How To Get Along With Your Cleaner

Step 1: Be professional

Your behaviour around your cleaner should be the same as any employer would behave to any employee - professional. Treat him or her with the same respect and cordiality as you would someone in your work place. Don't get too chatty and personal as this will get in the way of their work, and don't be too bossy.

Step 2: Names

Call your cleaner by their first name, and expect them to call you by yours. If you cleaner is considerably older than you, and you feel uncomfortable using their first name then call them Mrs or Mr.

Step 3: Don't Hover

The first time your cleaner visits take the time to show them around the house. They'll need to know where things are kept and how you like things done. After this initial introduction it is not necessary to stay in when they visit. If you do happen to be at home, stay out of their way and let them get on with it.

If you work from home take a short break to allow your work area to be cleaned.

Step 4: Cleaning issues

If you feel your cleaner is not doing a good enough job, or not doing things to your liking mention it immediately. The longer you leave it the harder it will be to resolve. Leave a friendly note explain how you would like things to be done, or if you are at home demonstrate, and make sure they understand.

Equally, if they are doing a great job, let them know.

Step 5: Serious Problems

Never accuse your cleaner of a crime unless you have unshakable, solid evidence. You maybe certain the vase has vanished, but someone else can have easily moved it without telling you.

Step 6: Bonus

At Christmas it's customary to give your cleaner a cash bonus or a personal gift. On birthdays a card will suffice but a small gift is a nice touch. If your cleaner does things above the call of duty don't let it go by unnoticed. Treat your cleaner with the respect and recognition they deserve and you will develop the perfect working relationship.