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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask how much cleaning is acceptable when house sitting?

27 replies

MarmiteAndButter · 07/08/2015 09:25

I am house sitting at the moment while friends are on holiday.

Obviously I will leave the house clean and tidy, but my OCD is itching.

Would it be too much to clean the inside of the windows?
How about all the muck from the inside of the washing machine drawer?
I really shouldn't tidy the inside of cupboards though should I?
Can I pick all the dead leaves from the indoor plants?
Cleaning the inside of the fridge?

I don't want them to come back and be offended and think that I think their house is messy Blush It really really is just a normal house!

If you were my friend, but not a close friend, would you be offended?

OP posts:
RatOnnaStick · 07/08/2015 09:28

If you were my friend I would be ecstatic if you cleaned the inside of my window, the washing machine drawer and dead leaves. I might feel a little violated if you tried it on with my cupboards. The fridge I would be fine with you chucking out the gone off stuff but otherwise I'd like you to leave it well alone.

Floralnomad · 07/08/2015 09:30

Clean away , if you have the time and inclination - I really can't see how that would bother anybody . Kitchen cupboards I think are ok to do just nowhere personal .

MiddleAgedandConfused · 07/08/2015 09:30

I would leave it alone - she may be offended!

acquiescence · 07/08/2015 09:30

I would do cleaning but not tidying such as the inside of cupboards as generally people have some sense of order to chaos and may not be able to find things if they are moved around neatly! You know your relationship with your friend. If they are not an easy going person maybe leave well alone, but most people would be pleased with some boring jobs done such as windows.

ScoutRifle · 07/08/2015 09:30

My mum is house sitting in a couple of weeks time. She is just like you op and I am happily making a mess of the house so she has something to do. Grin

ovenchips · 07/08/2015 09:32

It's very tricky one to navigate. I'm a slattern and would be simultaneously thrilled and narked by the impromptu cleaning.

Any way you could ask first? Say you need to give into your cleaning craving. Otherwise you do risk offending a little.

EeyoresTail · 07/08/2015 09:34

Do they know about your OCD?
Would they be understanding of your need to clean?
I think windows and the washing machine would be ok

BlueMoonRising · 07/08/2015 09:34

Op, I'm going away in October. Are you available?

GloGirl · 07/08/2015 09:35

Dead leaves yes, hoovery and cleaning worktops and a quick polish of TV and coffee tables yes. Anything else no.

Theycallmemellowjello · 07/08/2015 09:35

I think a few bits are ok but too much is rude. Why not go out and enjoy the sunshine instead?

WorktoLive · 07/08/2015 09:52

I wept with joy when my mum cat sat and cleaned the kitchen extremely thoroughly while we were away once. Can I book you in for my next holiday in mid September?

nokidshere · 07/08/2015 09:53

OP please will you come and house sit for me Grin

britnay · 07/08/2015 09:55

I'm not going away, but you are welcome to work out all your OCD on my house! :D

gabsdot45 · 07/08/2015 09:55

I would be delighted if someone cleaned my house. My mum stayed in our house to mind our son once when we were away (not a holiday, long story) she cleaning the fridge and ironed all the bedding. My son took pleasure in showing me the lovely smooth duvet covers and sheets.

BlueMoonRising · 07/08/2015 09:55

Oi nokids, I asked first Angry Shock Wink

Katie2001 · 07/08/2015 10:05

I'd love someone to do my cleaning, apart from the cupboards as I know where everything is in them. To hijack the thread a bit - a house I 'sit' for is always immaculate, so I only have to deal with my crumbs etc, but I do the contents of the laundry basket and ironing basket - is this too intrusive (it's family)?

haggisaggis · 07/08/2015 10:12

Having just had house sitters, I was pleased they had hoovered but disappointed they hadn't dusted. Hob had been cleaned and fridge given a wipe round. Bed stripped & bedding washed but not ironed (told them not to). Slightly disappointed they hadn't made bed back up but was due to time constraints I think. Hadn't done the windows inside but they'd been done before we left. They also didn't water plants which I was surprised at (but hadn't asked them).
So I would say fine for you to do everything listed apart from the cupboards!

Katedotness1963 · 07/08/2015 10:31

I'd think anything that comes under day to day cleaning is fine but deep cleaning or going through cupboards and drawers is too far.

Original poster
MarmiteAndButter · 07/08/2015 11:14

Grin Thanks everyone! I actually live abroad and I am hoping to house sit all summer every summer really, as it's way too hot to stay abroad with the children...

The children (and me) are enjoying the sunshine I promise. They are loving the climate in the UK (sorry to anyone else moaning about it being cold and a bit drizzly the last month)

I just have the inclination when they are in bed to do a few things!

I think I will do some and not others. It's a tricky line I don't want to cross Grin

My friends actually have cleaners weekly (clearly I don't think they are any good) so it's possible they will think it was a spurt of energy by the cleaners anyway Wink

OP posts:
shushpenfold · 07/08/2015 11:15

Please can you come and house sit for me!!!

GloGirl · 07/08/2015 11:32

Ah, how long are you there for? A month or so you can do a much bigger clean. I thought you were there for a couple of days.

So cupboards no no, fridge yes, windows yes, bathrooms yes etc

helenahandbag · 07/08/2015 11:35

Do you want to clean the inside of my fridge? The veg drawer looks a bit suspicious, I think it was caused by the bag of spinach I forgot about Blush

Crosbybeach · 07/08/2015 11:36

I'd be thrilled to come back and find the house clean.

LongHardStare · 07/08/2015 11:53

If they're used to cleaners I don't think they will find any of you're suggested jobs intrusive except cupboard tidying. Cleaning the inside of the cupboards is fine but not tidying them - put things back where they were!

How I wish I had a housesitter like you...

contractor6 · 07/08/2015 16:19

Fill your boots, id love to come back to sparkly house, cupboards et al! Just dont do their personal spaces (bedroom, studies etc)

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