Advice please for a new cleaner

[teepee123]

Hi
This is my first ever post.
I am just starting out as a cleaner, working for myself, my first job is on Monday and tbh I'm a little bit nervous.
I'm planning on asking each client what they want me to do and go from there.
I'd really appreciate some top tips and advice from both new and experienced cleaners and customers too.
Thanks so much

I like when a new cleaner asks what I want, then does that e.g. if I ask for the bath to be cleaned with x product, and they use x product. I don't like when they do stuff they think needs doing but I don't e.g. I don't want the cleaner to make the kids beds, they can make their own or have it unmade. I try to remember to say what I don't want done, but there's no harm in asking if they don't.

If there's stuff you don't do - clean high cupboards, use bleach, whatever - say at the start. Ask where products, dusters, bin bags, mop are kept, and where they want used cloths etc left. If they've got pets check if you shouldn't top up food or shut doors (you don't want to accidentally shut the cat away from their litter tray!)

How will you communicate - e.g. I usually leave a note if I want something specific done, or I text if I want the cleaner to know something before they arrive e.g. I'm unexpectedly working from home.

Be reliable, turn up when you say you will and stay the full time agreed. Hope this is useful, best of luck!

I've had 2 cleaners. The first one was incredible! It was so obvious she had been when I came home. Everything just so, taps shining and dried. She had a real pride in her job and loved doing the finishing touches, cushions plumped/ chopped. Also she made the beds beautifully. I never noticed anything that she missed. She had a great schedule of weekly/ fortnightly/ monthly jobs that kept on top of everything. She did tell me to tidy up before she came, as her 2 hours was better spent cleaning than moving things to clean .
The next one was great, all very clean, but lacking the little touches. I think I was totally spoiled by our first one through. Good luck, it's amazing to get a great cleaner!

Hi, thanks for your replies and the advice, much appreciated. Yes, communication is key, I will definitely ask lots of questions. Thanks so much x

If you get lots of places how can you remember what product they want. I've had cleaners and they bring their own stuff and crack on. One never cleaned the kitchen as it was always left ok, but cupboard doors could of been wiped monthly and under things. It depends how much time you have, they only had two hours to do a general clean which I would say is hoover, dust, clean bathrooms, mop and wipe obvious finger marks off doors/ windows.

For some basic kitchen cleaning would be vital, hob, sink sides.

I would suggest that you say what you do as standard, whether that is every week or once a fortnight or once a month. And then ask whether that is what they’d agree with, it’ll would they like something different?

We’ve had cleaners for 15+ years. But only for different ones in that time, not a high turnover at all. My current cleaner is amazing, but she doesn’t do all the same things every week. For example, she does clean the insides of windows, but once a fortnight. She has systems!

She didn’t like our vacuum cleaner and requested a Henry. I was more than happy to buy one as she is so good and I want to make her job as easy as possible for her.

So I would also say to ask clients for what you need from them to help you do a good job.

Cleaner here, things I always do which give it extra touch (IMO)-

Shine all the chrome works with a window/polishing cloth.

Plump/arrange cushions

Make the beds 'properly' and leave as smooth as poss.

Do under furniture as much as poss

Move ornaments for dusting.

Clean mirrors, wall and freestanding.

Give yourself enough time, meaning don't rush a 2/5 hr into a 2 hr because that's all they will pay for.

I always start in the kitchen and work my way to upstairs, I also take all my own equipment as products.

That's all I can think of for now, good luck x

Thanks everyone, all great advice. My first few days have been really positive and I have had some great feedback from one client. Thanks again