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Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3856
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 10:40 am: | 
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The details: I bought a new mirror for above my mantle two weeks ago. It is shaped like an octagon and inside the octagon is a star. Each facet of the star has a piece of mirror separated by brass or iron.
Anyway, yesterday my cleaning person came. Today I walked passed the mantle and noticed one of the facets is cracked. I have not cleaned it, but just below the cracked facet there are fingerprints/smudges from a cleaning rag (I can see the texture).
I am not happy about this. I can't prove she broke it, but it's very heavy and none of my kids could even reach it. My husband and I haven't even tried to hang it, it's just sitting on the mantle.
Also, this may seem unreasonable but this cleaning person often waits for her driver for quite awhile in my house, eating her lunch. Yesterday she took a bottle of seltzer from the basement steps and helped herself. She left the open bottle out on the counter. Am I crazy to think she should not be taking seltzer unless it's offered to her? I have a filtered water dispenser on my refrigerator.
I don't want to get her in trouble with the agency, but this leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
What would you do? I cannot easily repair the mirror because the panel that was broken has an aged texture to it. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 2759
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 10:46 am: |
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Sounds like you are uncomfortable with this person overall. I would trust that instinct and maybe find someone else. I have someone new that was here on Friday with two other women and did a really nice, thorough job and were in and out in less than 2 hours. I can see if they are looking to take on new jobs.
It's a shame about the new mirror, but maybe it just adds to the "aged texture?" Or maybe you can see about exchanging it since you just bought it recently? |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3857
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 10:54 am: |
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Well, I left the cleaning agency a message. I'm sure they are insured, so I should not have to shlep that heavy thing back to the store (it weighs A LOT!).
I like the cleaning person, but she doesn't go above and beyond. I know my house has a bit of clutter (which I always try to put away before she comes) but still have to do ceiling fixtures and stuff myself. They are reasonably priced, so I kind of let things slip by, but I cannot accept things being broken.
Plus this oil tank issue really has me in a pissy mood so no one better cross the line this week! |
Jersey Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 47
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 11:07 am: |
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Cleaning people always break stuff. It's part of life, but... some cleaners do weird stuff when it happens... like not say anything or "hide" the broken item or worse yet, throw it out AND not tell you. Once the trust is gone it's time for a new person.
The reason this is a big deal is that the mirror was new. And that totally sucks.
Re: seltzer. Not a big deal to me. Wait a minute... she left the empty bottle out? She didn't CLEAN UP after herself? Not acceptable. |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 846
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 11:11 am: |
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I have always expected at least some damages with the cleaning people. We hire them to race through the house as fast as possible, it's only natural there might be some ocassional mishap.
I know it's stressful right now, VIG, but think of any possible repercussions for reporting this loss to the agency. This woman might lose her job, or the price to replace might come out of her pocket, and admittedly, you can't prove she broke it.
In terms of her taking your selzter, of course it was wrong. Next time maybe you could leave a glass out with a note suggesting she help herself to filtered water with ice? I've always put out the makings for a snack/beverage I am willing to give away, and it makes me feel like I'm being generous, as opposed to someone stealing from me.
Just a thought...
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Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3858
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 11:24 am: |
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If there are dishes to do (or her glass) she cleans it and then puts the pile of stuff (haphazardly) in the disposal side of the sink. I don't know why she doesn't just leave it on a paper towl on the counter. I am convinced that's how I got a nice chip in my sink, but I digress...she left the open bottle of seltzer on the counter. She took it from the basement steps. If she took open juice from the fridge it wouldn't bug me, plus there was a scattering of crumbs on the floor in the kitchen, so while she was sitting at my table eating (!!!) I took a wet paper towel and wiped up the crumbs. (They were not from me, we were out, it was left from the mop or something.)
That's just wrong, to be cleaning the floor (that was not properly cleaned) while your cleaning person sits at your table and eats. |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 847
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 11:29 am: |
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Time to get a new cleaning person. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 6629
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 12:13 pm: |
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Since this is an agency and a new mirror, I would definitely make them pay for it. I am not usually one for reporting people, but damage is another issue.
I have someone who works for herself and I know that this is a risk I am taking. She is not insured. But, she does a good job because she gets the entire fee. OTOH, someone working for an agency only gets a cut of the fee. So they are not as motivated.
I wouldn't consider the seltzer "stealing" but it does cross inappropriate boundaries. And the waiting for the ride thing would make me nuts. That certainly isn't her fault, but maybe it's time to look at a different agency. In fact, our current cleaner (who seems to be over her issues that I was complaining about a few months ago), left her agency because her rides were unreliable and she often missed night school because she wasn't picked up on time. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 12057
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 1:00 pm: |
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Talk to her and ask her if she knows what happened. It might give her an opportunity to confess.
Can you afford the loss? Or maybe the crucial question is if you can forgive this.
When this happens to us, my view is that if I were cleaning the house, I might break stuff, too. Them's the breaks. Not that you have to have this view, but a little forgiveness can often keep relationships good.
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Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3859
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 1:30 pm: |
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I appreciate the comments.
It's quite possible she didn't realize it happened, perhaps she pushed too hard on the mirror as she was wiping it. But...it's a nice noticable crack.
Tom, she barely speaks English. It hasn't really been much of a problem, but at times when I've needed to ask her something specific she doesn't understand. I don't think it's something I could easily discuss with her. And ya know what, I can forgive it, but I really can't afford the loss right now. Dealing with the hassle of the oil tank, I don't have the time, energy or interest in running around trying to replace the broken mirror section.
I have forgiven plenty of things. (Like cobwebs on my crown moulding, the chip in the sink, her inability to make the bed neatly.) With those things, I figured I could just do it better myself, so why make an issue.
She's been our cleaning person for under a year, and to be honest, this one gets me. |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 850
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 1:47 pm: |
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VIG, get a new cleaning person. You need to look forward to her visits, not dread them.
I am going to email you a pros and cons list of Elizabeth, detailing all the reasons you should hire her, as well as my list of Polish vocabulary I used with her staff to ensure my things got done my way, and of course, my preferred list of eco-and animal friendly cleaning products. Contain yourself - I'll get it to you soonest.  |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3860
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 2:03 pm: |
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Thanks Las. That brought a smile to my face.
I know this might not seem like a big deal but I am feeling very woe is me today, and the mirror is the straw that broke my back.
The owner of the agency just called and I explained to her that it's quite possible it wasn't even noticed. She said she'll look into it. |
BGS
Citizen
Username: Bgs
Post Number: 568
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 2:53 pm: |
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VIG...not your new mirror that we all loved!!!!!
I am so sorry that it happened...DO NOT wipe the smudges on the wall away until you get some relief or answers from the agency...If you want to know about the terrific team that I have been using for 8 years, PL me. |
Jersey Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 53
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 3:15 pm: |
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Oh boy, should we expect more "garbage" bags on South Orange Ave.?
Don't do it Virtual! It's not worth it! |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3862
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 3:26 pm: |
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Me wipe smudges? |
Lizziecat
Citizen
Username: Lizziecat
Post Number: 1038
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 4:17 pm: |
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Are you expecting your cleaner to do too much? If you have a house with a lot of clutter and kid stuff around, that takes extra time for the cleaner to pick up, so maybe you shouldn't expect her to make the beds, too. That doesn't excuse breakage, but if she has to do too much and rush around, there is a greater likelihood of breakage. I only ask that my cleaner do the things that I can no longer do--vacuuming, mopping, scrubbing the bathrooms and kitchen--the heavy stuff. I make the bed myself, I do the laundry myself, and the dusting is sort of sketchy--she does some things some time, and the rest at other times. She always asks if she can take bottled water, which sort of embarasses me, because it's water, after all. |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3863
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 4:36 pm: |
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I don't expect her to do too much. I rarely ask her to change sheets because she's not good at it. Often I make my bed, and if I have stuff on the floor (laundry) I put it on my bed so she can vaccuum. My bathrooms are always straightened up, she just has to do the cleaning in there. I don't expect her to move piles, just clean around it. I Do expect her to dust, but she doesn't seem to do the fixtures or moulding. Yesterday I asked her to vacuum the upholstery, and on occasion I will ask her to wipe down the cabinet fronts. I bought a new vacuum, becuase she didn't like the old one. She doesn't do laundry. I am always polite and thankful. |
ffof
Citizen
Username: Ffof
Post Number: 4397
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 7:22 am: |
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You're being too nice.
Also, I once had a gal who barely spoke english, and it drove me nuts. She was nice, but sort of like the situation you have now. The thing is, it will keep bugging you. Find someone new. It's your house afterall.
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Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3879
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 12:55 pm: |
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Well, the agency called. She has no idea which mirror I'm referring to. I suppose I needed to be clearer about which brand new star mirror sitting on my mantle I meant. |
Jersey Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 80
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 9:12 pm: |
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"Could you describe the ruckus?"
Sounds like they consulted their legal department. |
millie amoresano
Citizen
Username: Millieamoresano
Post Number: 251
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 10:45 pm: |
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Find a new service. I was very happy with my girl up unitl last week. I started to notice a very strong bathroom odor coming from the basement. My husband went to take a look and realized that the ejecter pump was not working (pumps water from washing machine and the bathroom ) outside. The plumber came yesterday and said that pump was clogged with something. He removed the pump and motor and there was a rag stuck in the pump. The motor burned out and we had to get a new motor and pump. Six hundred dollars later Iam looking for a new girl. |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3918
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 2:25 pm: |
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Well, I called the agency to discuss. I explained that I didn't think it was done on purpose, but it's broken and I don't know how else it might have happened.
She convinced me to let her come over to take a look.
Now I feel horrible. At least when she comes over I can mention the other things I'm not 100% satisfied with and try for some good to come of it.
I am such a loser. |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 886
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 2:30 pm: |
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a. You're not a loser;
b. You can cancel, say you will call to reschedule;
c. Find a NEW cleaning person. |
wolfy
Citizen
Username: Locowolfy
Post Number: 37
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 1:38 pm: |
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well sage words of advise come to mind,IF YOU WANT IT DONE RIGHT< THEN DO IT YOURSELF
just a thought
wolfy |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 6710
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 1:49 pm: |
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Millie - is it difficult to deal with work permits when employing minor children? |
taam
Citizen
Username: Taam
Post Number: 59
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 8:44 pm: |
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i would feel more uncomfortable about the seltzer bottle - taking it & not cleaning it up...etc. i think it STINKS about the mirror, but it does seem like they break / mishandle things quite a bit. i don't think that's ok, but that seems almost common?! |
wendy
Supporter
Username: Wendy
Post Number: 1992
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 8:49 pm: |
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Quote:is it difficult to deal with work permits when employing minor children?
I'm with you Greenetree. I always cringe when I hear that term. It certainly is generational and I doubt whether Millie was clued in to what you were implying. Saying it's generational does not, by any means, excuse it however. I feel like I'm listening to my mother-in-law without calling long-distance. |
Innisowen
Citizen
Username: Innisowen
Post Number: 1471
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 9:33 pm: |
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Most cleaners are bonded and insured against breakage and loss. So you should feel free to pursue for repair of the mirror.
If the cleaner is not bonded and insured, you should hire someone who is.
Taking soda or seltzer is a no-no, unless you have explicitly invited the cleaner to help her/himself. That in itself is worth firing the cleaner and hiring a different one.
Never mind about whether it's acceptable to leave the bottle on the table or not. That the person took the seltzer is bad enough. Next time maybe the person helps him/herself to something a little more valuable? |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3953
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 4:09 pm: |
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Well, last week the owner came by (sorry LAS!) and agreed with my it was possible the mirror was broken accidentally while it was cleaned. She offered to give me a free cleaning for the mirror. I accepted.
Today, my cleaning woman came and started talking to me in Polish about the mirror. "Ay, no, no, no..." was about all I could make out. I leave for a class on Tues. mornings and then we went to Costco. By 12:30, she was sitting in my living room eating her lunch. I don't know why she was eating lunch in the living room. (I think she may have been looking for her driver, that's the only thing that makes sense.)
I felt a little weird about the whole thing and may have to move on.
Innis, I kind of agree with what you said. I don't really think she'd take anything more valuable, but I don't know. And last time she freaked me out because she was sitting in the living room and when I walked in, she had my daughter's lip gloss open. I *THINK* she was just smelling it, but I don't know. I kind of forgot about it with the whole mirror fiasco. |
Carrie Avery
Citizen
Username: Carrie33
Post Number: 1321
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 5:42 pm: |
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Virtual It Girl: I would be looking for a new cleaning person if it happened to me. If I was feeling uncomfortable for more than a day or two and started to have feelings of mistrust it's time for her to go.
I don't want this to appear insensitive, but there are plenty of people who need a job who specialize in house cleaning who can be trusted and speak English.
She should take responsibility for her actions even if it was an accident. She should not help herself to things that don't belong to her.
And, she should eat in the kitchen like the rest of us. |
CLK
Supporter
Username: Clkelley
Post Number: 1879
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 6:23 pm: |
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All I can say is, VIG, you've been very, very patient.
If I caught anybody poking around my daughter's cosmetics, for any reason whatsoever (sniffing it? ick ick ick, only slightly less repulsive than using it), she would have been gone already. That is just gross.
Get rid of her, now. A cleaning service should be a convenience, not a source of stress.
And just for fun, read about my cleaning lady horror story from two years ago:
/discus/messages/129/25766.html?1074704759
It took me almost two full years before I worked up the courage to get another cleaning lady in the house, and that was only because I was going totally mental as I had zero spare seconds to myself and the house was still always dirty (working moms should never have to clean their own houses, imho). The good side is that in those two years I perfected my non-toxic cleaning system, and the new cleaning lady loves my system. For her, mainly it's about money - my non-toxic homemade cleaning supplies are extremely inexpensive compared to commercial products. |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 1032
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 6:41 pm: |
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VIG - I am in agreement with Carrie and CLK. You have been letting this person inside your home, and if she is doing anything that makes you the slightest bit uncomfortable, she should be on her way.
Breaking a mirror could, ostensibly, be an accident. Eating in the living room and sniffing your daughter's cosmetics are not accidents.
Plenty of good people are looking for work! You shouldn't have to tolerate someone who's not making you comfortable AND with whom you are not communicating. |
Innisowen
Citizen
Username: Innisowen
Post Number: 1478
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 7:07 pm: |
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VIG:
You already have the answer to the issue: You hire a cleaning service to avoid the hassle of cleaning and to make things a little easier on yourself, so you have time for other things.
It sounds as though this cleaning person/service is causing you more grief and not making your life easier.
Time for a change. Get a new cleaning service, and lay down the law from day 1. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 12376
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 8:43 pm: |
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CLK, I was thinking about you recently. Our cleaning woman recently used washcloths (facecloths, as you call them) to clean the house. We just asked her to stop. Gotta leave rags for her to use.
VIG, I was tolerant of your cleaning person at first, reading your description, but no more. And if the service is bonded, a free cleaning is not enough. The bonding and insurance is to pay for replacement of this sort of stuff.
And for sure, hire someone else.
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CLK
Supporter
Username: Clkelley
Post Number: 1884
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 9:05 pm: |
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Yeah, Tom - people told me that then - but the thing was that I HAD left her lots & lots & lots of rags to use. She used some, but then apparently decided that she'd rather use my face cloths.
Your cleaning crew has always sounded like a great group. Treat them like gold.
My first person was wonderful, but then she graduated from nursing school and stopped cleaning houses (and good for her, too). After that it was a string of disasters until the two-year gap, and then the current one who is working out really well so far. |
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