questions to ask cleaner

monkeychops

Well as much as I would like one I would never get a cleaner. Don't mean to put you off but one of my ex neighbours did cleaning in peoples homes and I know she used to look through their drawers, photos etc.

I have nothing to hide but do not want a stranger looking through my stuff!

Sambucus_Nigra

monkeychops wrote: »

Well as much as I would like one I would never get a cleaner. Don't mean to put you off but one of my ex neighbours did cleaning in peoples homes and I know she used to look through their drawers, photos etc.

I have nothing to hide but do not want a stranger looking through my stuff!

How did you know?

Just because 1 cleaner has no standards; does not mean they all are like that. Choose carefully, is my advice.

pearl123

Do make it a realistic time span to get the work done. And I would say don't pay peanuts - otherwise you might get a monkey. Mutual respect will bring about the best results. There are obviously areas which should not form part of your cleaners work load. Any unhygienic substances vomit etc should not really be expected to be cleaned up by a cleaner. (This I suspect would be obvious to you, however it is suprising how many people think a cleaner is a dogsbody.)
Please if you cleaner is not already aware of it - make sure that he/she is aware of not to mix cleaning products. For instance down the toilet. This can bring about an nasty mix of poisonous gasses/ explosion. You also have a responsibility as a householder to make it a safe enviroment to work in.
Be aware of the old trick of spray polish into the air. Do run your finger over object to make sure they have been done.

pippa80

Hmmm... well thanks for the advice MSErs. The chat went fine, she seemed happy with the list of tasks (I took off the floor treatment and the cupboards), was happy to bring her own equipment and supplies for a bit extra.

BUT... I'm a bit unconvinced by the references

I'd really prefer the money to go to someone local, and I definitely don't want to be paying someone less than the London living wage (and suspect the agencies pay less than this?). However, I don't want to be scammed.

Any bright ideas for finding a good cleaner in East London?

Teerah

What was the problem with the references?

pippa80

The actual letters themselves look ok. It's when I've phoned that it seems a bit fishy (or maybe I'm being paranoid?). I left a message with the first one who returned my call. She has a white british/anglo name, but had an eastern european accent. The second one didn't have an answering service, but texted back 'Please tell ur mum stall was not on today...sorry. Gonna try to sleep now don't call back'

:huh:

ETA - I know not everyone is listed etc, but neither name comes up in the BT directory or in google.