I am "interviewing" a cleaner tomorrow

[lisbey]

What do I need to ask/tell her?

That's it really. It's through an agency, they're sending a lady for my approval and for us to agree what she's to do.

Can I have (say) kitchen and living room done every week and bedrooms on a rotational basis?

I won't be in when she's cleaning, so would it be rude to leave notes along the lines of could you clean the fridge this week please?

I don't work school hols and she has school age children. It would be no hardship for me to do my own cleaning in the hols (and I'd save the money and wouldn't have her working round me and DCs) but is it likely that she needs/wants to work through for the money?

Help, I've never "employed" anyone before.

Well, you've lit on the key thing. You ought to be able to feel comfortable leaving directions, and having her clean what you want to clean. Mine tends to tell me how she'll do it!

How long is she coming for? the hours are important 'cos she may not have time to do the rooms you want and the fridge or whatever. Go with yr first instincts about her and stick with them.

About to sack our cleaner who just can't understand how to clean our floors properly . Check she can use the cleaning equipment & products.

I have just started a cleaning job on top of my usual job to fund hobby.

I get left list of what do do- communiction good for both parts both know re expectations.I had cleaner once when children small as v tired- asked her to do sev rooms and when got back she said id decided to concentrate on one - could have cried !!
Also may be good to esatblish what level cleaning you need.Ie some peole like a quick clean more rooms wereas others prefer a more deep clean- eg skirting boards washed ,doors wiped ,edges hoovered.I do a big house in 3 hours and do deep clean in - 2 halls - hoover - paintwork,bathroon inc wash floor ,cloakroom,s inc floor and landing,kitchen floor - wipe all cupboards,hoover bedrooms x2 - but then i treat it like a gym exercise get all hot tired so maybe some cleaners may manage less - its just my approach!