If you have a cleaner, how did you initially find them?

[bertieb7]

My husband recently broken his leg so is quite immobile, we are both very busy with work, and we have decided to throw money at the problem and get a cleaner once a week to try and ease some of the day to day strain.

We have never had a cleaner before so really interested to hear how others have found theirs. We don't know anyone in our area (East London) so can't go off personal recommendation sadly. Do most people find an online agency? I have found a few online which look good but interested to hear if that's the best way.

Many thanks for any insights people can give!

Facebook. She is good too. I'm working from home so that makes me feel more confident rather than dishing out a key

FB recommended and then used the PIL’s cleaner for next one in new area.

Word of mouth. Crazy thing is my husband will frantically clear-up before she gets here.

I pay her over the odds because she is reliant on her cleaning work to support herself and her daughter, who’s 3 and utterly adorable.

Thanks so much all! I am going to have a look on Facebook now. @Itwasgoodwhileitlasted I totally agree, it will be lovey to get to know them while working from home before needing to hand over a key.

Local facebook group

Had several cleaners. First one was a casual acquaintance and I definitely wouldn't recommend that because she proved to be totally unreliable, always cancelling or changing days. So when that arrangement went sour it made life a bit awkward.

Second-time around we took recommendations from friends, colleagues and neighbours mostly. Went to a very reliable agency and had two lovely ladies who did a very good job for several years. I do miss having a cleaner...

Word of mouth

Our first cleaner cleaned for 2 people at work. She then returned to Poland and referred us to her cousin who cleans for us now. There are lots of agencies recommended in our local Facebook group.

We usually let them in and then go out to get out of the way. If I'm going to be out I put a key under the mat, they don't have a key all the time. They arrive in a group of either 3 or 4 so they are in every room simultaneously!

@bertieb7 totally. Mine has been coming since December. We were talking yesterday about me sorting her a key now.

Cleaner here, ask friends and colleagues if they can recommend one. Also you might want to check they have public liability insurance.

Word of mouth.

How can you not know anyone?
If you both work, you must have collegues. If you live in a City you must have neighbours. Do you never pop into a local shop or any kind? Go to the hairdresser ? Do you not 'do' anything other than sit at home ?
Are you on Facebook?
In any WhatsApp Groups ?
You need to ask around.