Hiring a cleaner - help would be appreciated.

[PlayingGrownUp]

I hate cleaning. Could garden all day but can barely bring myself to wash dishes. OH could iron clothes all day but also hates cleaning.

So we have decided to see about hiring a cleaner once a fortnight to do the bigger jobs we put off like hoovering and washing all the floors, cleaning the windows and properly cleaning the bathroom (we only have a small three bedroom and we're on min wage) except where do you find a cleaner to hire? How do you trust them? How does it work? We'd also have to keep on top of 'our' jobs for the cleaner coming so it seems like a good idea - are we wrong?

Any help would be great. Thanks.

[FellOutOfBed2wice]

I don't know but I want to know. Watching with interest.

[DanglyEarOrnaments]

The biggest indicators of a good service provider are their reviews and testimonials from other users.

For a company these should feature on their website and for a solo cleaner you will need word of mouth referrals from friends or neighbours.

I think without these it's a stab in the dark as service levels are so variable out there.

As long as you make sure the provider is fully insured and registered to trade legally as a tax payer you should at least be assured of their intent to operate professionally. I wouldn't touch anyone doing it casually for 'cash in the back pocket' that sort of thing is completely unregulated and risky. Cleaning is a highly personal service which takes place in your home and you need at least some kind of security that the business owners have your best interests at heart.

[snackarella]

I'll let you know mine is starting tomorrow!
She is coming to do a full days deep clean tomorrow then starting following week with 2 hours a week.
I wasn't sure wether to make a list of stuff I wanted doing or not but I'm gonna see how it goes tomorrow 😬

[clareusbearus]

Afternoon all, as a fully self employed registered and insured cleaner in the Newbury area I thought I would offer some help to those wanting an idea of what to expect/ask a new cleaner.

From my experience first impressions are key in deciding if you are going to get on. Personally I have no issue with being asked for references or being paid by bank transfer. I would be wary of people who only accept cash or cant offer references. As for pay, I've been doing this for 8 years and after speaking to clients it seems you get what you pay for. I charge slightly more for my services but that is reflected in my work and reliability.

I prefer not to be given lists of chores as the likelihood is I will do all those things and more. What I suggest to my clients is to have ongoing feedback to allow for tweaks to the routine. I wouldnt expect your large furniture to be moved for cleaning but anything small enough to clean under should be done. If you can leave your home tidy then you will get more cleaning for your money. My clients provide all the cleaning materials and equipment and I let them know when things are running low.

I hope this helps shed some light on the world of hiring cleaners :) Clare