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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

If you have a cleaner would you expect this?

32 replies

pleasethanks · 25/09/2013 18:22

Okay, I have a cleaner who comes in once a week for a couple of hours.

I have noticed on a few occasions over the past months hairs in the bath, which I swear weren't there before! Fair enough I don't expect her to get her white gloves out after she has cleaned the bath, but 2 or 3 dark hairs are pretty noticeable and I suppose I think, well if she doesn't notice those, what else isn't she doing/noticing. Also, she doesn't move the kids bath toys out of the way to clean in the corners - AIBU to expect her to do that? I know she hasn't moved them, it is obvious, but AIBU to think if you clean a bathroom properly, you get in the corners/grouting around the bath?!

PLease, I am asking about the above, not looking for smart arse comments about being lucky and should be grateful I have a cleaner rather than moaning about what they do or don't do!

OP posts:
VerySmallSqueak · 25/09/2013 22:13

If the cleaner has enough time to do the job properly it should be done properly.

If too much is being asked for too short a time then it would be better to move things like bath toys yourself as the removal and replacement to do the cleaning properly is time consuming.

Hair should be removed.

TheHouseCleaner · 25/09/2013 22:15

Can I suggest that you speak to her rather than leaving a note? A note can't convey a tone of voice, you aren't trying to be picky or rude, you just want to request that a part of the job is done. Asking in person gets the problem over clearly without the cleaner thinking oh no, she's got the hump with me and will keep the relationship between you far easier in the long run.

Viviennemary · 25/09/2013 22:20

A couple of hours isn't very long. It depends what else she has to do. But it doesn't sound as if she is very thorough.

MidniteScribbler · 25/09/2013 22:26

I would expect it wiped down, but I would move the toys myself.

TheHouseCleaner · 25/09/2013 22:42

Granted, Viviennemary, a couple of hours isn't very long at all and the OP can't expect a thorough clean in that time unless she lives in a minimalist one bed flat but how long does it take to move a couple of toys, wipe the bath edge and ensure that the bath is clean? Two minutes? One?

My Friday client's house for example is a large 5 bed. 2 large receptions, 2 offices, 3 bathrooms (double sinks in two of them so large), cloakroom, huge kitchen, utility room, long upstairs hall plus large entrance hall. I'm there for 6 to 6.5 hours on average. I clean all tiles, skirtings, dado rails, window frames and sills, dust, hoover and polish throughout, clean wooden shutters, rads, change bedlinen in 4 rooms, put towels, bathmats, linens and clothes through the washer and dryer, wash the hard floors in bathrooms, kitchen, cloakroom and utility, wipe down all the kitchen units and fronts, tiles/spashback and surfaces, take the water glasses down from bedrooms, clear up after breakfast and put the bread/cereal away, clean the toaster tray/cafetiere/panini press, fill and unload the dishwasher. I work hard and don't stop (and to be fair an well paid by a lovely client). I also do odd bits like changing and washing cushion covers and throws, take out groceries, cutlery, pots, crockery and clean inside cupboards and replace the items and tidy as I go after a busy family of 2 adults and 3 boys. I've missed a lot out but what I'm trying to say is that it may sound like I'm there for too long but I leave that house immaculate.

If I had less time I might not be able to change the beds or clean inside the kitchen cupboards but I wouldn't and shouldn't skimp on something basic like cleaning the edge of the bath or inside it.

I clean the items on the surfaces (ornaments, clocks, books, phones, lamps etc). I just don't get why people would think it's unacceptable to ask a cleaner to pick things up and put them away or move things in order to clean under them.

KatyTheCleaningLady · 25/09/2013 23:12

I move things around the tub. Very annoying if there are a dozen almost empty bottles tipping around but so it goes.

I have had problems with linty cloths. Dog hairs can get into them and impregnate the whole wash load. I'm considering using disposable j cloths for initial wiping of very hairy homes to save my nice microfibres.

I rinse bathtubs and will sometimes use a bit of loo roll to pick up curlies that cling to surfaces.

hmc · 25/09/2013 23:22

Had a cleaner for years - was never quite satisfied hence now I do all my cleaning (or don't do my cleaning!) myself. She still comes in once per week but for ironing only which suits me much better. I think we all have our little cleaning obsessions - mine are bathrooms and kitchens but I don't notice dust and cobwebs whereas dh is slightly manic about dusting. It is unusual for the employers and the cleaners 'cleaning obsessions' to match - she is probably working her butt off to give you a shiny spangly oven but that may not be on your radar whilst perhaps your concern about cleaning the grouting around the bath isn't on hers.....

You'll basically her to emphasise to her what your cleaning priorities are

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