The Housekeeper Just Left—Now What? A Smart Homeowner’s Checklist

Bathroom shined by the DeAlba’s Cleaning team.

Hiring a housekeeper can feel like a total luxury—until you notice the streaks on your fridge or water spots on your bathroom faucet. While many housekeepers do an excellent job, not all cleaning services include the same details by default. That’s why it’s important to do a quick walkthrough after each visit to make sure your expectations are being met—and to keep the communication clear between you and your housekeeper.

Here’s a simple checklist of areas to check after your housekeeper leaves, and tips for ensuring your standards are part of your scheduled service.

1.

Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel can be tricky—if not cleaned properly, it shows every fingerprint and cleaning streak. After a cleaning, take a quick look at your refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and any other stainless steel surfaces. They should be clean and streak-free. If not, ask your housekeeper what products they’re using—it may be time to tweak the approach.

2.

Toilet Bowls

Lift those lids! A clean bathroom includes a sparkling toilet. There shouldn’t be any staining left in the bowl, under the rim, or around the base. If you’re still seeing buildup, your housekeeper might need stronger products—or this task might not be part of the routine unless requested.

3.

Kitchen Cabinet Faces

Greasy fingers, food splatter, and dust love to live on cabinet faces. But surprisingly, many cleaning services overlook them unless you specifically ask. Run your hand along the cabinets—do they feel clean, or tacky? Wipe a white cloth across them—does it come back gray? This is a key area to clarify with your housekeeper.

4.

Faucets & Fixtures

Faucets should shine. Water spots or toothpaste splatter in the bathroom or kitchen are a sign these weren’t touched—or not cleaned thoroughly. A quick polish with the right cleaner can make all the difference here, and it’s often just a matter of making it part of the checklist.

5.

Window Ledges

Window ledges are dust magnets and often overlooked. Check for any lingering dust, especially if you keep windows open often or have pets. It takes only a moment to wipe them down, but it makes a big difference in how clean your space feels.

6.

Pillows & Cushions

A freshly cleaned space should feel welcoming. That means throw pillows on the couch should be fluffed and cushions neatly arranged. It’s a simple touch, but one that really shows attention to detail.

Talk to Your Housekeeper

Every housekeeper works differently, and not all services include deep detailing or specific tasks like cabinet cleaning or polishing faucets. That’s why communication is key. Make a list of your priorities and walk through it with your housekeeper. Ask questions like:

• Are stainless steel surfaces included in the cleaning?

• Do you regularly clean kitchen cabinet fronts?

• Are bathrooms detailed with each visit?

• Are you okay with fluffing pillows and tidying the living space?

You might even consider creating a short checklist for them to reference during each visit. Most housekeepers appreciate the clarity—it helps them meet your expectations and keeps everyone on the same page.

Bottom Line

Doing a post-cleaning walkthrough isn’t about nitpicking—it’s about making sure your home is being cared for the way you want it to be. With a little communication and consistency, you’ll get the most out of your cleaning service and enjoy that “just cleaned” feeling every time.

Want help building a custom cleaning checklist to give your housekeeper? I’ve got you covered—just ask!