I’m annoyed with our cleaner

[pndTired]

We had a cleaner from an agency a couple of years ago but it was too expensive so we found a self employed cleaner instead which was better as no agency fees
All was ok for first few months and we asked for 6 hours a week and at the time we were one of 3 jobs she has
She then got another one and started to change hours to suit the other clients which wasn’t too bad as she still did 6 hrs for us but it would sometimes be odd hours

Anyway for the last 7 months it’s been a case of she cancels a lot or does less hours as needs to go to the other job and then for the whole summer holidays she was unwell or busy, we tried to look for someone else but either too expensive or they just didn’t turn up
So we thought ok something is better than nothing as I can’t clean or tidy
Again over the xmas holidays she says she can’t come for 4 weeks
I think I’m just venting as feel low and let down

Just find another cleaner, she’s not working out

Look on Care.com for a new one. Cleaner here and manage to juggle multiple customers as any good one should!!

It’s been really hard either it’s agencies that are expensive or cleaners who just don’t turn up (has happened 4 times so I gave up looking but now I just feel so upset)
I’ll have to see if I can find an agency who will do 4 hours a week plus agency fee but I’ve had a few say they don’t have space unless it’s more hours

I did feel sorry for her at first as the way she spoke I got the feeling that the client with the list hours was really dictating to her and she couldn’t say no but now I just feel like I’ve been stupid

Have you placed an ad locally? I found a few jobs from shop windows!

Most hours
Not list

I’d be more demanding/upfront with her about what you need and what’s suitable.

Have you tried looking on Facebook for local cleaners? I did this and found a great one. You can read reviews and also see their general communication to customers on their posts, which gives an indication on what type of person they are/the type of service you could expect.

There's also gumtree, airtasker or taskrabbit

I would suggest putting the energy into finding someone new

The site I mentioned is free and free to message other free users. Payment for higher degree membership is there but you don't have to take that option!

Can you ask neighbours and friends for recommendations? It's always easier with someone you know

You May have to suck up the agency fees for a reliable service

Try not to take this personally or make too much out of it. For whatever reason your job and your cleaner don't suit each other so much now. It happens to us all at some point. Time to move on and find another cleaner.

You can find another cleaner, I'm sure people would be delighted to work for you. However, if you speak very plainly to your current cleaner, outlining the importance of reliability, you could give her another chance if that's what she wants.

Hope all goes well.

How much are you paying per hour? How much do the agencies want?

£10 p h
With an agency there is a fee on top of that I think it was about £30 per month

So the answer seems to be that you need to pay more to get someone reliable.