How do I dump my cleaner

[gemgemgemgemgem]

So as above really.

I've had her for about 2 years and been umm-ing about her for a while. Standards have slipped so much and she defo does not stay as long as I pay her for. Sometimes I come home and I can see basic things still needing cleaning.

I never really see her face to face and she prefers me (and baby) to be out when she cleans.

How do I cancel her?! I don't want to hurt her feelings but also don't want to keep paying for not good cleaning service.

1st world problems!!!!

[ghostspirit]

Can you give her some notice. Just tell her you can't afford it anymore?

[Cel982]

"We're having to cut back a bit so I'm afraid we won't be able to keep you on after the end of the month." Done.

[gamerchick]

Yep ^

[Redglitter]

I've got rid of 4 previous cleaners. Instead of putting my big girl pants on and telling them exactly why I was getting rid of them I used the can't afford you excuse too. It's definitely easiest

[EthelEgbert]

I am always home when my cleaner / housekeeper is in my home. So is my neighbour who employs the same person. I wouldn't want a cleaner that asked me to leave.

Ask for keys back before you end the cleaning arrangement.

[DragonRojo]

I've always said: "the circumstances have changed and I will not need you any more. You've been great and I'll miss you. Thank you so much. Can I have the keys, please?"

I have got rid of at least 5 cleaners this way.

[angeloaf79]

I second 'our circumstances have changed'line - have used this myself.

No need to elaborate. Ime, over 20-odd years of employing cleaners, most slack off and start leaving early after you've employed them for a while. We had 2 paragons who didn't (and who were thorough too).

[BigGreenOlives]

If you're just vague about 'our circumstances have changed' you aren't lying. The circumstances have changed, she used to be good & now she isn't.

[gemgemgemgemgem]

Great thanks guys- she can be a bit narky sometimes I will tell you how it goes!

[MollyHuaCha]

'Our circumstances have changed' sounds like a polite and friendly way to end the arrangement. If you gave her a leaving present, it wd look nice too.

[Sploozle]

It took me almost a year to get rid of my cleaner - hopeless. The thing is, you don't need to justify or explain yourself. In the end I just gave notice and said I no longer required a cleaner.

Good luck!

[angeloaf79]

Just keep in your mind that:

She's a poor cleaner
She's cheating you (by leaving early)
She's narky

That should make your decision and task easier.

[EthelEgbert]

What do you mean, angel that "she's a poor cleaner"?

Do you mean poor as in sad or poor as in having no money? And why is that relevant either way?

[RubyWinterstorm]

The fact she is poor at cleaning is relevant!

It's the main reason to ask her to go

[EthelEgbert]

HAHAHAHAHA - sorry that really made me laugh.

You mean she's bad at cleaning.

Not that she's poor = no money or poor = a sad person

Sorry! I seem to be misunderstanding everything today. I am really outdoing myself.

Might be time to stop posting on MN now.

[Shallishanti]

I've noticed things are starting to slide...last week the XYZ wasn't done and yet you left before the time agreed ...if you don't want the job anymore I can look for someone else?

[DanglyEarOrnaments]

Least embarrassing:

"We've had a change in circumstances"

Most helpful to her (if you consider her to be at least trying to operate in a professional capacity):

Genuine constructive feedback about areas missed.

The former is easier on you (and what I would certainly do in this case as you owe her no personal favours and know she may take it the wrong way!)

The latter could help her improve her service level for the future IF she has it in her to take the gift of honest feedback from you and put it into improving her services for the future. If you suspect she may just get defensive and narky then I would spare yourself from the discomfort of allowing her this valuable lesson in customer service and just use the first option.

If you no longer want her then as long as you lose her it's a winner. It's her own fault!

[Davros]

Never give them your keys if you can help it - top tip for the future!