What makes a cleaner really great?

[Ohmnomnom]

I'm starting my new job as a cleaner on Monday. I lied on the application form and said I have domestic cleaning experience because I'm desperate and need the money.

So, I've spent the last week learning everything there is to know about cleaning and ironing. I've practiced top to bottom cleaning, the grid method, eye level test, and learnt how to use different products. The job is perfect for me in terms of hours so I'd really like to do well and build up a client list.

If you have a cleaner that you love, what do they do that makes them really good at their job?

I am the head house keeper for a large hotel. I have trained a lot of people and do a lot of room checks. I can tell at a glance which member of team did a room because they all have a tell. It is always in the little details. Folded toilet paper, aligned towels, cups facing the same way. Phone straight, coat hangers tidy. These things take seconds and improve the impression of a room and show me the cleaner cares. I do not worry about these cleaners.

Routine is everything. This will save you time once you have your routine in place. Then double check things have been done whilst you hoover or mop.

Clean inside bins too.

Toilets should be brushed. Just putting toilet cleaner down them will not magically get rid of dirt. Also brush under the rim. If I brush the rim and black bits fall down, I know the toilets are not being properly cleaned.

Look at what the client will see. So if they are on the toilet, sofa, bed these are time they have a minute to really look. What are they be looking at? Stains, cobwebs, dust behind the door .

Do not move anything unless you are asked.

Only throw away things in the bin unless you have asked. I have seen people throw away all sorts of things that had been assumed to be rubbish but had been wanted. This includes a half can of flat cola that the guest had been saving. Receipts that were need for expenses. Worst of all stones were thrown away which turned out to be archaeological samples.

You are there to work not chat. I have a private client she is lonely and likes a chat and would bother me constantly. We are in a routine now. I do my work that she pays me for first. Then we will chat at the end, in my own time.

Be punctual.

Arrive when you say you will.

• routine - if you are going somewhere once per week, you might only be able to move sofas to clean once per fortnight for example. Make sure client is aware of that and that things like that will be done on rotation. Stick to it on a rota.
• clean from top to bottom - cobwebs first!
• I am not a professional cleaner but a recent purchase of an ostrich feather duster has been amazing. 🤣😂Sucks up dust so quickly and efficiently. You don’t have to move all the Knick knacks! I use that weekly and then move things and do proper damp dust fortnightly/monthly.
• use Viakal or similar on taps and shower screen.
• for impression management, neaten cushions and curtains before leaving.
• light spray of non-toxic air freshener before leaving??

Good luck - it’s hard work but so worth it for people. Hope they appreciate you!

Be friendly and approachable, so a client feels comfortable in asking you to do something. I find myself being very middle class and apologetic when having to give orders!

Buff everything with a dry towel after cleaning, esp chrome areas - makes all the difference.

Clean the fronts of the kitchen cupboards! It's my bugbear.

Don't clean around things. Don't be afraid to move things! And do behind (and inside) the microwave etc.

When your client makes friendly chit chat please do chat back but keep cleaning at the same time. Sorry I know that sounds awful but when you're paying £15 an hour you're aware of the time slipping away!

Be punctual, ideally a couple of minutes early so there's time to unload the car, and have a coffee made for you with a quick chat beforehand... if your timings change each week let your client know when you'll be there so they don't have to wait around for you.

One who completes all the tasks on her task sheet in the alloted time and arrives / leaves at the time she is supposed to.
I don't want her to chat to me, nor to be sat around drinking tea. I pay her to clean not socialise and drink tea.
She's been with me for the last ten months and seems happy enough.