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Original poster

House cleaner - Do I mention this

105 replies

Pecanpie12 · 13/12/2022 17:29

Hello.

I recently decided to get a cleaner as I struggle to find the time and I'm incredibly OCD. I mean, when I clean I clean every single inch of the home, leave all the chrome taps, sink, everything chrome spotless. Anyway, decided to have a cleaner and she's left water stains all over the chrome taps and in the sink and hasn't cleaned the plug hole. Do I mention this or not get her back again?

OP posts:
ItREALLYishimnotyou · 13/12/2022 17:59

Just say " in future can you dry totally all the chrome please"

Lou670 · 13/12/2022 18:00

Have you unscrewed the plug hole? Trying to work out what you have done here? The sink looks clean and as a cleaner I always polish up the taps. I don't unscrew things on sinks though!

VerifiedBot2351 · 13/12/2022 18:01

It might be better, given your OCD diagnosis and your high standards, for you you to clean things yourself.

Original poster
Pecanpie12 · 13/12/2022 18:01

Yes, it screws in, I used to clean other peoples houses when I was younger, that's what I used to do when I was a cleaner. Maybe it's not normal though?

OP posts:
Blossomtoes · 13/12/2022 18:02

Pecanpie12 · 13/12/2022 18:01

Yes, it screws in, I used to clean other peoples houses when I was younger, that's what I used to do when I was a cleaner. Maybe it's not normal though?

Definitely not normal. My plugs have never been removed for cleaning.

whatever1980 · 13/12/2022 18:02

Yes say something

I need to grow a pair. My cleaner doesn't clean the kitchen worktops, hob or downstairs loo. Not sure what she does...

ACynicalDad · 13/12/2022 18:03

Did you unscrew the plug to find the problem? If so get rid, don’t ask anyone to clean for you again. You’ll both end up miserable.

BasiliskStare · 13/12/2022 18:04

I don't think it is unreasonable to ask her to give the chrome fittings a dry and a polish ( by which I mean buffing up so no water marks. ) But she won't know if you don't ask.

Exhausteddog · 13/12/2022 18:06

I'm pretty lazy about cleaning to be honest and I unscrew the plugs.

I don't have a cleaner but I suppose you need to explain the things that matter the most within the time frame and criteria of the job.

NoDramaMama12 · 13/12/2022 18:06

I don't have OCD but I do clean the plug hole when I clean the sinks.

Just mention it OP. She probably needs more time to do everything meticulously.

Anewhoo · 13/12/2022 18:07

If you like things a certain way, having someone else doing them for you was never going to work straight away. Are you seeing someone for your OCD? What have they recommended?

minipie · 13/12/2022 18:07

No cleaner will unscrew things to find (hidden) dirt unless you ask specifically and allow extra time for this. Even then, they won’t do everything someone as particular as you would like.

Either take the benefit of having 80% done and accept you will have to do the last 20% to get it to your standards. Or do it all yourself and save the money.

Loudhousefun · 13/12/2022 18:08

This would bother me too, could she not see it herself? 🙄

Speedweed · 13/12/2022 18:11

I see it as a team effort: she does all the major, obvious stuff weekly, which keeps the place ticking over, and then if there's something super detailed like cleaning the plughole, I can go in with my old toothbrush and scouring paste to my heart's content.

I wouldn't make her do the hyperfocused detailed cleaning, but then without the main clean, my house would be disgusting because I hyperfocus and give up.

THisbackwithavengeance · 13/12/2022 18:11

If - by your own admission - you are anal/OCD about cleaning then I wouldn't bother with a cleaner. No one will ever be good enough and you will just end up going round the house with your white gloves on and magnifying glass out nitpicking and finding minuscule marks and specks of dust.

Just do your own cleaning to your own standards and don't torment some poor cleaner who's trying to make an honest living with a list of impossible demands.

Hocuspocus99 · 13/12/2022 18:13

I think maybe your expectations are too high . As a cleaner I would not unscrew the plug due to the uncertainty of not putting it back correctly ! Polishing the taps I’m with you there that should come as standard and I expect your house is a joy to clean ! If you do want the sink plug cleaning unscrew it and put it back later after she has finished .

Original poster
Pecanpie12 · 13/12/2022 18:13

Oh another thing I forgot to mention is I asked her to clean the window frame and windows in my conservatory as they are filthy and they are still covered in black. She's cleaned them but seemed to have smeared the dirt. God help me!

House cleaner - Do I mention this
OP posts:
JenniferBarkley · 13/12/2022 18:13

If your OCD is worsening, speak to your doctor.

I think your standards are ridiculously high, but at the same time that's fine as long as you are clear with your cleaner about your expectations and give her enough time to meet them.

Maybe a checklist?

Essexhousehusbands · 13/12/2022 18:15

Speedweed · 13/12/2022 18:11

I see it as a team effort: she does all the major, obvious stuff weekly, which keeps the place ticking over, and then if there's something super detailed like cleaning the plughole, I can go in with my old toothbrush and scouring paste to my heart's content.

I wouldn't make her do the hyperfocused detailed cleaning, but then without the main clean, my house would be disgusting because I hyperfocus and give up.

Agree with @Speedweed

You pay her to clean the big bits, then tot can go round doing all the extras.

RambamThankyouMam · 13/12/2022 18:15

Why would you say "I'm really OCD" when it's a condition? You wouldn't say "I'm really cancer".

Greensleevevssnotnose · 13/12/2022 18:17

Pecanpie12 · 13/12/2022 17:30

Attached photo.

I've never unscrewed that in my life. I think you best do your own cleaning

Original poster
Pecanpie12 · 13/12/2022 18:17

RambamThankyouMam · 13/12/2022 18:15

Why would you say "I'm really OCD" when it's a condition? You wouldn't say "I'm really cancer".

That's a little bit extreme don't you think? I have diagnosed OCD, I wouldn't joke about that and I don't find that comment particularly funny

OP posts:
Blossomtoes · 13/12/2022 18:18

Pecanpie12 · 13/12/2022 18:13

Oh another thing I forgot to mention is I asked her to clean the window frame and windows in my conservatory as they are filthy and they are still covered in black. She's cleaned them but seemed to have smeared the dirt. God help me!

But you told her to concentrate on the kitchen and bathrooms. Time to do your own cleaning, nobody’s going to measure up.

VerifiedBot2351 · 13/12/2022 18:20

If you are so meticulous, why were your window frames so dirty?!

Minfilia · 13/12/2022 18:22

Yes, it’s normal to expect a cleaner to remove water marks.

every cleaner I have had has done the same - clean first and then polish up the chrome.