I vacuumed the house for my own sake, simply because I didn’t want to be breathing in pet hair. But that was an exception to the rule - the house was beautiful, the owners were thoughtful enough to provide a car, and the sit itself lasted only a couple of weeks. If the stay is any longer—say, a full three weeks—and you are looking after a pet that tracks in dirt and sheds hair, then the cleaning duties fall entirely on you! A good host will proactively offer to handle the cleaning themselves while I am looking after their pet.
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For those of you who find power washing therapeutic, have I got a product for you…
Introducing: the McCulloch home steam cleaner! Easily steam-cleans grout, tiles, grease, inside sliding door- & window-rails as well as other tight places. (AND it sterilizes, too!) 
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FYI about these steam cleaners … I have one and it is wonderful for many things but do not get it anywhere near caulking (silicone at least). It will instantly just ‘peel’ away. Unless you’re planning to re-caulk, then steam away!
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I see your device and I raise you with this, the Powerwash Simulator game. You can wash down pavements, patios, decks and many more, you choose.
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Thank you on good suggestions!
Culturally, most people here remove footwear indoors. I do tell my sitters that footwear is not worn inside the home. Plus, I also have a doormat that states “Thanks for removing your footwear”.
So, on my upcoming sit, I’ll be more specific in a tactful way.
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My personal sitter -standard is simple regardless of duration, pets….or anything : I leave it as I found it or cleaner (sometimes the latter is a bit of extra work but usually favourably recognised in the HO’s review).
Since the no shoes policy applies, I’d be sure to mention this in the initial video call, in the Welcome Guide and verbally before you leave just to be sure that the sitters understand the importance of this.
Also, taking a good look at your potential sitters’ reviews re: “clean & tidy” is never a bad idea.
I don’t think that asking the same of your sitter (“I’d appreciate it if you would leave our home in a similar condition as we left it /you found it”) is asking much !
And: make it very clear where the cleaning equipment and products are.
We were on a sit where we had to hunt high and low to find a dustpan and brush, another one where I had to buy scourer sponges so I could do the cleanup.
Also, include instructions or do a demonstration of how to empty the vacuum cleaner; I’m looking at you, Dyson, it’s like trying to wrestle an octopus!
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Manuals are for suckers.
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As we used to tell our customers: “When everything else fails, read the manual.”
@CatStaff My heart sinks when I turn up and see HO has A Dyson. 
Honestly think this should be fully disclosed in their profile - then I can chose not to apply!
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an ex colleague who didn’t suffer fools gladly used to e mail with the acronym RTFM
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Had to look it up. Love it
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@RedLassie Duh, I actually googled those letters and then 
when I read the explanation. Did I really need google to figure that out for me? As I said, duh. 
@Ecco I apologize in that I’ve been part of taking your post off-topic. I’ll therefore add a response to your post, even though I usually don’t when I can’t add much to what’s already been said.
I’m a little OCD when it comes to cleaning and general neatness in my own home. I therefore tend to look for sits that reflect hosts who are similar in nature. As for specifics, if your tone is thoughtful in your Welcome Guide, any added details should be appreciated by sitters.
I do always have a conversation with the host about laundering bedding and towels and, unless they insist otherwise or my ongoing travel doesn’t allow, I again bring the home to look as though I was never there, including remaking the bed using photos I’ve taken on arrival to make sure I can position all those pillows correctly (which I don’t have at home as I’m a minimalist).
If you have a choice, select sitters to chat with who, in their profile and reviews, give you a sense that they have similar standards to you. Overall, don’t assume anything as we all know what ass-u-me does. 
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This is my philosophy with cleaning, too. And it has always served me well with regards reviews. I want the HO to return and for it to look like I have never been there - apart from the card and little gift I may leave as a ‘thank you’ for their hospitality. I will always clear out the fridge of any of my ‘leftovers’, too, regardless of whether I think the HO could use them. And, I ensure to leave completely empty and fresh bin bags etc. Another thing I do is a little special shine and polish of the kitchen/bathroom taps. For some reason, HOs have often noticed this extra sparkle!