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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is this usual for a cleaner?

102 replies

cleanerquestion · 02/03/2023 12:12

My new cleaner has requested to take before and after photos in my home for a social media business page. Is this standard practice? I've never had a cleaner before hence my asking. I'm not sure how I feel about photos of the inside of my home with my personal belongings etc being published on someone's social media page. But it's possible I'm overthinking this so would appreciate views! Thanks

OP posts:
GoKartMozart · 02/03/2023 12:14

I wouldn't allow it.
It's my private space.

Emily29 · 02/03/2023 12:15

I don't see the problem tbh, it's a good way for them to promote their business. Perhaps just ask them not to show any personal photos in the background.

Original poster
cleanerquestion · 02/03/2023 12:15

Thanks @GoKartMozart. That's my instinct too, but wasn't sure if I was being unreasonable to say I'd rather you didn't.

OP posts:
thebellagio · 02/03/2023 12:15

It's only a question. If you don't want to, say no.

If you're looking for a cleaner, wouldn't you find it helpful to see some before and after photos along with a review/testimonial from a happy customer?

Fleur405 · 02/03/2023 12:16

I understand why she wants to do it. But it would be a hard no from me!

steff13 · 02/03/2023 12:16

I wouldn't mind as long as there's nothing identifiable in the photo. She's just trying to drum up more business by showing her work.

Marchforward · 02/03/2023 12:17

It’s no usual but I would say no. I would offer to post a review on her page.

SpecialK2023 · 02/03/2023 12:17

I’ve seen cleaners do it but whether you allow it is entirely up to you.

lanthanum · 02/03/2023 12:18

You can say no. If you're feeling generous, you might agree to something limited and less identifiable, eg gleaming shower/bath, but you should not feel in the least guilty about just saying no. I'm sure you won't be the first! (For the clearner, I would guess the best bet for getting a yes would be something like an end-of-tenancy clean.)

frustratedashell · 02/03/2023 12:19

I'm a cleaner, I've never asked anyone if I can do this. It is quite intrusive. Just say no if it makes you feel uncomfortable

Original poster
cleanerquestion · 02/03/2023 12:21

frustratedashell · 02/03/2023 12:19

I'm a cleaner, I've never asked anyone if I can do this. It is quite intrusive. Just say no if it makes you feel uncomfortable

Thanks for replying, I was hoping to have some replies from cleaners to see if this is usual practice or not.

I think I'm leaning towards no. But I could leave a review as a compromise I suppose.

OP posts:
FannyFifer · 02/03/2023 12:27

God no, is she trying to say ur house is filthy, that a before & after would show a big difference?

Boxe · 02/03/2023 12:28

My cleaner has never asked to do this, but she doesn’t advertise on social media.

It would depend on the photos, to be honest.

A photo of a stainless steel sink where the cleaner is showing how sparkly she got it would be fine, but nothing that would be identifiably specific to my house.

I was so annoyed a few years ago when a flooring company did a terrible job, wouldn’t listen to my complaints, and then posted very identifying photos of my livingroom (with photos of my family visible) with a “another happy customer” type of caption under it. I wasn’t a happy customer, and the picture was from an angle that it looked like a decent job but it was not.

CherryBlossom321 · 02/03/2023 12:28

Cleaners post before and afters on social media all the time. It’s advertising. If you’re uncomfortable, say no thank you.

CornishTiger · 02/03/2023 12:31

I have seen close ups of areas before and after. Normally areas that wouldn’t be identifying.

However for me it would be a no thank you. I want discreet, reliable and trustworthy from cleaner ( haven’t had one for years). I’d prefer to support her by recommending her tbh.

280NeuerNamen · 02/03/2023 12:31

It's fairly common for cleaners to post before and after pictures on our local Facebook page. I have always said that we are very private and photos of my house cannot be used. That said I did spot one of a bathroom tap which I know is in my house but it was so close up no-one would ever know.

Original poster
cleanerquestion · 02/03/2023 12:32

FannyFifer · 02/03/2023 12:27

God no, is she trying to say ur house is filthy, that a before & after would show a big difference?

Well this is also my concern 😂

My house is honestly not that unclean, so I'm not sure how much difference would be visible in photos, if that makes sense.

OP posts:
BurglarAndSwag · 02/03/2023 12:32

We do find these pictures most useful.

Thanking you, in advance.

Motherhubbardscupboard · 02/03/2023 12:33

I spotted my oven on social media last year after I had it cleaned. But embarrassing but actually totally unidentifiable so noone knew it was me! So I'd be fine with a clean sink or shower etc but not a whole room photo

frustratedashell · 02/03/2023 12:35

Cleanerquestion I've asked to do this when im doing decluttering (my other job) but I understand if people say no. I don't always ask , I try to work out if they would mind. If they are embarrassed by the state of their home I don't ask. I try to read the situation. I did have one client suggest that I do it!
Writing a review is a good compromise

Littleflowerseverywhere · 02/03/2023 12:46

I’d be a bit bothered by that, it implies there will be such a difference once she’s cleaned it is worth putting on her site. So she thinks it’s dirty/ cluttered enough that there is a visible difference on the before and after.

imtoooldforthisshite · 02/03/2023 12:47

Cleaner here. Absolutely not, it's intrusive and completely unnecessary. Good cleaners rarely advertise for work. We get it from word of mouth, and excellent recommendations. Say no, and don't feel bad about it.

starfishmummy · 02/03/2023 12:48

I've seen a lotnon our local facebook page. I must admit my first thought is "no way".

Todaynotalways · 02/03/2023 12:54

imtoooldforthisshite · 02/03/2023 12:47

Cleaner here. Absolutely not, it's intrusive and completely unnecessary. Good cleaners rarely advertise for work. We get it from word of mouth, and excellent recommendations. Say no, and don't feel bad about it.

Exactly this - good cleaners don't tend to need to advertise - we met ours by recommendation by a school mum, and she works for about 8 of us in total. At first she only had availability every second week, we stuck with it until a family left the area and we could have her visit every week.

Good cleaners are like gold-dust!

Anotherselfemployedcleaner · 02/03/2023 13:04

imtoooldforthisshite · 02/03/2023 12:47

Cleaner here. Absolutely not, it's intrusive and completely unnecessary. Good cleaners rarely advertise for work. We get it from word of mouth, and excellent recommendations. Say no, and don't feel bad about it.

Agree with this.

I only take photos in the following circumstances:

  1. When doing an end of tenancy clean on behalf of the landlord/their agent due to sub-standard cleaning by the outgoing tenant which will involve a deposit deduction (photos before and after)
  2. When there is existing damage to an area prior to me starting cleaning (eg etch marks on marble due to improper chemicals having previously been used)