Do You Clean Your House for Your House Cleaner?

If you’ve ever tidied up before your house cleaner arrived––and felt a little silly about it––you’re actually in the majority.

Half of us would clean before a house cleaner arrived.

In a new YouGov poll, 53% said they would, and another 14% said maybe. Just 33% gave the expected answer: “No, that’s literally what I’m paying them for!”

While it may sound backward, there’s actually some logic to it. Maybe you want them to focus on the deeper-cleaning tasks (hello, toilet), rather than spend time picking up clutter or moving stuff around to get started.

But the trend of prepping for professionals doesn’t stop there.

95% of Americans brush their teeth before seeing the dentist.

Sure, a full cleaning is on the way. But we just can’t resist trying to make a good impression, even when the professionals are about to do a better job than we ever could. (And let’s be honest, we’re all still trying to trick them into thinking we’re that responsible person who flosses every night… not the slop who walks around all day with debris in their teeth.)

60% also wash their hair before getting it cut.

Even though most salons include a wash in the service, 60% of people said they usually wash their hair beforehand. So, apparently, not everyone wants to show up with bedhead or greasy roots, even if it’s just going to get shampooed anyway.

Is it pride? Politeness? Guilt? Whatever the reason, these findings highlight something relatable. We want to be seen as clean and put-together—even by the very people we hire to help us get that way.

So next time you’re frantically straightening up before the cleaning service rings your doorbell, just know: you’re in good, neurotic company.