It’s important to make a great first impression with a new customer, whether it’s a one-off clean, the first visit of a recurring schedule, or you’re covering for another Housekeeper while they’re away.
Doing a great job when cleaning for a new customer can lead to more tips, and if they’re really impressed, they’re likely to request you as their regular Housekeeper.
First cleans can be a little more challenging, so we spoke to Eugene and Jonathan, two of our most experienced Housekeepers, to get their top tips. Between them, they’ve completed over 1,000 sparkling house cleans across London with an impressive 5.0* average rating, so they know exactly what it takes to deliver a standout clean on that all-important first visit.
Eugene & Jonathan’s top 5 tips:
1. Introduce yourself & confirm instructions before you start
Jonathan says to always “start your clean with a smile. Introduce yourself politely and take time to listen carefully to the customer’s instructions.”
Eugene recommends “using the first five minutes to speak with your customer, either in person or through the Housekeep app if they aren’t in - and find out exactly how they’d like things done.
If you’re covering for their regular Housekeeper, don’t worry about matching their usual Housekeeper’s routine exactly; getting close can make a big difference.”
2. Bring some basic cleaning products - just in case!
Jonathan recommends bringing “a few cleaning products, like surface spray, gloves, or cloths”, even if the customer is providing them, so you’re prepared if anything’s missing.
3. Start with the kitchen & bathrooms first
“The first area I tackle is the bathroom, then the kitchen,” says Jonathan. These areas are often the dirtiest, so it’s best to clean them as a priority before moving onto the living room and bedrooms.
These are also the rooms customers are most likely to check first, so making them sparkle can help you make a strong early impression.
4. Keep your customer in the loop - even if they’re not home
“Some customers won’t be in during the clean, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep them updated,” Eugene explains. “Use the app to check in, ask for instructions, and let them know when you’ve finished.”
Not sure where something is? Just ask - and always use ‘please’. As Jonathan puts it, “a little politeness goes a long way.”
5. Double-check that your customer is happy before you leave
“If you’ve got a bit of time left at the end, check if the customer would like you to do anything extra and that they are happy with the cleaning,” says Eugene. “ And if your customer isn’t home, just drop them a message in your app. Small gestures like this can go a long way.”