How much would you pay?

ConflictedBeagle · 2026-02-25T16:08:27+00:00

I would really appreciate honest opinions please. I booked a cleaning company for a deep clean, 2 bedrooms, living room, kitchen/diner, utility, WC bathroom and en suite. It has been a couple of years since my previous (fantastic ) regular cleaner retired and I have been struggling to keep on top of things like cleaning doors, skirting boards etc. I have been charged for 8 hours deep cleaning. Skirting boards are dusty (shows on finger when wiped), door frames not dusted, shower heads not cleaned, shower plug holes not cleaned, water marks on taps, visible marks on coffee tables, doors etc. They did hoover throughout, cleaned windows and cleaned bathrooms but not to a good standard. They also did not wipe or empty kitchen bin, which she says is not included in a deep clean. Business owner sent the same people straight back when I complained but I was putting my son down for his nap and asked to reschedule with lots of flexibility. I also felt uncomfortable having the same people back but appreciate I may have had to get over that. The owner says she has no availability and that I have a negative attitude and should still pay for the time although she accepts the photos show things aren't cleaned but says my house was in a bad state (although the cleaners themselves had made the opposite comment on arrival). We have left it that she has asked me to make up my own mind whether to pay or not but to keep in mind she is paying her staff for 8 hours as that is how long they were here (2 cleaners for 4 hours). Obviously I will pay something but what do you all think would be reasonable in the circumstances? I have never had an issue like this with cleaners before and have used a few! Many thanks

IHopeYouStepOnALegPiece · 02/03/2026 16:18

ConflictedBeagle · 02/03/2026 15:30

Thank you all, yes it was a deep clean.

I have been working well in excess of full time hours, have had some health problems recently and so time is very limited which is why I hired a professional cleaner to do things to a good standard to free up some time for me to spend with my children at weekends instead of deep cleaning.

She sent me a list of things included and doors, door frames, skirtings and all surfaces were on there but none were done.

I am really surprised how many people think shower heads shouldn't be included in a deep clean of a bathroom. I would give these a clean even with a standard bathroom wipe over! Maybe others are not as prone to water marks as mine!

It is utterly bonkers that people think shower heads shouldn't be included in a deep clean, of course they should be. Its a bloody deep clean.

Donsyb · 02/03/2026 15:49

ConflictedBeagle · 02/03/2026 15:30

Thank you all, yes it was a deep clean.

I have been working well in excess of full time hours, have had some health problems recently and so time is very limited which is why I hired a professional cleaner to do things to a good standard to free up some time for me to spend with my children at weekends instead of deep cleaning.

She sent me a list of things included and doors, door frames, skirtings and all surfaces were on there but none were done.

I am really surprised how many people think shower heads shouldn't be included in a deep clean of a bathroom. I would give these a clean even with a standard bathroom wipe over! Maybe others are not as prone to water marks as mine!

Ah To be fair, I was probably thinking you meant descaling. I would wipe them over every week.

Original poster

ConflictedBeagle · 02/03/2026 15:30

Thank you all, yes it was a deep clean.

I have been working well in excess of full time hours, have had some health problems recently and so time is very limited which is why I hired a professional cleaner to do things to a good standard to free up some time for me to spend with my children at weekends instead of deep cleaning.

She sent me a list of things included and doors, door frames, skirtings and all surfaces were on there but none were done.

I am really surprised how many people think shower heads shouldn't be included in a deep clean of a bathroom. I would give these a clean even with a standard bathroom wipe over! Maybe others are not as prone to water marks as mine!

OP posts:

Uticary · 01/03/2026 18:22

I would definitely upload the threat after contacting the police on 101 and reporting.
You were completely ripped off, which I bet she has form for.
Have you a video door bell?
If not get one.

Donsyb · 01/03/2026 18:16

Salyexley · 01/03/2026 18:07

You could just do it yourself like normal ppl

FFS! Lots of “normal people” have cleaners.

Donsyb · 01/03/2026 18:15

ConflictedBeagle · 26/02/2026 09:19

Just an update and managing to add some images.

I received further messages saying my approach was disgraceful, that the condition of my home was not her problem and that I should have gone round with a damp cloth before they arrived. I have explained that her staff when they arrived that the house was not in any sort of bad condition and asked her to send photos if they took any but apparently they didn't as they don't usually get customers as bad as me.

She has also said I am really starting to annoy her and that I am taking the P.

She has knocked off 1 hour so only now charging for 7. I'm speechless!

Why the hell would you go round with a damp cloth when you were paying cleaners to come in and do a deep clean?? She’s insane.

I wouldn’t expect shower heads etc done, I would expect plug holes to be cleaned. If it’s a deep clean, I would t expect to find dust on door frames etc.

Did she come round and see the house to give you an estimate? Who set the 8 hours? Seems quite a lot for just a 2 bed, I would expect a very thorough clean for that. Sounds like they didn’t even do what I’d expect on a weekly clean (apart from the windows).

Salyexley · 01/03/2026 18:07

You could just do it yourself like normal ppl

Bluedenimdoglover · 01/03/2026 17:28

Did you take before photos? Difficult to o complain if they come back at you that your house was in a state. If you haven't had a proper clean for as few years then 8 hours won't do it. It may shock some here, but a good " bottoming" every few weeks in different rooms does not take long and is surprisingly therapeutic (yes, I did it, working full-time, leaving the house at 6am). Fridges - wipe out before shopping, cupboards, wipe tins etc before putting away. I am not patronising, just saying little things which take seconds make things easier in the long run. Get a routine, and if you do book help, first clean should be listed and overseen, to prevent misunderstanding.

ConstanzeMozart · 27/02/2026 13:51

I wouldn't reply. Make sure you have her messages saved securely. Save any further ones. If they escalate severely, call non-emergency police. I would stop engaging with her entirely.

40YearOldDad · 27/02/2026 13:39

Just drop her a message back, saying thanks for the message, please don't message me again, and, for your information, I have reported your response to the police for future reference, given your veiled threat to my safety based on an honest review of the service provided.

There are two separate threats against you in a single message -

Hopefully I don’t bump into you in person anytime soon
don’t be surprised when someone reacts to you pushing them

One is an veild threat, and one suggests retaliation directly. Both are to intimidate you, or an attempt to.

if you really want to piss her off, post this reply to your review. 😂

Original poster

ConflictedBeagle · 27/02/2026 12:54

Now a separate one saying I am looking for trouble

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Original poster

ConflictedBeagle · 27/02/2026 12:53

Well this has taken a very sinister turn. Received this message:

One review from you isn’t going to effect my work your just being plain nasty to be honest! I won’t let you put me down your just out to cause trouble so go ahead and do your worst cos that’s clearly the person you are! Hopefully I don’t bump into you in person anytime soon ! Bang out of order how you’ve gone on with me and you want to keep pushing me please go ahead but don’t be surprised when someone reacts to you pushing them

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Original poster

ConflictedBeagle · 27/02/2026 12:23

Back21970 · 27/02/2026 12:09

Much was it per hour?

£20, which is very much standard (or slightly above) for the area so £160 was what she wanted to charge.

OP posts:

Back21970 · 27/02/2026 12:09

Much was it per hour?

Original poster

ConflictedBeagle · 27/02/2026 11:59

Newyearawaits · 27/02/2026 11:54

As the owner sent the cleaners back and you sent them away, I think that you should pay the full amount

That's so interesting to me, the cleaners had 8 hours and did not do what they were supposed to, why would I be obligated to be inconvenienced the rest of the day when I had booked a time that would be suitable? I would have accepted a rearranged appointment any other day but not to turn up on spec at a highly inconvenient time when the work would have taken another couple of hours.

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Newyearawaits · 27/02/2026 11:54

As the owner sent the cleaners back and you sent them away, I think that you should pay the full amount

Original poster

ConflictedBeagle · 27/02/2026 11:48

Luckily I am now with @40YearOldDad new cleaning business - got my whole house sparkling within the hour 🤣

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40YearOldDad · 27/02/2026 11:31

ConflictedBeagle · 27/02/2026 11:02

Managed to add a pic of the taps after a 10 second spray and wipe. They are perfectly well maintained, just had not been wiped.

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Looks like a Bristan, sad that I know (or think I do) from a past life. It's a 300 quid tap..

TheNinkyNonkyIsATardis · 27/02/2026 11:06

We started our new cleaners after two years off cleaning and having a toddler in the house.

They did their first two cleans as 3h, and did the ground floor plus bathroom first time and the upstairs plus kitchen second time. Place was absolutely spotless.

Our first cleaner came after we'd had plasterers in and similarly left the place spotless in 3h.

A deep clean can be harder because of engrained dirt, but the end result should be the same.

Original poster

ConflictedBeagle · 27/02/2026 11:02

Redragtoabull · 27/02/2026 10:30

You said you lost your regular cleaner a couple of years ago, has your home not been cleaned properly in all that time? If so and realistically even a deep clean for 4 hours x 2 would not be enough. We have a client that has been living where they are for 6 years and was never cleaned, ever! We do a deep clean for 2 hours fortnightly. A clear and ongoing conversation of what can be achieved in this time is had before each visit such as inside window enclosures etc, but each visit is grim. They know they are messy, hoarders etc and love what we do, but as it is a fortnightly there is only so much that can be achieved. Some people just leave it down to us and do not help themselves expecting bags and bags of rubbish piled up for a week or two for us to take them out, we do not do this, nor deal with animal mess or litter trays either, unless previously agreed which is rare as this is biohazardous waste. Same if we come to clean and there are clothes all over the floor, we're not a maid service so will pile the clothes up, clean and put clothes as they were, don't take the piss with cleaners, simple. And we're in demand so can quite rightly refuse to service your home. You need to be specific in what your priorities are so they are addressed. Making beds are extra, as is moving furniture. Their approach has been unprofessional by what you have said but people like to paint themselves in the best light on a one way trajectory. And going by the photo of the sink tap, that is neglect or a cheap fixture. Cleaners are cleaners, not DIY SOS. Good luck finding a good cleaner and when you do, have specifics that need to be addressed on each service so you both have a clear understanding of objectives and expected outcomes

Managed to add a pic of the taps after a 10 second spray and wipe. They are perfectly well maintained, just had not been wiped.

OP posts:

Original poster

ConflictedBeagle · 27/02/2026 10:54

ConflictedBeagle · 27/02/2026 10:51

Of course I have been cleaning since my professional cleaner left! I just haven't had a professional deep clean done in that time which is why I employed someone I thought would do it to a better standard that I would as a non-professional.

Not sure what you mean about the tap being neglected or poor fixture, I gave it a quick spray and wipe and it was sparkling. What you can see on the picture are just water marks that wipe away easily.

I was given a list of things included, skirting and door frames listed and as this is in addition to a standard clean, surely bath taps and showers were included. The business owner herself accepted the things highlighted should have been done.

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Oh also there were no piles of clothes or anything, bathrooms had been cleaned by me the previous week, all furniture pulled out 2 weeks previous and no real dirt as such just some dust and fingerprints on doors and frames from children.

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Original poster

ConflictedBeagle · 27/02/2026 10:51

Redragtoabull · 27/02/2026 10:30

You said you lost your regular cleaner a couple of years ago, has your home not been cleaned properly in all that time? If so and realistically even a deep clean for 4 hours x 2 would not be enough. We have a client that has been living where they are for 6 years and was never cleaned, ever! We do a deep clean for 2 hours fortnightly. A clear and ongoing conversation of what can be achieved in this time is had before each visit such as inside window enclosures etc, but each visit is grim. They know they are messy, hoarders etc and love what we do, but as it is a fortnightly there is only so much that can be achieved. Some people just leave it down to us and do not help themselves expecting bags and bags of rubbish piled up for a week or two for us to take them out, we do not do this, nor deal with animal mess or litter trays either, unless previously agreed which is rare as this is biohazardous waste. Same if we come to clean and there are clothes all over the floor, we're not a maid service so will pile the clothes up, clean and put clothes as they were, don't take the piss with cleaners, simple. And we're in demand so can quite rightly refuse to service your home. You need to be specific in what your priorities are so they are addressed. Making beds are extra, as is moving furniture. Their approach has been unprofessional by what you have said but people like to paint themselves in the best light on a one way trajectory. And going by the photo of the sink tap, that is neglect or a cheap fixture. Cleaners are cleaners, not DIY SOS. Good luck finding a good cleaner and when you do, have specifics that need to be addressed on each service so you both have a clear understanding of objectives and expected outcomes

Of course I have been cleaning since my professional cleaner left! I just haven't had a professional deep clean done in that time which is why I employed someone I thought would do it to a better standard that I would as a non-professional.

Not sure what you mean about the tap being neglected or poor fixture, I gave it a quick spray and wipe and it was sparkling. What you can see on the picture are just water marks that wipe away easily.

I was given a list of things included, skirting and door frames listed and as this is in addition to a standard clean, surely bath taps and showers were included. The business owner herself accepted the things highlighted should have been done.

OP posts:

Redragtoabull · 27/02/2026 10:30

You said you lost your regular cleaner a couple of years ago, has your home not been cleaned properly in all that time? If so and realistically even a deep clean for 4 hours x 2 would not be enough. We have a client that has been living where they are for 6 years and was never cleaned, ever! We do a deep clean for 2 hours fortnightly. A clear and ongoing conversation of what can be achieved in this time is had before each visit such as inside window enclosures etc, but each visit is grim. They know they are messy, hoarders etc and love what we do, but as it is a fortnightly there is only so much that can be achieved. Some people just leave it down to us and do not help themselves expecting bags and bags of rubbish piled up for a week or two for us to take them out, we do not do this, nor deal with animal mess or litter trays either, unless previously agreed which is rare as this is biohazardous waste. Same if we come to clean and there are clothes all over the floor, we're not a maid service so will pile the clothes up, clean and put clothes as they were, don't take the piss with cleaners, simple. And we're in demand so can quite rightly refuse to service your home. You need to be specific in what your priorities are so they are addressed. Making beds are extra, as is moving furniture. Their approach has been unprofessional by what you have said but people like to paint themselves in the best light on a one way trajectory. And going by the photo of the sink tap, that is neglect or a cheap fixture. Cleaners are cleaners, not DIY SOS. Good luck finding a good cleaner and when you do, have specifics that need to be addressed on each service so you both have a clear understanding of objectives and expected outcomes

40YearOldDad · 27/02/2026 08:50

ConflictedBeagle · 26/02/2026 17:27

Please do start a good cleaning business and let me have the details 🤣

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I'd love to know what you paid, or what the original cost was. Let's call it, erm, market research.

aneelli · 26/02/2026 22:11

She gave you a choice of paying but then demanded 7 hours! I really wish u didn’t pay. You should’ve paid half. I once had a cleaner; I specifically asked if all the doors upstairs can be cleaned, she didn’t touch them! And then when I mssgd her about it, she just never responded back!