Last Updated on August 29, 2024 by The ZenMaid Team
WHY TRUST US? The ZenMaid team has eight current and past cleaning business owners, including our CEO and founder Amar, who know the ins and outs of the maid service industry like the back of their hands. They share their expertise with us in product development, with the customer success team, and content, which includes the article you’re about to read. We also partner with some amazing leaders in the cleaning industry, like Debbie Sardone, Angela Brown, Courtney Wisely, Chris Schwab, and more, to provide you with the latest industry insights. The tips and advice you’ll find on our blog have helped our team grow their maid services, and we’re excited to share them with you to help you grow your business too.
Running a maid service comes with its challenges, but making sure every residential clean is up to your standards shouldnโt be one of them. Thatโs where a solid house cleaning checklist comes in. It helps you stay on top of every detail, keeps your team organized, and ultimately keeps your clients happy. In this guide, youโll get our favorite house cleaning checklist tips and share some ready-to-use templates.
๐ฒ Downloadable house cleaning Checklist templates
Our team of maid service experts swear by these checklists. Swipe your copy below and then personalize them to fit your cleaning business.
๐ Download Your Customizable Templates ๐
- Basic house cleaning Checklist template [SPREADSHEET]
- Deep cleaning Checklist template [SPREADSHEET]
- Move-in/Move-out cleaning Checklist template [SPREADSHEET]
- Office cleaning Checklist template [SPREADSHEET]
How to introduce cleaning checklists to your team
Introducing a new system, like a house cleaning checklist, can feel like a big change for your team โ especially if theyโre used to doing things a certain way. So, how you introduce it really matters. You want to make it clear that checklists arenโt about micromanaging โ theyโre about setting everyone up for success and ensuring no detail is missed.
Hereโs how to roll out cleaning checklists smoothly with your team:
1๏ธโฃ Explain the Why: Start by explaining the benefits. Let your team know that checklists arenโt there to restrict them, but to help them stay organized and ensure every job is done right the first time. Make it clear that itโs a tool to make their lives easier, not harder.
2๏ธโฃ Involve Them in the Process: Get their input. Ask your team for feedback on the checklist and see if they have any suggestions. When your cleaners feel involved in creating the system, theyโre more likely to embrace it.
3๏ธโฃ Provide Training: Make sure everyone knows how to use the checklist properly. Walk them through it, and show them how it can help streamline their workflow. This step is crucial, especially for newer team members who might need a little more guidance.
4๏ธโฃ Add Quality Control Checks: Make it clear that these checklists arenโt just a formality — theyโre part of your quality control process. Perform regular checks to ensure everything on the checklist is being completed to your standards. This shows your team that using the checklists isnโt optional; itโs essential for maintaining the quality your clients expect.
5๏ธโฃ Monitor and Adjust: Keep an eye on how things are going. If something isnโt working, tweak the checklist. Stay flexible and open to making improvements as your team gets used to the new system.
Building the perfect house cleaning checklist ๐คฉ
Your residential cleaning checklist should be detailed enough to cover every aspect of the cleaning process but flexible enough to be adapted for different types of services, such as deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, or regular maintenance cleaning.
Hereโs a breakdown of what to include in your house cleaning Checklist, categorized by area:
1. General cleaning tasks (Pre-departure)
- Oven switched off
- Lights turned off
- Doors locked
- Air conditioning and heating systems turned off
- Windows closed and secured
โ Pro Tip: These tasks are crucial for ensuring the safety and security of your clientโs home. Consider placing these items at the top of every checklist to ensure they are never overlooked.
2. Kitchen cleaning tasks
- Clean and sanitize sinks and taps
- Wipe down countertops and backsplashes
- Clean exterior and interior of all appliances (including fridge, oven, and microwave)
- Sweep and mop the floor
- Empty trash bins and replace liners
โ Pro Tip: Pay special attention to high-touch surfaces in the kitchen, such as appliance handles and light switches. These areas can harbor bacteria and should be sanitized regularly.
3. Living area cleaning tasks
- Dust and wipe down all surfaces (including shelves, tables, and picture frames)
- Vacuum carpets and rugs
- Sweep and mop hard floors
- Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
- Tidy up any clutter and organize items
โ Pro Tip: Encourage your cleaners to move furniture slightly to clean underneath and around it โ these hidden areas often accumulate dust and dirt.
4. Bathroom cleaning tasks
- Clean and disinfect sinks, countertops, and faucets
- Scrub and disinfect toilets, showers, and bathtubs
- Wipe down mirrors and glass
- Sweep and mop floors
- Restock toiletries (if applicable)
โ Pro Tip: Use a squeegee on shower walls and doors after cleaning to prevent water spots and soap scum buildup, leaving a streak-free finish.
5. Bedroom cleaning tasks
- Change bed linens and make beds
- Dust all surfaces, including nightstands and dressers
- Vacuum carpets and rugs
- Wipe down light switches and door handles
- Empty trash bins
โ Pro Tip: Pay attention to detail in bedrooms โ fluff pillows, straighten bed skirts, and ensure that everything looks inviting and comfortable.
6. Specialty cleaning tasks (as needed)
- Clean and organize closets
- Wipe down baseboards and molding
- Wash windows (interior and exterior)
- Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Deep clean carpets and upholstery
โ Pro Tip: Offering specialty cleaning services can be a great way to upsell your clients on additional services, boosting your revenue and providing a more comprehensive clean.
Coming Soon: ZenMaid Checklists
Yes, you read that right โ checklists are coming soon to ZenMaid!! Sign up for ZenMaid today to be the first to use them in the app.
