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Original poster

I want to sack my cleaner

27 replies

onlyconnect · 28/02/2020 19:26

But I want to do it nicely. I have used a small cleaning company for two years but I find them sloppy: dusting is poor and there are things not done which I really think should be. For example we have an armchair on short legs that has a lipstick and a toy under it and they're still there after this week's clean. When they first started working for me I told them a couple of times that I thought they had missed things. They were very nice about it but it hasn't changed. I don't want to address it with them again as I think I've given them ample chance to improve.
What shall I say to them? I'd like suggestions of how to let hem go without hurting their feelings please.

OP posts:
DownToTheSeaAgain · 28/02/2020 19:30

If it is a company then tell them your needs have changed and thank you.

Then employ another company.

Not complicated IMO

Aquamarine1029 · 28/02/2020 19:36

"I will no longer be needing your services."

Personally, if they ask why, I think you should tell the the truth. Their service is not up to par and they should know it. You should also mention that you've brought up issues before which had been ignored, therefore you will be using another company.

Flymetothetoon · 28/02/2020 19:44

I would think it is your responsibility to remove your lipstick and toy from underneath the chair so that the cleaner can actually clean without obstacles in her/his way.

Dozer · 28/02/2020 19:46

Once you’ve lined someone else up would just message them to say you will no longer need their services, no reason.

HollowTalk · 28/02/2020 19:46

Oh come off it, @Flymetothetoon!

leghairdontcare · 28/02/2020 19:47

Slightly torn because I feel toys etc should be tidied by you. However, good cleaners are incredibly hard to find and I had to go through 3 before k as happy.

Just give notice as required and find a new one.

81Byerley · 28/02/2020 20:05

I was a cleaner. @Flymetothetoon. Whether you're right or not, the fact that they are still there means there's been no attempt to clean the floor properly. I always moved furniture!

Herpesfreesince03 · 28/02/2020 20:07

@Flymetothetoon seriously??🙄😂😂

Flymetothetoon · 28/02/2020 20:08

What's with the piling on? Jesus Christ ! 😱

Mummug · 28/02/2020 20:10

I have had this. On one occasion I said I was getting some work done to the house and cleaning wouldn't be required during this time and thanks for everything and another time I said that my work commitments changed and I had more time at home and didn't require their services going forward (small community, didn't want the chance of them coming in and doing a remedial clean and it reverting back - like you, had a couple of times I had to point things out and it became a bit awkward). Saved face for everyone and I moved on.

Original poster
onlyconnect · 28/02/2020 20:56

Flymetothemoon generally I tidy up really well for the reasons you say but I missed these things. It is an indication test she didn't hoover under the chair.
The reason I find it tricky is because it's a tiny company of three people. It feels like an individual really even though it's a company.
Thank you for your replies

OP posts:
PegasusReturns · 28/02/2020 21:01

You use a company - the joy of that is you don’t need an excuse.

BlueLadybird · 29/02/2020 09:15

You’re not sacking anyone because you don’t employ them. You have been paying for a service which you don’t want any more. Find out how long notice you need to give as per your contract (if there is one) and then just advise them accordingly. No need for any drama.

IsolaPribby · 29/02/2020 09:20

I don't understand why you can't just tell them the truth! You are not happy with the service they are providing. There is nothing mean about that. If anything, it will give them an opportunity to improve and up their game if they want to. There is absolutely no need to make up reasons.

OlaEliza · 29/02/2020 09:23

How did you miss the lipstick and toy but knew they were there?

Imo tidying is your job, the cleaner is there to clean. If you want them to clear up after you, you need to employ a home help or housekeeper, not a cleaner.

Purplewithred · 29/02/2020 09:31

@OlaEliza so if your cleaner encountered something on the floor you’d expect them to hoover round it? Or lift it, hoover under it, then put it back?

Original poster
onlyconnect · 29/02/2020 09:47

IsolaPribby I could tell the truth but I have already told them a few times that I haven't been happy and what I want them to do. There is though an element of cowardice in my part

OP posts:
Original poster
onlyconnect · 29/02/2020 09:49

OlaIliza I had seen them and just forgot to pick them up. I do quite a big tidy before they come and had meant to go back to these things and forgot. It tells me that didn't hoover under that chair. It's just one example of many I could give.

OP posts:
Strongmummy · 29/02/2020 09:51

Erm just tell them that you don’t need their services again. It’s a simple one

Intelinside57 · 29/02/2020 09:55

Ex cleaner here... of course they should pick up stray small items that are getting in the way of cleaning. There are some really stupid, goady comments on here sometimes. It's not like Op is expecting them to put everything back in the toy box. They aren't doing the job. Bin them. Tell them why.

myidentitymycrisis · 29/02/2020 09:58

its possible they hoovered with the items there; and pushed them around with the hoover, still moving them to clean under them but not picking them up (I have done this myself on occasion) If they did, it's lazy and pointless, because it makes it look to you that they didn't hoover

897654321abcvrufhfgg · 29/02/2020 10:01

Are they expected to clean or clean AND tidy. Items that you have noticed under a chair should be tidied by you not a cleaner imho

Gamble66 · 29/02/2020 10:10

Sad gits that think you should clean before the cleaner comes - had cleaners for 35 years not one has refused/not picked up small items under/behind furniture - you know because they are cleaners not just 'hooverers' and 'dusters'. They shouldn't have to clean filth but incidental tidying well with thier remit.

AGoodPodcastAndANiceCupOfTea · 29/02/2020 10:17

It's ridiculous to suggest that a cleaner shouldn't pick up small objects that get in the way of cleaning and it's pretty obvious that they aren't cleaning effectively if they aren't. I both have a cleaner and have been a cleaner and I feel like this really isn't unreasonable to expect. You are paying for a service and you don't want it anymore because you e asked them to up their game and they haven't. In your situation I would message or email to say that you no longer require their services - they are employees not mates. If they ask why simply state that the things that you asked to be improved weren't and don't get into any further discussion with them. Ignore any further contact from them - you don't owe them any further response. It is always up to you who you have in your home.

OlaEliza · 29/02/2020 10:28

@Purplewithred I'd tidy up before they came, so that they could, you know, clean.

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