Cleaning client ignoring social distancing

[B3ttyBoop]

AIBU?

I have been working for this household for several years. We had a break last year due to the pandemic and resumed when it was safe on the understanding we would keep our distance. Currently both parents and children are at home full time so I agreed to do a shorter clean. They all have separate spaces where they can study/work away from where i'm cleaning.

However, the last few times the husband has been in and out of the kitchen whilst i'm cleaning. He ended up standing next to me to get a cup. I moved away quickly. Most of the family are coming in and out of the kitchen whilst i'm working there. Wet floors aren't an issue either despite me raising concerns that they could fall over. I wear a mask in the communal areas and make sure windows/doors are open for ventilation.

I've previously raised concerns about distancing etc which is effective for a few weeks but is then disregarded. I'm getting annoyed and jumpy about this situation and their disregard for distancing. If I stop cleaning for them, i will lose income at a time when it will be hard to replace. Am i overreacting or not?

I would keep doing what you are doing. Move out of their space..Then replace them as soon as you can.

Perhaps if you pointedly move 2m away when they come close they'll eventually get the point. You might have to stop what you're doing which of course means you'll be there longer, costing them more money.
It's probably just that in their own home it's unnatural to social distance and therefore they just forget. Am sure they're not purposely trying to get in your space.

The best thing you can do is make sure windows are open. Yes it's freezing but if they want you to come, that's the safest thing. I think still move away if they come right next to you but ventilation is most important.

Cleaners are one thing that there are still plenty of people looking for on our local FB noticeboard page. I'm sure you'll find a more considerate household to fill their slot soon.

YANBU

But it is their home and it's a difficult balance to dictate what they can do. You could ask that dont enter the same room as you but you do risk them deciding that dosnt suit and replacing you.

Get yourself a face shield to wear, then you will have added protection.

Have you tried just asking them to leave the room whilst you're cleaning it and reminding them that it was agreed that they would stay in other rooms whilst you were cleaning? SO as soon as the husband appears just politely remind him to not come into the kitchen whilst you are cleaning it for everyone's safety, not just yours.

Tell them clearly that if they cannot respect your health and safety in the workplace, you will be seeking different employment. I don’t think you’ll find it hard to get new clients, as others have said. You might even start asking round informally now.

It’s for this reason we told ours not to come - it’s really hard I’m your own home and irregular breaks from meetings for me and DH makes it hard to hard to stay away from kitchen and bathroom at times the cleaner is there.

She’s ironing instead - we drop and she brings it back with a doorstep exchange.

I cannot wait until she comes back full time.

@Londonmummy66

Have you tried just asking them to leave the room whilst you're cleaning it and reminding them that it was agreed that they would stay in other rooms whilst you were cleaning? SO as soon as the husband appears just politely remind him to not come into the kitchen whilst you are cleaning it for everyone's safety, not just yours.

I've asked a number of times but after a few weeks they either forget ior ignore it

@Mumteedum

The best thing you can do is make sure windows are open. Yes it's freezing but if they want you to come, that's the safest thing. I think still move away if they come right next to you but ventilation is most important.

Yes i open the windows and through doors to increase ventilation

Can you move away every time and wait until they've moved away, then when they ask why you aren't getting as much done, explain that you are losing time every time they come close and you have to step away from the task in hand.

I'd likely be just like them (forgetful) but completely respect what you've said. In your shoes I'd likely have a face-to-face, with suitable distance and let them know you'll need them to go out for a walk while you're working or it will be time to part ways.

@Dutch1e

I'd likely be just like them (forgetful) but completely respect what you've said. In your shoes I'd likely have a face-to-face, with suitable distance and let them know you'll need them to go out for a walk while you're working or it will be time to part ways.

Unfortunately they can't nip out for a bit as they're working/studying

Unfortunately they can't nip out for a bit as they're working/studying

True, although reshuffling everyone's schedule to allow them to be out of the house seems to be the only middle step before dropping them completely. I know this is their home/school/workplace right now but the person they've hired has been clear about the terms and they keep breaking them

In the moment that it happens remind him what you agreed. Don't feel awkward about it, it's totally fine.

This is not essential work therefore they should of furloughed you and cleaned their own house.

@SakuraEdenSwan1

This is not essential work therefore they should of furloughed you and cleaned their own house.

You can’t furlough a cleaner, they’re self employed. And you can do any work not just essential work 🤷🏻‍♀️ They’re disrespectful of you OP, I’d give them notice and terminate the arrangement and find another client.

You can only tell them again. Please don’t be in the same room as me

And look fir another client

Yes you are. It's their house, you can't dictate where they go in it.

If you are wearing a mask and gloves and wash your hands on the way out the risk is very minimal. A far far bigger risk is touch points E.g. toilet flush, taps, kettle handle, fridge door, door handles, door frames. Everyone forgets about these but viruses can survive on these surfaces for days.

@chocolateorangeinhaler

Yes you are. It's their house, you can't dictate where they go in it.

If you are wearing a mask and gloves and wash your hands on the way out the risk is very minimal. A far far bigger risk is touch points E.g. toilet flush, taps, kettle handle, fridge door, door handles, door frames. Everyone forgets about these but viruses can survive on these surfaces for days.

Yes this is the problem, i can keep saying it but i can't dictate where others go in their own home. However, the research indicates that the risk of hard surface (fomite) transmission is low: www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(20)30678-2/fulltext. The scientists have been much more concerned about person to person transmission via aerosol transmission. Keeping social distance is not just about protecting me or them, it's also about trying to protect others we may come into contact with.

Personally if you were my cleaner and everyone is wearing masks, I’d be really pissed off with you. You seem really precious.
Against that, if ppl aren’t wearing masks and it’s limited contact time ie less than 10 minutes or so, I couldn’t care less.

Give him a little kiss

@Mum2jenny

Personally if you were my cleaner and everyone is wearing masks, I’d be really pissed off with you. You seem really precious. Against that, if ppl aren’t wearing masks and it’s limited contact time ie less than 10 minutes or so, I couldn’t care less.

I wear a mask, they don't and i haven't asked them to wear one. I'm trying to follow guidelines during a pandemic. Precious or not, i'm working indoors with people who aren't too bothered about social distancing.

@12frogsincoats

Give him a little kiss

Tbh i'd rather give him the vacuum cleaner