ladydukes

I have a good friend who has a cleaning lady once every two weeks. To tell you the truth, I really could not tell what she did! There were still spider webs and she must not even dust. I asked my friend what she expected of her cleaning lady and she said that she felt sorry for her because the woman recently lost her husband and son, and she knew that she didn't do that good of a job, and as long as she vacuumed and mopped she was happy... I told her if I lived close enough I'd be her cleaning lady! lol

madamekelly

I have hired a few different people to help with housekeeping chores, and this is what I have learned. 1. Do not hire the person who seems to need the work, desperation is not a good thing in a housekeeper. 2. Do not hire the person who you have so much in common with, that you both just keep talking, that will be what happens when she should be working. 3. While interviewing, watch the other person for what attracts their attention, if they are interested in your art collection, keep doing interviews. Even if you never plan to be gone when they are at your home, ask how they feel about working when you are absent. Beware the housekeeper who says "I prefer to work with no one home". Why does she prefer that working environment? If you will be absent diring working hours, invest in a nanny cam of some kind, for yours as well as her protection. I have one that I set up even when I am home, just to keep tabs.

After saying ing all of this, my current home helper is a gem. My last one was OK, but I never trusted her, and the first one was a knee jerk "help a young mom" impulse hire, big, big, mistake! She cost me several hundred dollars in broken tools and ruined items. ( I'm real glad she did not electrocute herself when she used my Bissel vacuum to clean up water she spilled in the kitchen, and no it was not a shop vac!)
Your state or local "in home health care provider registry" might be a good place to start. Here in Oregon they are registered and certified by the state and they do the background checks for you. Never skip the background check!

tessagin

Also be careful if they always carry a big purse with "junk". Friend of mine lost a necklace of sentimental value at the first interview. The necklace belonged to her grandmother from a nickel and dime, but it was the last Christmas gift she got from her. If they are very interested in everything you have the "red flags" will rise even if you miss them.

caspharm

Use a service that has a license and is bonded, most will background check their people. You could also check a site like Angie's list.

Mariah

I have had cleaning ladies from time to time. I was always there when she was cleaning, so never had any trust problems. As long as they come recommended by friends, ect, I would be surprised that there would be much of a chance of anything stolen ect.
Wish I had one now, but my DH is so god to do the vacuuming,ect, that we can do it ourselves for no.
Good luck! Mariah

rjwilder

I've had a cleaning lady for years, some good and some bad. I like hiring who my neighbor has or a friends recommended. One time I went with a service, first time great, I liked the ladies, second time different ladies came, every week it was someone else. This bothered me because now several strangers have been in my house and know what I have in my house, TV's, computers, etc. I'd say I'm home 90 percent of the time when the cleaning lady comes. Also I have a copy of her driver's license, make, model and license plate of her car. That way if something happens and I ever need to file a police report I have information to track her down.

Grace creates

If you have trust issues, it is best to not hire someone to clean your home. I have cleaned homes when my children were young, put myself through school by cleaning other's homes and at times when I just needed to supplement my income. Most of my client's were appreciative of my hard work and compensated me well. However, a few just made me miserable. Not only did they not appreciated my service but were insulting and degrading. One lady actually asked where I was going with her throw rug, when I was shaking out the dust and dog hair outside. Of course the few who did not treat me properly I soon replaced with respectful clients. Yes, I did this work because I needed the money as most people need their paycheck. I also enjoyed it when working for honorable people. It is not fair to the cleaning person if you have an issue and they have to deal with your issue as well as clean your home.

ctrysass2012

I agree, if you have trust issues it is best not to hire anyone. It won't matter if it's a service, you will still be uncomfortable.
I am a housekeeper. I have 2 clients; 1 for 9+ years the 2nd for just over a year. The 1st I have 'expanded' from just housekeeping to just about anything. Laundry, garden cleanup (2 acres of beds & paths), windows, just about anything she needs. If I can't, there is a handyman. I've also spent the night to take care of the dogs instead of a kennel. The 2nd lady is beginning to be the same. If either one didn't trust me to the point of installing a camera I would have a very hard time trusting them. Do you trust the people who recommended someone? If they are sure of their housekeeper, give it a try.

Sandygirl

If you have two two friends referring, that is your best testimony. Why are you questioning it?
Sandy

Rennie

I agree with you, Carmen. Stay away from cleaning services. I have tried 3 different services and either they didn't show up, or they did not do a good job. Turnover with services is frequent, and you often do not get the same people. The people I know who have cleaning done and are happy are those who use an individual that was referred to them.