To ask cleaner to wear a mask while cleaning

[Avocado1234]

Thinking about having our cleaner back. She said that she's not wearing a face mask in other families houses at the moment as it gets hot.

AIBU to ask her to have a face mask on while she cleans our house? (We will be out while she is here) If it's too much of an ask I might just postpone having her back until I'm more comfortable...

As a cleaner YABU to ask especially as you won't even be there.

Cleaning is a hot enough job as it is, without suffocating in a mask. She is being honest with you, it's not an excuse. When you work at pace for a number of hours, you are a sweltering wreck when you're finished. Try op for yourself.

You are being ridiculous, you're not even home! Absolutely no need to wear a mask if you're not home (and probably not even if you were). You should keep paying her if you're too anxious to have her back.

Everyone has to respect eachothers boundaries through this.
One person may be alot more comfortable with situations than others.

I wouldn't have our cleaner in my house full stop yet. She is going to multiple houses and could bring it in on her.

YANBU to insist in your home if she wishes to continue the role she wears one.
SHE is not being unreasonable to refuse but she just doesn't work for you yet.

OP you’re not being unreasonable in the slightest. Since when did ‘your house your roolz’ no longer apply?

A wayward cough or sneeze while she’s in there and yes there’s a chance of infection when you return. She’ll be occupying that indoor environment for hours.

@iamkahleesi

You are being ridiculous, you're not even home! Absolutely no need to wear a mask if you're not home (and probably not even if you were). You should keep paying her if you're too anxious to have her back.

This is the definition of ridiculous. Why should she keep paying her? It’s not a charity.

Thank you everyone for your comments. This matter is now sorted.

I asked for a recommendation of a cleaner who wears a mask, on our street chat room. I received 6 phone numbers in less than an hour! (Plus my friend's one). And I have a trial with one lady tomorrow.

Looks like where I am (central London) it seems like there are many many domestic cleaners who wear (because they want to) masks and needs more work.

I fully understand that the situation may be different in other areas. Thank you again.

Well I think it’s her decision to wear a mask not yours, if you aren’t happy with her decision not to want to wear one then do your own cleaning.

@Tootsey11

As a cleaner YABU to ask especially as you won't even be there.

Cleaning is a hot enough job as it is, without suffocating in a mask. She is being honest with you, it's not an excuse. When you work at pace for a number of hours, you are a sweltering wreck when you're finished. Try op for yourself.

You didn’t intend it that way, but this post basically sums up the risks: it’s a sweaty, gruelling job, involving lots of exhalation. Sound like a perfect scenario for transmission of the virus, much like a gym. OP has stated that she’s vulnerable. Why take the risk of the virus lingering?

Wow. Can't you clean your own home if you're that paranoid?

Well good luck with your new cleaner, hope she is good. I don’t think the old one will come back now.

You are perfectly entitled to ask her to wear one she is entitled to say no, you then move tothe next one who will. It IS a risk - the droplets all settle somewhere and by cleaning without one it becomes pointless to clean as she is then breathing or coughing or whatever in the surrounding air and it falls onto surfaces which get touched - she should also be wearing gloves given you are vulnerable.

If she's not wearing a mask she could cough or sneeze and the particles then settle on surfaces!

@londonscalling

If she's not wearing a mask she could cough or sneeze and the particles then settle on surfaces!

Yes people don’t seem to understand that the virus is primarily spread through respiratory droplets....

Be careful OP. A trustworthy cleaner is like gold dust. Many dodgy types become cleaners to steal from the employer and there is likely to be a big demand for cleaners when the lockdown eases. As you will not be in when the cleaner is there, your home will be a thief's paradise. You are far more likely to be robbed by an untrustworthy cleaner than to catch Covid. I

YABU.

It would be very uncomfortable to clean with a mask on, with it being a physical job. And it probably won't even be effective for that reason. E.g. they'll be breathing harder so droplets spray out from the sides, having to adjust it and contaminating the surfaces they touch afterwards etc.

In fact you might even increase the risk of transmission in those circumstances.

YABVU

she should also be wearing gloves given you are vulnerable

What difference do you imagine that is going to make?

The OP could perhaps not suck the fixtures and fittings and wash her hands frequently, but the cleaner wearing gloves will make sod-all difference.

I think you're being utterly ridiculous.

Looks like where I am (central London) it seems like there are many many domestic cleaners who wear (because they want to) masks and needs more work.

Unless they're being followed from room to room by the people they clean for, there's literally nothing stopping them from pulling their masks down when they get too hot. Who's going to know?

You won't even be in your house when it's being cleaned.

I'd say that, too, to get work. Then when you leave I'd take it off or lower it. Sorted.

You won't be in so why would she need to wear a mask. You sound a little neurotic.

You could clean your house yourself.

I'd be surprised if the new cleaner kept their mask on whilst cleaning if the client isn't anywhere around.

At least the OP's now former cleaner was honest enough to say that she wouldn't be comfortable wearing a mask.

A good and honest cleaner is very valuable. I too can get 5-6 numbers of cleaners in my area quite easily but most of those (if not all) will not be very good at all. I have had many cleaners over the years, ill stick to the one I now have if I can as she's fantastic, an argument over a mask will definitely not be worth losing her.

Redolent - point taken but... would you go to a gym and exercise whilst wearing a mask?

Thank you everyone for your comments. This matter is now sorted.

I have NO idea why you posted in AIBU since you were convinced from the outset that you were right and have steadfastly ignored any other opinions. Very frustrating thread

Yes, why did you bother posting in AIBU if you just wanted an echo chamber? YABU. If you’re that worried about it you shouldn’t be bringing anyone into your home from outside at all. Totally agree with others who have said your cleaner was honest about not wanting to wear a mask inside with no one else around. A truthful person is someone worth having in a trusted position inside your home.