House cleaners talk about the extra tasks they didn’t really want, cleaning “tips” that weren’t so helpful, and those little things people do that just eat up their cleaning time. Since there’s no rulebook for this, these pros to tell us about those well-meaning habits that actually drive them a bit nuts. Let’s begin with:
Cleaning before they arrive
While you might genuinely think you’re assisting by cleaning before your housekeeper arrives, the impact depends on your definition of cleaning. If you’re hastily mopping a dirty kitchen floor or wiping granite countertops with a wet sponge without drying them, cleaning professionals express gratitude but prefer you not to. With the grime further embedded or streaks on the countertops, fixing these mistakes might take them more time. At the very least, they’ll need to redo the work.
Talking to them while they’re cleaning
As your housekeeper becomes more like a friend, engaging in personal conversations may seem natural. However, according to Laura Avila from Cleaning Fan, such chitchat can significantly disrupt their cleaning schedule. She recounts an instance where a personal discussion extended the cleaning time by 15 to 20 minutes. While housekeepers appreciate getting to know their clients, it’s essential to prioritize the primary goal of providing a clean space, as extended conversations can hinder that objective.
Despite your intentions to keep them company, it often comes across as hovering, rather than a polite gesture. House cleaners express discomfort when clients observe them working, feeling as though their cleaning skills are being questioned. The constant scrutiny can be distracting and unnerving, creating an atmosphere that may not align with the intended politeness of the gesture.
Customers who want to provide extra cash to their house cleaner through an agency may think they’re helping, but they may inadvertently cause issues. This additional payment could violate company policy, putting the cleaner at risk of getting in trouble. Moreover, professional cleaners schedule a specific amount of time for each job, and taking on an extra task might make them late for subsequent clients. Rachel Rios, a cleaning professional from Guelph Maids, notes that this situation also places the cleaner in the uncomfortable position of having to decline the offer and potentially disappoint the client.
Clients may avoid giving detailed instructions, thinking it could insult the cleaning professional’s expertise. However, vague requests like “Clean the living room” can lead to confusion about which areas to focus on or what cleaning products to use. This lack of clarity may result in uncertainty about the depth of cleaning required. According to Hugo Guerrero, a certified house cleaning technician and consultant at Mattressive, clear communication is crucial as each client has unique preferences. Providing specific instructions ensures the cleaner understands the task and avoids potential misunderstandings.
While you may believe you’re assisting your house cleaner by relocating sculptures, photographs, vases, and other home accessories from tabletops and shelves, it often leads to more work and confusion. This action leaves the cleaner unsure about the proper placement of these items and where to return them after cleaning. Additionally, there’s a risk of accidents, such as knocking them over or accidentally breaking them when putting them back in place.
Clients who are unfamiliar with proper bathtub cleaning may believe pre-soaking it with bleach is helpful, but this can pose serious risks for house cleaners. If the area is not rinsed thoroughly, a chemical reaction may occur with the cleaning supplies the professional is using in your bathroom. For instance, when bleach mixes with ammonia, it produces an odorless, toxic gas that can lead to respiratory distress and even death.
When scheduling conflicts arise, providing a key to your house cleaner seems like a practical solution to avoid last-minute cancellations. However, Olive Cantor of Centennial Supermaids in Colorado notes that this plan often doesn’t go smoothly. Issues like unavailable neighbors or missed doorbells can cause delays, impacting both the client’s cleaning and the cleaner’s entire day. Any well-intentioned gesture that unintentionally disrupts someone’s schedule is among the polite habits most people secretly dislike.
While it’s a thoughtful gesture to provide everything your house cleaner needs, insisting on the wrong tools and products can actually make the job more challenging. Leaving out numerous items with the intention to help may backfire, as it can create confusion and hinder the cleaner’s ability to navigate and determine the most effective way to clean each surface. Jenna Shaughnessy, a former professional house cleaner and current home decor and DIY expert, suggests that, despite good intentions, such actions may inadvertently complicate the cleaning process and extend the time required for the job.
While it’s natural to have preferences for how tasks are done in your home, it’s advisable to resist the urge to offer constant input to your house cleaner. Lauren Doss, owner of Nashville Maids, points out that frequent interruptions and direction-giving hinder efficiency. In a specific case where a client wanted things done in a particular way and consistently interjected, Doss mentioned it added significant time to the job as she had to double-check each step. Additionally, such behavior can indicate a lack of trust, even if it’s not as intrusive as the mentioned client.
Not wanting to burden your house cleaner with other home problems
While house cleaners don’t need to know every tiny maintenance detail about your home, they do appreciate being informed about issues that directly impact their job. For instance, a burned-out bulb in the fridge might not be crucial, but a clogged toilet certainly is. Failing to communicate essential information can lead to unexpected problems, as such oversights can be not only concerning and potentially dangerous for the cleaner but may also cause undue worry about being blamed for the issue.
This adds to the cleaner’s workload and can create unpleasant odors. Cleaners appreciate a kitchen free of dirty dishes so they can focus on cleaning surfaces and appliances.
Overflowing bins can be unsanitary and hinder efficient cleaning. It’s helpful if homeowners empty the bins before the cleaner’s arrival to facilitate a thorough cleaning.
While pets are beloved family members, they can be a distraction or even a hazard during cleaning. Securing pets in a specific area or outside can make the cleaning process smoother and safer.
Smoking inside the house can leave a lingering odor and residue that complicates cleaning. It’s considerate to avoid smoking indoors on cleaning days to maintain a fresh environment.
Scattered towels and laundry add to the clutter and can cause mildew or odors. Keeping laundry and towels organized helps cleaners focus on cleaning rather than tidying up.
Not Informing About Allergies to Cleaning Products
Cleaners need to know about any allergies to avoid health risks. Clear communication about product sensitivities ensures a safe cleaning experience for everyone.
Unrealistic expectations about what can be accomplished in a set time can lead to incomplete jobs. Discussing and agreeing on a reasonable workload ensures satisfaction on both sides.
If agreed upon, not having the right supplies can hinder the cleaning process. Ensuring all necessary supplies are available and in good condition is important.
House cleaners talk about the extra tasks they didn’t really want, cleaning “tips” that weren’t so helpful, and those little things people do that just eat up their cleaning time. Since there’s no rulebook for this, these pros to tell us about those well-meaning habits that actually drive them a bit nuts. Let’s begin with:
Cleaning before they arrive
While you might genuinely think you’re assisting by cleaning before your housekeeper arrives, the impact depends on your definition of cleaning. If you’re hastily mopping a dirty kitchen floor or wiping granite countertops with a wet sponge without drying them, cleaning professionals express gratitude but prefer you not to. With the grime further embedded or streaks on the countertops, fixing these mistakes might take them more time. At the very least, they’ll need to redo the work.