IndyCleaners
First-Time Guide

First Time Hiring a House Cleaner

Never hired a cleaning service before? This is the honest guide to what happens before, during, and after your first clean — from booking to the moment they leave.

Updated: April 2026 · 6 min read

Most people who hire a cleaner for the first time are nervous about something. Will they judge my mess? Will they be in my house for hours? Will it be awkward? What if they break something?

Here's the honest answer: it's almost always easier than people expect. This is what actually happens.

📅Before the Cleaner Arrives

  • You'll text us your address and preferred date — takes about 2 minutes
  • We confirm within 2 hours with a price and time window
  • You don't need to clean before we come. Seriously.
  • You don't need to move your furniture or organize your closets.
  • Leave the heat or AC on a normal setting.
  • Make sure we have a way to get in — lockbox code, or do you need to be home?
  • Put away anything deeply personal (medical documents, large amounts of cash — use common sense).
  • Text us any specific instructions: gate codes, which products to use, areas to focus on.

🏠During the Clean

  • We arrive during the scheduled window — we text when we're on the way
  • We don't need you there. At all. In fact, many customers leave a key or code and go to work.
  • We bring all our own cleaning supplies and equipment
  • We work systematically through the home — typically starting with the kitchen, then bathrooms, then remaining rooms
  • We handle the floors last so we can move freely
  • If we encounter something unexpected, we text you immediately
  • You do not need to entertain us, offer coffee, or make small talk. We're here to clean.

After the Clean

  • We text you when we're done and leaving
  • You'll do a walk-through if you're home — this is normal and expected
  • If anything doesn't meet your standard, let us know within 24 hours. We'll come back and re-clean at no charge.
  • You don't need to be there for the walk-through. You can check when you get home and text us.
  • We don't do a debrief. We clean, we leave, you enjoy a clean home.

Book your first clean — text us

No commitment required to get a quote. Tell us about your home and we'll give you a number.

or text us at 317-483-1400

💬Common First-Timer Fears — Addressed

  • Fear: They'll judge my mess. Reality: Our cleaners have seen every level of messy. We show up, we clean, we leave.
  • Fear: They'll take a long time. Reality: A 3-bedroom standard clean is typically 2.5–3.5 hours.
  • Fear: They'll break something. Reality: We carry insurance. If we break something, we own it.
  • Fear: It'll be awkward. Reality: Most customers aren't home during cleans. The awkwardness is all in your head.
  • Fear: I can't afford it. Reality: A 2-bedroom standard clean is $130–$180. That's less than one tank of gas for most SUVs.

Serving Hamilton County, Indiana — Available Nationwide

Your first clean is just a text away

Tell us your address and home size. We'll confirm pricing and get you on the schedule. No commitment until you're ready.

or text us at 317-483-1400

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be home when the cleaner comes?

No. Most customers leave a key, garage code, or use a lockbox. Text us your entry instructions and we'll take it from there.

What if something is broken or goes missing?

Contact us immediately. We are fully insured. If one of our team members is responsible, we will make it right.

How do I pay?

Text us after the clean to confirm you're satisfied. We handle payment separately — Venmo, Zelle, or card. Details shared after booking.

Can I request the same cleaner each time?

Yes. Let us know when you book and we'll try to send the same team. With recurring service, consistency is usually automatic.

What if I'm not satisfied with the clean?

Contact us within 24 hours. We'll come back and re-clean the areas that fell short — at no additional charge. We stand behind our work.