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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

... to ditch my cleaner by phone/text?

8 replies

ErnestTheBavarian · 27/01/2010 09:06

I've got a cleaner - at dh insistance as I am a slattern can't keep on top of the house.

Anyway, she is a lovely sweet person, but frankly a shit cleaner. SHe does the floors esp really badly, despite me asking her to spend more time ont them, or do them more thoroughly, but she always does a really rubbish job on them (marks still there that easily wipe off, so she's gone over the area so lightly it's not come off, or missed altogether). If you wipe the floor after she's done it, the cloth will be black.

On top of that, last time she came, she's left a white foot print on our terracotta coloured tiles on the bathroom floor. She's presumably used some lethal chemical in the shower and stood in it, and now there seems to be a permanent white foot print in the tile. It's really noticable, and our house is rented, so am quite stressed about it.

Anyway, she normally comes on a Friday, but can't this week, so she's not due here for another week.

I had though I'd just let her come next week then tell her then, but as she's doing such a crap job, and cause that damage, I don't really want her to come again. It's £40 a time, so I don't really want to pay that for a service I'm not happy with, but I can't make her schlep all the way here to tell her in person (she lives miles away) AIBU to ditch her by phone? SHe is a really sweet person though, so I'll feel bad however I do it

OP posts:
ChristianaTheTwelfth · 27/01/2010 09:09

Message withdrawn

DeirdreB · 27/01/2010 09:25

It's easier to do it by phone as could be awkward in person. Phone but hope you get her answerphone!! Have you seen the other threads on cleaners - it's nice to have someone else do your cleaning but such a pain when they don't do what you want! I have just swapped my 2.5 hours per week cleaner time for 3 hours of nanny time for my DS so I can do the cleaning myself!!

ChristianaTheTwelfth · 27/01/2010 09:39

Message withdrawn

neume · 27/01/2010 12:33

Depends whether she has a key...if so you need to do it in person.

Maybe next time get a cleaner through an agency...they have insurance so could pay for replacing damaged tiles etc.

Our new cleaner is fantastic .

Fluffyone · 27/01/2010 16:24

Is your cleaner insured? Why do people assume if it's not an agency cleaner she isn't? I am, and would replace the damaged flooring under my insurance.
So, I would ring her, ask her to come round to see the damage and sort out a claim.
Personally I don't think it's fair to sack anyone by text, I think you should at least do it by letter and with an explanation. But maybe cleaners aren't worthy of that.

diedandgonetodevon · 27/01/2010 16:27

I agree with Fluffyone- it's a professional relationship so end it formally in writing.

ErnestTheBavarian · 28/01/2010 11:28

"But maybe cleaners aren't worthy of that." Dunno what that's all about. I said several times my cleaner was really lovely, a very nice person, but a crap cleaner. At no point did I insinuate she wasn't 'worthy' or that I in any way looked down on her.

Tbh, I think ending formally in writing would be a bit odd and in a way seem more harsh than a face to face, sorry, I don't need you any more. I would've done it face to face, but I didn't want to wait 2 weeks, as I know it would be hanging over my head every day. I also didn't want to waste her time trailing all the way here.

I don't know her address, so writing a letter wouldn't be possible anyway. Nothing to do with not being worthy. Are you always so sniffy?

OP posts:
Goodadvice1980 · 28/01/2010 11:38

I would defo ring her and explain about the damaged tile, particularly as you are in rented accommodation.

Depending upon her reply (denial/being defensive) you could then make a final decision. It sounds like things are already rocky anyway as you have taken the time to explain how you would like things done.

If you don't want her to clean anymore just be polite but firm and explain that she isn't required after x date.

Good luck

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