find out what they offer during a standard cleaning. 

It's always reasonable to expect house cleaners to do what they say they will. Below are a few variables that can help you decide how long you should hire your housekeeper.

1. Your House Size

If you have a house larger than 4 bedrooms, you should anticipate that your cleaner will need additional time. Bathrooms can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on size and whether or not there's a shower.

2. Cleanliness 

Cleaning a house that is already extremely dirty or disorganized will make it difficult for your cleaner to get much done. If you are dealing with issues that require deep scrubbing or specialized tools, don't be surprised if they can't get everything completed in time. 

3. Your Budget

You shouldn't assume that any additional requests will be free with your cleaning. Double-check to make sure anything you ask for is included with the base price of the services offered. Otherwise, you may end up paying extra for a task you weren't aware didn't come with the package.

4. The Cleaner

Everything you read here is subjective since many services are different. Some charge by the hour, but others charge for each task. Ask about special packages they might offer if there isn't a website to check.

What to Expect When They're Finished

Figuring out whether or not the cleaning you received meets industry standards comes down to what they promise to provide versus what was delivered. Here's a list of expectations you can measure against:

• Clean counters where the space is clear. Most housekeepers won't rearrange for you, so you must put away any appliances you want cleaned under. 
• A complete vacuum wherever there's carpet. Again, anything you want to move out of the way is something you should take care of before they arrive. Doing so will save a lot of time.
• Dusting around objects, not under them. Lifting objects can be a liability for the cleaner. If you hire more than 1 house cleaner, they can work together to lift heavy furniture.
• A clean toilet and counter. Not all services will scrub showers and tubs, but many still do. Remember to communicate this task to the cleaner if you want a squeaky clean bathroom.
• Empty trash cans. Because this is one of the simplest tasks in house cleaning, you should expect the house cleaner to empty the trash every time.

How to Get the Most for Your Money

You can do a few things to get the most for the money you spend. These strategies will require a little bit of planning and preparation before the house cleaner arrives. Here’s how to get the best bang for your buck:

1. Get Organized

Getting your house organized will be a huge help for the cleaner. Because most of them won't spend time picking up your floors, you'll want to retrieve any toys or neglected items you find lying around the house.

You risk getting a subpar sweep or vacuum job if you don't. There are professional organizers, but that is a different profession and requires a different approach than house cleaning.

2. Communicate Clearly 

Let your housekeeper know exactly what you are looking for. Asking nicely and being understanding will go a long way with many cleaners. If they have the time, they are usually willing to complete any task they can.

3. Stick Around

Many people choose to leave the house when the cleaner comes around because they don't want to get in the way or feel awkward. For the very first cleaning, though, you might want to stick around. This way, you can answer any questions about the house and ensure that all of your needs are met.

4. Tip Generously 

If you appreciate your cleaner's work and want them to come again, make sure to tip generously. You don't have to go overboard, but cleaning houses is hard work and can come with expenses you may not be aware of. Often, cleaners are expected to carry their own supplies and get from home to home in their own vehicle.

Conclusion 

What can a cleaner do in two hours? It can be tough to say precisely how much a cleaner can get done in two hours because it depends on how large and dirty the house is beforehand. You should anticipate, however, that primary disinfecting and floor care can be completed within the timeframe.

In certain situations, if you let the cleaner know that you have a huge house, they might come with an additional cleaner to help them finish the work in time. Be honest and open with your communication to get the most out of your money. And remember, be clear about your expectations.

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• What can a cleaner do in 1 hour
• What can a cleaner do in 3 hours