Cleaning client

OP is this the same client who you posted a thread about the other day, that gave you the money back?

If it is then you've already acknowledged that she is a bit of a difficult one so I'd just assume it was awkward wording but if it's not then this is the second client who you have felt has had a tone/attitude with you recently so I'd be starting to wonder if the issue is you ascribing negative connotations to perfectly innocent situations.

This is a perfectly normal question to ask - someone has lost something, the only other person who has been in the house is you, they want to know if you have moved it as part of your cleaning (even if you don't tidy there's always the odd thing that needs to be moved temporarily during cleaning that you may not have returned to it's rightful place) and if not then did you see it when you were there last (and if so, where did you see it).

I frequently get questions from my parents asking stuff like "We can't find the remote for the fire stick, we last used it when you were over the other night, do you remember seeing it?" or "Do you remember seeing X when you were last at our house? We thought it was in <usual place> but we've gone to use it and it wasn't there and nobody can remember the last time they actually saw it"

@Tootsey11 she expected you to be cleaning her house today???? bloody hell do you not get a day off at new year??

Cleaner here. Like you OP I clean but I tidy as I go along - it's only natural to pick something up and then place it back.
I cleaned for a horrible family who stole off each other relentlessly and each and every time I was asked about said items and knew they thought I had stolen them. Items always turned up in someone else's room etc etc. I got sick of being spoken to like I was the 'hired help' so I let my feet do the talking on that one.
No need for curtness or rudeness and no need to take it and not be curt back. if they don't like it there are other cleaners to abuse,
Cheeky mare asking you to work today ! Just who do some people think they are.......

“Jean, I don’t tidy or put away, just clean, no I haven’t seen it. Respectful reminder - I am on holiday today as it’s a public holiday, thanks Tootsey”

I am sure you are in demand OP, perhaps she needs to up her game.

My last employer (I was a housekeeper) texted asking about a pair of pyjama bottoms I'd never even seen. I did search for them but it was annoying as I felt she thought I'd misplaced them

Cleaner here. Am also the Finder Of Things... Don't take it as an accusation op.

From the family I work for, that one of them had moved it but wasn't admitting to it so it was "lost" 🤔🤣

Maybe she's already looked for it and can't find it which is why she's texted you. Reading a text and sending a quick reply is hardly the big drama you're making out if it. And if she was already unhappy with you prior to this 'incident', you having the arse is hardly going to improve things.

If they aren’t thinking you’ve taken it, they should’ve said they can’t find it / we’re wondering if you moved it. ‘Gone missing’ does seem badly worded as I personally would only use this to describe something that I think has left my house. However, it might just be clumsy wording on their part, particularly since it’s not valuable. You could reply saying you haven’t moved it and you’d have soon noticed if you’d accidentally picked it up so it must still be in their house somewhere. If they have any manners, they’ll let you know when they’ve found it.

I've texted my cleaner quite a few times to ask where something is. She (or her staff) have an annoying habit of moving things and not putting them back in exactly the same place. It drives me nuts and I waste so much time looking for things that they've usually moved without thinking. At no point when I text am I suggesting they're stealing. I just want to know where my stuff is! (last time it was a mosquito repelling plug-in, previously it was my make-up bag, but the list can go on and on...)

Just reply ‘Hi Julie, happy new year, hope you had a good one. No, not seen the XXXXX, last time I was there it was in the usual place. Will see you on Jan 10th. Sarah x’

Can you post the exact message so we can gauge the tone?

I don't think there is anything wrong woth asking...

I often ask my cleaner if she has seen/ moved things… she has been with me for over 12 years, and more often than not she hasn’t seen it…

Toilet brush?

I wouldn't like the implication nor being contacted out of work hours

If possible I wouldn't work for that family again

She thinks you have filched her remote? Tell her it's down the side of the sofa.

I sent this to my cleaner many many times 😂😂😂. She knew it’s only because my mind is crap and I can’t find anything

Depends on item. Heirloom jewelry? Accusation.

Book about gardening? Can't find it wondering if you have seen it.

I quite often ask our cleaner to keep an eye out for stuff. She doesn’t take offence.

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