Housekeeper-how to Request Specifics

You know, just like with any job, she should have a review once a year. If you are looking for ways to put it gently to her, just go out, find some new products, like maybe some dusting wipes, and just say " I noticed the other products were not working as well so I got these to help make your job easier" and explain what it was that you noticed (picture frame). Also you can recomend that she vaccum the kitchen floor before sweeping it. Making small suggestions is not a big deal. Just do it all at once so that it does not seem like you are harping every time she comes around. As for feeling bad for telling her what you want...Have you ever had a job where you did NOT recieve constructive critizism? It's all about the way you say it. After a year and a half, you have to realize that you have been just as faithful to her as she has been to you.

My mother and I have both had housekeepers over a period of many, many years. Unless you've stumbled across a "decorater", most of them will never live up to our total expectations and clean our houses like we would do ourselves. If they clean houses for a living then their time is an
essential ingredient that matters to them. My question for you would be, how much additional time would it take to move everything to dust?
You might offer an additional $5.00 bonus if the time warrants. Another idea I've used is that with each cleaning, the housekeeper tackles one big project. This might include sweeping the ceilings, or cleaning the refrigerater or the kitchen baseboards or cabinets. If she is using
some kind of mechanical device to clean the floors, you might ask her off the cuff if it is working properly, or does it need emptying and follow that with the crumbs on the floor comment.
If not, perhaps you could offer to buy something to clean with that would do a better job and ask
what she usually uses. There is no way for them to know these things unless you tell them. It does not have to be confrontational at all. You are both working toward a mutual goal and my mother used her seniority often to educate new housekeepers and she got away with it beautifully. Just be charming and remember that they work for you. It's not personal, it's business.
Good luck,
C. S.

A.,

Here are my 2 cents- I have residential cleaning business (part-time)- What i have done in the past is left a feedback form for the homeowner to fill out, i also always encourage them to leave me a note with any request. I really would feel better if they find something i could do better to let me know instead of them finding someone else to replace me, because in this business word of mouth (referrals)is your main source of advertising. Each homeowner is different and has different levels of expectations. The way i see it when i go to clean a home is that i try meet or exceed the expectations i would require for someone to have, if they were to come to clean my home. I hope that makes sense. I really do not take things personally whenever a homeowner has any request or feedback, because i know i'm not perfect and there is always room for improvement. I truly believe in trying to build a relationship with the homeowner where communication and trust are the basis. Fortunately, i have been very blessed with my current clients, if they have any concerns/request/feedback they feel free to leave me a note if they are not home, email me or just let me know when i get there on that day. I would think that if your cleaning crew has been there with you for that long they are not going to get offended if you bring up to them your concerns.

A.,

Look at it this way...You are actually doing her a favor by telling her how you want your house cleaned. This means that you are giving her a chance. The other option: To go with a different housekeeper. Tell her you want to keep working with her and that's why you are expressing your concerns.

Just as with any business, if you don't get what you paid for you go elsewhere.

Good luck.

K.

A., I was just catching up on some old messages and wondered if you had solved your problem. If so, may I ask how? Thanks so much....L.

Hey A.,
I could have posted almost the same request. Embarassingly, I've been through like 6 housekeepers in 17 months since my son was born. NONE except one have done my floors well. I did them myself once to see if I was expecting too much. Sure enough-black water. I have hardwoods in a large portion of my house, which are hard to clean, but still....I've been very clear about how I want them cleaned...

My mom says like the other posts said that I should just tell her in a friendly way. My mom's other tip was instead of saying could you please (fill in the blank) or would you mind (fill in the blank), to say I'd like for you to (fill in the blank. It sounds much more emphatic and like you expect it not that it would be an added bonus. I never thought of that til she said it.

I don't want to tick off my current one b/c for the $$ she's pretty good. I too have to touch up, but then again, I'm just thanking God I am not scrubbing behind toilets, KWIM! I'm gonna watch your posts for other people's ideas.

Good luck!
R.

she has never really cleaned the kitchen floor very thoroughly.

What is she cleaning the floor with? Hand mop, sponge mop, swiffer wet? Bucket of water?
Is it a wood floor, linoleum, etc.
I clean with a bona mopping pad and either mr. clean diluted with water for the linoleum type floor or Bona spray for the wood floor. No sticky residue.

The Bona mopping pad (microfibre)is velcro attached to the rubbermaid wide applicater, and is washable. It works very well even on tile floors.

The lady I clean just did like others suggested and said here use this. Painfree suggestion.