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What does a cleaner do and not do? The task list

Which tasks are part of home cleaning, what counts as extras and what does a cleaner usually not do? Handy to set clear agreements beforehand.

Cleaning tips 2 min read Updated Tue 22 Sep 2026
What does a cleaner do and not do? The task list

Good appointments prevent disappointment, on both sides. What can you expect from a cleaner, and what not?

Standard tasks

  • Vacuuming and mopping all floors
  • Kitchen: worktop, hob, sink, fronts and the outside of appliances
  • Bathroom and toilet: sanitary ware, tiles, mirrors, taps
  • Dusting furniture, windowsills and skirting boards
  • Emptying waste and cleaning bins
  • Making up or changing beds

Extras (take more time)

  • Ironing
  • Windows on the inside
  • Inside of fridge or oven
  • Inside cupboards
  • Balcony or patio

With 321clean you choose extras in the booking form; each extra counts as half an hour.

What a cleaner usually doesn't do

  • Windows on the outside at height (requires a window cleaner with the right equipment)
  • Heavy lifting or moving furniture
  • Clearing personal items and paperwork
  • Working with hazardous substances or without the proper equipment
  • Looking after children or caring for pets

How to make good appointments

Write down your priorities. In the note on your booking, indicate what is most important and where the supplies are. For a regular appointment, rotate the list each time (for example, windows one week, fridge the next).