Your regular housekeeper gleans a lot of information about you, your family, and your home. Usually, they won’t discuss much with you because they prefer a professional relationship. They may also like to tell you about how they prefer to clean and the type of relationship they would like to have. They often keep quiet about these things. Here is some information that could make your house cleaning experience more productive.
They Prefer To Clean Without You There
Cleaning an empty house usually goes quicker and more efficiently. Even if you are home, cleaners prefer that you stay in another part of the house. Let them do the job without interruption or treating them like a close friend or therapist.
Ease Of Access
Provide a key, access code, and alarm code to your housekeeper. Or be there to let them in at the agreed-upon time. If you are concerned about security, upgrade your lockset to allow one-time codes or ones with a fingerprint reader. Or leave a key with a neighbor or the doorman.
Is the Housekeeper Insured?
Housekeepers–especially the self-employed–may not tell you if they are licensed, bonded, and insured. If the cleaner doesn’t have coverage, you are liable for any injury or breakage that may happen.
Be Detailed and Definite
Housekeepers are not mind readers and most won’t tell you that they prefer detailed cleaning preferences from you. For instance:
- Laundry. Folded and put away or not.
- Dishes. Washed and put away or not.
- Preferred Cleaning Products. Provided by you or bring their own.
- Garbage. Bagged and disposed of or not.
- Etc.
Request the Same Cleaner Every Time
If you use a cleaning service, request the same cleaner–if you are satisfied. You get a better job. You don’t have to go over instructions again. You develop faith and trust. Many companies consider their employees interchangeable parts and discourage them from telling customers to request the same cleaner.
Things You Should Do To Get a Better Job
Cleaners don’t make demands of their customers. They rarely make suggestions or requests but if you want a better job and a cleaner house, they prefer that you do some of the following before they arrive.
- Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.
- Don’t leave clothes on the floor.
- Don’t leave kid’s toys lying around.
- Don’t leave towels and washcloths in the tub or on the bathroom floor.
- Don’t clutter up tables and chairs you expect to be dusted and vacuumed.
Skipping Cleaning Doesn’t Save Money
Housekeepers usually won’t tell you that skipping an appointment does not save money. Next time they are there the job takes longer, costs more, or things are not cleaned as well.
They May Hate Your Choice Of Cleaning Products
Cleaners won’t tell you if the products you supply don’t clean effectively. They prefer to keep their job and not to appear insulting. Asking your housekeeper’s opinion or explaining the reasons for your choices is beneficial for both of you.
If You Don’t Want Housekeepers To See It – Put It Away
Housekeepers rarely tell clients to keep private things private. Cleaners gain an intimate knowledge of your house and lifestyle–without snooping. If you don’t want them to know about your sex tapes or Barbie doll collection, put them someplace private–maybe in a locked closet.
Cleaners Appreciate Tips
Housekeepers never ask for tips but they appreciate a tip for a job well done. Or for cleaning something especially grimy. Or extra cleaning of something not usually included.
Sexy Jokes
Most housekeepers are female. They want to keep their jobs so they likely won’t tell you that they don’t appreciate your off-color jokes or innuendos. Keep your relationship professional.
