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Expectations for housecleaning
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Anonymous
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I've been having communication and attention to detail problems with our cleaning people. I don't want to interview/hire/train someone else (I hate that process), but I'm also getting really annoyed with our situation, and not sure what else to do.
Issues: 1. Doesn't call me when I leave a note to call (on top of the check). (I work FT, so it's not possible to be home--their schedule is erratic.) This happened for 4 cleanings in a row, and I finally said no more cleaning unless you meet with me. 2. Can't follow written instructions (can't read, which I hate to gripe about, but it means we can't communicate except orally, and see point 1) 3. Grimy areas in bathrooms/on window sills after having the same house cleaner for over a year 4. Floor doesn't seem clean after they clean (wiping with a paper towel is brow/gray--noticed while picking up spilled baby food--and then I spot checked other areas, and everything was pretty dirty) 5. Not following my instructions (I have asked that they use cleaning cloths and reusable cleaning products or vacuum rather than swiffer sheets/rolls of paper towel, and they "agree" but then use up the swiffer/paper towels) Part of me feels like a meanie, but part of me is getting so annoyed by the communication problem. They are paid $100 and two people spend about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. I want someone I can communicate orally or in writing with, and someone who pays attention to details. But I also want to be fair and have reasonable expectations. suggestions? |
Anonymous
| Time for a new cleaning service. Sorry. They are hired to help you, not cause you more work and anxiety. |
Anonymous
| Sounds like they are cutting corners and you allow it to happen. Tell them they meet with you and discuss or you are terminating their services. Although given they do not seem to wash your floors, I'd be inclined to just fire them now. |
Anonymous
| Just another data point: You can get an "on the books" housekeeper for an 8 hour day once per week for $130 plus your share of employer taxes. If your house is small enough s/he probably would even do your laundry or at least wash your linens and change the sheets. |
Anonymous
| Informal surveys through the Cleveland Park listserv have found that the hourly rate is generally $20 to $25. We pay $25, used to pay $22. |
Anonymous
| 18:19 here. Yeah, they say that on my neighborhood listserv too (Chevy Chase), but it turns out they usually just want somebody for a few hours, not all day. My housekeeper started at that salary and now comes two days a week at $330/week for two eight hour days, plus a lunch break. She's been with us since my 7 year old was a baby and gets a 5% raise every year plus bonus, vacation, etc. Reads and writes English like a dream, does all the laundry, and is paid on the books. For what OP is paying a service, I thought I would throw out there she might want to consider a different arrangement. Then again, she may not. |
Anonymous
Where can one find this setup? I would love something like that. We love our longtime (legal) cleaning person and she does a good job (not amazing, but solidly very good), but I do think she is overpaid. She comes every other week and we pay her $120, and she stays approx. 3 to 3 1/2 hours. We give her a 5% raise every year. |
Anonymous
| We got ours through an agency. |
Anonymous
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OP- Am having similiar problems with our cleaning people(Co-op in chruch basement-not a house). It's SOOOO frustrating. I call since leaving notes in English and Spanish didn't work and end up being on the phone 2-3x a week-the head women Yes Maams me then whatever I've asked them to do goes undone half the time. Plus I don't think I should have to tell the cleaning people to clean the bathrooms... anyway 1 more week and we're replacing for next year. With the hassle they are causing me it would practically be easier to do it myself and save us $$$.
I'd say look for someone new-I didn't want to but cant make it work. |
Anonymous
| Where do you live? I'm in Burke and can definitely recommend my cleaner. Let me know if you are interested in recommendation. |
Anonymous
| Also have recommendation. I'm in Fairfax, and my nanny's husband has a cleaning company--all by the books and they do terrific work. |
Anonymous
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OP here, we are in Alexandria.
FWIW, we also have a dog that sheds. I don't think we're being taken advantage of, because they generally do a pretty good job, although our nanny says they spend much less time if I'm not working from home on the day they come. It's just the communication issue. What I wish for, is being able to write up a check list--do this, check that, etc. I suppose a good cleaner wouldn't need a checklist. but overall, it sounds like I'm not being obsessive (I am so damn tired of second guessing myself.) Thanks for the responses If anyone has recommendations for a cleaner who works in Alexandria, please let me know, thanks |
Anonymous
| fire em. they stink! |
Anonymous
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These are great ideas!
18:54 in Burke. Can you recommend your cleaner to me? I'm in Springfield. I just got a new service and am not particularly happy, I would also love the one day a week housekeeper set up. So, 18:33 what kind of agency did you get your housekeeper through? |
Anonymous
I have a rec. for someone that works in Alexandria, as well as Burke, and other nearby areas as well as close in MD. I know them through my nanny, and they do GREAT work, and all speak English. Her name is Mariama and you can reach her at 202-390-7989 and 202-538-0079 or email setsettal@hotmail.com. |