Expectations when gettting a cleaner

[Wattonearth]

Hi all, looking for some advice please from those of you that have a cleaner.
We are now in a position to be able to afford a cleaner but there are a few things I'm unsure of so would appreciate your advice/experience.
Just for info ...My husband works full time and I work part time. 3 days a week at work the 2 at home with my one year old. I normally try to get the house cleaned on my 2 days off so the weekends are housework free and we enjoy the time together as a family. But with now being able to afford a cleaner I would like to spend those 2 days off concentrating more on spending time with DS, going to swimming classes etc without rushing back
So when do they come to clean whilst your at home or when your out?
Do they provide equipment or use the products you provide?
How do you set out expectations... do I pay for 3 hours and see what is achievable or do I ask for the tasks I want completing and let them guide me on hours.
Any other tips or experience appreciated

It's up to you whether they come when you're there or when you're out (personally I'd rather not be there).

Some use your products (some will charge extra for this), some bring their own.

Most will come to the house and say how long they think it will take.

The only advice I'd give is go with your gut - if you don't like the look of them don't hire them. And remember you're paying them, so if they don't do something the way you'd like then tell them. My mum has a cleaner who for some reason doesn't clean this ledge thing in the bathroom. Mum put a bit of leaf there about 2 months ago and it pisses her off every week when it's still there!? If she'd just ask the bloody cleaner to wipe that ledge then they would, and she could stop getting wound up!

Thanks for your response and advice. I agree i would prefer not to be there as it would feel odd... but DH thinks I should supervise!

Personally I'd be there the first few times until they learn how you like things done. You don't need to follow them around but just keep an eye. Then once you get to know them a bit and trust them it's fine to give them a key. It's so nice to come home to a clean house!

I use an agency. The proprietor came out to look what needed doing and to find out the bits that are really important to me. She did the clean for 2 weeks alongside our cleaner and this ensures it is all as required. The agency provide all the cleaning materials and mops etc. I provide the hoover and some special cleaner for our work surfaces and Karndean floor. I pay £14 per hour for 3 hours a week, I have never met the cleaner and I'm really happy with the result. Mine comes on Thursday, which suits us well.

I am a cleaner.

Do state what you want done/cleaned.
Do NOT tell them how to clean. (You do not tell a builder how to build, a decorater how to decorate, so do not tell a cleaner how to clean).

There is no need to supervise. No one needs someone breathing do their neck while they are working. By all means be there on the first clean, but either stay out of their way and let them get on, or leave and come back shortly before they are due to finish for the first time.

Yes you are paying them, but remember they are taking you on as well, so can drop you again just as easily. I have found that some people treat cleaners terribly.