Hi @Smiley - we never get a cleaning list before a sit? 
we do always clean before we leave though! 
We bring a couple of sink stoppers as well 
We’ve done sits where there was no plugs for the sinks or bathtub!
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Good tip @Globetrotter Apparently us Brits are renowned for not having plugs for our sinks! No idea why but when we still lived in the UK, our USA visitors would always comment on it (& how small our bathrooms and bathroom sinks are) 
The cleaning list is to owners then at the end of the sit to sitters
Yes I know the idea and what’s supposed to happen, @Smiley - it’s just we never get one
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I guess we experienced sitters, and indeed home owners, know how to clean a home although we’ll all have different standards of course!
Oh my…such a kit would incur extra luggage charges when flying though!
I’ve never experienced a lack of plugs for sinks in the UK. However, when I was backpacking through Asia I carried an assortment of sizes of sink stoppers which were useful, beats sticking a dirty sock in the plug hole!
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You don’t need more than one flat rubber or silicone disc. I carry one in my kit, takes up no space and it’s so handy!
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And to follow on the hotel analogy - Sleeping PILLOWS. There is no way you check into a hotel and find it acceptable to have a flat crunchy chunky broken pillow(s) to sleep. I have been debating tracking w my own pillow but where and how on a plane when not driving everywhere. 
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Bless you!!! Love to sit for YOU!! 
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Agreed and or not using a car.
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That’s why I’m suggesting standard is “hotel”. Clean home sheets kitchen and bath. Linens and pillows that aren’t 10+ years old. HO may travel and stay at hotel and would not find any less than this acceptable.
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How about THS sets some standards that EVERYONE understands? These stories are bad. AND we can’t leave because we are committed to the animal care no matter what. Do you all leave honest reviews?? When it’s bad I don’t leave a review at all. And now that I’ve had a few I see why host had past sitters w no sitter reviews. So that’s our secret handshake? No review stay away??
I will admit I usually get a pretty good vibe on the host during the Zoom interview…:: and some just take photos without trying and it’s all you need to know not to apply.
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I typically divide my reviews into three parts: pets, host, and accommodation. when one is missing = red flag. When I have nothing positive to say about two or more I do not review at all (it happened twice)
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@WheresBabZ We travel with our own Ikea feather pillows everywhere around the world! 99% of places don’t have pillows,as comfy as our own! 
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@MissChef yep as you say, so handy and takes up no space whatsoever 
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Almost all the houses we’ve sat (70 or so) have been at least clean enough for us. We’ve noticed hosts are going over to eco friendly cleaning products which is of course good for waterways, but also great for us as we like knowing our washing, dishes, bathrooms etc are toxic chemical free! 
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I’d be careful about the vinegar. I never knew until a couple of years ago when we were in a temporary rental and the manager explained it to me, that for granite countertops you should NOT use anything acidic to clean because of the seal.
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