The question of whether a cleaning service handles dirty dishes is common. For most standard residential cleaning packages, dishwashing is not included. The inclusion of this task depends entirely on the specific service agreement established with the provider. While some companies offer it routinely, the majority treat it as a separate, specialized chore. Understanding the difference between a standard and a comprehensive service helps set proper expectations.
Standard Scope of Service
A standard residential cleaning service focuses on surface sanitation and general upkeep of the home’s fixed areas. Typical tasks involve dusting accessible surfaces, vacuuming floors, mopping hard floors, and thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing bathrooms, including toilets, tubs, and sinks. In the kitchen, this scope usually covers wiping down countertops, cleaning the exterior of appliances, and scrubbing the sink basin.
Dishes are generally excluded because they are considered a personal, task-based chore rather than a surface-cleaning activity. Cleaning services operate on a time-efficient model, and the time required to wash dishes is highly variable and unpredictable. This variability can disrupt the cleaner’s schedule, making it difficult to maintain consistent pricing and service times. The industry often distinguishes between a “house cleaner,” who focuses on sanitation, and a “housekeeper,” whose role includes daily maintenance tasks like laundry and dishwashing.
When Dishes Are an Add-On
While not standard, a cleaning service will handle dishes in specific scenarios, almost always for an additional fee or as part of a specialized package. One common instance is during a deep cleaning or move-out service, where a comprehensive kitchen clean is performed. This intensive service may include a one-time cleaning of the kitchen, which can encompass washing dishes left in the sink.
Many cleaning companies offer dishwashing as an hourly add-on service, which must be requested and priced separately. This arrangement often involves a pre-negotiated time limit, such as 15 or 30 minutes, dedicated to loading the dishwasher or hand-washing a small volume of items. Services marketed as full-service or maid services, which are closer to traditional housekeeping, are more likely to include dishwashing routinely.
Setting Clear Expectations
Clear communication with the service provider is necessary before any cleaning begins. Always confirm the company’s policy on dishes during the initial consultation or booking process. It is helpful to specify the volume of dishes you expect to be handled, clarifying if you mean a few breakfast plates or a sink full of cookware.
Any agreement for dishwashing, including whether it is simple dishwasher loading or a full hand-wash, should be noted in the service contract or booking confirmation. This documentation should clearly state the associated extra cost or the amount of time allocated for the task. Establishing these boundaries upfront prevents misunderstandings and ensures the cleaning team can allocate the necessary time.