Finding a home help

I agree with others inasmuch as ask around for personal recommendations.

Otherwise, in your position i would consider going to a Cleaning Company/Agency. They are well used to adhoc requests. You will be able to state what you want (and what you don't) and be able to say you will supply your own cleaning products and materials due to allergies. With a company you are in a position of being able to increase/decrease frequency and if someone doesn't 'suit' or doesn't do what you have asked (within reason of course) you can give this feedback. Plus there is the reassurance of the individuals of being insured and DBS checked.

To start having someone in your home is daunting and I hope you find the right person to help, Good luck.

Not quite sure why I'm like this as we have a pet-sitter comes in when we're not here and I'm quite happy to leave her a key. Maybe it's just I'm wanting to do my own cleaning . When OH does things, he's happy for me to say use this cloth or do it like this or whatever - because he wouldn't know what was what otherwise. He does do all the hoovering.

Anyway I think I just need the right person who doesn't make me feel like a poltergeist hit the house.

It sounds like it might be me that's the problem then. I'm finding it hard having someone in the house doing things when I've always had my own way of doing things. I'm at home a lot so found it hard having someone doing things upstairs without me being involved. I think if it was the right person, that wouldn't bother me. It's an old house with grungy nooks and crannies so I feel I want to explain how I normally deal with bits like that.

But the main this is I hate the smell of most cleaning sprays etc and they affect my breathing. I always used minimal cleaning materials. I don't expect it to be shiny - just done.

Are you on Facebook and do you have a local Facebook page?

Often people ask such questions on ours about recommendations for cleaners, gardeners, DIY people etc.

This might not work if you live in a large town or city but in a smaller neighbourhood where people generally know or know of each other, it can work well.

Ask around your neighbourhood. It’s always good to go by recommendation.
I’ve always had a cleaning lady (because I’m lazy). One was with me for about 20 years. She was a young widow. And then she met someone who swept her off her feet. She deserved to be happy.
I’ve had one or two since, but they have never matched up to her. It’s a husband and wife now. I usually leave a note/list of what I want them to pay special attention to ie kitchen doors, bath. But one thing they do every time is, strip and change the
beds, sheets, pillowcases, duvet etc.
I usually go out for a couple of hours while they are in the house.
Good luck - I hope you find someone suitable .

My lovely cleaning lady does her own thing !
I go out and leave her to it
If I have ironing she does it without being asked
If I have stripped the bed she asks if I want it made up
If I want the windows cleaned she does them but misses something else , I’m happy with that

"I would think about the things you really need help with and write them down for her. Write down things that you would like doing but are not as important and also things she need not do."

Thank you. I did that. It was ignored - particularly the things I asked not to be done. I did feel taken over and found it quite stressful to be honest. I think I just need the right person and someone who's happy to use my choice of cleaning stuff.

I would think about the things you really need help with and write them down for her. Write down things that you would like doing but are not as important and also things she need not do.

You could discuss this over a coffee.

My Mum never had a cleaner until she was about 90 but she was very lucky as she was great. She hoovered, dusted, did ironing as necessary and cleaned the bathroom. Sometimes collected prescriptions, just over the road. Mum clung on to the things she was still able to do and when the bed needed cleansheeting, they did it together.