Getting a cleaner for the first time

[BetteDavisChin]

We have always done our own cleaning.
Our situation has changed quite a lot and we have decided to get a cleaner.

What are the things I should know, in your experience? How to decide what to ask them to do and how many hours?

I have to add, I'm ashamed to say, I'm a total pushover when it comes to employing people to do a job, tradespeople etc.

How are you intending to find your cleaner? Word of mouth, or through an agency? You need someone with impeccable, and genuine, references. An agency should be on top of any legal issues.

We live in litigious times so ensure there’s nothing in your house that might obviously injure them. Stairs are expected, loose stair carpeting is not.

Ensure you have explained, and that they have understood, any specific instructions. We once had a cleaner who completely destroyed the surface of some very old and lovely floor tiles.

Post Covid I’m much more cautious about hygiene and wouldn’t want a cleaner bringing items they use in other houses.

Assuming you have employed someone with a good record, and locked away anything valuable and portable, don’t automatically assume anything that’s misplaced is their fault. Earrings do roll under rugs and resist all reasonable searching.

One newish thing - be clear about your boundaries regarding the cleaner photographing or filming your house. For me it would be instant sacking if I found a cleaner sharing images of my home - but apparently that’s a thing these days.

A decent cleaner really can take the pressure off a busy household - as long as there is mutual respect and both parties know exactly what is expected within the employer / employee relationship.

I was a cleaner for many years . For high class people . I went from cleaning ‘normal people’s houses’ to the very top . You need a cleaner who you got a bond with . It won’t work long term otherwise and il be honest with you the people I cleaned for a loved. Took a while to get to know them but when I did they were like family too and me to them . Oddly cleaners
and who your cleaning for become close to therapists for each other hanha . Odd I know but I have been a huge emotional support to loads of my customers and them too me . If you havnt got that bond i can Garantee you will come across some not so good cleaners who won’t have much respect for you or your house and at the start they will either do an amazing job but it will dwindle . Also time keeping will become a problem . They will be late or sneak off early . Through an agency is hit or miss . Even if they are employed by a well known business . I personally would do word of mouth . And ask for references . Right a list of what needs doing . I would also get a ring bell installed if you don’t have one . Iv worked with so many cleaners. Some are truely awful. Using same clothes for toilet and then everything else ! Stealing , eating food from fridges ! I could go on and on x

I just seen some of what you wrote on here. I have been accused of stealing so many times . If anything went missing it was always my fault . They would always text me saying things were found but it made me feel so anxious and awful. So definitely don’t leave anything valuable laying around . But like I said iv worked with people who have stole . Money , jewelery the lot x

The trick to a good cleaner, and a good relationship, is to be very clear and transparent upfront. Think about what you want done. What e are things that you like done a very specific way and what are things you care less about? Make these expectations clear. Agree on timings and schedules and again, be clear on your preferenes. I WFH so my cleaners have to tell me when they're coming as I can't be doing with them turning up anywhere between 9am and 3pm. In the old days, I didn't care and my cleaner could come any time she liked as long as it was on the agreed day.

Common preferences include:

Cleaning materials - when and where to use, who brings/supplies them etc.
Bedding change/not change
Extras to be agreed such as ironing/hanging up washing/changing towels etc
Areas of your house you want specific things done more/less often - eg I like the fridge cleaned at least once monthly
Are they doing a set number of hours or a set number of tasks? if the former, if there's extra time, how will tha tbe used - eg ad hoc spring cleaning jobs etc.
Windows - included or not (inside)
What is your base line standard on expectations such as vacuuming - do they vacuum under all couches every week or less often? Ditto beds? Are they able/willing to vacuum under those harder to reach places?
What level of tidying up is likely to be included - some cleaners won't tidy anything os a pair of socks left on the floor will be vacuumed around, others are more flexible. Itis up to you and your cleaner to agree a level that works for you.

Consider your preference on the type of structure too - one person who is really good, reliable and you can get to know them, or a team that probably won't be as good or as understanding of your specific needs but turns up and gets in and out in a shorter time because there are three of them.

I never assume my cleaner has stolen anything. I do a) sometimes ask if they have moved anything and at least half the time it turns out they have and b) ask them to please look out for something.

Had embarassing situation a while ago where I misplaced a very sentimental ring. I knew it was ME and I asked my cleaner to please keep an eye out. She could not find it and was really distressed. I assured her it was in thehouse and I would find it.

I forgot to tell her I did find it. So the following week she sent me a triumphant text message with a picture when she "found it". I felt very bad!

Thanks all for your replies. Very much appreciated.
I'll be reading them all when I get a minute this evening.