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clkelley
Citizen
Username: Clkelley
Post Number: 50
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 9:42 am: | 
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I am going to switch cleaning services after only a few months with my current provider, who was highly recommended here on MOL. Because this service was so highly recommended, I need to do a reality check - am I expecting too much?
As a starting point, the cleaner does a GREAT job cleaning the house - it is totally spotless when they are done. However, we have had a few recurring problems that I can't seem to get resolved. They are:
1) The cleaner changes bed linens. Because I have allergies, I need to have ALL linens changed each week, including blankets, bedspread, and shams. The cleaner comes every other week, so I do it myself in the weeks in between. Anyway what she does is replace sheets, bedspread, and shams, and puts the clean blanket on the bed - but she also returns the OLD blankets to the bed!! As I use up to two blankets at a time, this means I end up with three or four blankets on the bed (way too hot even for me!). Plus, the allergens then get on all of the fresh linens, meaning that I have to take everything off the bed and re-wash it. I have talked about this several times with the "boss" (the actual cleaning staff don't speak English very well), and so far I've had it done right only once.
2)The cleaning staff used two of my face cloths for scrubbing floors (or something). The day after the cleaners were there I noticed that my face cloth was gone from my shower, and wondered where it had gone - on a whim I checked the dirty rags left behind by the cleaners - sure enough, it was there soaked in cleaning solution. And so was another one just like it, that only could have been taken from my linen closet. Needless to say the cloths were ruined. They were filthy and bleached out by the cleaning solution, and heavy scrubbing had frayed their edges. (these gals do scrub - as I said, the house is spotless.) And this is the kicker - there were lots of clean rags left that they might have used instead.
3) Similarly, our dish sponge has been used for scrubbing floors, despite our requests for this not to happen. I don't want floor dirt on my dish sponge, nor do I want toxic chemicals used on my dish sponge. so far I've just replaced the sponge each time, and keep asking for them not to use it, but to no avail.
4) Several weeks ago, the day the cleaners were there, I came in the house and immediately started wheezing and felt like I was going into anaphlatic shock - dizzy, a rash broke out, you name it. There was a strong sickly sweet odor in the house. Luckily it wasn't too cold so we opened up all of the windows, turned on the attic fan, etc. Anyway I called the cleaning service to find out what they had used to clean - and was told "you provided it for us." Well a "sniff test" among the provided cleaning supplies couldn't find the culprit. I found the culprit under my sink in a big jug that I had NOT approved for cleaning - a product called OdoBan, which I used long ago, very diluted, when I had an incontinent cat. I had a nearly full gallon of it and it was now nearly empty. This product is for deodorizing, is highly toxic, and is meant to be used only very diluted (one gallon equals 227 aerosol cans - according to their PR on their web site). It turns out from reading the label that it includes some tree oils in it, and as I am allergic to trees, this was probably the cause of my bad reaction. (others in my family had no reaction whatsoever, other than not liking hte strong smell.) I suspect it was used undiluted. My husband re-cleaned everything, and after several days of keeping windows open and the attic fan on for an hour or two each day, and taking Allegra every day during this time, it got better. I threw out the remaining Odo Ban so it wouldn't happen again, but ....
5) It dawned on us that they had used the OdoBan to clean our wood floors. Yesterday, my husband was there when they were cleaning, and told me that they had used a mop & bucket to clean the wood floors. It smells like they used bathroom cleaner on them. Note that these floors aren't meant to get wet - a damp mop is OK, but not wet-mopping. And I can't imagine why anybody would think bathroom cleaner would be appropriate on wood floors. Or a product found under my sink, that they clearly didn't understand the use of. "Wonder what this stuff is? Well, let's try it out on the wood floors."
6) Bathroom cleaner was definitely used to clean the kitchen, as I could smell it there. Paradoxically, I did not smell bathroom cleaner in the bathroom.
7) I have taken to hiding my newspapers. I leave a stack on the porch, to tie up and leave out for recycling. The cleaners put the pile out in the trash, and I got in trouble from the garbage collectors because you're not supposed to put newspapers in the regular trash. I asked the cleaners not to take the papers out, but they keep doing it.
8) My husband's computer screen was "cleaned", leaving it a streaky mess that he hasn't been able to fix. This happened only once so far.
9) Then there is the usual stuff that I have grown used to through several cleaning people - clocks unplugged, stuff moved around so that I can't find it, etc.
So clearly for me, the problem is that I have addressed these issues repeatedly and am not getting any satisfaction, so I will be switching cleaners.
However, does anybody else see these problems as serious? My husband says that it is cultural differences and poor English skills - he's being very nice about it. I think it is dire idiocy. You don't wet-mop wood floors. You don't use bath towels for scrubbing floors. You don't use random cleaning chemicals for cleaning whatever you feel like cleaning, especially if you're not following the directions on the package.
By the way we DO tip. So I can't see this as spitefulness or something like that. |
ffof
Citizen
Username: Ffof
Post Number: 1805
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 9:51 am: |
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Scrap the service and hire an individual house cleaner based on recommendations from friends. Then you can develop a system/relationship with that one person. |
Wendyn
Citizen
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 92
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 12:18 pm: |
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I agree with ffof. Much easier to talk to the people who are actually doing the cleaning.
Question though...should we all tip our cleaning services? How much? Every time or when? We are on our 4th "relationship" and I have never tipped...maybe that is my problem! |
Tom Reingold
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 1704
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 12:59 pm: |
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Lots of people are less picky about those details than you are, but it's your money, and they've proven they're not going to do what you're paying for, so you're totally justified in finding someone else.
Wet mopping a wood floor can be OK, with Murphy's Oil soap, and perhaps other products.
Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
There is nothing
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algebra2
Citizen
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 1541
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 1:29 pm: |
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Wendyn - I give my cleaning woman $100 at Christmas. |
brusin2
Citizen
Username: Brusin2
Post Number: 12
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 3:09 pm: |
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You should never wet mop your hardwood floors with Murphy's Oil soap. I did it for years in my old apartments and always wondered why the floors didn't look right. I use vinegar and water and they look great. I have tried the vinegar Pledge Grab-it pads for my Swiffer and that works great too. |
clkelley
Citizen
Username: Clkelley
Post Number: 52
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 3:36 pm: |
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The floor finisher said don't wet mop the floor. A damp mop with plain water was recommended. No wax either, as there is a urethane finish. I explained all of this when we arranged the service.
As to tipping: I've always tipped my cleaning lady / guy weekly, as I've always used a service. For a few months I used a private individual, and just paid her cash. It feels different to me if you're using a service. We also give a Christmas tip.
From the lack of overwhelming "oh that's totally awful" responses, I guess maybe I am on the weird end about all this. I recognize that my allergy situation is not "business as usual". But really, don't you think using my face cloths for scrubbing is a little over the top? |
Tom Reingold
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 1708
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 3:41 pm: |
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I didn't know you wanted us to pick through your post and say what we agree with and disagree with. I think it suffices to say that the team doesn't follow your instructions and therefore doesn't deserve your money any more.
But yes, using facecloths to clean your house would get me angry, too. And so would the things with the bedcovers, if I had your allergies.
I'd be angry about using the toxic stuff, too.
Mixing the use of kitchen and bathroom cleaners doesn't sound so bad. Those distinctions are probably more aesthetic than functional. If you wash a dish with a sponge that had been soaked in floor cleaner, the dish should be safe after a good rinse.
Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
There is nothing
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clkelley
Citizen
Username: Clkelley
Post Number: 53
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 3:44 pm: |
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Thanks Tom! Now I don't feel crazy. Except in the usual ways. :-) |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 118
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 4:14 pm: |
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ClKelley - I'm sorry....I would have read your whole original post, but I can't seem to get past number 3 -- that they're using your dish sponge to scrub the kitchen floor..... I'm stuck in dumfounded laughter (sorry, I don't mean to laugh).
The other posters are right -- get yourself a new person or service. Good Luck |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 2616
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 4:18 pm: |
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I bet they used your dish sponge to clean the toilet - gross! |
barbara wilhelm
Citizen
Username: Bartist
Post Number: 101
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 4:22 pm: |
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try finding someone that can come and clean your house on a day when you are home so you can show them your routine and supervise. then switch them to a another day of the week.
language is always a problem. i had a cleaning person for years that was absouletly perfect but i was never sure that we were talking about the same things.
get a clean start.
good luck! |
Tom Reingold
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 1711
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 4:34 pm: |
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The only reason using it's gross is that it's gross. Those cleaners kill germs, so there's no way that any yucky stuff would end up on your dishes. Not that I'm advocating that you wash your dishes with a toilet brush, but I find these aesthetics fascinating.
I remember an episode of All In The Family when the kitchen sink stopped working but Archie didn't want Edith to bring water from the bathroom to the table, because it was bathroom water.
Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
There is nothing
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kevin
Citizen
Username: Kevin
Post Number: 168
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 4:34 pm: |
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I think that most household cleaning persons/services will make use of whatever items they can find (rags, sponges, chemicals, etc) in your home.
Besides saving them money by not having to purchase their own supplies, they might assume (wrongly in some cases)that these are your preferred cleaning products and enjoy the aromas.
I had a cleaning person who used to leave a notes for me to purchase new cleaning products when they were running low. They only used what I provided -- and I made sure that I left rags and sponges in addition to chemicals so that they wouldn't use anything good.
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Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 567
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 4:39 pm: |
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My cleaning lady speaks zero english, she handed me a list of everything she needed. It's in a bucket in the laundry room. When it runs out or gets old she leaves it on the counter where I leave her money.
We've had no problems. |
Joan
Citizen
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 2354
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 5:01 pm: |
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Clkelley:
Your allegies are a serious concern. With your special problems you should not be using a cleaning service or individual with whom you cannot communicate.
It also sounds like you need the consistency of having the same person or team come each time (not always possible with a cleaning service). I agree with the others who have recommended that you get an individual cleaner who speaks English and who reads well enough to understand any notes you leave and any warning labels that might appear on you household cleaning products.
If special household cleaning chemicals are required due to your allergies, you should explain this carefully to your cleaner and insist on providing the cleaning materials yourself. Ditto for explaining your special laundry needs. By all means take the time to train your cleaner in the way you need to have things done. Arrange to be home while he or she is working for as many days as it takes for the cleaner to learn your health needs.
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redY67
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 213
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 5:53 pm: |
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I had the same problems with my cleaning service. It was a group of women, with only one that could speak English. We had similar problems as Clkelley and I would just let it go by.
My last straw was when my parents were coming I left her a specific list for the women to do and paid extra.
I asked them to clean out the cabinets and they only straightened them. They were supposed to clean all the baseboards and "forgot" The topper was there was a huge scratch on my wood floors from them moving one of my plants. The whole house wasn't as clean as I expected for paying so much extra.
I realized then that they were doing whatever they could get away with it, because I was putting up with it. I dumped them and won't use them again! |
mickey
Citizen
Username: Mickey
Post Number: 9
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 - 12:35 pm: |
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I have had the same wonderful cleaning woman for 6 years. Her English is very good, and so is her memory, so I only have to tell her things once. Most services will not understand special instructions regarding linen changes, and often there are different people there each week. Many services and individuals don't include linen changes with "standard" service. Private line me if you'd like her name/number. I've already recommended her to 4 Maplewood friends who also like her a lot. Also, while I'm at it, the floor guy who did my wood floors said vinegar & water on a damp (not wet) mop is the best and only thing you should use. |
CFA
Citizen
Username: Cfa
Post Number: 1014
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2004 - 4:01 am: |
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I want to work for Algebra  |
clkelley
Citizen
Username: Clkelley
Post Number: 54
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 16, 2004 - 10:19 am: |
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Thanks to all of you for your sympathy and advice!! I am definitely in the market for a new cleaning lady, and I'm going to start hunting through the attic for leads again ...
You know, the dish sponge used on the floor (or whatever, yuck) isn't nearly as infuriating to me as using my face cloths for scrubbing. At least it is a scrubbing tool used for scrubbing. I had LOTS of clean rags left in the rag bucket that I left for them, so there was absolutely no need to raid my linen closet for "rags."
Tom R., I hear you about germs ... the cleaning fluids nuke all of the germs. But that worries me too, because some of the cleaning products are pretty toxic and not approved for use around food. Not to mention that they can be very damaging to surfaces if used improperly. (e.g., bathroom cleaner on wood floors ... ) So no matter what, I am going to get in a stock of gentle, non-toxic products.
Cheers to all ...... |
Sylad
Citizen
Username: Sylad
Post Number: 148
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 16, 2004 - 4:21 pm: |
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Who cares about the sponge, I would toss all the toothbrushes in the house. |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 2623
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 16, 2004 - 4:52 pm: |
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They probably used your face towels to clean under the rim! Yuck! |
Lizziecat
Citizen
Username: Lizziecat
Post Number: 135
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 16, 2004 - 7:07 pm: |
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I once fired a cleaning service because I caught them washing the floors with water from the toilet. Yuck. |
Frost French
Citizen
Username: Frost
Post Number: 8
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Monday, January 19, 2004 - 3:38 pm: |
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I finally found a good, no, GREAT, cleaning lady and I treat her as if she is the Queen of the World because I am so afriad of losing her. She's American, so English is her first language, no problems with communication.
She is so wonderful and does little extras without being asked -- this Christmas I had my in-laws visting and she was commiserating with me about their freakish standards of cleanliness. The day before they came, I had her scheduled to clean, and not only did she do her usual perfecto job, but she took it upon herself to move about 15 storage boxes out of the laundry room and into the basement storage area! And these were heavy boxes; those huge plastic storage bins. She knew I had been concerned with my mother-in-law wanting to use the laundry room and being dimayed at the boxes. She baked me a rum cake for Christmas, she brushed my cats and dogs and put festive Christmas bandanas on the dogs, etc. All of this without being asked. You can bet I gave her a shockingly huge tip this year and will continue to bow and scrape before her for the rest of my days on earth. It's so nice to come home and not only have a beautifully clean house but to know there will be lovely little surprises here and there (dead leaves trimmed off plants, new batteries in dead remotes, burned-down candles replaced with fresh ones).
The bad news is, she is completely and totally booked solid for the foreseeable future, as you can imagine. So I can't give out her name/number. The point of this post, though, rather than being a "nyah, nyah, I have a perfect cleaning lady and you can't have her!", is to provide perspective: Hold out for someone that is a good fit. Don't accept sub-par service. Yes, good cleaning people are hard to come by, but eventually you will find one. Ask everyone you know, EVERYONE. We got ours through our dog breeder, who we just happened to ask. And once you get a good cleaning lady, treat her like she is worth her weight in gold, because she is! Heck, leave her a box of chocolates every once in a while! I do.
Good luck. |
Deb G
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 757
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 8:39 am: |
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I totally agree with the above post! We had a woman for two years who kept bringing new assistants every week. When one of them finally washed (and tumble DRIED) all my dry cleaning, I said "enough." Asked everyone I knew, tried a couple of other people who just didn't fit, finally found one who is Queen of the Universe (does laundry, reorganizes the linen closet, cleans the inside of the fridge, etc.) and now I come home at least once a week to a sweet-smelling, orderly, serene house. She is also booked but may open up, in which case I will PL you. Meanwhile, ask everyone you know, and don't settle! |
thegoodsgt
Citizen
Username: Thegoodsgt
Post Number: 365
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 12:05 pm: |
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Cripes, there are some scary stories out there! I think we'll just stick to cleaning the house ourselves.
In the meantime, if my employer ever ships my job to China or India, I'm going to open a house cleaning service! |
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