Expert housekeepers share the customer actions they find most irritating.
Anyone fortunate enough to have a house cleaner understands the value of their service as a true blessing. Their efforts deserve compensation that is both equitable and reflective of a pleasant interaction within your space. We’ve previously discussed
What cleaners hope you would do prior to their arrival.
(Yes, you need to clean up), however, what other methods can we use to guarantee they perform their tasks efficiently and comfortably? Below are insights from the proprietor of a renowned cleaning company along with several experienced cleaners on Reddit regarding the behaviors that irritate them.
Meet Our Expert
-
Melissa Maker,
operator of a cleaning business in Toronto, writer of
Clean My Space,
and creator of the YouTube channel
Clean My Space
You’re Way Too Chatty
Certainly, you ought to welcome them courteously and provide any necessary instructions, as per Maker. “However, after that, step back and allow your cleaning staff to commence their tasks.” Avoid delivering an extensive speech or engaging them in long discussions. Given your position of authority, Maker observes, they might hesitate to end the chat. “Should you tend to talk a lot, they will likely attempt to reciprocate out of politeness, which could distract them from concentrating on their duties,” he adds.
You’re in Their Way
If you keep following them and commenting on their tasks, or stay in the same room they’re attempting to tidy up, “it can feel quite awkward,” according to Maker. She adds from personal experience, saying, “No matter where I moved, they seemed to be constantly present. It’s important for me to concentrate.” Hence, she recommends giving your house cleaner some privacy. Likewise,
a frustrated cleaner from Reddit
recollected, “I had a client begin preparing food just as I was in the process of tidying up the kitchen!”
Another wrote,
I was tidying up a mirror when I noticed the homeowner gazing at me from the reflection over my shoulder. It gave me goosebumps as if I were in a scary film.
The maker notes that it’s best if you vacate your house completely. However, if leaving isn’t an option or not desirable, collaborate with your cleaning professional regarding their schedule upon arrival. For instance, “I have a Zoom meeting at 11:30; thus, would it be possible for you to begin in my office and later move to another area?” she proposes.
You Request They Handle Additional Chores (Without Extra Payment)
A common grievance voiced by house cleaners on Reddit involves clients who request extra duties beyond the initial agreement once the cleaner has finished their main tasks. A user posted: “Once I have taken off my gloves, washed my hands, and started packing up, the client would say, ‘Before you leave, can you just handle this one more thing?’ This last-minute ‘thing’ often turns out to be an extensive and demanding chore.”
The maker points out that it’s unjust to automatically expect cleaners to handle tasks like doing your laundry and washing dishes piled in the sink, since these duties generally fall outside their usual responsibilities. They advise having a discussion beforehand: “Could you additionally change and launder my bed linens, operate the dishwasher, and tidy up after yesterday’s meal? I’ll compensate for an additional hour.” The maker emphasizes being realistic about what can be expected; if more extensive cleaning is required, consider offering higher payment accordingly.
You Back Out at the Final Moment
They depend on that income,” Maker states. “Give them some leeway to secure another reservation for additional earnings. If you must cancel with only 48 hours’ notice or less, consider offering to compensate them fully or partially. It’s worth a try since they may accept it, though there’s no guarantee; nonetheless, it’s the ethical course of action.
If you or anyone at your place is unwell but plans to attend, inform them about their condition. “You might suggest wearing a mask yourself, or ask if they would be willing to do so. Discuss this and find out what level of comfort they have with it.”
You Skimp on Supplies
Ahead of time, determine if your cleaner will provide their own materials or require additional items from you, as suggested by Maker. Typically, despite bringing certain equipment, they may still need fundamental supplies such as sponges, cloths, and mops. “Ensure they have everything needed to succeed; simply handing them a spray bottle filled with water and a roll of paper towels won’t suffice,” she adds. Poor-quality tools lead to unsatisfactory outcomes. Additionally, a user on Reddit mentions frustration when clients offer an abundance of cleaning cloths initially only to end up providing inferior options later, leaving the worker with low-quality, absorbent-resistant remnants.
Should an item you possess—a varnished tabletop, say—demand a specific cleaning solution, supply said product to those handling the task. As Maker emphasizes, “Make sure they understand how to properly utilize it.” Similarly, inform them whether you favor non-toxic or DIY cleaners. This discussion should ideally occur when selecting your cleaner, ensuring compatibility with your preferences.
Related:
8 Items I Frequently Restock as a Cleaning Professional
You Fail to Provide Helpful Input
Maker points out that some individuals find it challenging to provide feedback to someone who cleans for them. However, avoiding this conversation and simply feeling frustrated or deciding to look for another cleaner isn’t helpful. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining politeness and rationality. “It’s crucial to convey your concerns tactfully,” Maker advises. For instance, one might say something along these lines: “‘Susie, I truly value everything you accomplish here, and you consistently perform admirably. Yet, I’ve observed that the baseboards haven’t received as much attention recently, which means quite a bit to me. Could we perhaps figure out how to address this issue? Do you require additional tools?’” As with many others, professional cleaners generally respond well to respectful yet straightforward communication.
Read the initial article on
Real Simple
