So tell me, how do I find a good cleaner and how much should I really expect to pay...??

[misspollysdolly]

So, I have had a cleaner twice before (in the last five or so years) - one independently found, came once a fortnight and then inexplicably left after about 15 months and hasn't responded to any attempts to contact her since. The other was all done through a cleaning agency and frankly we never had a cleaner who I felt was really right for us, and although the reason I went with an agency was so that we'd get someone at the time we wanted, this never seemed easy for them to fulfil. It was also very expensive as we paid a weekly amount direct to the cleaner and a monthly fee to the agency.

But I am now 19weeks pregnant with DC4 and already a bit overwhelmed by keeping on top of all that needs doing at home. Money is tight but mental health is precious and I am facing the reality that a bit of extra, paid-for help around the house might be very valuable during my third trimester and after DC4 arrives.

I would be grateful for advice on how to really find a good cleaner - I worry about classified-type ads and want someone both reliable and trustworthy. I also would be interested to know what is reasonable to pay someone for 2-3 hours work once a week... Feel stressed at the extra cost of having a cleaner, but also increasingly stressed by the need for one... TIA, MPD

Didn't want this to go unanswered, hello :)

Could you ask around other mums and neighbours to see if they have a cleaner who know someone who cleans?

Another thing is to think of the businesses in your area that might use a cleaner, like offices. If you have any dealings with a local firm that would use cleaners, could you ask if they could recommend someone? Our lady works for a company in town and we happened to know the boss, and he vouched that she was trustworthy and good at cleaning.

Hope that helps anyway and I agree, you will feel a lot better with a little help. Oh, our lady charges eight pounds and hour :)

We pay £9 p/h for a brilliant cleaner. She was recommended by another mum from school. I would always go with someone a friend recommends over an agency. Good luck !!