How to hire cleaning lady

[nextfiveyears]

Hi ladies,

I have been struggling with all the cleaning work in the house while having a full-time job and a toddler. I used to think I would feel ashamed to hire help to do basic cleaning. But now I changed my mind, as it's basically a losing battle and also has caused too much tension in the household.

I never used any external help and don't know where to start. I'm not feeling comfortable to have a stranger at my home as trusting someone you don't know does require certain level of courage.

Any suggestion how I can start?

What's the best way to find reliable person to do the job? Any profile, questions to screen the potential company/candidate?

Is company better than individuals?

I don't have any recommendation from friends, as we only moved to this area not long ago, barely know anyone.,,

[holeinmyheart]

A company will clean on a 'need' basis. An individual will want a more secure 'once a week' type. Contract.

So first of all decide what you want. A company will charge more but probably employ one or two people and get more done.

Be realistic. If you are going to employ someone for two hours a week. How much can they achieve?
What depth of job do you want them to do? If you want them to take the contents of the cupboards out in the kitchen and clean them and put them back, it takes quite a while to do it thoroughly.

You also need someone you can trust. As I don't trust anyone I wouldn't leave money or very valuable jewellery out.

I would give them a list and ask them to tick it off so you can see what they have done.
Best of luck as I always think I can clean better. I have intermittent cleaners.
I don't know what part of the country you are in so I can't advise you about payment.
You are supposed to have insurance, but I never have had. However they should have some sort of insurance. In the event of them injuring themselves on your premises, perhaps that aspect aught to be investigated by you.
I only employed cleaners by word of mouth but there will be lots of small ads about in the PO etc.
Ask for a trial period of a month and then you can get rid of them if they don't suit or you don't like your house being invaded.

It is quite traumatic trying to get rid of someone you don't like.

[RachelZoe]

I go through an agency, I find it much more comfortable to know I can report to their boss etc instead of dealing with them directly and all of that, agency cleaners have been better IME as well.


What are the problem areas in your house? Is it mess or dirt? If it's mess then maybe think about a good declutter as well as getting some help in. This always helps people stay on top of it.


You need to be very clear about what you want an expect, prioritize the problem jobs etc.

[Germgirl]

I used to use Molly Maids & found they were expensive and very variable. Sometimes the clean was brilliant, at other times it looked like no one had been in at all! Now I use Handy. They're an agency & you book via an app. They're £10 an hour, minimum 2 hours. I've used them 3 times so far & have been very pleased with the results.
I like them because I can book online and change the appointments with only 24 hrs notice, I don't have to commit to regular cleans which is good for me because I work irregular hours and can just book for when I know I have a day off. If you're interested I giving them a go then pm me. I have a code for £10 off your first clean.

[florentina1]

Why not post what general area you live in. Someone might be able to recommend. I live East of London and have used the same cleaning company for 4 years.

[HeadDreamer]

The best is definitely by word of mouth. How about facebook groups. Are you in any mummy groups? Asking there, you can sort of see who recommends them. It might be someone you've seen in a baby and toddler group, but not 'friends'.

[HeadDreamer]

At least that's how I found my gymnastics and ballet classes for DD. I already have a cleaner recommended by a friend.

[nextfiveyears]

Hi ladies, thanks to your kind response with tips.

We live in North London.

I'm loosely in a mum's group but not close enough to drop a question out of blue. Don't know many people in the area otherwise. Full-time employment really limits my exposure to local network... Plus we moved here not long enough to have a good network yet...

[florentina1]

I found my very first cleaner by advertising on a local shop. Had a few responses, but I wanted someone who lived very local, had kids in local schools and could provide checkable references.

I was very lucky interviewed 3 and only 1 was suitable. She worked for me for 2 years. After she left I went down the agency route. Again I have gone for a local company and they have been excellent.

[DanglyEarrings]

if you use an individual, make sure they are insured and registered to pay tax, these ae the hallmarks of a professional person in business and not a dodgy 'cleaning lady' type who is working under the radar.

Do not have anyone dodgy in your home, at all, ever.

Try to get a private company rather than an agency, who employ the cleaners directly rather than send you self employed ones, these cleaners will be trained and equipped and need no further management from you, the company will take care of everything for you.

[EmNetta]

I've been really pleased with most of the people who've worked here, but agree with poster who suggested a trial period.
Good idea to check at beginning if they're happy to do other helpful jobs apart from cleaning, eg: Ironing, Shopping, Window cleaning, Gardening etc (with suitable extra payments of course).

[OrderofWork]

I use a cleaning company. I know I pay more than I would if I had my own "cleaning lady" but for me the advantages are:

-They bring all their own equipment and materials, which means I don't need to think about what we need/keep things in working order.

-Any sickness/holidays are covered by the company sending someone else. Once you've got used to having the cleaning done, an ill cleaner can feel like a disaster!

-They come in pairs, are DBS checked and insured which allays some of the fears about having strangers in the house

-If things aren't right I deal with the office, rather than having to deal with the individuals. I have enough problems with the people I manage at work, I don't need to do more of it at home.

-Tax, sick pay, right to work in the UK etc is someone else's problem.

[EmNetta]

Actually, I have weekly help - normally 2 hours - but shared by two females, each fortnightly. I'm paying a bit more, but both have "proper" jobs, one CB? registered, so quite happy that they're not going to be a problem plus between two people, I'm never short of cover for illness, holidays, extra jobs etc.