What it takes to find a good, reliable domestic cleaner
Dust To Shine has found, for every domestic cleaner that rings us for an interview, they’ll be as many as three others to whom we refuse because they have no references, cannot speak English (at all), are illegal workers, or are just casually enquiring to show willingness for their Job Seekers Allowance. For every cleaner that is actually booked into our interviews, two will either not bother to show up or they’ll come without the required documents. You need a good cleaner vetting procedure.
Cleaning is a business where it is twice as difficult to source the supply, the cleaners, as it is to obtain clients! It takes twice as long to get a cleaner on to our books as it does to take on a client. Also, in London, despite scrutiny and inquisition, cleaners last on average four to six months (they tell us it’s for life!), compared to a client who lasts from one to two years or more.
When they first start, your new cleaner will be on their best behaviour. It is often only when they are IN the job that they reveal their qualities. We now consider getting quality staff an elimination process not a selection process. Apart from the obvious layabouts who we filter out over the phone, we cannot for certain tell in advance which cleaners will prove reliable and competent.
* Conclusion
There are no tests for cleaner ‘attitude’. Pessimistically - it is a numbers game.
Cleaners are independent, varied human beings over whose actions you have no real control. The most important thing in a worker, that you can only assess when they’re in the job is The Three A’s :
Attitude! Attitude! ATTITUDE!
Part 4. How to take on a domestic cleaner without breaking the law!
Tags: Cleaning tip, Domestic Cleaner