Home Cleaning Services

[Melalvai]

I don't have much of an answer but I'll put my 2 cents in anyway.
I've thought about a cleaning service...I also read "Nickel & Dimed". If I were to pay for help with cleaning, I'd try to find a person not a company. Preferably a friend of a friend, at least a word of mouth recommendation. Second, I'd be clear about what I want and don't want. I don't want "spotless". I want "good enough".

As part of that we'd discuss payment, and that's what I'd pay, tipping wouldn't be necessary.

That's my little fantasy world anyway. Maybe it doesn't work like that in real life!

[shootingstar]

I don't have children so I've never had any cleaning service except for the time when I had to show my home for sale. Most definitely use a cleaning service for that time, if you know you aren't the best cleaner. (and I'm not).

[PamNY]

We had cleaning done every two weeks. I picked up clutter beforehand -- but that was my preference. The cleaner's time is used more efficiently making dirt go away, and if she puts stuff away, I won't know where it is.

Our cleaner did "special projects" such as cleaning and reorganizing the fridge, and bathroom storage areas - but she was very good and we were friendly. I wouldn't want just anyone doing that.

I did tip, and provided subway fare and a holiday bonus equivalent to the cost of one cleaning. I also offered beverages.

I don't know if tipping is customary everywhere -- in NYC you tip lots of people.

[limewave]

My home is being cleaned right now. Wow! They are super thorough. It smells all lemony and nice.

[tangentgirl]

Yay, limewave!

Lots of good advice here. I have to say, having someone come in every other week is probably the single best thing the bf and I have done for our relationship since we moved in together. Eliminates cleaning-related arguments - which would have been a lot, cause I am just not that tidy. Worth every penny.

We call our cleaning ladies the Nice Ladies, cause anyone who would clean my house for me is the nicest person I know.

[Grits]

When I worked full time and had young kids, I had a house cleaner come every two weeks. Best money spent ever. Didn't tip, but did give a holiday bonus.