How We Estimate Time for Initial Cleanings - Best Practices for a Successful Clean!

"How long will it take to accomplish the cleaning in your home?" is the most important question that comes to mind whenever you hire a cleaning service. This is especially true for initial cleanings, as first-time cleaning services seem a bit overwhelming, and the time required for cleaning significantly impacts the client's expectations and experience.

Therefore, the initial cleaning in Chicago time estimate is usually calculated based on the size of the home, condition of the home (dirtier homes require much longer time), and customer customization (customization may drive up the time needed). A smaller area will require less time than a bigger, multi-roomed home. Additionally, the type of cleaning—general, deep, or move-out—will have an impact on the estimated time period. Planning ahead and being ready for the service will be easier if you know how long the job will likely be completed.

In this blog, we’ll learn about calculating the time for initial cleanings and the best strategies for a successful cleaning experience. 

Starting a New Cleaning Service: Determining How Long the Cleaning Will Take?

A professional cleaning service understands the job's scope to determine the total time needed to accomplish the job. It takes into account things like the number of rooms to be cleaned and the extent of the cleaning a job requires. Let's examine:

  • Size of the Space: A smaller space, such as a one-bedroom apartment, will generally require less time to clean compared to larger homes, like a three-bedroom, two-story house. Also, a one-bedroom apartment may only take a few hours to clean, but a larger home could take significantly longer due to the additional rooms and square footage.
  • Type of Cleaning: A general cleaning typically includes wiping down surfaces and vacuuming, which usually takes less time than a deep cleaning or move-out cleaning. For example, a one-bedroom apartment may only take a few hours for basic cleaning, but a move-out cleaning in the same apartment could take a whole day. Move-out cleanings often require detailed attention to every corner of the home, including baseboards, appliances, and more that have accumulated grime from years of use.
  • Condition of the House: Cleaning a well-maintained home takes less time than cleaning a home with heavy dirt, stains, or clutter.  The regularly cleaned homes may need a surface-level cleaning - dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down countertops. However, homes that are not cleaned regularly require deep cleanings, which involve scrubbing floors, washing walls, and cleaning appliances.
  • Customization Required: Cleaning jobs requiring more customized tasks beyond general cleanings take longer to finish. For example, cleaning a home with pets may need additional efforts for hair removal, cleaning pet stains, or deodorizing spaces where the pets spend most of their time. 

Fresh Tech Maid’s Base Time: Fresh Tech Maid, for initial cleanings, has set a base amount of time of 2 hours and 30 minutes for a small space with basic cleaning tasks. However, from there, time goes up based on the number of rooms to be cleaned and the type of cleaning to be accomplished. 

How Much Time Does Each Room Take For Cleanings?

Fresh Tech Maid professional Chicago cleaning services take different amounts of time to clean different rooms depending on the size and complexity. Each room requires different types of attention without rushing through the process. Here’s the cleaning estimate for each type of room during an initial cleaning in Chicago

  • Kitchen(35 to 45 Minutes): Appliances, counters, cabinets, and drawers accumulate dust, grease, and food crumbs over time in the kitchen area. Fresh Tech Maid professionals usually clean the kitchen area in 35 to 45 minutes. However, for heavy buildup, the cleaners may require more time.
  • Bathroom(15 to 65 Minutes): Cleaning a small bathroom may take as little as 15 minutes for a quick clean. However, cleaning a full-sized bathroom with a shower, tub, two sinks, and extra storage may take up to 65 minutes or more. 
  • Bedrooms(20 to 35 Minutes): Professional cleaners take at least 20 to 35 minutes to clean the bedrooms. However, if there is more clutter or the room hasn’t been cleaned in a while, it may take at most 35 minutes.
  • Mechanism to adjust: A cleaning company like Fresh Tech Maid provides an initial estimate based on its pricing engine. It considers factors such as size, type of cleaning, condition of the home, and any customization needed. Moreover, the cleaning company stays in regular communication with the technicians 3 to 5 times during the cleanings to ensure everything is on track. If more time is needed, Fresh Tech Maid works with clients based on two options:
    • Keep Time and Price the Same: The cleaning company adjusts the job scope by removing lower-priority tasks to stay within the original time and cost.
    • Add Additional Time and Price: The cleaning company extends the cleaning time and adjusts the price accordingly if the client prefers to complete all tasks.

How to Get the Best Results with Room-Specific Time Estimates?

If it’s your first time using cleaning services, make sure you are clear about what to do before a cleaning service comes so you can get the most from your initial cleaning in Chicago. Fresh Tech Maid professionals will ensure that your initial cleanings go smoothly and meet your expectations.

Know What You Want to Get Cleaned

Think carefully to understand your needs - the rooms you want to get cleaned, any specific areas on your priority. Having a clear understanding of the cleaning areas you want to focus on. It will help you utilize the allocated time for the initial cleaning in the best way. Suppose your kitchen is clean, but bathrooms require more attention. In this case, you can ask the cleaners to give attention to bathrooms and save time by reducing the scope of work in that space.

Clearly Pin Point Your Goals and Priorities to the Cleaners

Have a clear conversation with your cleaner about goals and priorities - what you want to get cleaned, the tasks that will require additional time, and the tools or products cleaners may need to accomplish cleaning tasks.

Expectations Vary Based on Cleaner Experience

Cleaners at Fresh Tech Maid are trained to work efficiently within time constraints. But keep in mind that each cleaner is different. While one cleaner may be able to complete tasks more efficiently within the time constraints, others may take more time to complete the same job. 

Focus on the Messiest Rooms if You Have a Tight Budget

Cleaning prices depend on the type of cleaning service and the number of rooms you want to get cleaned. If you are on a tight budget, focus on the messiest rooms or the ones that need the most attention, like the kitchen and bathrooms. 

To get the most out of your "Chicago cleaning services near me" while staying within your budget, it’s important to do a little preparation before the cleaning service arrives

Ready to Begin? Let’s Estimate Your First Cleaning Time!

Giving time estimates for initial cleanings gives clients realistic expectations so you get the most out of the cleaning services. Fresh Tech Maid, with years of experience in the service industry, provides accurate time estimates based on room size, type of cleaning, and other factors. The time estimates help ensure a successful and thorough cleaning experience, whether you are scheduling a basic cleaning, deep cleaning, or move-out cleaning service. 

Thus, staying within budget, communicating client needs effectively, and following the best practices effectively will make your first professional cleaning a great success and set the stage for regular and hassle-free Chicago cleaning services.