House Cleaner

Is it uncomfortable when you're cleaning someone's house and they're just sitting there with their feet up while you're cleaning? Obviously you're being paid, but does it feel a little too master-servant in those instances?

Asked by Mekanical Mike almost 12 years ago

That's a good question, because that is actually something that makes a difference to me in how much I like that particular job. I can't really say it's a pet peeve so much as that it is just really uncomfortable for me. There is always the awareness, when you are cleaning someone's home, that you pretty much have the run of the place and are in and out of private areas of the house that most people who don't live there would see....in addition to seeing a lot of their 'dirty laundry' so to speak. It is a very awkward feeling to be doing so with the people sitting right there. For one thing, they tend to handle it in a variety of ways. Some hover, which can make doing your job harder. Some try to be too solicitous, trying so hard to stay out of my way that I feel that I'm in THEIR way...and then there are those that are able to remove themselves to a different room and make themselves scarce, which is what I prefer if they have to be there to begin with. And yes, there are also those who will sit in their recliner with their feet up as I clean around them, and it used to bother me. In the time I've been doing this, though, I've learned that those people are usually the ones that it either makes them feel just as awkward or uncomfortable but they don't know what else to do but whatever they'd normally do, or that they are those who are able to simply ignore my presence, which makes it easier for me. I have had a couple of them who have attempted the 'masterly' approach, but I've been fortunate in that it hasn't been something I've had to deal with too often, and some of the times I thought that was the case, I eventually learned that it was my own perception and not how they were really feeling. All in all, it is much preferable to clean a client's home when they are not there!

i have years experience in cleaning (moms company) and im interested in starting my own. What advice can you give me about how to start the whole process? Also what traits do you have (personality or otherwise) that lend to your success? Thanks!

Asked by Shay about 11 years ago

Awesome:D I highly reccomend it, of course. It's good to be your own boss to the extent that you can in this business.

As for how to start it....number one, make sure you have reliable transportation, which is a given, and stock up on at least a couple weeks worth of the basic supplies you will need. Then you need your game plan. Sit down and hash out things like what you'll charge, what services you'll offer, how far away you will travel, etc. For instance: I start at a base rate of $60. That means that no matter what, they will be paying at least that much (unless I make a special deal as I do sometimes, but that kind of thing is up to you). That $60 beginning rate is for a single level, two bedroom, modestly sized house. Then I might add $5 for each additional bedroom/office/den, etc. If there are children's rooms that you are expected to clean and they are massively messy, you just need to decide what that is worth to you, if you should charge more for the time or work it takes to get it in order. Same goes for a house with pets....I vaccum the living room furniture in most houses and if they have pets, I might add an extra $2  - $5 for the animal hair everywhere. Same goes for windows, etc...it's all up to you to decide what you offer for your services, and which of those things are included in the rate and which will be a bit extra. Be sure to NEVER tell the clients all the additional charges and what they are for. Keep track of it in your head or in a notebook and just tell them the final total you'd expect, unless you specify things that you offer for a little extra, like laundry (I offer 2 linen loads automatically. Any more than that and it's $2 per load, $3 for personal clothing instead of linens/towels) You can even offer extra things like closet/garage cleaning and organizing, but charge it's own rate for that and be clear that that should be scheduled for it's own day, not the day you are expected to clean the entire house, as well. Then you should use whatever sources you are going to use to advertise. I put flyers up, hand them out, post them in any store that will allow it. I also use Craigslist, and any other free advertising site. You could also advertise on your Facebook or set up one just for that. The newspaper is good, too.

As for traits....first of all, you have to be personable. That doesn't mean you have to like people....but you have to at least be able to fake it lol. You need to seem friendly or they might wonder why they are paying you to be around their home. Also, honesty is a must. You obviously won't keep a job if you go into their home and steal, which is a given. Definitely dependable. Remember, YOU are your boss now, but you are depending upon their pay. You aren't gonna get written up or lectured by a boss for not showing up or for being late, but you might lose that client if you aren't there when you say they are. I have found that when you are very dependable 98% of the time, they are fine with you needing to reschedule or something if you are sick or have an appointment. And when you take your yearly vacation, if you give yourself one. One of the most important qualities, I think....be confident. Show them that you know exactly what you are doing, what you are offering, and what you expect. Don't show doubt, because some of will jump on that and it can turn into a bullying situation. With that same idea in mind....don't be afraid to stand up for yourself or to walk out if you feel you are in an unsafe situation or feel otherwise uncomfortable. You are your only protection and you are in the homes of strangers; that is a vulnerable situation. You will learn some things as you go along, like when to tell them 'hey, you didn't do your part by restraining your vicious dog, so I'm not cleaning your house today'.  Yes, they pay you and you depend on that, but remember that THEY called YOU...people want their houses clean and when you build a reputation you will have a waiting list. You can afford then to pick and choose, if need be.

Good luck on getting started, and I hope for the best for you! If you have any other questions, I'll be happy to give you any advice or tips I can:D

 

I am a fellow house cleaner, and have found one person wanting my service and offering me a crazy amount of money for one clean. This sounds pretty sketchy to me. How would you say "thank you, but no thank you"?

Asked by Kristy almost 11 years ago

As someone who chooses her own schedule, you have many options for that. If you feel uncomfortable for any reason about taking on a particular house/client, you could simply tell them that you have no open spots right now, or their home is outside of your desired commute time/miles (be careful with that one though if the reason you don't want to take them is because you are suspicous of how badly they want you there....they might just try to offer you more money to cover the gas and time it takes to get there and then you'd have to think of another reason).  If you've already commited to them, but now have reason to feel it's best not to take them on, you could say you have a scheduling conflict that you didn't realize, you are very sorry for the inconvenience but as your newest client, they are the ones you have let go. You could get creative, or you could be blunt with just 'sorry, no'. But overall, I've found that simply saying I have no open spots in my schedule right now works best and is accepted with no problem, usually.  If this person found you by an advertisement or flyer or some such thing that proves that you ARE looking for someone....you could still go with that excuse even knowing they will know you are lying but have chosen not to take them on and are trying to be tactful in saying so; sometimes you simply have to (I live in a smallish town so I sometimes have to just deal with the fact that some people are going to know I just don't want to take them as a client). Or, you could simply say something like...thank you, but I'm trying to expand to 'such and such' area of town so I'm concentrating on offering my services there (and of course, pick the opposite side of town from where they live when you tell them which neighborhood).

i made a list for my house assistant. i told her i am only paying for what is done on my list. so how much would it cost to have my dishes washed. two loads of laundry folded and vacumming my living room?

Asked by april over 6 years ago

If u buy own products I can do up to 3dys week for med size apt n big 4 bedroom house.. I can't help but but name brand good cleanig stuff...am I spendintoo much n I'm not payin attention amount I'm spendin monthly

Asked by makin a livin over 8 years ago