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AIBU?

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Original poster

'Clean your own house'

212 replies

LovelyTheresa · 27/03/2024 09:58

This is just something that bugs me about this site. Every time there is a thread about the etiquette of employing a housecleaner, whatever the question is, someone invariably says 'clean your own house'. Why is that? It is so utterly bizarre, nobody would say 'do your own plumbing' 'do your own plastering' or even 'do your own garden' so why is it seen as so odd to have a cleaner!? I have a cleaner, everyone I know has a cleaner. It is only on this site that that is seen as out of the ordinary.

OP posts:
Love51 · 27/03/2024 10:10

I like the idea of my house being cleaned by someone other than me or my husband so we get some chill time on the weekend (between kids activities). I keep saying "next time I increase my hours" or "next promotion" but in reality we don't actually like having someone in the house or the idea of having to manage them. The kids pull their weight but obviously need overseeing.
I'm struggling to think of a suitable response other than "do your own cleaning then!"

GoosieLucie · 27/03/2024 10:07

I would dearly love to have a cleaner and could easily afford to pay for one. The problem is that the house is so untidy that there isn't much opportunity for cleaning anything!🙃

mummymeister · 27/03/2024 10:06

when I lived in my own flat my lodger paid 50% reduced rent on the basis that they would clean the flat once a week. they needed financial help, I hated cleaning. when I got married I wanted it written in the vows that I could always have a cleaner once a week. I dont smoke or drink and am not frivolous with money. I choose to spend £60 a week on a wonderful person who cleans my house exactly the way I want it done. Its only the same as paying to have your nails done, or your gym membership or whatever you want to spend your spare money on. It provides employment for someone locally and we are incredibly flexible, any day of the week any time whatever suits them best.

Clangered · 27/03/2024 10:04

I’m working class, childless, permanently wfh and have a cleaner. My mum is horrified.

INeedAnotherName · 27/03/2024 10:04

The only person I know who had a cleaner was my DM when she had cancer. The rest of us do it ourselves.

However I did read the post you are talking about. I suspect that person is deliberately trying to wind people up for fun. Some people do that, especially when bored.

Original poster
LovelyTheresa · 27/03/2024 10:03

EmilyPlay · 27/03/2024 10:00

I don't know anyone who has a cleaner.

And? I assure you that lots of people do. Do you resent people who can afford paid help?

OP posts:
LittleMissCantBeWrong1 · 27/03/2024 10:03

You think it’s seen as odd on mumsnet to have a cleaner?! Are you kidding??

Its much more common for posters to be advising some person clearly on the bones of their arse to get a cleaner 🫠

BarrelOfOtters · 27/03/2024 10:03

I know people who would really benefit from a cleaner, but don't want one because they are quite private, feel it's 'too posh', know they'd spend all the time cleaning before the cleaner arrived, don't want someone in their house....

We have a cleaner, had cleaners for years. Very happy with that. My mum had a 'lady what did' when we were growing up.

I wouldn't hire a gardener though as I enjoy that!

People are weird about it though and seem to almost hide it if they have a cleaner or widen their eyes a bit when I say we have one.

NavyKoala · 27/03/2024 10:02

Agree with the comment above. It's women's work and women who don't do their own cleaning are seen as shirking some kind of womanly obligation. No one ever comments on a man not doing enough housework.

MiddleParking · 27/03/2024 10:01

Basically any stupid opinion you could dream of, someone on the internet will get behind. That said I see far more people on here recommending cleaners for problems that a cleaner can’t solve than I do people saying ‘clean your own house.’

EmilyPlay · 27/03/2024 10:00

I don't know anyone who has a cleaner.

BringMeSunshineAllDayLong · 27/03/2024 09:59

It's women's work and therefore should be free.

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