What is it like working as a cleaning women/house cleaner?

Question

I am currently out of work and just recieved an oppertunity to work as a cleaning women in two private homes. Does anyone have any experience doing this kind of work? I do not mind cleaning in general but does it get kind of boring cleaning the same thing all the time just to do it again? Am i going to be spending my whole day on my knees scrubbing cause that doesnt sound like much fun? How has your interactions with the house owners been? Any tips or advice would be great!

Answer 1

I used to be a cleaner. It's real work, but it's not difficult or even physically hard. It can be satisfying. If you do a good job, you can make good money, because there are a LOT of lousy house cleaners out there.

A major factor is whether anyone will be at home when you're working. Some cleaners don't mind it, and others would rather not have it.

There are a couple of ways to approach it. One is to just do what you think is a good job and let them tell you if they want something different or extra. You can say, Here is what I normally do to clean the bathroom....

Or you can ask for specific instructions, even get them to write them out for each room. I like to have the instructions so I don't knock myself out doing things they aren't going to notice, and I know what matters a lot to them. Also, some people would rather not tell you if they have a complaint. So if you want to keep your job, ask them straight out, Is there anything you want me to do differently.

Wear nylon or latex gloves or your hands will really get dry. Don't wash windows unless someone specifically asks... windows are tough and time consuming.

The major challenge is the clients, especially the ones who aren't good at expressing what they want, or who hate confrontation so much that they won't tell you if they don't like something. Oh, and people who want a good cleaner very cheap. You can start at a lower rate but after a couple of time, tell them you have an offer of another job at x dollars an hour and would they be willing to pay that. Find out what the range is normally in your area, and try to be in the middle, unless you get really busy.

The only time you really have to bend is dusting baseboards and washing bathtubs. Really, it's not that bad.

Answer 2

I do this for a living and it's not bad at all. I worked behind a desk for 25 years and now I wouldn't do anything else but clean. It's not that hard of work. there are all kinds of cleaners that make the job much easier and faster now. plus you get all kinds of perks from your clients. My clients are extremely generous with me as far as pay. If I do a good job which generally takes about 3 hours, my clients will give me more than I asked. Plus you don't have a boss to look over your shoulder. you work your own hours and when you want to work. I currently have 19 houses that I clean on a regular basis so I stay busy. If you're good at cleaning, word spreads quickly. plus not to mention the bonus of being good exercise for those who don't have time to go to the gym. I am 54 and my doctor told me last visit I am healthier now than I was a year ago. You can make some decent money at cleaning houses. Plus I have met some of the greatest people. I would say go for it. you might be pleasantly surprised. I really have developed genuine friendships with my clients which never happened while working a regular desk job. the main thing is to please your customer and let them know what you will or will not do up front so there won't be any misunderstandings. good luck. also engage in conversation with your client so it relaxes the both of you and then it doesn't seem so much like work. a lot of my clients are senior citizens who probably enjoy the conversation more than the cleaning.

Answer 3

I did house cleaning for about one year, and it all depends on the client!! Most of the time, I was cleaning out cuboards, taking books of shelves, just alot of deep cleaning. It also depends on the resident. ie...timeshare condo, private house, vacation house...if it's a timeshare...go for it!!! If it's a residential house, after time, you'll get to know the people & it can be fun!! JUST don't get wraped up in their personal lives!! Good luck!!!

Answer 4

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Answer 5

i clean houses, i`ve had my share of goofballs & great people. they love my work, but people will take advantage of you.i`d advice you to make up a list of rules-1- charge a fee if you come to a house, only to find no one home or they forgot.if you take a regular housecleaning job,make sure they know,you have to be paid every week-even if they cancel on you-why, cause you skip a week, it`s gonna be twice as dirty.have them make a list of what you should do.charge extra if they have animals indoors.do not do favors,i did extra for a doc-who decided to have me wash her clothes too! look at the houses-look for soap scum in showers, bathtub-condition of floors-if it`s built up grime, tellthem it will take a few weeks of regular cleaning to get it clean.do the hardest houses at the first of the week.

Answer 6

yea, i did for a while. it was actually for my friend's parents. the last cleaning lady was really lazy, so they fired her and hired me. i did it for the extra money, but it was hard work since they have a big house. i did a really good job and they were more than generous with me. they trusted me and my work, but now i'm focusing on school. it was a good work environment though, being that we had a good relationship.

Answer 7

When you go on a job interview, you too are interviewing the person(s) as well, so set your standards, and ask what is expected of you, and tell them what you are willing to do, and what you are not.

You might be surprised at some good feedback.
Good luck!

Answer 8

I've been cleaning for people for about 14 years and I enjoy it in fact I know their house as good as I know my own. I use their cleaning supplies, so they know what I am using .

Answer 9

for a start ..you wont be on your knees scrubbing...we have machines nowadays...it is 2006 !!theres nothing wrong with cleaning..i do it..and get paid for it..plus its good exorsize..i look it as a good workout..exept you get paid for it...i got muscles now and my stomach it flatter and i feel more healthy thatn my last boring office job....give it a try at least...think about the exercise youll be getting...plus you usually work at your own pace

Answer 10

Well/
I did it..for a while notice that word 'did'.
Not the best job...but if you need work, just try it.You can always leave, it also depends on the folk in the home...some are o.k. and some are not.All the best.And! do not limit yourself in life, later..try until you find...what is your real job.o.k.........smiles