How did you find your cleaner?

[FessaEst]

Hi, I am contemplating looking for a cleaner, as I am pregnant, working, and have just taken on a new project! I think I need to get a bit of help to get through the next few months. As far as I know, I don't know anyone with a cleaner and have no idea how to go about it. Any tips? TIA.

I don't have one now but got the last one by sticking a note in the newsagent's window. She came round, gave her the job, no problems. I took up a reference beforehand though.

I have a mother's help who comes in twice a week for 6-7 hrs per week. She's bloody marvellous.

I walked into my local friendly deli, asked the owner if she knew anyone suitable and hey presto! there this wonderful lady was standing behind the counter (she'd been working there).

She cleans, she cooks, she looks after the DDs, she makes me a cuppa (as I do for her). Everything really.

In the past (and just for cleaners) I have used either word of mouth or agencies. Personal recommendation wins hands down imo.

Thanks for your responses. I would much prefer to go with someone local/recommended - I will have to spread the word and hope someone finds me!

Personal recommendation here. My friend recommended her cleaner and having been at my friends while she was cleaning and seeing the sparkling kitchen, I got her number without delay!

Advertise at the local school notice board; churches are also good, anywhere where there is a "common bond" to the area, narrows it down considerably. Take up references, interview by way of having chat over a mug of coffee, get to know background, views, sense of humour etc... trust your instincts.

my cleaner had a note on our village notice board

she came with fab references one of which was a friend of MIL!

shes fab

Im a cleaner and I put my details on netmums and in the local shop windows.

I too and pregnant and work so I am thinking of getting a cleaner. How much should I offer to pay and how much does a mother's help earn? How does the role differ?

She put a note through the door - looking for work. She was new to the country and I gave her her first job - that was 9 years ago. She's great!

I've known her all my life

notice in the local co-op

don't suppose your looking for help in North Devon,?lol.
would make sure you get ref's that way you know your getting someone who's good at what they do and trustworthy.

I've done Netmums and found my last one (once again has now gone AWAL)but you do get agencies and mums looking for income with cash. I've just put an advert on there now and stated that they must come experienced, no cash and no agencies.

Before I found my first cleaner (who also went AWAL after 6 months)an agency came around wanting £11ph but didnt tidy - just vacuumed and polished - not for us!

What is with these cleaners? - seem happy enough, start texting with excuses and eventually never turn up again.

Ask a neighbour you know has one (even if you don't know the neighbour well). 3 people have knocked my door and asked after mine and I have done it a couple of times too.

Does anyone know what the going rate is cash? £6p/h? I live in Romford if anyone knows a cleaner (that can cook too) I would be really really grateful.