Disappointed with cleaner once again, where am I going wrong ??

[OnEdge]

My (step) MIL is a cleaner and she said she would clean for me. She charges £9 an hour and so we agreed 3 hours every Tuesday.

First week it was beautiful, sparkly clean.
Second week not quite as sparkly

Today, crap ( I think ) Sink not been touched, bean juice left on kitchen cupboard door, kitchen bin still got tea slops down the side. Hearth not touched, sideboard not cleaned/polished on the top, leather chair arms still got milk circles (from babies bottles)

Toilet not cleaned on the inside, which I can understand, but usually she puts bleach down it.

Shower doors all smeary, have not been cleaned, maybe just wiped over.

bed side tables not cleaned/polished over.

As far as I can see, she has hoovered, mopped, changed bedding on one king sized bed, and fluffed up the cushions on the sofas (two very large ones)

She was faffing with the hoover for a long time because it had hair trapping the roaters, and she was washing the end in the sink. I don't care what my fucking hoover looks like on the inside, I'm more concerned with the actual house.

She is coming again on Thursday to do some extra jobs, I was thinking of giving her a list, and including in the list the things that I don't think were done properly today.

She seems to launch into her routine without seeing what needs to be done.

What do you reckon ? Am I expecting too much ? How do I deal with this ?

bump

I think you need to get a cleaner in which isn't family. That way you can be a bit more ruthless.

Don't employ family - in my experience it always ends badly.

I've been trying to find some cleaning work and people often say that their cleaners start off really well, and then get progressively less efficient. I'd guess that the problem is going to be even worse if you employ family!

If you're anywhere near Colchester give me a shout - I'll do it for £8 an hour

calamity sadly I live in Devon, otherwise you'd have a job.

I am stuck with the family now

Think the lists are the way forward and some subtle hints. I am going to leave her kitchen cleaner and a cloth out tomorrow when she comes to see the kids see if she comments. I will also wash the bin and leave it draining on the drainer all busy like.

I agree with Itsjustafleshwound, never employ family, for this very reason.

No, I don't think you are being unreasonable, if her work was acceptable on the first occasion is should be just as good subsequently. I also think the list idea is a good one.

Re' the hoover. When I had an upright with a rotating brush I did find that keeping the brushes clean made a huge difference to the performance of the machine. Now that she has given it a good clean it should only be a 10 minute job once a month to keep it working properly.

I would love a cleaner but have never found a good one. They usually start of well then start taking the p**s. Not being the most assertive of people I am then left worrying about how to get rid of them!

Good luck whatever you decide, let us know how you get on

On edge - don't get passive aggressive with family, this way blood feuds start.

Say to your dh you're feeling a bit awkward having mil cleaning for you - and get him to wind it up tactfully. Then live without a cleaner or at least six months.

def leave a note saying "can you please do X, Y,Z"

thanks, I have calmed down now, will do the note I think, thanks for your thoughtful replies.

Go out (make excuse) and leave note listing everything that needs attention. At £9ph you would expect decent service.

I find the same problem I am now on my 3rd in 2 years.

I usually leave a note for my cleaner. £9 per hour for a new cleaner is good. Mine is on £12 but she's been with me for a long time and has proved her worth.