Any advice about having a cleaner ( for the first time)

Me and my family are all living together at the moment . The girls cleaner ( they shared the same one) comes every week to clean . I like to do my own ironing but like the fact I now don’t clean and she cleans my bedroom for me including changing the bed.

I’m interested that you mention her only coming every other week, surely most things need to b e cleaned every week. We seem to have worked out the hours ok and our cleaner comes twice a week as it’s a large house. She is very competent and is a very nice woman. When I am making tea I make her one too and we have a quick chat. She doesn’t take advantage and finishes everything, the house is sparkling.

How do you find one who doesn't gossip about you to other people?

I think I'd have to have a professional firm in to give the house a deep clean from top to bottom first.
When an estate agent came the other week to give us a valuation he said our house is 'immaculate'. To say I was astonished is an understatement although I had given it 'a lick and a promise'!
As I can't do what I used to do it looks as if it needs a good spring clean to me.

What would you expect to be done in two hours? if the cleaner is fit, then:
It depends what you think is essential - probably dust all downstairs rooms, vacuum downstairs, steam clean kitchen and other hard floors and clean the bathrooms.
The stairs if there was time.

What about window cleaning inside? If you want that done every time that could take 2 hours for a house.

Sara1954

She's the one I need, Sara*!
she has children which makes her slightly unreliable
I have toys ...

Callistemon
So do I, a whole playroom full.
But her little ones seem to be constantly unwell, really hope they grow out of it.
Every time I employ a cleaner I promise myself we won’t become friends, but gradually I’m sucked in, at work I can ask someone to do something and expect it to be done, at home I’m useless.

But her little ones seem to be constantly unwell, really hope they grow out of it.
And you can't be too careful at the moment either!

I remember my Mum, when she was ill, having a cleaner who was also a neighbour and Mum complained that she 'dusted round things' and missed corners.

I’m not above setting the odd trap here and there Callistemon, but not necessarily with this super cleaner!

Necessary not necessarily

Germanshepherdsmum

Remember the thread about the cleaner who wouldn’t clean the shower trap? If you want that done say so straight away!

I agree with the comment about getting ‘stuff’ out of the way to make cleaning easier.

I’d love a cleaner but can’t justify it solely on the grounds of my hatred of housework and downright laziness!

I’m the same! Plenty of time and well able to do it myself, but I hate it - have to force myself.

You’re not alone there!

Basically my cleaner cleans all surfaces ie dusting or wiping with a product in kitchen and bathroom, moving things to one side first and then mops or hoovers the floor, including under mats and rugs. She also cleans mirrors and paintwork and uses a long handled duster to get into high corners to remove cobwebs. In each two hour visit she cleans five rooms plus bathroom and hall, stairs are done monthly when she goes upstairs to clean the dormer bedroom which is only used by very occasional visitors.

A clean every two weeks is fine for me as I live alone and keep my house tidy and minimal with few ornaments or books. I do clean bathroom sink and toilet in between her visits and use a squeegee on my shower glass after every shower. I wipe down kitchen surfaces every time I cook but only sweep the floor if I spill crumbs!

I began using a cleaner last summer as my arthritis was getting worse and I was struggling to keep on top of things. I wish I had got one sooner as it is such a relief not to worry about the cleaning anymore, I have more energy for my hobbies and socialising and can relax when I am in my house.

That is helpful, thanks Teacheranne.

I agree with "make it clear" - my cleaner is somewhat reluctant to move things!

Mine comes 2x per week as we have three children here, 2 under 5!. She is a God send as I know that for at least 2 days the house will look and smell fresh and clean. I found her via facebook local group and picked her because she is around my age and I hoped (and was right) that we would get along. Someone else pointed out that its vital to get on with your cleaner and that is true. I set out at the start what I would like her to do and I keep it realistic! She hoovers and steam cleans floors, dusts and cleans sink and work tops and the hob, she cleans the oven on request. She cleans interior windows and deep cleans the bath room and she does some ironing. I am not always in when she is here but she likes to turn Alexa on for music and thats fine by me. I work from home so I tend to be in when she arrives but have to go out mid morning.
I always make sure I have a chat with her for a few minutes and offer her a drink.

she cleans the oven on request
She sounds like a saint, jenpax!

Jenpax
Like you I have three children here, and where I am very tidy, like things clean and organised, my daughter and her children are absolute slobs!
So I also feel that for at least a day or two, things are clean.
She also organises the children, moves things around to make things easier to keep tidy, and she has completely reorganised the playroom. My daughter and I are usually impressed, and wonder why we never thought of it, but my twelve year old granddaughter hates her moving her stuff, I just tell her, if she moved it herself, N…… wouldn’t have to.