WIBU to ask the cleaner to do the shit jobs

[Chipbutty67]

I have a 2 hour cleaning service booked w Fantastic Cleaners later today at 3

I have 2 kids under 4 and suffer a little bit from anxiety, which I really keep under control by having things very tidy. So today, I've already hoovered, wiped down the bathrooms and wiped down all surfaces, emptied the dishwasher, cleaned the sink etc. The windows were done and floors mopped last night.

Would i be a CF if I used the 2 hours to get all the jobs done that I hat doing - cleaning pVc window frames and doors, cleaning light switches, skirting boards and vacuuming the ceiling, maybe sweeping the drive?

I know it's booked as a 'domestic cleaning' not a deep clean, but there isn't all that much for her to do. But I also feel a bit rude because the cleaner will expect a regular domestic cleaning job?

I mopped our ceiling once when DC1 had an Exorcist level stomach flu. Grim. He came downstairs to tell me he was feeling sick and the rest is history. I mopped walls, ceilings... places I never knew a mop could explore!

Anyway... back to the point. The cleaner will be fine with your list. Apart from the drive.

I’m the drive sweeper in this house. I cannot recommend enough the Wolf Garten multi-change yard broom! It makes a shit job quite pleasant!

Surely thats the point of paying a cleaner?

Within reason, I don't think there's anything wrong with asking cleaners to do the things you hate doing and to do those things that you're OK with yourself, but I echo a PP who said that maybe you need to take a look at why you're doing quite so much cleaning before a cleaner arrives. It sounds like maybe you're not looking after yourself very well?

DH wants to get a cleaner. I keep putting it off because it would mean so much tidying up first ... we managed so much better in a two-bed flat!

@happycow it would be great to have an in between option between 'domestic cleaning' and 'deep clean', like a cleaning odd jobs option

Unfortunately not!! Makes for a pretty boring job if all you do is clean kitchens and bathrooms ime!

Nothing outside if it's raining for sure. My cleaner used to do the (lovely and new) tiles outside the front of my house because she decided to without being asked; she doesn't touch the current (horrific state) front garden and I wouldn't ask; actually maybe she cleaned the front step now I look, it looks suspiciously clean given that neither of us have cleaned it. If I had a pressure washer and it wasn't raining, I might ask if she'd be willing to stay on overtime to do the front (only if it was in a much better state than ours); she'll say yes or no. Please don't clean your house before the cleaner comes or they aren't helping you. Cleaning light switches, skirting boards etc doesn't take 2 hours.
It all depends on the relationship and what they want to do, my cleaner sees herself as a housekeeper responsible for everything and would love to babysit DS too. My old window cleaner used to do the gardening, I miss him so much. If I employed a firm, I'd be a lot more careful about asking randoms if they want extra money for extra tasks.

@TheVanguardSix thank you for the recommendation! We've just moved to a house from a flat so haven't had to clean the drive before and it's not a fun job at all.

There is nothing wrong with asking - even the drive. If its not their thing they will say so. Just be polite. Some cleaners love the chance to get outside but others hate it. You have to remember you are hiring cleaners to help you - asking them to do the things you don't like doing makes sense! The thing is - if these jobs are what you want doing each week and the cleaner coming does not want to do them - you have to think whether this working arrangement is really going to suit you. You might need to start again - but be clear with potential cleaners what it is you want them to do before you hire them. Its a learning curve - at least you are clearer now on what help you need with. good luck.

Sweeping the drive is gardening surely?

If you want someone to do that, you can pay a gardener for a 'garden tidy up', where they'll weed, sweep and possibly even pressure wash drives and all the other gardening jobs that need doing occasionally. or they'll probably do all manner of garden related things, depending on what needs doing.

Doing all the cleaning in preparation for a cleaner coming sounds a bit mad though.

Gosh, April, I would be ashamed to expect my cleaner (if I had one, which I don't) to deal with my cats' litter trays (and sick only if they happened to be there when it happened), never mind looking after my dc. Think that one strays into CF territory, tbh. I get that you don't mind, but something isn't any less exploitative because the person being exploted agrees to it. I hope you're paid well at least!

Paid very well with perks!! It's a farm so fresh eggs /produce and always appreciated.

April

Name your price if you're central