A Day In The Life Of A Self Employed Cleaner

What's a typical day like for a self-employed cleaner? While my day mostly involves, well, a lot of cleaning, there's much more to it than what clients typically see. As with any small business, I handle a variety of tasks behind the scenes. So, here's a glimpse into a day in my life as a self-employed cleaner, giving you a look at what happens beyond the cleaning itself.....

• 7am - Like any business, my inbox is open 24/7. I often find questions and enquiries popping up at all hours, so I make sure to catch up on any late-night emails over breakfast while also reviewing my schedule for the day ahead. Once that's sorted, it's time to get everything packed up. I load my car with all the products and equipment I'll need for the day. My kit includes a range of high-quality cleaning supplies, like professional-grade cloths, mops, dusters, brushes, sponges, erasers, lint rollers, grout tools, crevice tools and cleaning blades, not to mention my vacuum cleaners. I also carry a few natural cleaning staples like bicarbonate of soda, lemons and white vinegar. Depending on which clients I'm visiting, I'll tailor my kit to suit each home's specific needs, as every space has its own unique requirements.

• 8am - Now it's time to hit the road and get to work. I clean all sorts of homes, from new builds and apartments to townhouses, cottages, barn conversions, large country estates, period and listed properties, farmhouses, and even luxury holiday homes. Some clients prefer weekly cleans, while others opt for fortnightly or monthly services. I also take on one-off cleaning jobs from time to time. Typically, I spend 3-6 hours at each property, but larger homes or deep cleans can take 8 hours or more and will need multiple visits. No two days are the same, which keeps things interesting. One day I might be deep cleaning a bathroom, and the next I could be helping to clean and style a home for a photo shoot. Some days are longer than others, but I aim to wrap up my work by 3.30pm at the latest. While I'm out on the road, I also make time to visit potential new clients. Every new client gets a home visit before I begin any work. This allows me to provide an accurate quote, answer questions and assess the property to understand their specific cleaning priorities and requirements. It also helps me identify any areas that may need extra attention. Plus, it gives both of us the chance to meet in person and make sure we're a good professional fit for each other.

  
  

• 4pm - Once I'm back home, it's time to unpack the car and do a quick inventory check to see if any of my supplies are running low and whether I need to place any orders. I make sure all dirty cloths are put through a hot wash, air-dried and neatly folded, ready for the next client. Each home has its own set of cloths, so they're always fresh and ready for use. I also take the time to empty, strip down and clean my vacuum cleaners, as well as wash and replace the filters. My vacuum cleaners are crucial to my work - and a big investment - so I make sure to maintain them meticulously to keep them in top condition.

• 7pm - In the evening, I sit down with my laptop or phone to tackle my admin, which can feel like a full-time job in itself. The tasks vary from day to day, but usually include checking my banking app to see who has (or hasn't) paid me, doing bookkeeping, writing and sending invoices, catching up on paperwork and planning my diary for the upcoming week. I also spend time researching new products, ordering stock, chasing any late payments and responding to emails and enquiries. While admin tasks aren't my favourite part of the job, they're essential for keeping my business running smoothly and successfully. Then there's social media, which has practically become a job in itself. I really enjoy sharing content about my business and what I do across various platforms. It's always great to see a like or comment from you - it really makes my day! I also take time to complete training courses to keep improving my skills, so I often work on those in the evening as well. After about an hour or so of admin, I finally switch off for the night and get ready to do it all again tomorrow!