Mistakes When Hiring A Cleaner

I frequently hear from potential clients who already have a cleaner but are unhappy for various reasons. In some cases, the dissatisfaction is due to valid concerns, such as breaches of trust or ongoing unreliability. However, in other instances, these clients could improve their relationship with their current cleaner by following a few simple guidelines.....

Be clear with your expectations - Before starting work with any new client, I always have a thorough consultation because clear communication is essential. Different cleaners have different standards, and we may prioritise certain tasks depending on the time available. If you have specific needs, be sure to communicate them to your cleaner! Creating a list of requirements can be very helpful when hiring a cleaner. Just keep in mind that if you do provide a list, make sure to give your cleaner enough time to complete everything properly. Achieving perfection takes time, especially when aiming for a high-detail clean.

Be reasonable with your expectations - This may seem obvious but unfortunately, it's a common issue across many industries. While we are professionals, we are still human, and there are limits to what we can do and how quickly we can do it. If you're working with a budget, it's important to align expectations with what can realistically be accomplished within those constraints. Most cleaners take great pride in their work, and it's always disheartening when a client is unhappy due to unrealistic expectations. There's only so much caffeine can do, and we can only work as fast as humanly possible.

Don't let the ball drop yourself - This is a common issue I often encounter - leaving everything as it is right before the cleaner arrives. If you don't want to do any cleaning beforehand, that's totally fine! However, I sometimes notice that the cleanliness and tidiness gets progressively worse after each clean, while the time allocated remains the same. If you're doing less on your end, it's important to allow more time for the cleaner to maintain the standards we both want!

Consider giving us a key - It just makes life easier for everyone if we're able to come in, whizz around and do our magic, all before you step in your fresh, clean home after running errands or working.

And remember - Kindness is key. I would always encourage you to talk to your cleaner first and try to rectify any issues before you consider looking for a replacement.

Over the years, I've received glowing feedback and testimonials from many satisfied clients, but even I'm not entirely immune to occasional issues, small concerns or feedback that falls short of my usual high standards. So, how do I handle this when it comes up? I make it clear to my clients that while exceptional cleaning standards are crucial, it's my communication that truly sets my service apart. It's also essential that my clients expectations align with what I can realistically deliver. I keep an open line of communication through text, email, phone calls and social media to discuss your needs and keep you updated. If a client ever expresses dissatisfaction for any reason, I use clear communication to resolve the situation and will always do whatever it takes to ensure the matter is handled positively. Ultimately, I strive to work with clients who understand my ethos and recognise that sometimes circumstances may prevent me from delivering a flawless service. When I find those clients, that's when the magic happens - meaning I rarely have issues to resolve!