AIBU to want a cleaner when my husband says we do not need one?

[JohnPrescottsPyjamas]

I like a clean house, not obsessively, but I do feel more relaxed when the basic jobs are done.

We are both early retirees and have just come back from a relaxing break which has made me realise how fed up I am with the boring stuff like vacuuming, bathrooms, floors and dusting.

We can afford a cleaner, but my DH is adamant we don’t need one as, “there’s only two of us” However, whilst he will “help” if he’s asked, he tends to do the barest minimum - vacuuming in one straight line through a room without moving any objects for example - or says it doesn’t need doing, when it clearly does. We also have a very lively dog who will inevitably creates some mess, plus two cats.

I had a lovely and locally recommended woman pop in the other day to give me a quote of £34 for two hours a week, which I think is very reasonable, but DH is still chuntering that it’s a waste of money, “as the house is clean anyway” whilst completely missing the point that it doesn’t just magically happen. I have my own income anyway which will fund the cleaning, but I am conscious it’s his home too, so I’d rather he was onboard and agreeable if possible.

Not quite sure how to word the AIBU poll, so feedback and thoughts would be great thanks!

I live alone since my DH died last year and I'm seriously considering getting a cleaner for a few hours a week - I can afford it AND CLEANING IS SOOOO FUCKING BORING

So if you can afford it do it!

No-one ever thought on their deathbed "I wish I'd done more housework". Fuck that.

Go for it. don't even give it any more thought.

OP JFDI.

OP, I would go for it. We are also retired. If we could get a decent one we would. They are really difficult to get round here. My husband is excellent at vacuuming and dishwasher duty and we don’t have pets but I would still like to have it done.

You divide all the jobs 50/50 down the middle. Clearly defined tasks for each person. Then it is up to each of you if you do them yourself or pay a cleaner to do them.

I imagine he’ll quickly change his tune if he has to do all his own tasks himself and you are paying a cleaner to do yours!

Thank you for all your replies - really appreciated.

A bit of a victory here. I booked the cleaner anyway for two hours this morning - she’s here now - and husband has just accepted her presence without any negative comments about my decision. She was absolutely charming and very friendly to him when she arrived and has just cracked on without any fuss.

Not sure if it’s because there is a third party in the house, but he has taken the dog out already without any dawdling and is talking about tackling a few overdue outside jobs. Fingers crossed this might be the motivation he needed, more than me!