I don't think I want my cleaners to come every week

[eatsleepread]

Hi. I treat myself to a house clean every fortnight. Two cleaners come for 1 1/2 hours, so I pay for 3 hours. My flat isn't big, and has 3 bedrooms. The cleaners have never complained about not having enough time, and seem to manage just fine.

I am a bit OCD, and have certain rituals that I do before they come That sounds weirder than it is, but basically I will make sure that the place is tidied, that the rubbish is taken out, that clean bedding is on the beds, that the guinea pig cage is cleaned out (no point in there being straw on the floor straight after cleaning!), dishwasher done and emptied, etc.
This works for me, as it means I can enjoy a clean flat when I get home from work, and for that day anyway, have nothing else to do. Bliss.

The cleaners have now said that two hours per week would work better for them (one hour, with two of them). I'm in two minds. It's not so much the increased cost, but it's more the hassle of having to do my pre-cleaning routine weekly! I'm a single mum of 3, who works every day, and it can be slightly rushed getting us all out the house on the mornings they're here. I don't mind when it's fortnightly, but weekly might be too much.

I'm aware that I may sound a bit bonkers on this post, and maybe I am But we all have our wee quirks and foibles, and my pre-cleaning routine is mine! To be fair, it's a respect thing too, as I'd hate for them to come into a messy flat.
Would I be unreasonable to ask them to stick to fortnightly?
Thanks

And any tips on how to explain it to them - without sounding like a weirdo - would be appreciated!

Are they saying that you are effectively overpaying? They can do the job in 2 hours, not the 3 you are currently paying?

Either way, your home, your rules. If weekly doesn't suit, then say no.

No. At the moment, they're doing 3 hours a fortnight.
They want to do 2 hours a week.
So when you add it up over the month, that's more hours/cost.

I’d say unfortunately that’s not convenient and ask them if they want to continue or drop to 2h fortnightly- see if you notice drop in standards?

cheeky of them. Just say no.

I read it as current 3 hours a fortnight, they want to do 4 hours a fortnight over 2 stints

Nope, you employ them for your convenience so you get to choose

Of course not - it has to work for you. If they can’t get everything done you need to reach a compromise on what tasks they do each session.

Thanks everyone for the supportive replies.
I will stick to fortnightly for convenience, but offer them an extra half hour if they require it.

01:14eatsleepread

No. At the moment, they're doing 3 hours a fortnight.
They want to do 2 hours a week.
So when you add it up over the month, that's more hours/cost.

Yeah. I get the hours/cost thing.

I'm assuming they want to do the same jobs in 2 hrs that they currently do in 3.

What have they suggested cutting out to make it 2 hrs weekly. Or adding in, to make it the 4 hours fortnightly?

I think they would rotate certain jobs over the weeks. So maybe the bedrooms one week, kitchen and bathroom the next. That kind of thing.
I'd rather get the whole place cleaned at once.

You are the client. Do what works for you.