Cleaners

[LordPickle]

I'm going back to work soon and I am going to hire a cleaner. My problem is, I don't know anyone that has a cleaner and I have a few questions.

Do I interview a few and pick one or am I supposed to find one and just go with them?

What sort of questions should I ask? Is it acceptable to ask for references?

Do I tell the cleaner what to clean, or is that rude?

How often should the cleaner come? Once a week or fortnight?

Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated. I feel a bit confused by the whole thing and I don't want to come off like an idiot. I just want to find a nice person that I can trust to help me keep my house clean.

Weekly or fortnightly is up to you.

What they do is agreed between you and them. You need to think about whether you are paying for time or activities. Eg if they complete their jobs early, do they finish for the day or do you ask them to do extra.

If the person isn't known to, or not personally recommended to you by someone, then I would get references. I'd start by asking friends or neighbours.

How will they get in, ie, are you giving them a key? Key safe? Plant pot?! 😄

To give you an idea... My cleaner comes fortnightly and does sitting room, kitchen and bathroom. We agreed £20 for two hours. It actually takes her less than that, but I don't care so long as she does a good job. She has her own key (she lives nearby).

Going by the high amount of threads on here about CF cleaners DEFINITELY seek recommendations before you interview any!

If you have a community Facebook page ask on there?

Generally you tell them what you want done and they come round and give you a quote based on amount of time it should take.
2 -3 hours a week is usually enough for an average house.

It seems to be common that despite quoting for time and being paid for their time, many cleaners are rushing through jobs and skipping off early, still claiming the money.

I would certainly ask for references and agree between the two of you what you want doing in the time your lady is working.
My cleaner always came to me on a Friday for 3 hours so the house was spotless for the week-end.
I would have all the kitchen cleaned and the floor washed along with the utility room,both bath rooms and bedrooms hoovered.
My lady new what she was doing and always gave that bit extra she was a gem,she went on to run her own cleaning business and is still doing well.

Thanks all for your advice. I'm going to post on our village page and go from there.