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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Window cleaner... Am I overreacting???

91 replies

Whatthehell666 · 13/09/2021 16:17

I started using a window cleaner a couple of months ago on a bi monthly basis.. There's been issues on both occasions they have come and the window cleaner I've dealt with is quite patronising and a bit rude. I sent a polite message saying after two cleans it's best we just leave it there as I didn't want to complain, streaks were left on the windows, sills weren't cleaned and it just felt like a complete waste of money. I'm on rest day today from doing four 12 hour shifts. Was starting to doze off on the sofa and heard my phone vibrate, it was him.. I didn't want confrontation so didn't pick up. Half an hour later he is outside ringing my doorbell and knocking on my windows. Then all of a sudden he brings out his ladder and starts cleaning the windows.. I'm inside the house and haven't answered.. He's then let himself in via the neighbours side access and is in my garden. I didn't give him permission to do any of this. I'm sat in my house a bit scared and know he's probably giving me a free clean as he doesn't want me complaining etc. But the fact is I was very polite when terminating the service and its my choice to.. Am I overeating to feel like he's crossed a line by just suddenly turning up to my property??..

OP posts:
toughdaay · 13/09/2021 17:41

Wait, he came and cleaned it as a "complimentary clean" because you complained. That's weird. The window cleaners round here are far to busy to be cleaning windows of people who've asked them not to. Just text back asking him not to come around again. Job done.

cansu · 13/09/2021 17:44

Send him one more message.

Dear window cleaner
Please note that as already advised on the ... I no longer require you to clean my windows.
Thank you

TwooThirty · 13/09/2021 17:44

He’s so weird for both the free clean and the talking to your neighbours about you! He can’t take rejection very well obviously.

Mummyoflittledragon · 13/09/2021 17:53

I hope you’ve sent him a very blunt text now telling him you no longer want your Windows cleaned and he is not to access your property again.

Melroses · 13/09/2021 17:54

‘I want to terminate the service, please do not keep cleaning my windows?’

That sounds fine to me. To the point.

girlmom21 · 13/09/2021 17:56

At least you know it was definitely free and you can reiterate you no longer require the service now.

CornishTiger · 13/09/2021 17:57

Have you spoken to your neighbours? I’d give them the heads up that’s he’s not supposed to be cleaning.

LittleLadyCece · 13/09/2021 18:00

It sounds like you've not been very clear in your message either that or he's trying it on. As people have said I'd send a further text to say you no longer require him cleaning your windows. No need to say why.

I also can't imagine he came round to do a "complimentary" clean - he'll no doubt want paying in which case and without needing to be confrontational you can just remind him you had texted to say you didn't need his services anymore and bid him a thank you and goodbye.

Thirtyrock39 · 13/09/2021 18:04

I think it can be very intimidating confronting people when they are on your priority. It's far harder for example to tell a salesman at your door to go away compared to one approaching you in a supermarket so I totally understand op
When we first moved here I left a message for a window cleaner asking his prices. Next thing I knew he was knocking on the door saying he had cleaned the windows that day and asking for money -he hadn't replied to my message so I had ended up using a different company so they didn't need cleaning anyway - it was very awkward saying I wouldn't pay him as I hadn't booked him and he hadn't replied to my message .
I've got a not great window cleaver now and to be honest i would like to cancel him

  • I had asked him to come every other month but he always does our house every month. It is awkward. In my old house we never had a window cleaner for five years and it doesn't look that different !
LemonFantaGin · 13/09/2021 18:06

My window cleaner uses a pole and water, it is distilled water and does not leave marks on the windows when it dries, could this be the case?

rwalker · 13/09/2021 18:12

You weren't happy he's tried to put it right. Stop the drama .

ShuddaBeenMe · 13/09/2021 18:12

I understand not wanting the confrontation.

Text him yes, I can see you've been. I appreciate the gesture but I do not want my windows cleaned again. Please don't come round and do them anyway as I won't be paying and do not want them done. Regards,

butterpuffed · 13/09/2021 18:22

@TwooThirty

He’s so weird for both the free clean and the talking to your neighbours about you! He can’t take rejection very well obviously.
Nobody said he was talking to the neighbours about OP Shock

And the free clean was a nice thing to do, not weird.

GreyhoundG1rl · 13/09/2021 18:23

Well, op did.

RedHelenB · 13/09/2021 18:28

Why would she not pay him given as she doesn't know he received the message and she didn't go out today to say, I'm sorry you didn't get my message but I sent you one saying I no longer want my windows cleaned by you. Wetter than his bucket.OP is being very unreasonable.

Holshicup · 13/09/2021 18:33

Op could you just send him another message saying that you are having to make financial cuts and windows cleaned is one of them... Or words to that effect, but you are happy to pay him for the extra clean.

Notaroadrunner · 13/09/2021 18:36

@RedHelenB

Why would she not pay him given as she doesn't know he received the message and she didn't go out today to say, I'm sorry you didn't get my message but I sent you one saying I no longer want my windows cleaned by you. Wetter than his bucket.OP is being very unreasonable.
He said he did a complimentary clean today, so he clearly did get her message and I imagine is hoping she'll now keep him on after the freebie.

@Whatthehell666 just respond "Once again, I am no longer in need of your window cleaning service".

KingsleyShacklebolt · 13/09/2021 18:36

Didn't answer the phone, didn't answer the door...

Do you have a psychic window cleaner? Is he/she supposed to know what you are thinking without you communicating in person?

girlmom21 · 13/09/2021 18:38

@KingsleyShacklebolt

Didn't answer the phone, didn't answer the door...

Do you have a psychic window cleaner? Is he/she supposed to know what you are thinking without you communicating in person?

He doesn't need to be psychic. He just needs to be able to read.
Notaroadrunner · 13/09/2021 18:38

@Holshicup

Op could you just send him another message saying that you are having to make financial cuts and windows cleaned is one of them... Or words to that effect, but you are happy to pay him for the extra clean.
Why would she offer to pay for something she did not ask for? He chose to do a free clean. He can suck up the cost of his time. It's not up to op to pay seeing as she'd already cancelled the service.
butterpuffed · 13/09/2021 18:40

@GreyhoundG1rl

Well, op did.
My apologies , just seen it.
RedHelenB · 13/09/2021 18:43

Op still could have said no at the time, would have been a lot less awkward.

Redruby2020 · 13/09/2021 18:44

@Whatthehell666

I hate confrontation, I'm a single parent and live with my toddler and vulnerable.. Don't want to start an argument and he knows where we live.
Well he knows where you live already! Are you sure he received your message? He's got a cheek doing what he did. Did he come back to ask for payment? Some people do hate complaints and will almost be on the verge of abusive to deal with it or try to stop you. And make it seem like you are the problem. I read a review of a nail shop, whereby the customer got shut in the shop apparently and attacked. Some people can not take criticism! I do find some window cleaners a bit odd to be honest, a bit shifty even. Some are just glorified burglars.
Redruby2020 · 13/09/2021 18:46

@Whatthehell666

Sorry.. To answer those who are piling it on re not going to talk to him. I left a very abusive relationship not long ago and I'm still dealing with the after effects, confronting anyone isn't my natural character.. I'm not a wet person, i just don't have that coping mechanism yet of confronting something as I was so used to being walked over. He's since messaged to say he came and did a complimentary clean as he takes great pride in his work. I am about to text back to reiterate I don't want future window cleans and if he could refrain from coming to my property again.
That's understandable
Imnothereforthedrama · 13/09/2021 18:58

Mountain out of a molehill op all you had to do was open the door and say something.