To wonder about Mumsnetters and their cleaners?

[MrWallet]

I notice quite a few posts on here with people sharing various gripes about their cleaners and their lack of satisfaction with their work. I wonder why they have so much difficulty talking it through with the cleaner? Is it because they fear the cleaner taking offence? Walking out? It is not as if there is a shortage of cleaners especially in the SE where I live.

You can always ask for what you want doing and then the cleaner can do their best to comply, allowing for detail work, eg. Skirting boards, cleaning behind furniture etc if it takes more time. Appreciate your thoughts on this.

I think people in general are finding it more and more difficult to speak to people face to face, in what they see as an awkward situation.

Just from reading MN you see that so many people use text or email, even when just contacting a family member or friend.

Therefore, I imagine people are finding it much more difficult to speak to someone's face, when it's a conversation they'd rather not be having.

Here a its good you are happy overall with your cleaner. I get a lot of pleasure to make my clients' lives easier. I especially love doing the grimy jobs, getting the paintwork clean etc. I especially love cleaning windows. :)

I had a cleaner and she was good for the first few times. She cleaned and dusted all the rooms. She then got a bit lazy and missed bit and as a result was told not to return.
I pay a cleaner to clean and I expect her or him to clean properly. I pay she or he works, no different to when I am working.

I do not think cleaners should be paid low wages, they deserve a good wage if they do a good job.

You are right Worra. It can be daunting to be direct with people. People can take offence easily as evidenced by my broomstick outburst! ;)

Did you NC?

Anyway, I have a problem with my cleaner; I think I luffs her more than my husband!

Yes I did Walter , I did not like that name much anyway.

More than happy she has been an absolute star, and yes she has changes my life. As a single parent to a 2 yo with additional needs, I was going under and I finally realised actually I need to outsource some of my responsibilities. I clean out of necessity not enjoyment and it's a huge weight off to know that at least every 2 weeks my house will be back to a place that makes me happy and I can fairly much keep it together in between.
I has honestly changed me for the better.
So miss rueful , what should I get her for Christmas for being such a star?

I know some people think it is unimaginative but I really love some sort of gift card, cash is good too but often ends up being swallowed up on something else. Its lovely to treat yourself to something you would not normally buy. She will be delighted to know you appreciate her whatever you give.

Thanks, a gift card then so she doesn't devalue herself abs spend it on bills

Good cleaners are like gold dust round here - mine bloody grafts and if she doesn't do everything I want I know it's because she ran out of time. I would not like to upset her either because then I would have to clean myself
And why the fuck does it matter how long someone has been on Mumsnet? Perfectly reasonable that a new poster would have an AIBU.
The first few responses were OTT and based on assumptions - why not just assume the OP is genuine.
I also liked the witches on broomstick response