Hello, I’m thinking now the time has come for me to seriously consider getting a cleaner in
Has anybody got any tips for me and what can I avoid? This is really worrying me at the moment.
hubby is very good, but I do feel we need a little bit more help here.
I've employed a cleaner for over 50 years as used to work full time so it was great. Ask them around for a cup of tea, to see if you like them. Ask them to bring ID with address on like a driving licence and keep a note of its number. Never just go by a recommendation on Facebook as they may be related but see if anyone locally has one and if they'd be interested in your work. Make it clear your hiring their time so no nonsense about more money for a deep clean thats tosh. An hourly rate here is about £15 but I pay £17.50 as she's worth it and doesn't watch the clock plus has a set of keys so when away she can get in. I have a large house it takes a day to polish the furniture (old fashioned wax) so I ask her to do both bathrooms, skirting boards, polish upstairs (spray is fine) wipe over all doors and cobweb check. Then every couple of months do an extra day to polish. I've had one cleaner for over 20 years then she retired and moved away since then a few rubbish but gave them a chance but no keys. Then two years ago this lady, lovely and thorough and trusted. I pay cash and ask no questions about tax. lol My best advice is go with the gut and don't go for I'll bring own products and charge more thats a con. Be clear about your expectations and ask to agree to a trial for a month as it does take time for them and you to adjust. Worth every penny in my view. When I retired I didn't need one at first but about 25 years ago decided to get one again not because of RA but fed up of houseork.
What brilliant advice.! Thank you for such detail. I have reached the stage where I can’t bend, can’t scrub and clean - and don’t want to as it's all too bloody boring - so am definitely looking for help.
I’ve never had any help before apart from a chap who does bits in the garden but have heard it’s difficult to find good, reliable and honest cleaners so your tips are very valuable. 😀👍
Most important is don't be afraid to say how you want things done. A good one won't mind or they may even be better than you! My lady is far better at polishing my floors than me as can get down and does the edges first. I trust her and she does clean my windows better than me too. You can usually tell a good one by windows if they clean them as round then get rid of them. My lady has 3 children so we're flexible she is booked for Tuesdays but if a little one is ill and her mum can't help she do another day. I don't mind that as if not in she can let herself in and do the usual. It does free up my life and I love a clean tidy house but it takes me so long now ! so she's worth every penny plus I regard her now as a friend.
I currently do my housework, but I only do it fortnightly now, and it takes 2 days to do. I stay in my PJs till I’ve done what I can manage, as I end up a dripping mess, and breathless from my fused ribs and lung conditions. Hubby has been suggesting recently that we should maybe think about a cleaner. I know it sounds bizarre, but I would feel guilty sitting around while they were working. However, I do think I’ll have to look into it. I can’t bend due to the stiffness from the AS, I have loads of long handled gadgets to do skirting, and getting cobwebs from the ceiling. I’m lucky that although it’s a 4 bedroom house, there is only the two of us now, so we don’t make much of a mess. Good advice you’ve given when looking for a cleaner, so will bear it in mind. Thanks 🤗
Before I retired it was vital as otherwise I’d have had no free time to enjoy the family etc. I admit to being tidy and there only, us two and half the house isn’t used. The dining room is lovely but I’ve turned its heating off unless we’ve company as it’s a waste and the furniture doesn't feel cold. I think it’s vital to spend time doing what you want to do. I worked and am busy retired. I’m lucky and tbh the house is far too big now, we’ve thought about downsizing but I’d really miss the garden and I do love this house. My furniture is old, some very old stuff stuff which we’ve inherited and it did surprise me when my son said he wanted the old table and dressers so it won’t be just chucked out eventually. We’re recycling as our forebearers did but they just never knew it would be fashionable. Xx
I had a monthly cleaner but now have fortnightly. Word of mouth is good: ask neighbours. I’ve not had a good experience with any of the chains; Molly Maid etc. Start with a trial clean or cleans. Don’t be frightened to say what you want. Good luck.
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