Yup, in between companies since the last one after a year of cleaning my house every other week decided to use toilet bowl cleaner on my kitchen sink; I have no clue why since the sink was just like every other time they've cleaned. When I complained to the owner, she apologized and said they shoudn't have done that but then called me back and said her employee said she didn't use toilet bowl cleaner. As if. Toilet bowl cleaners come in a unique shape, no way to get that wrong. Then 2 weeks later they used an SOS pad on my 1 yr old stainless steel range top, 90 degrees to the direction of the grain no less so now that's scratched. Ugh.
We need a new cleaning lady, very useful information, thank you. I grew up where we had the same lady clean our house for many years. I know that kind of longevity doesn't happen in 2023 but I'm willing to pay more for someone who has excellent references and wants to stay long-term.
You nailed it! These are the things I should have done before hiring the last house cleaner. Next time I want it set in stone exactly what I expect to be done for the money I pay. Thank you so much! I appreciate your professional perspective!
I know right? They are really easy to pick out in an interview. We have some hand sanitizer, lotion, a mug of pens and sanitizing wipes on the interview table. All slightly askew. Within seconds of them sitting down the OCD ones will align everything on the table or turn all the labels in the same direction. Success leaves clues. ;-)
I have poor luck with cleaning people. I have seen people spilling dirty floor washed water onto my clean dishes in the kitchen sink. I have seen people shaking rugs and mats in the middle of my living room. I had people who damaged our brand new beautiful cherry wood foot board with vacuum cleaner. Those who never move stuff while doing the floor. I had one who would come in and turn music box loud without asking if that would bother anyone. She also never ever put my bathroom counter things neatly, like my perfumes or lotions, she'd move them and then just dump them. She would never take garbage out, or empty trash baskets from bedroom or bathroom - weird lol The same person would always leave my above island light fixtures crooked on an angle after dusting them, who knows why. Et Cetera. I literally had to do the quick run after every single cleaning person I had in my life (6 of them) and fix what they missed. Like sweep the dust between washer and dryer, or corners, or behind the toilets etc. I was always very respectful and kind of shy to point to most mistakes, but with the last one, I felt like I've had it. So asked her not to use certain cleaners, as I hated the smell. She IGNORED me. And continue using same stuff. She claimed it was different essential oils, but I bumped into her in Dollar Tree once, she was shopping for cleaning supply in bulks, in Dollar Tree once, so I knew exactly what she was using )))) She was a solo, but once she came with a huge guy, who did have zero knowledge of how to clean. Apparently, as I learned later, she JUST MET THE GUY in the laundromat a night before she offered him job in my house. No background check, no insurance, no responsibility? Goodness. Anyways, I am looking again now. Trying to collect all the knowledge and pick one who would just do the decent job for the money they ask (a lot, usually), on the schedule and terms that we agree on. Another word, someone who is professional. It is not something too much to ask, I believe.
I am so sorry for all you have gone through. Sending prayers you find the right one. 🙏 Here is a video that might help: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-J8SPZPaRCgo.html
i hired a company that i’m happy with but seems like i’m spending a lot. 2 house cleaners. less than an hour and a half. (i have a 600 square foot condo) i’m paying the company $170 including tax. they also fold my laundry. so basically i’m paying $80 each house cleaner. in another video i saw that you said the average is about $25 to $45/hour. i live near NYC but still… also they always give me a time estimate. is that normal? the owner will email me between 11-11:30, but sometimes they come at 10:30. it bothers me because i like my house clean beforehand. i was in the shower when they knocked.
Hi Kirstie, If you feel you are over paying for the value provided it may be time to revisit your contract and set new expectations. There are lots of cleaning companies out there and finding one that better suits your needs may be a welcome change.
