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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:
roseheartfly · 28/12/2022 20:23

I tidy before our cleaner comes.

She has also told me she doesn't like hair in the plug holes. She told me her expectations of the house.. I respect her for it and she doesn't an amazing job.

She told me this before we signed contracts.

She has broken the bin.. but I didn't say anything and I wouldn't have in this situation. If it won't set you back much, replace the coin or deduct it from your bill but tell her you are only doing it because you don't want to get into a dispute but maintain your innocence and wish her luck with a cleaner. Remind her that you've done a wonderful job and you hope she feels that way.. and also that you are a small business and you don't want to cause any upset that will affect your work.

It sounds like a suck up but if you feel she could ruin your reputation you'll have to suck it up and set expectations next time.

Hope you are ok

DomPom47 · 28/12/2022 20:25

Has she paid you for the job? How much would the toy cost to replace?
I would replace toy and then do not go back to her even if she ends up bad mouthing you to other clients. Cut your losses now.

beatsin8s · 28/12/2022 20:27

Don't replace the coin. It's a shame you didn't take photos as a before and after because I'd be inclined to remind her of the state the place was in and the coin could be anywhere. Imagine leaving dirty nappies and blood! (Possible infections re. the blood springs to mind, not something you should be dealing with!)

Just tell her that you have a different rate for anything other than a general clean (probably best to list what that entails on your Facebook page so there isn't any further confusion) and if she tries to put a bad review publicly, I would be publicly defending the work you've done.

Cannot believe the cheek of the woman.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Cleaning
Cococomelon · 28/12/2022 20:28

I think she should have tidied up a bit before you went and I don't think you should replace the toy but do tell her you won't clean for her any more. Did she pay you?

You could say you had to tidy and clean more than you usually do put happy to call it even if she pays you what you originally agreed.

DarkKarmaIlama · 28/12/2022 20:29

She sounds absolutely disgusting. Do NOT clean for her again. Awful, awful, awful person.

Hellopello · 28/12/2022 20:31

I would tell her you’re not available in future as too many clients at present.

Can you also advertise at supermarket or elsewhere so not too concerned about random people like her on Facebook marketplace ?

PegasusReturns · 28/12/2022 20:33

I agree there is a spectrum between spotless and disgusting, I was making the point that many on don’t MN don’t agree and think anything more than a light dust is too onerous.

i however fall into the category of expecting my cleaner to do light tidying (certainly no nappies or takeout cartons though). And I’d be pretty miffed with a cleaner who expected the plugs cleared before she came…

arghtriffid · 28/12/2022 20:33

I would not commit to anymore cleaning for her.

Villagetoraiseachild · 28/12/2022 20:36

Its a double no from me.
No replacing coin, no to being her cleaner.
Sounds like she is dumping on you twice over.
There are much nicer people to clean for who will be respectful and appreciate you. You don't need her to build a reputation.

Lkydfju · 28/12/2022 20:40

I would replace the coin and tell her politely that you’re no longer available to clean her house. Really my instinct is to tell her where to go but in business it’s better to try and leave things as calm and civil as possible.

Wallywobbles · 28/12/2022 20:43

I'd go with a handful of coins and say here you go, no idea which one it is. I won't be back because I'm a cleaner. You will need to pay considerably more to find someone prepared to clean your filth and shit up. I might also add that if she tries to harm your reputation you will be happy to share how you found her bed etc.

UpUpAndAwol · 28/12/2022 20:43

I wouldn’t replace OP because she sounds like she will badmouth you in any case - she thinks you stole/misplaced the coin or she is a troublemaker. My money is on the latter. Plus if you continue to clean for her I imagine there will be more “missing” items.

If she leaves a negative review on social media, reply with your own factual comments.

Difficult one but it might be best to stand firm on this

DarkNecessities · 28/12/2022 20:46

Tell her to fuck off - honestly.

BarrelOfOtters · 28/12/2022 20:48

you have the upper hand here. Cleaners are like gold dust. Don’t replace the toy. Say it doesn’t work for you and don’t go back. If anyone asks be professional. If she’s like that with you she’ll be like tha5 with other people and. No one will think you are the problem.

justcouldntthinkofausername · 28/12/2022 20:49

Omg I've heard of you the piggy plastic coin thief!
 joking.. obviously
Get yourself out of there, she has clearly taken the poss knowing you were going in today to clean and has taken it to a whole new level. Probably say there last night saying to DH "fuckit leave the takeaway tubs where they are darling @holishmo will be here tomorrow we need to get our monies worth"
I would be ashamed to have left my house in that state for one of my neighbours to see.
Some people have no morals.
Than to indirectly accuse you in a way of taking a tiny plastic coin.
Hand your notice in, wish her well and get out of there. You're worth more than that OP

Clymene · 28/12/2022 20:49

Don't go back - she's a skank. And don't replace the coin.

justcouldntthinkofausername · 28/12/2022 20:49

Piss*

Kiwirose · 28/12/2022 20:52

I think there are far more lovely people you could clean for and much easier cleaning jobs for you to do @holishmo

Where I live a good cleaner is really hard to find so I am sure that you will find other clients. If you are looking of more you could always mention to your your other two households that you have spaces and ask if they know of anyone. Their friends are likely to have similar standards to them.

Going forwards always offer a trial to see if it works for both parties and explain that you will do this at the contracting stage. Other people here have said for you to explain your expectations too. You definitely can't clean if the place is a mess (at least not in the same amount of time).

I don't think I would replace the toy. As others have said pointing out that it could have been lost in the mess seems reasonable. if people have precious things then they definitely need to tidy them away before you come.

Good Luck - and remember if you do a good job you don't need to settle for this kind of hassle.

Pinkbananas01 · 28/12/2022 20:55

I would replace the toy & refuse to return on the basis she has brought your honesty into question & therefore cannot continue to work with her. I would consider this a lucky escape.

frustratedashell · 28/12/2022 20:55

I'm a cleaner and people still surprise me!
I've become much better at dealing with this kind of thing. I've had clients leaving dirty unwrapped sanitary towels left in bins and shitty knickers left on the floor.
You shouldn't be having to deal with that.
Re the missing coin, don't replace it. You haven't taken it, it's not your problem.
I wouldn't go back. You need trust, she has ruined that with her accusation.
Good luck OP. Oh and if you're a good cleaner (which I'm sure you are) you'll get more clients. Maintain boundaries.

jocktamsonsbairn · 28/12/2022 20:56

Newwardrobe · 28/12/2022 19:25

I wouldn't replace it because it assumes that you took it . I'd just tell her you can't clean for her anymore and maybe add that you can't have her accusing you of something you haven't done.

This 100%

Jaxinthebox · 28/12/2022 21:01

has she paid you? Do not replace the coin, do not clean for this filthy madam again.

Misty999 · 28/12/2022 21:07

YANBU I would never leave dirty nappies, bloody bed sheets or takeaway cartons for my cleaner to clean up that is disgusting and she should be ashamed of herself. Cleaner is there to clean not tidy, all things should be put away so that the cleaner can do their job.

smilingthroughgrittedteeth · 28/12/2022 21:07

I tidy my house before my cleaner comes, shes paid to clean not tidy up the mess my kids leave everywhere, obviously there is always something she ends up tidying but its minimal mess, she comes straight in and starts cleaning. Please dont go back this lady is going to take advantage of you.

I wouldnt replace the coin id just say you hadnt seen it and leave it at that. If she starts bad mouthing you on social media i would reply that you have many happy clients and are sorry she wasnt one of them.

Festivez · 28/12/2022 21:14

Sorry OP but she sounds vile pig of a human being surely the whole point of a cleaner is to clean through wipe down surfaces polish hover clean bathrooms kitchens etc not picking up dirty clothes dirty nappies food waste cartons all over the floor and toys that's beyond gross defiantly get rid and don't cave in with the so called toy she sounds like a bully to sadly this is one of those you've got to chalk up and move on and know next time you come across someone like this turn around and walk back out the door without even doing anything .