It cannot be accessible even when your house cleaner is the one you are parting with. A healthy client-cleaner relationship can significantly improve your quality of life. However, a messy match can lead to disappointment and stress.
Renee Kraus owns and founded Renee’s Cleaning Services, located in Chaplin, Connecticut. She believes each client should have a positive working relationship with their cleaner. Kraus believes that the homeowner should enter a clean and cheerful home. They don’t have to worry if the bathroom or kitchen is clean. “Trust is essential.”
How do you know it’s time to say goodbye to the house cleaner you have and hire someone else? Continue reading to discover the signs that you should make a fresh start.
These familiar red flags are worth a look.
Try to save the relationship with your cleaner if it has been long-term. This may be difficult, especially if the two of you have developed a strong bond over the years.
Consider the issues you have with your cleaner and whether a simple discussion can help resolve them. You may only be able to work together if your cleaner has responded to your concerns after you have tried to talk to them. Other red flags you should be aware of include:
The cleaning could be better.
It’s hard to beat the satisfaction of a newly cleaned home — or the frustration you feel when you have to clean up the mess left by your housekeeper.
Johnny Pallares of De La Rosa House Clean, Phoenix, says insufficient cleaning can happen frequently. However, this issue can be resolved by communication. When we clean multiple homes daily, it is easy to overlook certain things.
This is a warning sign, but it doesn’t mean you should immediately walk away. Pallares suggests that you should take it as an indication that your cleaner would benefit from feedback. Make sure your expectations are in line with the cleaner’s services. For example, don’t expect a deep clean when you pay for a standard one.
If you have spoken to your cleaner and they still don’t improve, it is time for you to move on.
Your cleaner doesn’t communicate.
You may need to schedule an extra deep cleaning for a party or search for something you might have misplaced while cleaning. After you call or text your cleaner, it’s several days before you hear back. You can only sometimes expect your cleaner to be at the end of the line waiting for you to call. But you should be able to rely on them to communicate with you promptly and efficiently, especially regarding important issues.
Kraus believes that solid communication can resolve any problem. Ask your cleaner to use another product if the fake pine smell is not for you. If you have a specific task in mind, specify it. This is a service meant to simplify your life.
Your cleaner is constantly changing the price.
Before setting their prices, most cleaners will come to your house and do a walkthrough. They will also estimate the time it will take for cleaning. Then you can agree or negotiate the rates before they start.
Your cleaner may raise their prices in the future. You must decide if you are comfortable with these changes.
There are several reasons why cleaning rates may increase.
Addition of a pet or new family member.
Expanding your living space.
Costs of cleaning products and payroll expenses are rising.
Kraus says that if the cleaner’s rates increase without any explanation beyond what you are comfortable with, then it might be time to sit down and have a serious discussion with them.
How to break up with your cleaner.
A Los Angeles resident, Stephanie Hoberman, is familiar with cleaning breakups. She has had to do this multiple times for reasons that range from theft to poor communication and inadequate cleaning. She says that she fired them before they arrived the next time. “There was no need for them to come so far and then be let go,” she says. “Most of my communications were via email or text, so I told them that way. Most were very understanding.”
You may feel tempted to ghost your cleaner or be dishonest to avoid conflict. It’s easier to ghost your cleaner, but explaining why you have decided to leave is better.
“Be honest — don’t sugar coat it,” says Pallares. Tell them if you are not satisfied with the cleaning. When clients cancel our cleaning services, we always ask them for feedback. We want to understand why this happened and how we can prevent it from happening again with future clients. We will train our cleaners to improve in the areas where we need more. “We always thank our clients for their feedback.”
It doesn’t need to be dramatic or awkward. You can send a simple text or email.
What is the best cleaner?
The best way to move on from an ex-partner is to find someone new. You want your house to stay clean while searching for a cleaner. You can also hire a house cleaner listed on Care.com if they come highly recommended by your family, friends, or neighbors.
You can review profiles here, compare prices, send messages to potential cleaners, and read reviews.
Getting things started right is essential once you have found the perfect cleaner for your home.
Setting clear expectations will help you avoid future problems. Kraus suggests that the first time you have your housecleaner over, you must have an honest and transparent discussion with them. She means addressing the following points:
If they have a checklist, ask them if that is what they use.
Ask if there are any specific tasks you would like completed (i.e., if ceiling fans, baseboards, and mini blinds are included in the cleaning or if you can add them).
Ask if you can get the upholstery included if you have pets.
Keep the relationship professional. Pallares says that whenever he gives an estimate to a potential client, they say, “Our last cleaner worked for us for many years and felt like part of our family.” It’s hard to fire someone who is a member of your family, so avoid this route. Professional courtesy is essential when you are paying for services. Treating them like any plumber, handyperson, or electrician would be best. “With respect and professionalism.”