Question about hiring a house cleaner

[velochic]

We are minimalists and have really no clutter.  Due to some things that have come up personally (my mother's health), I am hiring a woman to clean twice a month.  I like a very clean home and while it probably looks clean and neat to most people, there are some things that I just haven't had time to do recently (baseboards, cabinet fronts, dusting the tops of window trim, etc.).  I'm not OCD, so it doesn't cause me anxiety, it's just a preference to have a thoroughly clean home and we can certainly afford it, so it would free up a little more of my time.  I do some cleaning every day, anyway.  Really, just 30 minutes of straightening up and wiping down and the place is clean enough for company.  I just don't have time to do the deeper cleaning on the weekends right now.

I'm wondering what kinds of things are acceptable to ask someone to clean these days.  Before becoming a SAHM when dd was born, I had an actual housekeeper, who did the deeper stuff.  I do work part-time now and between that and taking care of my mom, my time is quickly becoming limited.  I'm not sure what to expect this time around with hiring someone and would appreciate any advice.  If I can only expect the things that I do on a daily routine, anyway, then it might not be worth it.  For example, I don't need someone to do dusting, as I do a quick dusting of things most days.  However, I moisturize my wood furniture with lemon oil that requires some time and buffing, etc. about once a month.  Those are the kinds of things I'd want done.  Any thoughts?  Thanks!

[KempsMama]

I would just be upfront when you interview, tell her extactly what you need done, how often, etc.  If it's not something she wants to do, she can decline the job.  I know a few house keepers that would be willing to do that kind of stuff though, so I don't think you'll have any problems.  Although if you are very particular, I would explain exactly what you want in detail.

[Caneel]

OP - you are describing our first house cleaner experience and it worked out great.  My neighborhood helped me write out exactly what I wanted done.  If you want the front of the cabinets done every visit, spell it out.  I think what you are asking for, assuming a fair wage, is absolutely acceptable.

I typed it out and my DH (who did the actual hiring) reviewed it with the first cleaner we hired.  She was thrilled and told me straight out that she loved deep cleaning but hated clutter management and would not have taken the job if we were "knick knacky".  She worked for us for more than 10 years until her health failed.  I miss her terribly :(

We have had two since then and they were not as excited about the deep cleaning, they were more of the type to fluff the pillows and dust around the lamp,

[Tumble Bumbles]

I agree with the PPs. It's like any other service. If you went to the hair dresser, you'd spell out exactly what you want and you wouldn't worry about whether it was 'okay' with them, ya' know? People can always turn down the position if it's not their cup of tea. Just being honest and straightforward, paying a fair wage, and having everyone agree upon expectations should be totally enough. Good luck!

[velochic]

Thanks all!  I really hope this gal is going to work out, and I didn't want to put her off from the start, YKWIM?  My friend has her come once a month and she (the friend) has a cluttered, dusty home with pets, etc.  My friend is very happy with her work and the woman is solidly booked.  She happened to have an elderly client just pass away, which is why she has an opening now.  She cleans surface stuff for my friend, but surface stuff is not an issue for me (and the deeper stuff usually isn't, it's just my current circumstances limit my time) and I don't want her to spend time going over something I've just done the day before.  For her fee ($10/hr.) it's too good a deal to do something to scare her off. 

[zebra15]

Id make a list that goes room by room. Starting from the entrance and going either right or left (same for all rooms) and list what you want done.

Room A

Cabniet Fronts-dust

Oil and poilsh all wood furniture

Clean all baseboards

Room B

Clean tops of window trim

Clean windows

Clean all baseboards

Etc.

This way the cleaning lady can check off each item as she does it.  She can also watch her time and write down how long each room takes if you like.  You can have a new sheet ready for her each time she shows up!

[mum4boys]

Wow $10 an hour. What a great deal. Will she be considered an independent contractor?

[velochic]

Originally Posted by mum4boys 

Wow $10 an hour. What a great deal. Will she be considered an independent contractor?

I won't be paying her above the $1700/year limit, so no.

[velochic]

Originally Posted by zebra15 

Id make a list that goes room by room. Starting from the entrance and going either right or left (same for all rooms) and list what you want done.

Room A

Cabniet Fronts-dust

Oil and poilsh all wood furniture

Clean all baseboards

Room B

Clean tops of window trim

Clean windows

Clean all baseboards

Etc.

This way the cleaning lady can check off each item as she does it.  She can also watch her time and write down how long each room takes if you like.  You can have a new sheet ready for her each time she shows up!

That's a great idea and I would personally like to do that.  However, I don't want to be too nit-picky.  I will see how she would feel about that and if she seems like it's too much micromanaging, I'll just try to keep it verbal.  Thank you!