Help! My House Cleaning Service Sucks
When I first moved to my new neighborhood I tried a corporate cleaning service because I didn’t yet have a local recommendation.
One young woman came into our house alone. I don’t know if she was nervous, but I usually am when I meet new people, especially to work for them. She didn’t know my house or my priorities for the session. I didn’t know her and I was stressed out from moving, with a few packed boxes still in the corners of our rooms. Her company had a set time-limit and she did the best she could. At the end of a few hours, I realized I didn’t have cash on hand and the company’s payment method had no way to include a tip, which felt excessively cruel. Weeks later, when I read my credit card statement I realized I’d been charged twice for the session because of an admin screw up and had to call the office to dispute the second charge. Basically, it was a disaster and I never used that company again.
Complicated relationship
Hiring a professional cleaning service establishes a unique relationship. Unlike other service providers, cleaners enter your personal space repeatedly. This can create a complicated dynamic, and understanding this is the first step towards a successful partnership. Maybe you feel nervous to have someone all up in your stuff. Maybe you have a hard time trusting people you don’t know well. Let’s get into the nitty gritty of that dynamic.
You get what you pay for!
When using a large company, the pay rate reflects the value placed on the hard work of the employees. Remember, they are providing a service that contributes to your well-being, and fair compensation is essential. Generosity is even better! Human nature dictates if you believe someone cares about you, you want to do right by them.
If you are hiring through a cleaning service (in other words, if your cleaning team works for someone else) tip them every time! 20+%
They missed a spot!
Once I saw a few pieces of popcorn under my couch while I was lying on the floor in the living room. I didn’t think, “I can’t believe my beloved cleaning people didn’t lie down on the floor to double check under our couch!” Instead I reached under the couch and got the popcorn. It took 5 seconds and then ten more to walk it to the trash can. If you find a spot that was missed and it takes 30 seconds to remedy the problem, just do it and be thankful you didn’t have to clean the whole house!
If a chore is missed every time, just talk to them about it. People who come into your home to work aren’t trying to get away with something or steal things. They are usually hard working people who want to do a good job. And if you aren’t getting that vibe, it’s probably because the company you’ve chosen doesn’t treat them very well. Find a new company! Or, if that’s not possible in your small town, request the same crew and pay them more yourself, they will not want to lose your business.
Yes, you have to tidy before they arrive
Cleaners are there to clean, not to tidy up clutter. Tidying your space before their arrival ensures they can focus on cleaning efficiently. If you don’t have time to tidy, acknowledge that and increase their tip as a gesture of appreciation. Then don’t complain when you can’t find something after they tidied up for you. Just ask if they happen to know where the thing is.
First world problems
Hiring a professional cleaning service is a luxury and it’s practical solution for maintaining a clean home. By understanding the nuances of this relationship, considering fair pay, and communicating effectively, you can create a positive and mutually beneficial experience for both you and your cleaners.
Thanks for reading!