Should I Make My Cleaner a Cup of Tea?
While a cuppa can be a welcome gesture, the way you welcome your cleaner goes beyond just offering a hot drink. Here are some thoughtful ways to support your cleaner and create an environment where they can do their best work.
1. Tidy Up Before, But Don’t Clean
It’s tempting to give your space a quick clean before the cleaner arrives, but it’s not necessary. Instead, tidying up and putting away personal items or clutter allows cleaners to jump straight into the tasks they’re there to handle. Clearing surfaces and floors speeds up the process, helping them to focus on what you’re paying them to do.
2. Pay on Time
Timely payment is essential for cleaners, whose livelihoods often depend on reliable income. Paying promptly shows respect for their time and expertise and strengthens the working relationship. It’s a simple but crucial way to show appreciation for the hard work they do in your home.
3. Have Realistic Expectations
Setting realistic expectations about what can be achieved in each cleaning session helps avoid disappointment and ensures your cleaner can focus on the tasks that matter most to you. Consider the time they have available and prioritise accordingly – especially if you’re seeking deep cleans in certain areas of your home.
4. Leave Clear Notes
Communication can make all the difference. Leaving notes or a quick message outlining specific needs or adjustments can help ensure a more tailored and efficient clean. Whether it’s highlighting a new spot that needs attention or a reminder about sensitive items, notes help bridge any gaps and provide a clear direction.
5. Tipping at Christmas Is Appreciated
A tip at Christmas is a kind way to show appreciation. Many cleaners go above and beyond throughout the year, so a festive gesture is warmly received. It doesn’t need to be grand—a small token of thanks goes a long way.
6. Keep Pets Out of the Way
While pets are a beloved part of our lives, they can sometimes make cleaning tricky. To help your cleaner do their job smoothly, it’s best to manage your pets during cleaning sessions. Whether it’s ensuring they’re in another room or letting your cleaner know how to navigate any pet-related quirks, managing pets is a small step that makes a big difference.
7. Keep the Space Comfortable
Working in an environment that’s too hot, too cold, or poorly ventilated can be challenging. Consider your cleaner’s comfort when they’re working; they’ll appreciate a room temperature that’s comfortable and well-ventilated, especially if they’re tackling physically demanding tasks.
8. Provide Access
If you’re not always at home when your cleaner arrives, providing access via a spare key or a secure lock box allows them to work efficiently without needing to coordinate arrival times. It’s convenient for you and helps them stay on schedule, especially when they’re moving between multiple clients.
9. Recommend Your Cleaner to Others
One of the best ways to support your cleaner is through recommendations. Sharing their details with friends, family, or neighbours helps them grow their business and shows you value their work. Many cleaners rely on word-of-mouth referrals, so don’t hesitate to spread the word.
10. So, SHOULD You Offer a Cup of Tea?
The choice is yours, but ultimately, it’s the thoughtfulness and respect you show in other areas that will make the biggest difference. Providing a comfortable, welcoming environment, paying on time, communicating clearly, and supporting their business will all be greatly appreciated. With these simple steps, you can build a positive, long-lasting relationship with your cleaner – tea or no tea!
Listen to our Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner podcast episode on this very topic:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5maBUFazQ01RC4xRkeFVcd?si=leGkHF6jQRK4wCLQ1llwkQ
