Biting the Cleaning Bullet
Well, I bit the bullet. I admitted that
a. I stink at cleaning house
b. I’m not fabulous at it when I do
c. I honestly just don’t have the time to stay on top of it.
We are so busy I find that I spend almost all weekend cleaning – that’s no fun. And, as mentioned before, since I’m not that great at the skill … I wondered if I’d just wasted my time!
So, a few months ago, I interviewed a sweet gal that lives in my neighborhood to do a bi-weekly cleaning. The cost was fair, but it was still enough to warrant a line item on the ol’ family budget. However, I thought that I wanted to try it for at least a month to see how it could change my life.
That same day, we went to a local home and garden show. There were several cleaning agencies there. I priced one and they were nearly twice what the local gal was charging. I swiftly left the scene feeling like I got a bargain and ready to take the plunge.
The next day, the agency called and asked why I hadn’t given them a chance for their “one free cleaning”. I explained the situation and they said that they had a “Priority Clean”. It included the kitchen, living area, all bathrooms, entry area, and the master bedroom. Since I want the kids to be in charge of their rooms and the gameroom (it allows them to earn an allowance) – that was perfect for me … and I liked the fact that they are insured and bonded. They met the price of the local gal, I decided to go that route for now.
The agency started the next week and oh my goodness! Was I ever in for a shock. This is by far the best money that I have ever spent.
Here’s what it includes:
Bathrooms:
Sink thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and rinsed
Tub and/or shower tiles thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and rinsed
Chrome fixtures cleaned and shined
Toilets disinfected inside and out, including base and behind
Vanity top cleaned (more time may be required to remove and replace items on top)
Towels changed (if left out)
Mirrors cleaned
Windowsills wiped down
Trash emptied
Baseboards dusted or wiped
Vacuum and/or wash floor
Fingerprints removed from all woodwork, doorframes and switch plates
Kitchen:
Countertops and backsplash cleaned (all items removed and replaced)
Cabinet fronts washed or dusted
Sinks scrubbed and disinfected
Floor vacuumed or washed
Exterior of appliances (oven, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, stovetop) cleaned (interior cleaned upon request – ask for details)
Small appliances wiped
Windowsills cleaned
Baseboards dusted or wiped
Fingerprints removed from all woodwork, doorframes and switch plates
Trash emptied
Dishes washed (please set up procedure with your local office)
Wash or dust table and chairs
Master Bedroom:
Carpets vacuumed
Beds made
Linens changed (if left out – notify office if more than one linen change is needed)
All areas dusted – on top, on front and underneath (all items removed and replaced – more time may be required if there are lots of nicknacks)
Picture frames dusted
Mirrors cleaned
Windowsills cleaned
Fingerprints washed from all woodwork, doorframes and switch plates
Vacuum under bed (if accessible)
Trash emptied
Baseboards dusted
Lampshades wiped down or dusted
Light, general straightening completed
Living Area:
All areas dusted – on top, on front and underneath (all items removed and replaced – more time may be required if there are lots of nicknacks)
Upholstered furniture vacuumed
Cushions and pillows fluffed and straightened
Hardwood or tile floors damp-mopped
Carpeted floors vacuumed
Baseboards dusted and cobwebs removed
Windowsills wiped down
Fingerprints wiped from all woodwork, doorframes and switch plates
Glass tables cleaned
Picture frames dusted
Lamp shades wiped down or dusted
Light, general straightening completed
The agency calls the day before to remind me that they are coming, and calls again the day after to ask about the service. If there is any part that I’m unhappy with – they will come and reclean for no charge.
Why did I choose an agency over an individual? To be quite honest, never having done this before, it was because of the insurance and bonding. If the price difference had been significant, I’m not sure that it would have mattered. But, when they agreed to match – it was worth it for just that.
What do I pay? I posed this question on Facebook a few months back and the answers varied based on where you live in the country. I’m in a suburb of Houston, TX – my house is 2,500 square feet (obviously, they are not cleaning all of it) and I’m paying $77/bi-weekly.
Overall, it’s been a huge load off of my plate and worth the money. In times that we are home more or as our season of life changes, I will probably go back to doing it myself. But for where we are now – it’s nice and I look forward to the days that I come home to that fresh, everything is clean smell!
*I would be remiss if I didn’t say that I’m the person who cleans for the cleaning lady. No one in my house understands this, but I do pick up all the clutter (and we are magnets for it!) before they come. I want them to clean every single surface and I’m of the belief that if they can’t see it – they won’t clean it as well as if it’s already picked up!
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