Expectations about cleaners

Most definitely standard part of cleaning the kitchen.

We had a cleaner while I was studying for my final year of my degree. At first she was wonderful, even washed my windows every week. Then her standards started to slip. Even then she cleaned the draining board.

Yes I would expect draining board to be cleaned, but I don't think I would expect appliances to be wiped down. Haven't had a cleaner in four years though so I'm probably not particularly reliable.

I clean houses for a living and yes i include the draining board, wipe down the front of the washing machine, dish washer, microwave, kettle and toaster, all the unit doors. I wouldnt clean inside say like the microwave or oven unless they specifically asked. I would have a word with her and point out the things you expect to be cleaned x

Surely the point in having a cleaner is so you don't have to clean? So if you are coming home and having to clean she obviously isn't doing her job right. Tell her

That is my thought! Glad to know l am not expecting too much like Mr Erin thinks

As someone who has just sacked their last cleaner I can completely understand what you mean. Up north my cleaner was fab. She went through with me before she started what was important to me and which bits weren't. So I wanted the kitchen and ensuite bathroom done every week but if the lounge was dusted once a fortnight that was fine.

Down south I have struggled to find a decent one. Most of them have minimum hours depending on the size of the house but that doesn't take into account how many people live there and how messy you are. I clean as I cook and with no kids down here I know I only need two hours a week.

I sacked my last cleaner because I was paying for two hours a week and they were only doing one. I knew something was amiss as the standard was awful and it looked like the cleaning had been really rushed. When I complained they said that they didn't have enough time to do a proper clean and if I wanted one I had to increase to 3 hours per week. I knew I didn't need three hours so I turned into an MI5 agent to find out what time they were coming and going (I'm too embarrassed to admit here what I did as it makes me sound nuts. my OH thought I was) I considered taking them to court but couldn't be bothered. When I tackled them I asked them to confirm the exact time they entered and left my house and when they realised they had been rumbled I just got my key posted back through the door.

I was really annoyed as I had chosen a local family run firm. This time I have gone for a franchise chain and so far the cleaner I have is sooooo much better.

So yes do have a chat with them and discuss what is important and your expectations. Try and make sure you get the same cleaner every week. And also make sure they are doing the hours you are paying for.

Tell us what you did Cinnamon?!!

I want a cleaner, but all the quotes I got were really expensive!

Yes, that's a pretty standard thing for them to do. I'd leave her a note saying you expect her to clean the draining board everytime she comes.

Maybe she generally needs a list of things you want her to do?

Rod i just got one from Gumtree, I put an add up and within an hour had 7 emails. You can sift through the emails "I clen your house, I have refarances" goes on the no pile ... we actually ended up with someone amazing, young mum from not far away, cleans for a few other families so we got references, and we took the keys to her house so we know where she lives. First time she came she left a note (asking for more dusters etc) and ended the note 'Have a lovely weekend, make sure to put your feet up'. We gave her a raise (we didn't feel we were paying her enough with what she asked for - felt she was possibly not confident to ask for enough.)

She cleans the draining board.

Mums a cleaner, I think she's be disgusted at that too. I'd look at get another one who takes it seriously.