Help with cleaning: friendly neighbour, other neighbour's cleaner or agency?

[northlundunmum]

I've just spent ALL weekend cleaning my house while DH looking after DD and DS, and I've had enough. I want a cleaner (AIBU? I work all week and realise this is a luxury but can afford). The question is who?

Option A is friendly neighbour. She used to clean for us until 3 months ago when she decided to quit as she "had too much else on", but DH and I were actually quite relieved. We paid her £15 for 2hrs work, which we suspect she didn't always do (when DH was at home, she never stayed more than 1hr, but maybe because he was there?). She cleaned ok but cut corners, sometimes changed days at the last minute, once broke our washing machine (when I told her not to do any washing) but I never felt I could ask her to do differently, or sack her, as she is a good friend an neighbour. About 2 weeks ago she asked DH if we'd like her to clean again. He said no, but today I am fed up of cleaning. Should we ask her back? Would feel guilty going for option B or C but would rather have more professional relationship.

Option B: Other neighbour's cleaner. They've used her for a long time, and apparently she's ok - but nervous about going down the stranger/non-agency route as DH's previous cleaner (before we married) passed key on to burglar (we think).

Option C: Agency cleaner. I would expect that paying more for an agency cleaner might get me a better cleaner, and be more secure, but looking at old posts see this is not necessary the case (see AIBU to sack my cleaner for taking her clothes off?, AIBU to sack my cleaner for not being able to use hoover?) Can anyone recommend a good agency in North London??

I'd go with other neighbours cleaner on a trial basis to see how it goes & give you an easy get out clause if need be. You neighbour who sometimes ceans sounds like it's at her convenience not yours.

I like the anonymity of an agency - do you have a Daily Poppins franchise there with you? Check on the net.

You pay them one fee, they sort it all out, they agree a checklist on the initial visit and tick it, sign it and leave it. If you are not happy after each clean you call the franchise manager. If you want extra attention paid to something you highlight on the check sheet.

If one cleaner is sick, another one comes in their place, if one cleaner is pants another one takes over. If you want it done quickly they'll have people swarming the place to clean fully in an hour.

It's their business so you won't be involved in any tax/NI issues, you're not the employer they are. They have liability insurance - this is the most important part, if they fall on a toy on your stairs, they don't sue you, if they break your washing machine - they pay to fix it.