Cleaning is hard work that takes time, which is why so many of us are eager to hire someone to help.
We’re here to help you get into the mindset of being an employer and join the ranks of those who are doing right by their employees. Let’s make your home a workplace you can be proud of.
Key Takeaways
- Treating your cleaner fairly and professionally is essential for building a positive working relationship.
- Clear communication and a written agreement are crucial for avoiding misunderstandings.
What does it cost to hire a house cleaner?
For most parts of the country, pay a cleaner an hourly rate of at least $25-$30. Pay more if you live in an area with a higher cost of living. Some cleaners prefer a flat fee for cleaning a house or apartment, in which case you can calculate an estimate based on the hourly rate. For example, if it usually takes a cleaner four hours to clean your home, use $30/hour and pay $120 for a cleaning. Pay for at least three hours a visit to account for commutes cleaners make between their clients’ homes.
Consider adding workers’ compensation to your home insurance policy if you don’t already have it. Continue purchasing your own cleaning supplies as you usually do. Sometimes, the cleaner may request that you provide specific supplies.
Things to discuss when hiring a house cleaner
How often will the house cleaner come?
House cleaners typically clean once every week or every two weeks. If you’d only like the occasional cleaning, a higher rate may be appropriate considering that a home that is cleaned more often is far easier to clean.
Don’t forget: Will you be home to let them in? Will they need access to a lockbox, or would you prefer to provide a key?
What will the house cleaner do?
Cleaning includes these tasks, though you can discuss which tasks and which rooms are most important:
- Dusting
- Sweeping
- Mopping
- Vacuuming
- Surface cleaning of counters and appliances
- Bathroom cleaning
- Taking out trash
- Changing sheets, replacing towels
If you’d like other services, like deep-cleaning appliances, cleaning that requires moving heavy furniture, or cleanup after a big party, these should be discussed separately and paid at a higher rate.
Similarly, don’t throw in tasks like caring for pets or household members unless discussed in advance as part of the job description with appropriate compensation.
Offer the house cleaner a contract or written agreement
A written agreement is essential and even required under the law in some cities and states. A written agreement allows you both to think through and communicate details that can be easily overlooked. Plan to revisit your agreement after a few cleanings and then again after one year.
Hand in Hand has created sample written agreements that you can simply print and use!
Sick policies for house cleaners and you
Just as you might use a sick day to recover from illness or stay home with your sick child, house cleaners may need time to care for their own health or that of a family member. If they’re sick or if someone in your household falls ill, inform the house cleaner that they should not come to work and that you will still compensate them for that time.
Preparing and cleaning before the cleaner
Green and healthy non-toxic cleaning
It’s in both your and the house cleaner’s best interest to use non-toxic cleaning supplies in your home. Harsh cleaning chemicals can harm our lungs and skin–especially for someone working with them for hours every day.
Should you clean before the cleaner comes?
Many people feel squeamish about having someone see their home looking messy, but this is like not wanting a doctor to see you sick!
What you can do, however, is straighten and tidy your home to make the cleaner’s job of dusting, wiping, vacuuming, etc. easier. The less time they have to spend moving things around on floors and counters, the more they can focus on cleaning those floors and counters.
What about fragile, valuable, or sentimental things?
This one is easy: put things away! Additionally, you can show the house cleaner which things you’d simply rather they skipped. Write it down, too, so you’re not counting on their memory—or yours. Better yet, include this info in the work agreement.
Keeping your relationship as clean as your home
Changes to the house cleaner’s schedule or yours
In the era of remote work and flexible schedules, discuss whether you or other members of the household will be at home during scheduled cleanings. If the cleaner is comfortable having people around while they work, be sure family members know to keep out of the way.
If you want to change your cleaning schedule one week, request the accommodation in advance. Don’t assume that the cleaner can adjust their schedule for you. If you cancel at the last minute and can’t reschedule, pay for that cleaning as planned.
Keeping in touch, even if you’re never in the same room
Periodic check-ins are a good idea, whether or not you see each other during cleanings. This could be five minutes each week or a half hour (paid!) every few months. You can give feedback about what you appreciate about their work and if there’s anything specific you want to change going forward. Again, if you’re requesting any additional tasks, like cleaning out your fridge, adjust their pay/hours accordingly. Give them a chance to talk too, whether it’s to ask questions about a piece of furniture or request different cleaning supplies.
Share appreciation for your professionally cleaned home
Let the house cleaner know how much their work—and your clean home—mean to you. Words of appreciation can go a long way. Just don’t forget the standard practices of offering holiday bonuses and annual cost of living wage increases.
Next Steps
- Create a written work agreement with the house cleaner you employ.
- Continue learning about how to be a fair employer.
- Become a member of Hand in Hand.
