Advice on hiring a cleaner please

[RVF400]

I am going back to work next week and have decided it's time to get a cleaner to come in once a week. I hate cleaning and am fed up with groaning every time I look around and see dirt everywhere.
Never had a cleaner before so I'm wondering if there are any tips/dos & don'ts I should be aware of?

I also have questions that might sound silly but here goes:
How many hours a week would be normal for an average 3 bed semi? I'm talking hoovering, dusting, clean bathroom and kitchen surfaces and floors.
Do most cleaners expect to be paid cash in hand (which I remember my gran doing years ago) or is it more kosher these days?
And what's the best way of finding a good one? Yellow pages seems to only list the bigger companies.
TIA

I think you'll need about three hours, plus maybe a bit longer the first time so the cleaner can get it the way they intend to carry on. You could do this in one go, or split it with the longer 2 hour clean at the beginning of the week and an hour on friday so the house is nice for the weekend?

Cash in hand is the only way I've ever been charged unless using an agency, that's varied between £8-£10 and hour.

One thing I will say is be very clear upfront what you expect for those hours and the standards you expect as it can be awkward pointing these things out later. i.e. if you want the loo seat wiping underneath, the tiles in the bathroom washing, door handles cleaned etc.

I'm in a pickle now where I'm too chicken to confront my tiny but terrifying cleaner about hoovering around things instead of under as well, cleaning under the loo seats, the grout in the tiles never getting done etc! So be clear!

Best way is to ask a friend or neighbour for a recommendation, although I got my first lady from MN!

Best is to find one recommended to you. Agree with the above - make it absolutely clear up front what you expect. Check thing like cleaning ovens - some don't.

Most are cash in hand.

I've had good ones and bad ones over the years. Its horrid having to get rid of a bad one

Also agree that 3 horus should be about right

Thanks for the advice. Is it usual to have a trial period? I am also worried what I would do if they turned out to be no good - I'd be terrible and would probably never say anything.

It's just as hard even if you say it's a trial period. Every time I have got rid of one I lied and said it was for financial reasons :(

I justvotbrid odours and they were superb but my au pair wants to do it and it makes sense