Am I expecting too much of my cleaner?

[Hamiltonfan]

I have had a cleaner for several years. We pay almost £20/hour and supply all cleaning products. She comes weekly for 2.5 hours.

In this time she:
Cleans the kitchen (although doesn't move the microwave/toaster/kettle etc and clean "properly")
Cleans 2 bathrooms - sinks, toilets , shower (doesn't clean wall tiles, doesn't move bottles around the bath)
Hoovers 3 bedrooms only (doesn't dust, clean)
Mops and hoovers all other rooms (2 sitting rooms, utility room and an office/spare room).

My husband and I work long hours so maybe IABU and out of touch but in 2.5 hours should she not be able to clean worktops in utility room, dust living rooms and bedrooms, wipe down walls occasionally, even wash up her coffee mug after I make her a drink etc? Even to do on a rotation every few weeks?

I once asked her to just spend her time deep cleaning the kitchen and 1 bathroom - she did it but told me she'd have to charge more next time (why? It's an hourly pay?) She's a lovely lady but I do wonder if I'm being taken for a ride. Thanks. Be gentle with me 🙏

Sounds like she's lazy and only in it for the money. I would ask around for recommendations of a good cleaner and maybe nip it in the bud if there's something you're not happy with so they don't try to slack.

To be honest I think I could just about do all shre is usually doing in two and a half hours but I don't think I could do more. I would remove items on bathroom surfaces before she comes to make sure she doesn't just wipe around them. Maybe you shouldn't have to but if it speeds up the clean and gets it done to my satisfaction it would be worth it to me.

I think you are expecting too much for 2.5 hours OP

@TheChicDreamerdud I read that right? 14 rooms? Wow!😮

@Hamiltonfan I think with cleaners familiarity can often breed a form of contempt- cutting corners, going early etc. I've found in the past even excellent cleaners drop their standards after a while. I now use a local company and they send my preferred cleaners most times. I get a reliable basic weekly clean almost every time now.

Cleaner here. I do a whole 3 bedroom house in 2 hours weekly that involves moving everything in bathroom and kitchen is never just wipe round anything. Sometimes I also pull the couches out hoover under them change beds. And I charge £15 per hour I think you need a new cleaner.

Thank you x

I think you've hit the nail on the head. She was excellent at first. I won't have agency staff as I've had nightmares with them in the past - lying on my bed reading a magazine etc

I mean I don’t clean under the toaster etc every time I do the kitchen, but I’m not being paid! Not moving bottles in the bathroom is just pure laziness. Dusting doesn’t take much time of its done weekly

Also to note I provide my own cleaning supplies. My beautician had a cleaner in their office who they said had been rubbish for ages they finally got a new one and she said she was so much better. Time to replace her. X

I’m a professional cleaner and move everything off the bath before cleaning, move microwaves, kettles, toasters, etc to clean worktops properly. I clean down tiles and grout every visit. I am a bit more expensive , but provide my own products and equipment and I’m fully insured and DBS certified. I’m afraid your cleaner doesn’t sound like the right fit for you. I’d have a look for a replacement, ask for recommendations from people you know, for someone who cleans thoroughly each visit. We do exist!

My cleaner will move everything in the kitchen and clean the toaster inside. Shake the crumbs out and polish it all up. She is amazing.

Thanks all. I have got rid and am doing it myself for now. Enjoying saving some money and having a slightly cleaner house x