Spotlight Magazine for North Mansfield March 2015 Spotlight Magazine for Mansfield North, March 2015 | Page 28
Spotlight Magazine
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Employing A Cleaner
fter years of struggling to raise four
children, work full time and care for
a larger than average home, I eventually
overcame feelings of guilt and shame at
not being able to keep a clean and tidy
house, and employed a company to do it
instead.
It felt like a load had been lifted! No more
nagging feelings. No more panic. No more
dread. Suddenly my house felt clean, loved
and well cared for – and I wondered what
all the fuss had been about!
The number of people employing cleaners
is on the increase. Some take this option
because they don’t like housework, whilst
others don’t have time or else prefer to
be doing other things. Yet others are too
elderly, ill or infirm to clean for themselves.
Whatever your reason, it is important to find
a company you trust to care for your home
and your valued possessions.
The best way to find a cleaner is by
personal recommendation, but if that
isn’t possible, one of your first priorities
should be to check out references and
testimonials. If the company can prove
they’ve done a good job for others,
chances are they will serve you well too.
Next, check out what insurance cover is
in place. As a minimum there should be
£5m Employers Liability and £1m Public/
Products Liability insurance cover. Also,
find out what procedures will be followed
if your property gets damaged or broken
during cleaning.
Be sure to find out what vetting procedures
are employed, and whether DBS
(Disclosure and Barring Service) checks
are made. Also, enquire about training and
qualifications.
Don’t forget to ask about temporary relief
during holidays or periods of illness. Will
the company provide a replacement, or
are you expected to make alternative
arrangements?
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Finally, find out how flexible your cleaning
company is. Do they work to a fixed
template, or are they happy to comply
with your individual requirements? When I
employed my cleaner, I was encouraged to
state clearly what I wanted doing and how.
A good cleaner is many things – but mind
reader is not one of them!
Before making your decision, do meet your
cleaning representative first. A look around
the house and a discussion about what
you would like doing, should result in an
estimate of how long it will take and how
much it is going to cost.
Most companies charge by the hour. I
couldn’t afford to have my entire house
cleaned every week, so I decided on the
most important areas and then selected
additional chores to be done on a
fortnightly or monthly basis.
If you are still undecided about whether to
employ a cleaner or not, take advice from
someone who knows and go for it! You’ll
never look back!
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