To spend all weekend 'cleaning' ready for the cleaner.

[Longcovid21]

I have a one off deep clean booked in for Monday. I have spent today trying to clear the decks ready. Such as washing the dishes, putting away clothes, clearing the floordrobe and hopefully tomorrow getting rid of old toys the DCs no longer want. Clearing empty toilet rolls and bottles from the bathroom I'm already knackered! Would you do the same thing or am I doing her job for her (except for the toy sorting bit of course). Am I being terribly middle class and just caring too much about what she thinks? Or will this pre tidy enable her to do a better job? Tia.

I've not had a cleaner for a few years so I'm not sure what they expect to be fair.

I always tidy up before my cleaner comes. Her job is to clean not tidy up my shite.

But you’re not cleaning for the cleaner, by the sounds of it you’re tidying up for the cleaner. He/she can’t clean if the place isn’t tidy to begin with

Tidying is usually a precursor to cleaning, so I absolutely would do this! You're not doing her job, because presumably you wouldn't expect her to hang your clothes up?

Yes, sounds like it's really messy (no judgement, I've been there) and the more you tidy the more they'll be able to clean.

I think that you are using this to motivate you to do really useful work that needs doing. It will enable them to do their job of cleaning much quicker and more effectively.

Thanks. I'm just exhausted and wondering if cleaning is now going to be the super easy bit. Just a swish around with a cloth and a mop!

Yes @Characterforming yes I guess I am!

Yes, I always square up for the cleaner. I don't want her wasting time tidying; she couldnt physically get the tidying and the cleaning done in the time available.

For a deep clean, I'd be expecting her to be really focused on detail - dusting and polishing all the nooks and crannies, light shades, behind the TV and lifting up sofas to vacuum underneath, vacuuming sofa upholstery, polishing indoor windows, cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms scrupulously etc. A bit of straightening up, sure, but not picking up laundry etc. And how can she put away clothes, she won't know where they go?

I think you should clear the decks. I’ve been a cleaner and it’s a Pita if things are messy you don’t know where they go so have to make an irritating pile and it takes longer. I’m assuming you’re paying by the hour?Does clearing the floor drobe consist of more than dumping everything in the laundry; if so is she supposed to go over every garment sniffing and checking for stains?

I now clean hotels and holiday cottages. Much easier when places are empty of clutter and stuff.

@LollyLol thanks. Her Facebook photos look pretty thorough so I am hopeful.

I always tidy up for the cleaner for reasons stated above. Sometimes I think I'm just negating the joy of having a cleaner because I find it quite hard work and stressy tidying up after work and getting everyone else not to mess it all up again every week.

I do have to tidy up and clear surfaces before my fortnightly cleaner comes. We don't have clothes lying around or on floors, but I do often have to clear kitchen counters.

You’re doing the right thing, she’s a cleaner not a tidier… she won’t be able to clean effectively if there’s stuff everywhere.
Hope you manage to get on top of everything - sounds like great motivation for tidying.

Tidying up is sensible.

Cleaning is madness.

As everyone else said, they are there to clean rather than tidy.
It will be worth it though op. I would love to hire a tidier.

It sounds like you’re tidying. That’s sensible.

The less stuff everywhere the easier to clean.

Thanks. What about the fridge? If I want her to clean that should I empty that too? Sorry I know I sound bonkers. I'm just not used to having a cleaner!

You should have a chat with her about what she will do and won't do. A lot of what you have described isn't cleaning, it's tidying and decluttering. My friend has a cleaner, and she literally 'just' cleans, as in she wouldn't put away clothes etc.

At least it is motivating you to get it done!

I’d have thought tidying up was normal - they are there to clean, not tidy. Plus they won’t know where to put things in their proper places.

You’re not cleaning. You’re riding. Is this not part of the regular routine?

You’re not cleaning. You’re tidying. The sort of stuff I’d presume you’d be doing on a regular basis already. I’m not sure why this is such a big deal?

@Longcovid21

Thanks. What about the fridge? If I want her to clean that should I empty that too? Sorry I know I sound bonkers. I'm just not used to having a cleaner!

Do you want everything in the fridge? Are there any things lurking - old jars of chutney would be in mine 😄- that you could bin?

As a cleaner. Yes to the tidying. As that makes our job easier and can do it quicker. But please don’t clean. I love w good deep clean when I go to someone’s house. Nothing worse than cleaning a clean house.

It sounds to me like you are clearing and decluttering to enable your cleaner to do a more efficient job. Makes perfect sense to me and you will most certainly see the benefits when your deep clean has been done.