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Original poster

Would you expect your cleaner to clean up this mess? If you are a cleaner, would you?

113 replies

holishmo · 28/12/2022 19:12

I started up my own cleaning business (just myself) last month

I've got 2 really lovely clients and recently took on someone new

We live on the same NB estate so I popped round when she enquired and we had a cup of tea and a chat, was happy to take her on for the 3 hours a week

Anyway, I arrived today and there were nappies on the floor that needed clearing away, loo not flushed and very dirty, bloody and soaking with water? sheets on the master bed, take away tubs all over the living room and no toys put away at all, still loads of wrapping paper laying around

I tidied it all up of course and I didn't say anything. But then before I left she asked me where I'd put one of the coins that go to her baby's toy piggy counter, I said I hadn't seen a pig with coins at all (my own DC has it and I didn't see it there).

She said I must've seen it because it's in the toy box but one of the coins are missing?

I said I hadn't touched it, I hadn't. She wants me to replace it

What do I do? I feel silly for writing this but I'm doing it to fund nice extras for myself and disabled DC. I don't want bad words spread as my two other clients live on the estate too and I advertised myself on the FB page Sad

OP posts:
Kanaloa · 28/12/2022 19:27

But I wouldn’t replace the coin, because to me that is taking responsibility for something you didn’t do, which is shaky ground. I’d just reiterate that you didn’t see it, possibly adding ‘there was of course a lot of mess and rubbish all over the floor, but while I was clearing all the dirty nappies and rubbish I didn’t see the toy.’

JemimaTiggywinkles · 28/12/2022 19:28

I can't imagine leaving that mess for my cleaner! I occasionally leave a cup unwashed but that's about it.

Regarding the coin, I'd use it as a reason to leave. You didn't touch it and aren't prepared to accept being accused of lying.

PegasusReturns · 28/12/2022 19:28

I think MNers get a bit crazy about all the things that cleaners should never do.

In my view cleaners clean and as a cleaner you should certainly not expect to be cleaning only “spotless” houses.

that said this seems to be less about cleaning and more about accusations of theft: which would be a firing offence

Interested in this thread?

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Cleaning
TabithaTittlemouse · 28/12/2022 19:31

Be completely honest and tell her that her house was a tip. Maybe it got thrown away with all of her rubbish?

Kanaloa · 28/12/2022 19:32

PegasusReturns · 28/12/2022 19:28

I think MNers get a bit crazy about all the things that cleaners should never do.

In my view cleaners clean and as a cleaner you should certainly not expect to be cleaning only “spotless” houses.

that said this seems to be less about cleaning and more about accusations of theft: which would be a firing offence

There’s spotless then there’s changing bloody sheets and dirty nappies strewn across the floor. That’s not acceptable.

Willowswood · 28/12/2022 19:32

I would replace it, but make it clear that you definitely didn't see it. Then I'd say I couldnt accommodate her for cleaning anymore. When she finds the original counter, she'll feel bad.

Also, did you make it clear that it's just cleaning you are doing, not tidying / refurbishing / remodelling ??? 😂

StephanieSuperpowers · 28/12/2022 19:35

In my view cleaners clean and as a cleaner you should certainly not expect to be cleaning only “spotless” houses.

I think there's a difference between spotless and the kinds of filth that people need to deal with themselves, into which category I'd put dirty nappies.

dolor · 28/12/2022 19:36

People always blame the cleaner, it's disgusting.

Do not replace the missing item, and text her to tell her you won't be returning.

Honestly people try and blacklist cleaners when things go missing, but I'd imagine there are more clients deserving of blacklisting than cleaners, for precisely this kind of nonsense.

Danielle9891 · 28/12/2022 19:37

If it's the same toy pig that my daughter has then the coins can be anywhere. We've got two left out of 10. I caught her putting them in the bin, fish tank and letter box.
I'd look for somewhere else to work. My mom used to be a cleaner and this woman is taking advantage of you.

illiterato · 28/12/2022 19:38

I would definitely not replace it. Wtf?? Just quit. Good cleaners are in demand. You'll easily get something else.

Floralnomad · 28/12/2022 19:38

Don’t replace something you didn’t take as it implies that you are responsible . Just politely email her saying that you will no longer be cleaning for her as you don’t like being accused of stealing and leave it at that . If she does give you grief online just ignore .

illiterato · 28/12/2022 19:40

And honestly, I definitely am not the type of person who "cleans for the cleaner" but I do make sure the loos are flushed and no dirty underwear on floors etc. I feel that's pretty basic.

Pineappleskies · 28/12/2022 19:40

She sounds horrible.

I'd write an email stating again you did not see the coin, whilst it was reasonable for her to question you it was unreasonable to expect you to replace any lost items in her house, you feel the level.of cleaning required is vastly higher than any of your other clients and as such you prefer not to clean for her again.

Isthatascratchonmygrandmother · 28/12/2022 19:40

Would I fuck be sourcing a coin to give her. I'd tell her to go to the police 🤣 Ridiculous woman.

LovingLifesHurdles · 28/12/2022 19:40

I wouldn't dream of leaving my house in that kind of a state for our cleaners. I generally have the rule that they are there to clean and not tidy. At times there have been exceptions when some toys are out but never anything dirty like you describe. Honestly I get fairly embarrassed if I realise I accidentally left some clothes on the floor or dishes not done.

DorisParchment · 28/12/2022 19:41

Cleaners clean, they don’t tidy. I am very untidy (but not filthy, in the league of your client - mine is more books and papers) but I tidy up before my cleaner comes so that she can clean.

Don’t go back. It’s not going to get any better.

CockSpadget · 28/12/2022 19:41

PegasusReturns · 28/12/2022 19:28

I think MNers get a bit crazy about all the things that cleaners should never do.

In my view cleaners clean and as a cleaner you should certainly not expect to be cleaning only “spotless” houses.

that said this seems to be less about cleaning and more about accusations of theft: which would be a firing offence

There are specialist cleaners that deal with bodily fluids etc, it’s not a general household cleaners job, unless it’s specified and/or paid for at a higher charge. Kicking off over a small piece from a kids toy, she’s batshit. You’re better off staying away OP.

FuckoffeeBeforeCoffee · 28/12/2022 19:41

Please tell me you're not going back.

Willowswood · 28/12/2022 19:42

I used to iron clothes as a business, I had loads of customers and it was a great little money maker.

Anyway, one customer tried to accuse me of a couple of items of clothing going missing! I was mortified! Then funnily enough, they found the items they had accused me of 'losing'!!!

I told them I could no longer accommodate them and didn't do theirs anymore.

2bazookas · 28/12/2022 19:45

You look her in the eye and say " I have already said, I haven't seen or touched the pig. I'd like my pay now". Then walk out and never go back.

A good cleaner can pick and choose good customers; and she is always going to be a shit employer... literally.

Katapolts · 28/12/2022 19:45

Definitely don't replace the toy, you'd be admitting fault!

Who cares if she 'bad mouths' you? What's she going to say? "I had a cleaner come once and she took a plastic coin" - anyone she tells that story to is going to be Hmm

I'd message her and say due to the weird accusations about a plastic coin that I haven't even seen, I don't feel comfortable providing you with any further cleaning services.

Ellie1015 · 28/12/2022 19:46

I would reply

"I am no longer able to clean for you"

and nothing else. Leaving the house in that state and accusing you of theft/carelessness is not worth the hassle.

harrassedmumto3 · 28/12/2022 19:47

Filthy bitch.
I am raging for you, OP. Never in my wildest dreams would I treat my cleaner in this way Flowers

harrassedmumto3 · 28/12/2022 19:48

And do NOT replace that coin. Best to ditch her as a client now, as this pisstaker will not get any better.

daretodenim · 28/12/2022 19:49

Some cleaners are happy to tidy, others not, they only clean. Usually tidying makes it take longer, so it's more expensive. Thing is that tidying up someone's mess can never be more than dumping it in a cupboard or drawer because they don't know where everything goes.

But what she had wasn't tidying up. That was vile.

I'd say she's playing a sick power game with you and no amount of money is worth that.

Also don't replace anything or it'll look like you stole it! And although nobody would steal a plastic coin, she's someone who will blow it up and spread word.

Just tell her you didn't see a small plastic coin, you're unable to come again and hope she finds a replacement soon. And bow out.