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The self-cleaning oven mode turns the heat in your oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit to incinerate any stuck-on food or grease. This process can make your home uncomfortably hot for several hours. It can also emit unpleasant smells in the house and release carbon monoxide. It can be irritating to people with respiratory conditions. Never leave the house unattended when using the self-cleaning oven feature.

If you’re hiring someone to clean an empty and tidy house before you move in, there’s little prep work to do. Make sure to discuss your goals with the cleaning service, arrange entry to the house, and communicate any problem areas or special requests. If you’ve already moved into the house, or if it’s messy, it’s best to complete the following tasks before the cleaners arrive:

• Declutter things like clothes, toys, or cardboard boxes

• Do the dishes

• Put fragile items in a safe spot where they can’t be accidentally broken

• Keep pets away from cleaning areas

You should consider doing a few things on your own that fall under the category of “good house cleaner etiquette” to prepare for your house cleaner. These include tidying counters, floors, and other surfaces, taking care of the dishes, moving laundry to the laundry room or a dedicated laundry basket, and putting away personal and private items. Think of your house cleaner as someone who brings your home from relatively tidy to organized and clean, and you should have no issues.

For special occasions, follow the same 15% to 20% tipping suggestion on the final cost of the service. Cleaning for holidays and parties can sometimes exceed $400, depending on if it’s a deep clean or involves more specialized requests (like yard clean up, unpacking decorations, or rearranging furniture). In which case, a $400 service would result in a tip between $40 to $80.