How much do you clean your house before the cleaning lady comes?

Question

Do you just pick up or do you not clean at all?

Answer 1

Right now I'm between cleaning ladies, mostly for that very reason. I used a local cleaning service, but they did a lousy job and actually stole from me (I know it's a cliche, but it's actually true!). While I started looking, my house got all messy again and I cannot get up the energy to get it ready for a cleaning team/person.

You have to have surfaces clear and stuff put away or else many won't clean that area. They just basically dust, vacuum, disinfect, mop, etc. Most DON'T do laundry, pick up stuff that's laying about, etc. All that junk is my least favorite part of cleaning. If it's not pristine, they complain that there is "so much to do," etc.

In truth by the time I have the house "picked up" enough for the cleaners, I probably could just finish the job.

I wish there was a friendly cleaning service that actually did HOUSEKEEPING (picking up) as well. Not everyone likes to clean!!

Thanks for giving me a chance to speak out on this issue.

Answer 2

I do not have a cleaning lady, but having been a nanny/housekeeper with the help out an outside cleaning service, I can say that you save money by doing some things before they come, and that this is just common courtesy to the cleaning people.

Take the time to straighten up, freeing surfaces so they can do their job. They may do this for you, but things may not be put away where you want them, they may not like having to do it for you, and it does takes longer and probably costs you more in hourly cleaning fees. If the cleaner can get in and out faster, it may cost you less, and you will definitely show some consideration for the work they do, and the scope of their job description.

If your home is not decluttered and organized to be easy to clean, take the time to do this as well...your everyday life, and the housekeepers job becomes a LOT easier because the home is running smoother, there is a home for everything and there is less surface mess for you to look at and the cleaner to work around. There are any number of professionals who do this and usually housekeepers do NOT offer this service. If they do, it is a separate service, with separate fees and separate appointment than when they come to clean.

As far as cleaning up to avoid embarrassment of the housekeeper seeing how you really live, you are wasting your time. They know a LOT about you anyway, and you aren't hiding anything because you let them into every nook and cranny of your home. The good news is that you have presumably hired a trustworthy person who gives you the confidentiality that any professional arrangement requires. And you have hired her to do this, so it is not a big deal for her to clean up behind you, doing what you would rather not do. All this PLUS if your house is decluttered and organized, and if the cleaners come regularly enough, and if you are responsible with your things, cleaning up after yourself in between visits by the cleaner, the mess should be nothing to be ashamed of.

Answer 3

I am a cleaning lady and whilst I do not expect my client to pick up before I come in to clean(otherwise why would I be there?) I would love if they put away their intimate underwear that is dirty. I actually do love my job as a cleaning lady (weird I know) and if a client is too messy I drop them .

Answer 4

I don't clean it up! I'm the cleaning lady!

Answer 5

get real.. IF i could AFFORD a 'cleaning lady' why would i clean at all???? pick up my personal belongings ..maybe... but anything else? no way ..that is what you pay for..I have a sister-in-law who MOPS before her cleaning woman comes...sheesh...