Years ago, when working, I employed a weekly cleaner. Every week (illness, holidays etc excepted) she’d turn up and potter through the house. She was reliable, thorough and friendly.
I retired and decided that housework would become part of my weekly routine largely to ensure that I kept moving etc. 20 years later, at 80 I have not been feeling well, and sm certainly getting more tired, so have decided to employ a cleaner once again.
I wish!
The first week contacted a nationwide company, headquartered in Cardiff. Contract signed direct debit set up and cleaner to arrive at 10am every Monday. Monday arrived. I waited and waited. I contacted the company (after ages ringing) I was advised that Jessie appears to have disappeared. So they would contact me again, and was Friday OK. No I said - we are out, so the following Monday was agreed upon snd they would let me know the name of the new person.
I waited and waited and finally contacted them on Saturday to see what was happening. Oh not to worry they said someone will definitely be turning up.
I waited and waited ……….
I cancelled contract and DD.
I decided to try a more local company.
Cleaner arranged for Monday at 10.
I waited and waited, then phoned my contact. She got back to me to say that the cleaner had been delayed but would be with me within the hour.
I waited and waited - then a text, be with you soon.
She arrived! And clattered and clumsied her way through the house. I have never heard anyone drop so much. But she finished snd was pleased to have a clean house.
The following week was arranged. Two days later did I mind changing the time snd day - OK I said.
The new day and time arrived.
I waited and waited. I phoned her. “Oh she was baby sitting her grandchild and would I mind leaving it until 5 that afternoon”
OK I said. I worked around her preparing dinner.
She left saying she would contact me about the following week.
I gave up.
I then went back to a London based company, who’d had lots of recommendations from various publications.
Time 10am, day Monday.
I waited and waited - but this time contacted the company after 15 minutes. I then had an email from the cleaner saying his partner was definitely on her way. 2 hours later she arrived, very hot and bothered. Asked if she would mind if she pkease could changed - if course I said assuming into some overall affair, and showed her into the living room. After a minute I went to the front door - postman - and glanced - we have a large mirror over the fire and she was naked from head to waist!! I didn’t look closer. She had meant an entire change of clothing.
She worked well snd thoroughly.
But, bloody hell! She then said as she was preparing to leave. Can I leave you my number snd you phone me - not the company -
Well, I can see all sorts of reasons why I should or shouldn’t , but on balance I think no, and now I have that to deal with.
Who employs a cleaner with zero issues and how on earth did you manage it!!?.
