Choosing Domestic Cleaners - How To

By Nick Burke

Are you thinking about taking on domestic help?

Are you tired of interviewing cleaning ladies that once engaged do not meet your expectations?
Then perhaps I can help.

I have worked as a full-time domestic cleaner for the past five years, building up a sizeable round which gives me a decent income. During this time I have had discussions with householders and other domestic cleaners; I reluctantly concede that negativity does seem to go with the territory, but sometimes there is fault on both sides.

Below are a few tips that may come in useful if you wish to change your existing help or wish to engage domestic help for the first time.

1) Dont rush into it.- A common fault is to put off engaging a domestic cleaner until you reach desperation point. Even if you have reached that point, stay calm a few weeks shouldn't make much difference and it will certainly pay off in the long term.

2) What duties do you wish your cleaner to perform? - Not everyone can afford to have all their household duties performed by an outside party, especially if your house is on the large size. Be selective in order to get the most out of your routine clean.Have your cleaner do the tasks you least like doing yourself. In my experience kitchens and bathrooms are often the rooms that exasperate householders the most. The general washing down of paintwork is also usually high on the list. In short, decide on what you feel will make the biggest difference.

3) How many hours do you require per clean? - Be realistic in what your cleaner can achieve. Experienced cleaners can invariably perform tasks at a greater speed but they still only have one pair of hands. Estimating how long it would take you to complete all the duties yourself should give you a ball park figure.

4) How much can you afford to pay? - This has to be linked to the duties you wish your cleaner to perform. Don't be tempted to substitute quality for quantity, its better to have for example three rooms cleaned thoroughly than five rooms cleaned to a poor standard. If necessary reduce the duties on your list.

5) Hourly pay versus task based - Cleaning agencies and individuals generally operate on an hourly basis. This for me is by far the preferred method as the control remains firmly with the householder. Nightmares abound regarding task based cleaners and the increased likelyhood of inferior standards in order that they may leave the premises in record time.

6) Where can I find a cleaner?

Cleaning Agencies: Will generally provide you with a sucession of poor quality cleaners whilst promising you the earth. You will have to pay an agency fee for the duration of the contract as well as paying the cleaner on each visit. In my experience any cleaner who can provide an adequate service will eventually dispense with their agency at their earliest convenience and set up independently.

Advertisements in shop windows: Buyer Beware! Check references fully and never reply to an ad that only gives a mobile phone number.

Recommendation: Always the best way. If the cleaner is unable to take you on immediately, perhaps it's worth waiting until he or she can. Cleaning slots become available for a host of reasons - people move away, decide they can no longer afford a cleaner, even die.

Place an advertisement: Again shop windows are not the ideal hunting ground so why not place your advertisement in the local newspaper or local magazine.

Alternatively by placing an ad in the local Job Centre/Employment Centre you are more likely to find someone who is legally registered for work. Domestic cleaning is endemic in the black economy. Those claiming benefits and using income from cleaning to supplement may be less reliable than individuals that cannot afford to take time off work because it is their legitimate income.

What should I expect from my cleaner?

You should expect your cleaner to be trustworthy, reliable, hardworking and discreet.

How much should I be willing to pay?

Always above the minimum wage. Remember your cleaner is not party to the usual benefits of PAYE such as sickness benefit, holiday entitlement and employment protection. So for example an hourly rate of £7.50 works out considerably less when the above factors are taken into account.

Always treat your cleaner with the respect he or she deserves. We come from all walks of life. Until the stigma attached to domestic cleaning is finally

removed it will continue to attract unprofessional individuals, so do your bit to stamp it out.

Visit http://www.oph-good-housekeeping.com for more cooking and good housekeeping tips

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