How do you clean up after housesitting?

To clean up after housesitting you should put everything back where you found it, wipe the surfaces, clean the floor, hoover and make sure it is in the same or better state as when you found it. 

It is good etiquette to clean and tidy before you leave a housesitting, ensuring that you empty the bins, empty the dishwasher and put any used towels and sheets in the laundry basket or washing machine. 

You don’t want the homeowners to come back to an untidy and messy house, especially if you would like to return to the particular housesit.

Think about the following when you are cleaning up after housesitting:

• Remove everything that wasn’t there when you arrived including food from the kitchen
• Remove all of your rubbish
• Double check the wardrobes and cupboards for any of your belongings
• Make sure the pet areas are clean and tidy
• If there are cats, change the litter so that it is fresh
• Close all the windows and doors so that pets do not escape
• Hoover and wipe the surfaces to make sure there is no dust or dirt around
• Make sure plants are watered and not left dry
• If there is a garden, make sure you pick up any dog poo

The list is not exhaustive and it depends on how big the house is and which rooms you use.

If you do not use certain rooms, for instance, you do not need to clean them because they should already be clean.

How long does it take to clean up after housesitting?

The time it takes to clean up after housesitting depends on how big the house is and how long you have been there for. If you are staying in a big house, dedicate half a day to cleaning. If you are staying in a small house, a few hours may be sufficient.

If you have been staying in the home for a few weeks, it is likely that you have built up a bit of dirt unless you clean it regularly. 

Keeping on top of the mess will make it a lot easier to clean and tidy before you leave.

If you are only staying for a very short time, such as a weekend, it may be a good idea to only use spaces that are necessary and don’t use anywhere that you don’t have to.

For example, if the house has a living room but you aren’t likely to use it then keep it tidy so that you do not have to tidy it.

Should a housesitter clean?

Yes, it is common courtesy to clean once you leave a housesitting job. It is not only good practice but it gets you good reviews and repeat customers.

What to do with sheets after housesitting?

Bed sheets should be stripped from the bed and either washed (if you have time), put into the laundry basket, or put into the washing machine. 

To conclude…

It is important to clean up after housesitting because it leaves a good impression and helps you build a good reputation as a housesitter.

If you want to do housesitting a lot or make it a full-time job, the best practice is to leave the house exactly how you found it or even better.