Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be a bit miffed with my cleaner?

70 replies

Whirliwig72 · 15/01/2013 17:34

My new cleaner started for 2 hours today but I don't feel she got much done. I was out for the time they were here and in that time they:
Washed kitchen floor, emptied dishwasher, cleaned surfaces in kitchen, unloaded dishwasher and re-loaded it, loaded and unloaded (washing machine) loaded and unloaded tumble dryer (folded clothes) and gave play room a cursory once over. Looking on my computer history they were also on Facebook during the time :(. I pay £10 an hour - I think i've received poor value for money but just wanted to check before I text her. Have I been ripped off? - this is my first time using a cleaner.

OP posts:
RuleBritannia · 15/01/2013 17:37

The first time I had my current cleaner, she took 3 hours to deep clean our house. Now it's down to 2 hours. She has no contact with our computer. She's good and does more than I would do!

They have to get used to your house and what is kept where and where sockets are and how things work eg washing machine.

daisydoodoo · 15/01/2013 17:37

She seemd to have done a fair bit although id have expected bathroom to have been cleaned as well.

But if you are 100% sure she's been in fb Iwwould have a huge issue with that.

I'd password protect my computer to ensure they couldn't do it again.

LoopsInHoops · 15/01/2013 17:38

Why on earth were they on your computer?! Shock

Is this an agency? I'd complain about that.

BagCat · 15/01/2013 17:39

Hmm, I would not be happy about the FB thing at all, that's taking the piss - especially for her first day and not asking you first!

I think she could have got more done in 2 hours but I say that from the point of view of not having a cleaner. I'm thinking about getting one soon so am very interested in this thread. Do you list the things you want done?

Original poster
Whirliwig72 · 15/01/2013 17:40

To be fair she did I ask if she could use the computer for something important - I logged her in as a guest. I just don't consider FB important - although I guess I shouldn't have snooped on her history! Wink

OP posts:
SamSmalaidh · 15/01/2013 17:40

Most cleaners wouldn't do dishwashers and laundry, but also wouldn't be on Facebook. I'd expect bathroom, kitchen done properly and downstairs rooms hoovered at a minimum in 2 hours.

cozietoesie · 15/01/2013 17:40

Howe long was she using your computer for?

RuleBritannia · 15/01/2013 17:40

Yes, I'd complain about the use of your computer. In effect, you are paying to play on your computer. She should be paying you!

How do you know it was your cleaner on Facebook and not someone else?

Oh, and mine's £10 ph as well.

BagCat · 15/01/2013 17:42

OK, fair enough for asking you but still not fair enough for using FB. I guess I just think what couldn't wait for 2 hours on her first day in her new job when she should be trying to impress you and keep your business...

ohfunnyhoneyface · 15/01/2013 17:42

How long was she on the computer?

Original poster
Whirliwig72 · 15/01/2013 17:42

I was gutted when I saw bathroom had not been touched tbh :( I expect she might have made a start at least / or hoovered the carpets downstairs but getting used to the layout make sense. Should I give her the benefit of the doubt do you think? The friend who recommended her raved about her.

OP posts:
Original poster
Whirliwig72 · 15/01/2013 17:44

Don't know how long she was on (can you tell?) just that the history says Facebook. I'd logged her on as a guest so her's is the only history on there today iyswim?

OP posts:
HecatePropolos · 15/01/2013 17:45

Give her a list of the things you want her to do?

And yes, I wouldn't be happy about someone using fb while they were supposed to be working!

SpicyPear · 15/01/2013 17:46

Going on your computer and using Facebook is absolutely taking the piss. I would not have someone back that did this. Is it someone you know? Otherwise I'm just gobsmacked someone would be this cheeky on their first day.

Regarding other things, you really need to have a discussion with your cleaner about what the top priorities are. For me that would be kitchens, bathrooms and hoovering. If she's only coming for two hours I don't think unloading washing and dishwasher etc are good value uses of her time so I do that and she gets a lot of 'proper' cleaning done, which is the stuff I dislike.

cozietoesie · 15/01/2013 17:46

You'd logged her on as a guest?

Mintyy · 15/01/2013 17:46

I would try and find another cleaner. This was a poor performance for her first day.

TraineeBabyCatcher · 15/01/2013 17:49

I definately think that is not a reasonable amount to do in that time. I can clean the entire house (wipe/polish sides, hoover floor and all windows), including a good clean of the bathroom in 2 hours. Easily. And I could probably have a load in and out in that time, and done the dishwasher if I wanted to (though I do them at other points in the day/week).

PoppadomPreach · 15/01/2013 17:50

I think she was out of order asking to use your computer. I'd also be slightly concerned she was trying to find out confidential info (but I'm the suspicious type)

If i were you I'd ask agency for an alternative.

Original poster
Whirliwig72 · 15/01/2013 17:50

Yes Cozie - I didn't want her to have access to our bit of the computer so I logged out and into a guest account we use when friends etc want to use our computer. I'm trying to think of a good reason to go on Facebook - to get an urgent telephone number or something (I don't want to make an issue with her for that if there was a genuine need but I can't really see why she'd go on. )

OP posts:
JeezyOrangePips · 15/01/2013 17:51

Although Facebook in itself isn't important, maybe she was waiting for an important message via Facebook - if you didn't want her on the computer, then you could have said no, or said she could go on once she had finished her work.

cozietoesie · 15/01/2013 17:52

While you were there, then, did you happen to mention this to her? Because if so, that's tantamount to an invitation to use the thing.

browneyedpixie · 15/01/2013 17:52

I do some cleaning and get lots more done. I would never dream of using someone's computer!!

SpicyPear · 15/01/2013 17:52

Cross-posts. I think it's a bit strange she would ask that but maybe give her the benefit of the doubt then re. using Facebook.

When my cleaner started she discussed with me her ideas for how to use the time initially to do a deep clean then maintain each week. I work from home so when she gets here she always checks if there is something specific needed, e.g. whether the guest rooms need attention. It works best if you have a clear understanding of what is expected.

Tweasels · 15/01/2013 17:53

Could she have a Facebook page for her cleaning business?

JeezyOrangePips · 15/01/2013 17:53

Important things that could be via Facebook

Waiting for updates about a sick relative
Waiting for a message from another employer
Finding out if a child needs to be picked up

There are lots of important things that can be imparted via Facebook.