Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Unflip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Unflip

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Original poster

Cleaner told me off

170 replies

PremiumRaa · 16/04/2024 12:59

I usually get to work early to get ready for the day as it's easier for me after a long ish commute. The work toilets are separate large cubicles with a toilet and sink in each one so I take my make up bag into work and usually spend 15-20 mins in one before I go into the office.

This morning I got ready at work as usual and as I left the cleaner was leaning on the main door waiting for me to come out so he could go in and clean. I had left some rubbish (an empty paper bag and a napkin) on top of the bin as the bin lid wasn't working when I pressed the foot pedal.

The cleaner looked annoyed as I left and then went into the cubicle. I had only walked a few steps down the corridor before he called me back shouting "lady lady!" And then beckoned me into the toilet, gestured at the rubbish saying "this is you - these are clean toilets" and picked up the rubbish and put it on top of my handbag then picked up some paper towels from the floor and stuffed them onto the top of my bag as well whilst complaining.

I was so shocked and embarrassed I took the rubbish and walked away and put it in another bin. I felt really stressed like he's going to report me to building services or something. The toilet was clean it was just the rubbish on top of the bin and I think he was annoyed waiting outside for a while. WABU?

OP posts:

DragonGypsyDoris · 16/04/2024 13:26

The cleaner was probably shocked that you're so entitled and self-important. I bet you don't know the cleaner's name.

Hedonism · 16/04/2024 13:25

Team cleaner.

TwoBlueFish · 16/04/2024 13:24

Of course you’re unreasonable, put your rubbish in the bin or take it with you. Also taking that long when the cleaner is trying to clean is very inconvenient.

Minfilia · 16/04/2024 13:23

Yes, YABU. Rubbish goes in the bin, even if you have to (shock horror) lift the lid yourself. Disrespectful to the cleaners and anyone following after you who needs to use the bin!

Ilovemyshed · 16/04/2024 13:23

How rude and entitled you are.

Nottherealmama · 16/04/2024 13:23

Yabu. I've worked as a cleaner and some of the clients think they are so much more important and that they can treat you like crap. I have a feeling you're one of those people.

AnotherForumUser · 16/04/2024 13:23

YABU

Cas112 · 16/04/2024 13:21

You sound like a massive inconvenience to the cleaner, do it at home

Bumblebeeinatree · 16/04/2024 13:21

Perhaps he's noticed this happens regularly, he cleans up, you go in and leave a mess, he goes back and cleans up again (or worse someone else goes in and complains that the cleaner hasn't cleaned). And that day he'd had enough.

WittiestUsernameEver · 16/04/2024 13:20

OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon · 16/04/2024 13:13

How did this ' rubbish ' accrue ?
was it from you emptying out your handbag ?or had you been using this paper bag ? and napkin whilst getting ready for work ?

If for some reason you felt unable to touch the bin lid with your hand, you could have used your own napkin which you were disposing of, to open the lid.

You may even have found once the lid was open that it would stay open if you put your foot back on the foot pedal ?

re touching bin with hands ... if only there was some sort of device that could provide water on tap and if only there was some sort of cleaning solution nearby in order for OP to wash their hands.... shame ... shame.

WittiestUsernameEver · 16/04/2024 13:19

Surely any normal person would have just lifted the lid with their hands and chucked the rubbish away and then washed hands if you felt the need.... ir you know just put it in another bin ... ?

Have some bloody respect woman.

greyandbluewool · 16/04/2024 13:16

I think you were in the wrong here, definitely regarding the rubbish you left outside of the bin, the cleaner was right to ask you to dispose of it properly.
Whether you are also unreasonable to be hogging a cubicle for 20 mins before work depends a bit on your whole work set up, but unless it's the norm for employees to arrive early and change etc I can imagine a cleaner who is there to clean and get things ready not being too enthusiastic to have to work round this morning routine of yours.

BrioNotBiro · 16/04/2024 13:15

So was the poor cleaner unable to come in and do his work for 20 minutes because you were in the loos putting your slap on?

Toottooot · 16/04/2024 13:15

You really need to complain about the cleaner. Who does he think he is speaking to someone of your status like that. REPORT REPORT REPORT 🙄

YellowDaffodilRedTulip · 16/04/2024 13:14

I don’t care what you use the toilets for or how long you take. 15 to 20 minutes is not a big deal.

However if the pedal wasn’t working common sense says to lift the lid with your hand and put your rubbish in. What a slap in the face to the cleaner - no wonder he was pissed.

iLovee · 16/04/2024 13:14

Work toilets aren't your dressing room! Get ready at home or at your desk. Qnd clean up after yourself!!

OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon · 16/04/2024 13:13

How did this ' rubbish ' accrue ?
was it from you emptying out your handbag ?or had you been using this paper bag ? and napkin whilst getting ready for work ?

If for some reason you felt unable to touch the bin lid with your hand, you could have used your own napkin which you were disposing of, to open the lid.

You may even have found once the lid was open that it would stay open if you put your foot back on the foot pedal ?

gano · 16/04/2024 13:11

YABU, and very much so.

Why couldn't you lift the lid of the bin with your hand? Is that beyond your physical capabilities? I doubt it it considering you're able to spend 20 minutes applying makeup. It's your rubbish and therefore it's your responsibility to dispose of it ir take it with you. Do you believe it's beneath you to have to perform such a mundane task? The cleaner had every right to pull you up on this. You say he embarrassed you, but you should feel embarrassed.

MeMyCatsAndMyBooks · 16/04/2024 13:11

It's hardly rocket science to open a bin lid and put your rubbish inside the bin is it?
YABU.

arethereanyleftatall · 16/04/2024 13:10

Op, do you really need to ask if you, or somebody else, should clear away your rubbish?

IncompleteSenten · 16/04/2024 13:10

You should have put your rubbish in the bin.
That's a fairly basic thing to do.

WingSluts · 16/04/2024 13:10

Oh wow! The level of entitlement with you OP.

EbbandTheWanderingHearts · 16/04/2024 13:10

Well done on the cleaner for calling you out on your mess! If he hadn't, the next person in would have had to deal with it. It's rude, entitled and lazy!

WhoTurnedTheLightsOff · 16/04/2024 13:09

This isn't going to go well for yOU, OP.

EpicAlice · 16/04/2024 13:09

YABVVVU.
Why do you think it’s for someone else to deal with your rubbish?
If you wouldn’t do it at home for someone else in your household to clean, don’t do it elsewhere.

Unflip

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Swipe left for the next trending thread