FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Cleaning Services

Looking for answers about our Omaha house cleaning services? Below you’ll find our most frequently asked questions about Hautch Cleaning services. If you don’t see your question answered here, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (402) 281-2733 or email us at hello@hautch.com.

What services do you offer?

We provide standard house cleaning, deep cleaning, move-out cleaning, recurring service, Airbnb cleaning, vacation rental cleaning, one-time cleaning, and post-construction cleaning. Some tasks like mold removal, hoarding situations, or hazardous materials are outside our scope of service.

What are your hours and scheduling process?

We operate from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and weekend from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM excluding major holidays. You can schedule by calling us at (402) 281-2733, emailing hello@hautch.com, or using our online booking form. After booking, we'll provide a 2-hour arrival window and send a confirmation.

What's your cancellation policy?

We require 48 hours notice for changes or cancellations to avoid fees. Changes made with less than 48 hours notice incur a $50 fee. Same-day cancellations are charged the full service amount. If we can't access your property within 30 minutes of arrival, a $100 lockout fee applies. We waive fees for illness-related cancellations.

How do you handle property access?

We use a secure key management system and cannot accept keys left in unsecured locations. Keys are returned within 48 hours if service ends. Please ensure your security system is disabled or provide us with the code. Without access within 30 minutes of arrival, a lockout fee applies.

What's included in your pricing?

Our rates depend on the service type and property size. Some specialty tasks incur additional charges. We may adjust prices based on actual conditions found on-site. Recurring service discounts begin after your first cleaning, and any annual increases won't exceed 10%.

What about cleaning supplies and safety?

We bring all necessary cleaning supplies, including eco-friendly options upon request. If you prefer we use your supplies, please have them ready. For safety, we don't move items over 35 pounds or work beyond step-stool height.

What's your quality guarantee?

If you're not satisfied, contact us within 24 hours and we'll return to address any missed areas at no charge. Report any damage claims within 24 hours as well. We document our work with photos and stand behind our service quality.

How do you screen your cleaners?

Every team member undergoes background checks and receives professional training. We're fully insured and maintain consistent teams for recurring clients. Our staff can't accept direct hire offers from clients, ensuring long-term service quality.

Are baseboards included in the deep clean?

Yes, baseboards are included in both standard and deep cleaning services as part of their complete service package.

Are windows included in a deep clean?

Yes, window cleaning is included in both standard and deep cleaning services as a regular part of the cleaning package.

What does a standard/general/professional clean include?

The standard clean covers all the basics - vacuuming and mopping floors, kitchen and bathroom cleaning, baseboards, windows, and general surface cleaning throughout the home. It's perfect for regular home maintenance.

What does a deep clean include?

A deep clean goes the extra mile beyond regular cleaning. The team spends more time getting into those spots that often get missed, giving everything a more thorough cleaning. Think of it as a reset button for your home's cleanliness.

What is the difference between a deep cleaning and a regular cleaning?

Regular cleaning is what you need to keep your home looking nice day-to-day, while deep cleaning is more intense and takes more time to really get into those forgotten spots. It's like the difference between tidying up and really getting in there to clean everything properly.

What do house cleaners typically clean?

The cleaning covers floors (vacuuming and mopping), kitchen cleaning, bathroom sanitizing, baseboards, windows, and all reachable surfaces in the home. It's designed to keep your space clean and comfortable.

What do housekeepers not clean?

For safety and health reasons, cleaning doesn't include mold, hoarding situations, or any bodily fluids. Litter boxes and bird cages are off-limits too. There's no climbing above step-stool height or moving anything over 35 pounds. Some extras like oven interiors or detailed blind cleaning are available for additional fees.

How long does it take to clean different sized homes (1500/2000 sq ft, 3 bedroom)?

A 1500 sq ft home typically takes 2.5-3 hours, while a 2000 sq ft home usually needs 3-3.5 hours. Three bedrooms generally add about an hour to the total cleaning time.

How long does a deep cleaning take?

Deep cleaning usually takes twice as long as a standard clean - around 5-6 hours for a 1500 sq ft home. The time varies based on the home's condition and how long it's been since the last deep clean.

What can a cleaner do in various timeframes (1, 2, 3, 5 hours)?

In 1 hour: A thorough bathroom clean or kitchen clean, or quick dusting and vacuuming of main areas. In 2 hours: Kitchen and bathroom plus vacuuming and basic dusting of main living areas. In 3 hours: Full clean of a small home or apartment. In 5 hours: Complete cleaning of a larger home or a deep clean of a smaller space.

How often should a house be cleaned?

Basic tidying should happen daily, with a good general clean weekly. Deeper cleaning tasks like baseboards or inside cabinets can be done monthly or quarterly depending on use.

What is a reasonable cleaning schedule?

Daily quick tidy-up, weekly thorough clean of bathrooms and kitchen, bi-weekly full house clean, and monthly attention to areas like baseboards and cabinet fronts works well for most homes.

How do housekeepers clean so fast?

Professional cleaners work systematically - top to bottom, left to right - and carry all supplies with them. They don't waste time going back and forth between rooms and know exactly which products work best for each task.

How many hours does the average person clean their house?

Most people spend 1-2 hours daily on basic tasks like dishes and tidying, plus 2-3 hours on deeper cleaning spread throughout the week.

How many hours should you clean your house?

A good target is 15-30 minutes daily for basic maintenance, plus 2-3 hours weekly for more thorough cleaning. This keeps things manageable without becoming overwhelming.

Is 2 hours cleaning a week enough?

Two hours weekly can work for a small, well-maintained space, but most homes need 3-4 hours of cleaning per week spread across different days to stay in good shape. It really depends on your lifestyle, number of people, and how tidy everyone is day-to-day.

How do I prepare my house for a professional deep clean?

Pick up clutter, clear surfaces, and put away personal items. Remove valuables and secure pets. A quick declutter helps cleaners focus on actual cleaning rather than organizing.

What is proper house cleaner etiquette?

It's a personal preference. Some people stay home the first few visits to answer questions, then provide a key for future visits. Others prefer to be out to avoid being in the way.

What is expected of a cleaner/cleaning lady?

They should arrive on time, bring agreed-upon supplies, follow the cleaning checklist, respect property, and communicate about any issues. Basic cleaning includes vacuuming, mopping, bathroom and kitchen cleaning, and dusting.

How do you know if you have a good cleaner?

They're reliable, consistent, thorough, and communicate well. They clean spots often missed (like baseboards and corners), respect your property, and maintain professional boundaries.

What are the 5 rules of smart cleaning?

1. Clean top to bottom 2. Work in one direction (usually left to right) 3. Clean dry to wet 4. Use appropriate products for each surface 5. Handle one room at a time

What is the 20/20/20 rule for decluttering?

Spend 20 minutes sorting items, 20 minutes cleaning, and 20 minutes organizing what's left. It breaks big tasks into manageable chunks.

What is the golden rule while cleaning?

Work top to bottom and dry to wet. This prevents having to re-clean areas and makes the whole process more efficient.

How do I deep clean my house on a budget?

Use basic supplies like vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap. Focus on one room at a time. Make DIY cleaning solutions. Maintain regular cleaning to prevent need for expensive deep cleans.

How do you clean a messy house in 2 hours?

Focus on high-impact areas: quick declutter (15 min), bathrooms (30 min), kitchen (30 min), vacuum/mop floors (30 min), and dust visible surfaces (15 min). Keep moving and don't get caught up in details.

What is the 1 minute/3 minute/3 second rule for cleaning?

Put away items that take 1 minute right away. Spend 3 minutes tidying when leaving a room. Do quick 3-second fixes immediately when noticed.

What is the 20 minute cleaning method/rule/theory?

Set a timer for 20 minutes and clean as much as possible. It prevents overwhelm and makes cleaning feel more manageable. When the timer stops, you stop.

What is the 25 minute cleaning method?

Clean for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. It's based on the Pomodoro technique and helps maintain focus while preventing burnout.

What is the 80/20 Rule in housekeeping?

Focus on the 20% of tasks that make 80% of the visual impact. For example, clearing surfaces and vacuuming usually make the biggest difference in how clean a room looks.

What is the rule of 5 cleaning?

Put away 5 things, clean 5 things, or spend 5 minutes cleaning whenever you enter a room. It keeps cleaning manageable and prevents big messes from accumulating.

Do you tip house cleaners?

If they're independent cleaners, tipping isn't expected since they set their own rates. For cleaners working through a company, 10%-20% is common if you're happy with the service. For regular cleaners, many people tip during holidays or after special tasks.

How much do you tip a house cleaner if your bill is $500?

For a large job like this, $50-$100 (10-20%) is appropriate if you're very satisfied with the work. If it's a one-time deep clean, you might tip on the higher end. For regular service, a smaller percentage is fine.

How much Christmas bonus for house cleaner?

The typical holiday bonus equals one week's to one month's pay, depending on how long they've worked for you and how often they clean. For a bi-weekly cleaner, one service amount is standard. For weekly cleaners, consider two service amounts.

What do most cleaners charge per hour?

Independent cleaners typically charge $25-$50 per hour. Company rates usually run $35-$90 per hour. Rates vary significantly by location - major cities tend to be on the higher end.

How much does it cost to clean a 1500 sq ft house?

Standard cleaning usually runs $150-$190. Deep cleaning can range from $250-$350. Regular maintenance cleaning might be slightly less. Prices vary by location and specific house layout/condition.

What is the minimum hourly rate for a cleaner?

Most professional cleaners won't work for less than $25-$30 per hour. Company minimums are usually higher, starting around $35-$40 per hour. Some areas have legal minimum wage requirements that affect these rates.

How to empty a house full of stuff?

Start by sorting into keep, sell, donate, and trash. Work room by room. Sell valuable items through estate sales or online. Donate usable items to charities. Rent a dumpster for trash. Consider hiring an estate cleanout service for large jobs. Most homes take 2-4 weekends working steadily.

How much does it cost to clean a house before selling?

Basic pre-sale cleaning runs $200-$400 for average homes. Deep cleaning costs $300-$600. Additional services like carpet cleaning, window washing, or yard cleanup add $200-500. Full preparation including repairs and staging can run $1000-$3000.

How much does it cost to clean out a house after someone dies?

Estate cleanouts typically cost $1,000-$4,000, depending on house size and contents. Professional services charge $50-$125 per hour per worker. Dumpster rental adds $300-$700. Hazardous material removal or hoarding situations can push costs to $5,000-$10,000.

How much does a cleanout cost?

Basic cleanouts start around $500-$1,000 for small spaces, while average homes typically cost $1,500-$3,500. The final price depends on the volume of items, labor required, and disposal fees.

Why do cleaners work at night?

Commercial cleaners work nights to avoid disrupting business operations and to ensure thorough cleaning can happen when spaces are empty.

How long does it take to empty a house?

Small homes typically need 3-5 days of focused work, while larger homes or those with many belongings can take 1-2 weeks. The timeline varies based on the amount of contents and number of people helping.

How long should it take to clean out a house?

A complete cleanout usually requires 2-3 days for a small apartment, 5-7 days for an average house, and up to two weeks for larger homes. This assumes working full days with several people helping. Emotional attachments or complex sorting needs can extend these timeframes.