~ Hired a HouseKeeper...Questions?

[NatashaDisneyCM]

Hello, due to the fact I am having 2 knee replacements and I at this very moment have a torn Achilles Tendon and a fractured Knee...(don't ask)

I live alone, I hired a women, a local company to do some every other week stuff for me. That I can no longer do, sad, but true!

What do I need to know? Do you tip? I will be here when she is here, at least for the first time, I do not feel right about handing over my keys!

I would love to here what others have done, I am totally out of my field here! Any help would be great!

thanks!

 

[JerseyJanice]

Pre-gigantic dog, I had a cleaning service. I only tipped at the end of the year, and then I gave the same amount in cash that I paid bi-weekly.

You'll need to pick up any clutter before she comes to clean. I didn't allow my service to clean inside my China cabinet. I have too many valuables in there to trust anyone. (Heck, I barely trust myself with it--it's full of Hummels, Lladro's and such.)

You'll need to decide between you whether they will supply the cleaning products or they will use yours. I think it's a good idea to show them how your vacuum works and where you keep extra bags and filters.

Sorry to hear about your knee and Achilles tendon. Hope they heal soon!

 

[RachelEllen]

If you are paying the woman directly (i.e. she is the company) I don't think you need to tip. If she is a cleaner who works for the company you hired, I'd tip her. She's likely getting a fraction of what you are paying the company (minimum wage). Either way, I'd give a tip, usually a cleanings worth, at the end of the year.

 

[singleinthe city]

Did you make a list of tasks you expect them to do? Many services only do what I call "If I can see it, then I touch it, but don't expect me to do deep cleaning." You may be very disappointed in what is actually done.

I suggest you sit down at the computer and write out a very detailed list by room of what you expect.

A typical cleaning service will do the following in a bathroom:

• Windex mirror
• wipe down counter with same cloth used on mirror
• clean inside toilet with brush
• use foam spray to "clean" bathtub
• sweep
• wet swiffer floor
• fold the dirty hand towel and place on rack

to me that is just a once over that I would do if company was coming over in between. I expect my housekeeper to do the following in the bathroom

• Use Scrubbing Bubbles foam spray and hot water on all sinks and sink counter tops.
• Windex all mirrors
• Clean tub and all bath tub surround tiles with hot water and Comet with hand brush
• clean inside toilet with brush
• Wipe down outside of toilet with all purpose cleaner
• Wipe down all baseboards with wet cloth
• Sweep
• Use hot water, SpicNSpan and mop on floors
• Wash, dry and fold load of towels (dirty towels are stacked in tub)

I make sure that all the bathroom "clutter" is put away before she arrives. Hairdryer in cabinet, makeup, hair and toothbrushes in drawers so she doesn't clean around but actually cleans the full surface.

Edit: I also provide all cleaning supplies. I find that if they provide they use as little and a cheap as possible.

I only tip at Christmas and I usually give a tip when she take some time off in the summer for vacation.

 

[NatashaDisneyCM]

ok, Thanks!
Yes, she said she will do everything from floors, dusting everything, she will even do my closet! It is a walk in. She said I do not have to touch nothing she will do, and that it is including in my price.

She owns the company and will be doing it herself. I do not have a big place and up until recent times, I have kept it very clean.

She said she will charge more the first time, due to getting things back in order etc...But the price I thought was great!

It is scary being on crutches and looking at how to clean the shower!! lol
she is also a CNA. Told me not to move!! lol

This is not heavy work, just your basics!

But thanks everyone, I will have my list!

 

[katesorad]

Purchase a small safe at Target or Wal Mart and put your valuables in it. My parents have had housekeepers come to their home for years and when I was a kid, my grandma was staying with us and she had her earrings that my grandpa purchased her before he passed away out on her nightstand on a dish along with her watch and a couple other things, and the housekeepers took the earrings.

 

[Art 1]

It is not normal to tip. My wife lets them take what they want from the fridge and makes a lunch for her if she is home.

 

[rie'smom]

My housekeeper is a dynamo. She does all the cleaning and laundry. She even writes up lists for the store and cooks. Girtie has been with us for 30 years and is a wonderful sweet woman.