How much notice do you give for cancelling a cleaner?

[pintsizedblondie]

I have a cleaner who comes on a fortnightly basis. She was due to come this Friday but since I am on half term this week I thought I'd save myself £36 and do it myself.

I sent her an email early this morning asking to cancel the clean and to resume on the 16th as usual. She's just replied with a rather snotty message saying next time can I give her more notice as she's already given out the contracted hours so will still have to pay her employee? I didn't think my notice was short, the night before, yes, but 5 days worth I would think is ample?

For context, I don't feel like I owe my cleaner anything, the last two visits we have had windows left open meaning a huge security risk to our property and our kitten got out on to the roof.

Two wrongs don't make a right.

What’s in the contract?

Cleaner here - usually get a weeks notice to give me a chance to fill a slot.
But please point out to her anything you aren't happy with.
Pointless having her if she stresses you out!

I don't have a contract with her, a written one anyway, it was just a verbal agreement.

I did mention the windows being left open and she said she would speak to her. The fact it's happened twice now is making me want to switch anyway to be honest.

I never cancel, even if I don't really need it. She relies on the weekly money, I am committed to paying weekly, except for her own choice of holiday weeks.

I don't think there's any "standard" number of days. I just asked ours how much notice she required for a cancellation at the point where she started cleaning for us and she said 2 days (though I almost never cancel and have never actually given so little notice). I would just ask her how much notice she feels is reasonable for another time. (And switch to another cleaner if you're not happy with her anyway.)