New cleaner... help!

[surreygirl1987]

This sounds so silly, but I have no idea how to go about starting off a new cleaner. I've never had one before. I have a lady coming round tomorrow to have a look at my house and have a chat, and I have no idea what I'm supposed to ask her.

Should she provide a contract? Is that usually done?
Should I be providing a list of 'duties'? I basically just want a clean house...
Is there anything else I should be checking with her?

I sound like such a novice- gah! I'm out of my comfort zone here. Please help!

Thanks!

I have taken on cleaners a few times over the years - new lady this year. She came round and asked what I wanted done in each room. She then said how long it would take (two hours for three bed house with one bathroom) and her hourly rate. She said she used her own stuff, but she would use mine if I preferred. I said I didn't need cleans in school hols, and she said that's fine and she wouldn't charge a retainer. We agreed what we would do in cases of cancellations etc.

The first cleaner I had was an agency, and they presented me with these arrangements - I'm working on trust with this lady. I've never had issues before, so I don't feel the need for a contract.

You could get an email address and send a confirmation email after your discussion if you would feel happier with something in writing.

Make a list of all the things you went done room by room, giver her a copy and ask her how she feels about. Ask her how long she needs to get it done. Also I would say that you know things will take longer in the first few weeks. Also agree times and stress she needs to be punctual.

Will you be there while she cleans?
I have a list that I use for my cleaner if you would like it.

Actually, that would be amazing if you don't mind? I'm not sure what's reasonable. Thanks so much!

Thanks - good idea.

Think about whether you want her to dust and polish or just dust. Does she need to move thing and put them back. I found it easier to put anything into a box in each room into a box save her time but you don’t have to,

Which surfaces need washing, do you need her to wash paintwork, skirtings architraves window sills etc. Same with floors, what level of cleaning do you want.

Do you want her to clean bath, shower and oven. Does she need to make beds, change linen . Does she need to clean windows.
my list
Living room
dust all furniture, skirtings, sills . Vacuum and wash floor
Kitchen
clean all surfaces thoroughly, wash hob and all white goods doors.Mop floors.
Staircase.
wipe staircase with detergent and vacuum carpets.
Bathroom
clean all surfaces including shower and bath. Mop floor.

bedrooms
Wash all surfaces, vacuum floor

It's a good idea to think of how many hours she's willing to do in one go. And then if you go round each room with her saying the stuff you want done, then hopefully she'll tell you if it can all be done in the amount of time you're paying for.

Once you've discussed it, and she's agreed, then I'd say to her I'll just send you an email with bullet points of the tasks and agreement of fee, than if she can just reply to confirm and make it 'official' on paper.

Presuming she's self employed so either you can pay her in cash or she invoices you/transfer money, but that's up to you both to discuss.

It might be a good idea to discuss a notice period for cancellation. So if either you or her cancel outside a certain time window then she can still be paid/or she owes you a free session. But again these are all conversations you can have when you meet.

Ask her for proof she can work in the UK. Even if she's self employed you're responsible if you pay someone not entitled to work. I take a screenshot of passport.

Definitely get something in writing - an email would be ideal as someone suggested below. You can probably Google a simple cleaning contract - nothing fancy, just the type of things mentioned above.

Ask for proof of name and address too - when I had problems with one cleaner it occurred to me I had a stranger in my house, with her own set of keys, and all I had was a first name and mobile number!