How much do you pay for a cleaning lady? Is this a good price?

[twoisplenty]

It's through an agency, I haven't got any names of good cleaners through personal recommendation unfortunately.

It will be £13.50 per hour.

How many hours (for an average house) would it take someone to hoover, dust and do bathrooms? Is there anything else I need to ask to be cleaned?

I have tried to clean this place regularly, but failed. I give up! Originally I was going to have piano lessons (always wanted this!) but I think I shall teach myself instead. To have a clean home suddenly seems Very Important.

TIA

Our new one (starting in 3 hours, must tidy not MN) is £11.30 an hour. £8 to cleaner weekly and a monthly admin fee of £3.30 x weeks in month.

We're in Surrey too!

My DM charges £8-10/hr, depending on what's required (from light cleaning to pig-keeping!)

It's barely a living wage, but as a woman who dedicated her earlier life it raising a family she's not 'worth' more

I pay £10 per hour in west Norfolk but I know newer clients of my cleaner pay £12.

Its around £12 - £15/hr around Cheshire area. For insured and registered people anyway please don't hire anyone working illegally just for your own sake! You should ask to see insurance documents if it is an individual and don't pay them cash if they ask as that is a sign they could be working under the table which could have repercussions on you in the future, the onus is on you to make sure who you hire is self-employed therefore legal to hire! Don't hire uninsured people either!

Larger companies and franchises obviously charge more - up to around £25 per hour and although they usually charge flat rates, that is what it boils down to. Quality and customer service not great at larger outfits however everything is legal and there will be nothing you are left personally liable for.

Small independent companies are better for quality and customer service (usually - not always!) they are better value for money than larger but be wary of individuals - they may indeed be a legitimate business but check, check, check! They are coming into YOUR home remember. Be suspicious of cheap rates - anyone with a long term business plan will know they are not viable and are likely to be working under the table to make it work.

Make sure they bring supplies and equipment! I have been in the industry for 15 years and clients cannot be expected to know what to supply to deliver a professional standard of service - a professional should know and supply it all! The cloths they bring should be sterile and fresh for each client, the same with mop heads too!

Check out testimonials on their website but ask for refs too from current clients this person is coming into your home, usually alone with a key, you NEED to check!

I just came on to MN to post a similar question and found this thread :)

I have had the same cleaner for more than a year and I pay her 7.70 per hour and the agency 2.80 per hour for insurance.... so that comes to 10.50 an hour in total. She works for 3 hours per week.

My cleaner has just asked me if I would be willing to raise her salary to 9 per hour... which would bring us to a total of 11.80 per hour.

She is a brilliant cleaner! and although i could employ her directly and cut down on the agency charges, I like having the insurance as my cleaner does have a key to my house. We have actually used the insurance on one occassion when my cleaner accidently left the key hangin on the inside of the door and no one could get in :) The agency paid for the locksmith bill :)

We live in Bromley and provide our own cleaning supplies...

I was thinking about the recent raise in living wages and just wanted your opinion...

TIA :)