I left the UK for 5 yrs for work across the pond. I’ve only been back a short while. I logged into the Housekeep app and scheduled a clean for a weekafter we moved in the short let. As a solo mum that started a new job days adter movong into short let, a child going into Primary - and sort of cluttered temporary accommodations (their things not mine) - I ,can use the help!! Even though I feel spoiled doing so it in the current economy.
So far…
cleaning #1: cleaning amazing!! Cleaner only able to communicate with translating app - told me she is a friend of real cleaner who was sick. She was lovely and coughing the entire time. I started couching a few days later but also have hayfever so … the jury is out
cleaning #2: on the day the cleaning app admin asked if cleaner could come 2 hrs early due to a cancellation. I agreed. Cleaner was originally due between 12pm-1pm but came at 1:05pm. She arrived with wireless over ear headphones and was playing something kanye-ish with one ear piece behind her ear. Loudly. I welcomed her, offered her water as I do anyone. I explained where everything was - there’s an abundance of cleaning supplies. I also explained its a short let and this the landlord’s not mine. She kept talking on the phone and intermittently coming to tell me (lecture me) about which cleaning products I should get instead of what’s there. I.e different rags, different mop, different window cleaner, different kitchen roll!!!! (In a surprisingly bossy way.) This made working difficult! At 20 minutes before her time was up she hadn’t begun cleaning the floors at all!! I asked her about this and she switched to that. Short version- some areas were clean some were not. I told the app admin and they asked for pictures - i provided them and they gave me a credit for next cleaning.
cleaning #3: friday the cleaner cancelled the 11am cleaning at 7:30am. The app had no cleaners available for a week.
So I booked with wecasa which has good reviews. I scheduled an appointment on Friday for this morning (Sunday). Saturday morning the cleaning was confirmed. Today, 15 minutes prior to cleaning I got a text that the cleaner would be 30 minutes late. 10 minutes later she cancelled. No replacements available.
AIBU to use housecleaning apps!?
My BFF outside London has had little luck finding a cleaner either.
What’s the trick? Is it the heat?? Bad luck? Wrong apps???
I need someone long term. But in the interim wfh in a furnished short let flat that wins the award for MOST UNCOMFORTABLE bed, sofa, desk and desk chair… could I please just have some reliable help keeping it clean??
PS if I can’t find a reliable housecleaner how the HE🏒🏒 am I going to find reliable childcare post-wraparound!!!
Picture: floorwipe after giving the kitchen floor a wipe immediately after - cleaner #2 left.