Housework/Cleaner

If you can afford it and don’t want to do your own cleaning, go for it.

It will give someone a job if that makes you feel better about it.

My daughter has a cleaner once a week for a couple of hours, saying that she does up stairs & down stairs , she was recommended to her, she wouldn't do without one ... go for it if you want to, although I would personally ask for recommendations to be on the safe side ... no disrespect to anyone ... you also have to feel comfortable with the person you are employing ... if possible check out 2 or 3 then go with who you want to, even have a friend with you to help decide, yours is the final decision though

I can’t see any problem. I’m in the same boat - lost my mojo. Had a cleaner when the family was young but had good reasons. A friend has just used a national company for a one-off and is very disappointed with her £120 investment. I’d try a word of mouth recommendation first.

Seems like 2 threads for this

I take the attitude that as long as your money is honestly come by and you are not doing harm with it, then you should do what you like.
If you want, do an 'audit' of how you want to spend your time, energy and money and decide what works best for you.

If you do decide to get a cleaner, then see previous threads about agencies, payment etc. If it suits, you can, after a few weeks, use the cleaner's time to go out.

I've got a cleaner now. Once a week for 2 hours. Worth every penny. I found them via word of mouth. They tidy as well as clean which is wonderful and I wasn't expecting.

I had a fall a few years ago and damaged my right wrist which has never come back to full mobility. I have a cleaner once a week for 2 hours and she does all the stuff I can't manage - it's money well spent and I usually utilise the time she's here to go and do my supermarket shop.

No need to justify it, just enjoy!

Why do you need to justify having a cleaner? If you want one and can afford it, have one. The reason you get one is irrelevant.

Good idea.
Lots of people grateful for extra cash just now so hope you don't have any difficulty finding someone who suits you.
Please don't feel guilty at all about not 'helping', just feel that you have done your stint over the last 70 years.

Defo go for it Denil....Move into another room when person is cleaning that way you won't feel the need to offer to help.....I would go for someone who is recommended by a friend/family and don't use a company as sometimes they send out different cleaners....Good luck Denil

I have

I often see people recommending cleaners on our local facebook pages. Might be worth a look. Or do any friends have one?

We all have to do what is best for us and how you spend your money is up to you. If you're paying a cleaner you're not expected to 'help'. But I would say to make the most of what you are paying for make a list of the jobs you find most difficult and then make sure she understands what you want her to do each visit.

Having contributed earlier and read the thread again, I can endorse all the advice given. A slight warning would be to check on insurance - eg. if your cleaner slipped off a stool - could you be help liable? A professional company should have their own insurance, but I’d check just to be certain.

help?? held.

Please, just go for it. I have had a cleaner since I was ill, and it is just marvellous. It helps perhaps that I knew her before I asked for her help.
You will not regret it, but research first or ask for recommendations.

I have had a cleaner and been a cleaner. I much prefered the homeowner being out of the way when I cleaned as they would chat and hold me up. I also liked to be told what the client wanted to be cleaned.

The first visit always takes longer, getting used to equipment and layout, don't let that put you off more will get done as time goes on.

Georgesgran

Good advice about insurance

I had a cleaner many years ago when I had a bad back and would have to be really bad before I had one again. I just hate a stranger in my house. We went out when our cleaner came but I felt we were being put out of our home . My DDIL had a cleaner after an operation and her mother was visiting while we were there. He mum is from a middle east country and used to servants and was keen to show this poor lady how the cleaning should be done . I had to stop her interfering . I also had a quiet chuckle when the cleaning lady told her that she managed to work because the children were with their nanny . The nanny of course was grandmother not paid help .

I now have a cleaner for two hours every fortnight. She has a key in case I am out but I tend to be in as she comes fairly early so after a quick chat about what needs doing, I sit in my bedroom while she does the lounge then move into the lounge while she carries on.

Actually I usually have two cleaners for one house, the owner of the company plus someone else which varies so they are not really here long. I pay by direct debit later that day.

She came for an initial visit to discuss what I wanted doing, all the main areas each visit but my two spare bedrooms and craft room on a rota basis, depending on which has been used or not cleaned for a while.

I have cleaner for 3 hours each week. I work hard and don’t want to spend my days off cleaning. She has been coming for about 5 years and is worth her weight in gold. I tend to go out when she’s here and take the opportunity to go to the library, DH retreats to the study as he works from home. She has a key so it doesn’t matter if we’re out or away.
You should never feel guilty, after all you’re providing an honest job for someone.

You are perfectly entitled to have a cleaner if you want one.
I would if I could afford it.

Just go for it. I had a cleaner when I worked but gave up when I retired. I soon realised that by myself alone I no longer had the energy or the inclination to clean to the standard I was doing.
DH has had to step in since retirement with some of the heavier jobs I cannot do because of health issues. We have agreed when it is no longer possible for either of us we will get a cleaner, by recommendation or I always used a recommended agency then they can do any negotiations for you, and have a month's trial.
You do not have to feel you have to go out, choose a room, maybe a spare bedroom and turn it into a second sitting room and spend your time in there whilst the cleaner is getting on.

We have had a cleaner since no 2 son was born. Our first few cleaners came twice a week but now we have 1for 2 hours a week. She does upstairs one week and downstairs the next.

We are lucky that we can afford it but there are lots more things we would prefer to do so we are happy to provide employment for someone else.

We tidy up before she comes so she has a clear run and it is a good way of making us keep the place looking presentable.

I too have a cleaner, she comes once a fortnight and vaccums upstairs as i cant carry hoover up the stairs safely. She also changes my bedding on the day she calls. If any time left she hoovers through downstairs and handbrushes the stairs. She is my 'little treasure'. We always have a coffee when she gets here and usually end up having some lunch together. Most times she comes she brings me a bunch of flowers. We are friends and have known each other for many years. Dont know what i'd do without her. After my operation next week she will come once a week as i doubt i will be up to cleaning anything!!!!