You shouldn't even call these ppl house cleaners. These are con artists. I LOVE when a client asks me detailed questions. Gives me a chance to show off. This is a great video because it helps to keep our reputation intact. Rifling through mail, making sandwiches!! OMG I could be wrong but I think many times it's the customers looking for the cheapest deal that end up with this kind of cleaner .
@@AskAngelaBrown I have an invention idea. You have been in business a long time. I would like to ask you if you've ever seen or heard of it before. I trust you enough to know you won't steal it. Lol
I feel like that's really a sad way of thinking, most people should not need a college degree for home cleaning and even professional cleaners don't even know anything about cleaning or mixing chemicals. Had a "professional" mix bleach and ammonia, while any basic mother knows that's a no go. Someone might be trying to dabble into a cleaning business and people like you won't give them the chance. How can they get experience without applying what they have learned. It's closed minded and very dumb to live with that way of thinking.
I love the lady who used to clean for me. I referred her to a few of my friends and she never ever gave me details of their homes or any of her clients. She always always did a magnificent job in my house and my friends told me the same thing. She even cleaned my windows without me asking her to do it. I miss having her come to my home. I had to let her go for financial reasons 😥 and I miss her.
I am so glad to see you had a positive experience with a house cleaner. Sorry you weren’t able to keep her due to financial reasons but I think it’s great that you referred her to your friends. 🤗 ❤️
I was a cleaner for years while I was going through college, and I actually made better money than I did as a teacher. To be honest, I was not licensed/bonded (this was years ago) but I had many clients for years. So what I would like to add this is for this: I always left a detailed list of everything I cleaned. My most persnickety clients had a list already typed out for me. Follow the directions of the person who hired you. If they want detailed cleaning on the kitchen and bathroom and no cleaning in the bedrooms, so be it. You are a professional hired to do a service. To people who are hiring, I would say provide the cleaning products you want used in your home, insist that your own mop be used and your own cleaning cloths, leave a detailed note for your cleaner, feel free to pop in occasionally, and also leave a small snack for them. It doesn't need to be much, one of those cheap packs of peanut butter crackers works. Cleaners, you are working, get off the phone. Last, this goes for both the cleaner and the client: stay out of the way. Homeowners, try not to be home while your house is being cleaned. Cleaners: if the client is home, try to clean the rooms they are not in first. A little PS: please understand that the cleaner will need occasional breaks while cleaning. If you find them sitting down drinking some water, please know they may have just half killed themselves vacuuming for half an hour.
@@truthbetold6317 Nope! Great cardio! And people appreciate a job well done! If you think they aren't looking behind and under the furniture to see if the vacuum lines go all the way to the wall, believe me, they are. :)
Angela, I think the only “house cleaners” who would be angry with you are the bad, lazy, unprofessional people posing as house cleaners. The professionals should bravo this video as it will help keep the con artists from ruining the reputation of your industry.
I like this video. Very informative for homeowners hiring house cleaners. I decided to change careers after 20 years of caregiving. One housecleaning job lead to another. Now at 8 years of cleaning I always brought my own lunch and water. Ate quickly and never sat down. Never engaged in homeowners conversations not unless I was invited to do so. Love what I do and always learning something new with up to date products. Plus it keeps this 60year old in shape!!!
I had a house cleaner come in for a few weeks while I recovered from surgery. I *always* left her sodas/sandwiches/snacks. I felt so uncomfortable with the idea of someone cleaning my home, I had to do something nice for her. I left her stuff in a specific shelf in the fridge and on the counter.
wow that’s so nice. I had one or two that did that for me too when I was cleaning. It was always weird though. So I always brought my own food. Making sure it wasn’t something stinky 😂
I don’t mind them eating or taking a coffee break, but I don’t want to cook for them or provide their lunch. They need to bring their own food. I pay well enough for them to afford it. I’m always home when they come because I’m old and retired, and I really don’t know them well enough to leave them alone in my house. In the past, I’ve had the experience of hiring housekeepers who started out doing a great job, and then, week after week they started doing less and less until finally I had to fire them because I was paying the same, but they weren’t doing the whole job anymore. If I have to call them out because they’re not doing what was agreed on, I’m not giving “chances.” I just don’t want to employ someone like that. I don’t want that “I’m going to see how little I can get away with” attitude in my home. It makes the relationship too stressful for me, and I’m hiring a cleaner to reduce my stress!
I've done housekeeping for 14 year's and I go above and beyond. I'm just starting my own business finally and I want to be even better and I respect everything you are saying.
When I lived in Mexico, I shared a 3-bedroom condo with 2 male Mexican roommates. I am a foreign white girl. They hired a Mexican housekeeper (thank God because they didn’t clean anything!). She did clean but I was the only female roommate and after a few weeks, I noticed my perfume was getting less and less, as was my deodorant and hair spray, and my deodorant was going down much faster than usual (when I lived elsewhere in the same city). I didn’t always wear perfume or hair spray (my hair was braided at the time so I didn’t need it) I told my roommates about it and they shrugged it off. I’m sure the housekeeper spritzed herself up with my expensive products before she left for the day. 😡😡. The roommates told me not to worry about it. I moved out shortly after as their dismissive attitude was just the tip of the iceberg.
Oh no, this is a really sad story. I'm sorry to hear that your items were used without your permission. It's theft in a small form (since they still left the actual containers) but it's theft just the same. I'm sorry you had to experience this.
I've been cleaning for years now, I didn't even mean to get into it, I just started helping a friend, then their friend, and it went from there by word of mouth. I like it best when the homeowner is there the whole time, that way they can hear and keep an eye on what I do, there's no question. Of the eating food or crap that I can't believe people actually do!! I come in, clean, and go. I've never once shared info about a client. Not even last names. I hate that some people act like this and make homeowners scared to try someone new.
I don't care if it makes other house cleaners MAD. I do have a home that I clean and the lady says that I'm being a little on the OCD side. I have never taken a course that provides training for house cleaners. In this area where I live there is no such thing. That is one reason why I try to find people like you so that I can better myself as a house cleaner. Since I work by myself most of the time, I do not overbook myself if at all possible. That way if I come across a speed bump in the road as the old saying goes. I can spend that extra time if need be.
It's great to hear that you're committed to improving your skills as a house cleaner and that you prioritize providing thorough cleaning services for your clients. Not having access to formal training courses in your area doesn't mean you can't strive for excellence. Seeking out resources like UA-cam videos and connecting with experienced individuals, like myself, can indeed help you gain valuable insights and knowledge. Additionally, your approach of not overbooking yourself and allowing extra time to handle unexpected challenges demonstrates your dedication to providing quality service. Keep up the good work and continue to pursue opportunities for growth and improvement in your cleaning business. Wishing you lots of continued success!
I'm 67, been housecleaning since 21. The stories I've heard about their ex housecleaners.stealing booz.flirting with their husband's. Stealing meds.stealing expensive purses.taking naps.thats why I've been able to keep my customers. I'm. Honest, dependable and loyal.
This is a great video, when you are a good honest cleaning person. Eating your clients food and going in their mail is shameful! Fake cleaning is ridiculous and listening to the conversation or issues is just plan wrong. People like that give bad names to hard working honest house cleaning people. Thanks for the video I didn’t think people actually did those things
When I cleaned houses, my clients hired me from "word of mouth" and my dad (a small business owner) always says, "Do a good job and your work will sell itself." And I think that's a great philosophy for any job. I cleaned a day spa for two years that changed management. They stopped calling me back and I always wondered why. I found out through a former employee that I was blamed for taking $40 out of the register. It still bothers me. I wish I would've known some things to avoid about clients as well. I would've asked that money be put in a safe so I wouldn't be blamed. There are other things too, like customers who have filthy houses they haven't cleaned for ages, but expect you to get it all done in a day with little pay. It tuff out there!
@@itsacarolbthing5221 yeah it's not, but I explained to the manager esthetician who hired me. I don't know if she believed me. That's the thing. It couldn't be proven. Not a big loss though. It's not like they paid me a lot to begin with. It just sux to have people think of me as a thief when I worked so hard to take care of their place.
Many thanks for these points Angela! Especially important is the trust that you must put in the person who has access to your home!!! The way they talk about other clients is a definite "tell".
Omg I never even thought about eating someone's food while on a job! I have been offered many times a coffee or a chocolate bar but always politely refused. To be honest I feel weird even using the loo if I really must but never after I have cleaned it!
@Jennifer I do too! Sometimes, I would bring a friend to help me clean a clients apartment. She would wait until we were fixing to leave and use his bathroom! I told her “I just cleaned that!” She would shrug her shoulders and say but I had to go! I made her clean it again. She doesn’t accompany me any longer.
Wow! I've done this for over 15 years and was professionally trained. I now clean homes, and I am turning clients away because of referrals. I never would even think of eating food, rifling through their documents, or telling their stories to other clients. That's shameful. In fact, I rarely go to the bathroom in my homes, ( unless it's big, and I can't wait) or take a break. I used to not turn on the air, and this is in the South, but now I am older and more confident- and I've had my clients for a long time- so I do. These people are not house cleaners, they are shams, and they degrade a business I love and something I make great money at while providing a valuable service to them. I still clean solo simply because other than my daughter, I could never find anyone with the same work ethic as I have.
The gossip advice is huge. I heard a famous lady used to want to talk to famous people's maids and cooks to get the inside knowledge "dirt" on other people's family!
I’m a housekeeper and I loved this video! There are some bad housekeepers out there. I actually encourage my clients to have video cameras to not only see what a good job I’m doing but to see what’s going on in their home. If something goes missing, I don’t want to get blamed for it. The cameras help with this kind of situation.
Angela Brown yes I agree, being 58 years old and having bore 6 children, cannot imagine being at someone’s house for 3 hours after my morning cup of coffee and holding things up!
ugh, same. I don't even like using my own home toilet if it wasn't cleaned that day. I am a stay at home mom about to open my own small residential cleaning business but not before I am licensed, insured, bonded, complete savvy cleaning training, OSHA compliant, have all tools and cleaners, SDS & MSDS, chemical signs down, and all the steps to insure I won't be ONE OF THOSE, house cleaners. lol
This is good to know. I’m a private person and don’t air my “dirty laundry” around anyone. I am very uncomfortable being around a house cleaner when doing personal business on the phone. I was taking care of my 94 year old mother. We hade Physical Therapy twice a week.. Occupational therapy twice a week, the home health care nurse three times a week. The housekeeper once a week. The home health CNA twice a week for 4 hours each visit. Also, the head home health care manager once a month or so. I had absolutely no privacy in my own home. This was 10 plus people is my home each week. The number of people varied as time went on but this went on for YEARS. I hated it! It was impossible to have a phone conversation without everyone hearing my business. Everybody gossips. Also, ever week the people varied. I did not know these people most of the time.
Hi Angela, I have a small cleaning business since 2014, I am glad to watch your videos, thank you! I wish many house cleaners hear this video! Some employees have bad habits, but the employer give the rules, periodically need trainer and give education about, how to clean, good behavior, clients privacy, professionalism, etc. Employees records need be screened, I keep my 👀 nobody eats or drink client’s food, do not bring cell phone inside clients houses, talk just what is necessary for perform the clean etc… The client pay for cleaning so if the house looks clean, we cleaning everything as in check list. 4 But unfortunately, some homeowners looking just for low rates, so they house is open for bad surprises. Thank you again! Nilceia Connolly
Hi Nilceia, you've got some really great points there as well as great business practices. Thanks for sharing those with us here. I appreciate you too. 👏
I do not have house cleaners but your videos give insight into many things. You may be a house cleaner but so much more. Your information about life is really insightful. I like your voice! Not being weird but a hate the whinny voices on youtube. I'm glad I don't have to hear about your kid snack plan or what you purchased. I'm disabled so I have watched a lot of videos. I'm glad I found yours. It's refreshing. I wish you good luck!
I worked as a house cleaner for a mom & pop company, no background check, no training, I worked hard, did an honest day's work & no one complained. In fact, one customer raved that she took less asthma medication after I cleaned her house (she had 1 inch of dust on her blinds behind a large piece of furniture I moved to get to the windows). The advice you give is good. It worked out for me but you are right I had no qualifications or training.
Wow, one inch of dust would definitely aggravate asthma and allergies. Thank you for writing in and sharing the story of your time as a house cleaner. I appreciate you watching my video. ❤️
I’m home when they are cleaning. They never eat or drink anything. I’ve offered drinks. They never take it. And I never conduct personal calls in front of anyone . I put all my personal mail away before Anyone comes over. I’m a very private.
To clients: do not boobytrap with unannounced unassembled items you want dusted under. Do not hide pennys to see if the runner in the hall got picked up, or under the candles are still there, or under the chair leg to see if it got moved. Expect a dish of found pennys on the counter. Make sure doors actually lock with the key. Contain pets that "never bite". They do.
I cleaned a regular home recently. I didn't sit down until I had cleaned for over 6 hours, fifteen minutes. That is when my back said it was tired. 🥺 Angela, when do you take breaks?
I’m so grateful for all the years that I have been cleaning houses my clients offer me food they even serve me or buy me lunch I am so grateful and blessed for that and I don’t expect them to invite me anything’🙏💖
Thank you for sharing this. It is wonderful when a client offers you food. And that is the key, if they offer it to you that is different than just assuming that it's okay to make yourself at home and take it without being offered it. I love also how grateful you are once they have offered it. 🤗
Most people who have their homes cleaned don't just do it because they don't know how to do it themselves. So many people simply just need the help because they can't do it themselves either for health reasons or for time constraints. I clean my home myself. But once in a while I have been blessed to be able to and clean my bathrooms for me as a extra push to just help me get things done the way I need. It's just Nice to have a little bit of extra help once in a while.
Wow, I wish I had seen this video before I hired a cleaner once last year. I’m a busy single parent that’s also in full time school, so I hired someone once not knowing what to expect. When I asked her for a list of what she cleaned we talked on the phone and she basically shamed me for how dirty my house was and that she wasn’t going to take every single item off a shelf to dust it. Then she proceeded to judge my parenting! It got to a point where I defended myself by saying I have adhd… and it was really just a mess. Anyways, the point of my little rant here was just to say that I appreciate the honesty and integrity and advice in this video. Thank you so much! I just might be comfortable to try and find someone again.
Im a house cleaner. I never go into the refrigerator or mail. Never even go into closets or drawers. My customers love me. And I always assume I'm being watched. As I should. I'm In their home!
I was a housekeeper for 20+ years. This video is so spot on! My boss wasn't good at screening new employees, and I would witness people doing these kind of things. UNBELIEVABLE!! Great informative video for homeowners. TFS🧹🧺🧽💙👍
I do have a motto and i do my job accordingly: "What ever you are working on, do everything with zest, because your work is for the Lord, and HE expects your BEST."
My workers would never ever touch a clients’ food or anything that is not theirs. Speak for yourself. And my workers never snoop or look at clients confidential personal information! Never. They have integrity!
Par for the course. I've been cleaning houses, offices, etc for 20 years. For good cleaners, look for pet hair. Is pet hair still behind doors? Do the white glove test. Run your finger over a dark surface. Does dust come up? Customers need to pay attention to these things. Let neighbors know you have a cleaner coming over. There are lots of ways you can ensure your house will get done properly. I love cleaning. I tell customers up front what I intend to do. Cameras are usually going inside and outside houses. Customers need to just use a little common sense when people come into their house.
Margaret, Thanks so much for watching the show and leaving a comment about how customers can get a good cleaning. Best wishes to you and your business. 😊
Angela my house is such a mess I don't even have a space to set up a table to get rid of things. I can't find things and buy more wasting lots of money. As I was working to organize my quilting projects, AKA find the ones I need to work and finish; things started to click. I was in the garage, moved a few things I could to the driveway, set up a throw away box, recycle box, and donate box. Used an empty tote as my table and was able to make a dent in the mess. As I got tired, I was able to put everything away and load the donations in the car. After sitting and having a Coke I took donations to GW I was shocked they don't take or sell Tupperware, so those items had to come back home.
Oh no, I am sorry you couldn’t donate the Tupperware but it sounds like you made a dent in the stuff in your garage. You deserve a pat on the back for that 👏. You may want to post the Tupperware on Nextdoor. Keep up the good work : )
You are so sweet Vickie, and you have a kind heart. That said, maids are responsible to bring their own food and eat on their own time. Not ransack the clients pantry and eat while they are being paid to clean. :-)
I think it's fine if you've told them or if you've said they can help themselves or you've made them something. Not acceptable to just take it. If they were working in an office and just took someone's lunch, it would not be acceptable, would it? Your home is their place of work, so it's not acceptable. If they suddenly became hungry and asked, I would have no problem with feeding them then.
I started working in housekeeping for a resort and then winery etc. Thank you for emphasizing on SOME. And good points hopefully it will help people appreciate the one's worth hiring ... And on a random note eating while cleaning is just nasty and says a lot about someone in general lol I worked for housekeeping and serving so I always got told i was being ocd -ish about stuff cuz I do have ocd... But nah u just don't want to get ppl sick
Wow, spot on. We live near CapeTown South Africa and all of the 5 points are true and we have experienced them first hand. After living here for 6 years, we still haven’t found a domestic that full-fills our standard when it comes to cleaning. Worst, if we clean ourselves its better than when she does it. Any advise would be much appreciated. Keep up the excellent work and I benefit a lot from your channel
Thanks for watching and I'm sorry to hear this show pertained to you and your experience with housekeepers/house cleaners. I wish for you a cleaner that takes pride in their work and does a fantastic job for you. 🙏
@@AskAngelaBrown it really IS refreshing to read about someone who does actually still take pride in a job well done. Especially in these current times, when even shopping, eating out, etc. almost anything pertaining to customer service in the area where I live, shows understaffed to the point of self service or form a line. Thank you for giving your clients a clean home to return to if even a similar situation exists there. Thank you for taking time to upload these videos too. As a disabled homeowner, I find them very helpful. Am hopeful that local cleaners will watch them too. Have a wonderful weekend. :)
The background thing applies to any service worker who is independent, sometimes it even applies to small businesses. When they're not independent, then at least the agency employing them is in part accountable for anything they do.
Omg I can not imagine eating someone's food! That's horrible. I like your videos the only thing I dont like is you always make it seem like a house cleaner is always a person who is broke under education or desperate. This is not always accurate there are some of us who love the idea of having and growing your own company and or the flexibility
I'm not a house cleaner so I'm not as sensitive to the issue as house cleaners will be, but I've watched many of Angela's videos and have not sensed that AT ALL. Her target audience is people who take pride in their cleaning business and are generally on the lookout for ways to improve. Warning the public about what to look out for isn't an indictment of all house cleaners, and it doesn't come across that way. The things she mentions in this video would apply to any professional who comes into your house and functions unsupervised. Hourly caregivers, for instance. We had caregivers take food out of my mother's fridge. It's tricky bc if they need it, you don't want to say anything...
Routine. I’ve been a house keeper and janitor for over 20 years. I find by starting in the same room, spot every time I know how long it will take, if that makes sense. It keeps me organized in my routine so if a mess arises or I have to spend extra time on something, I know where I can speed it up to take care of the extras.
Angela, I agree with you mostly, but not everyone needs to be bonded. "Surety bonds protect the third-party that is hiring a business (the customer), from any possible losses that would result from incomplete work, damage, theft, or other failures of the hired company." I've gone over this, in detail, with my business insurance agent. Firstly, we're talking employees here. Employees stealing, employees breaking things, customers being charged for work your employee didn't do. I do not have any employees, I am a sole proprietor with no employees. Bonding only covers what your employees do. INSURANCE/BOP liability policy covers any accidental damages I may cause. Bonding is extremely expensive (at least where I live) and in my case, completely unnecessary.
I always -do a mini clean put things away like bills and jewelry. - feed my house cleaner - just hired someone that a friend recommended - I am there while it’s going on - never argue in front of anyone in general Wow I never heard spraying the house
I really like this video, it has really great advice for all of us. I just shared your channel with a friend who is getting back into the business after years of being out. She just misses it. She moved to another state to be close to her aging parents and decided to go back into business in that state. She will do well because she is really good and follows all of these guidelines that you mentioned as a course of her natural standards.
Great video! The only people that should be upset by your video is the ones that don't do the right thing! I love that you are talking about this there were a few things that I didn't consider as we usually hire through a company and assume they have done the background checks etc. I think it's great for you to do this video so everyone like you said can be all above board!
my housekeeper disappeared one time inexplicably and with no notice or goodbye shortly after she started. she called me the next day to say she had eaten without asking one of the many homemade brownies in the fridge. not knowing it was a super mega strong pot brownie she said she felt weird and realized what happened. she said she sat on a park bench for over five hours until she felt better. she should have asked. she was let go for other reasons.
I am a new owner and never thought of eating anyone's food. But I will make a point to cover it in my trainning . Because you never know if you are on camera so act like you are. Hmmm.
Thanks for answeing allmy question. Your information is so great. We have come to some walls that have carpet on them . They are glued on the wall for the walls to hold items (peg board type). But they hold dirt in them and vaccuming and shampooing them are not always getting them clean . Any thought on how to keep them looking good .
After a bad experience I had, one of my interview questions would have to be, “What do you do if you accidentally break something?” The bad experience? I came home to find the sliding mirror door to the closet was cracked at vacuum-cleaner level. Who else would have banged it that hard that close to the floor? Accidents happen; take responsibility.
Smart question - and you always want to make sure your house cleaner is insured so you can make sure those types of situations are resolved. I completely agree, house cleaners should always take responsibility when they make mistakes.
I have lived in several different cities and it's quite surprising how many house cleaners, who have been rec'd by a new neighbor or acquaintance, really don't know how to clean. I have chalked it up to the idea that some homeowners have a different expectation of what clean is.
After a surgery, I called The Maids to clean the kitchen and bathrooms in the house. The car pulled in the driveway and 4 women who looked like they did HARD time got out of the car-all tatted up, dirty looking, etc. I didn't even want to answer the door. LAST time I'll call anyone to clean my home.
It's true that house cleaners are not there to put on a fashion show, nor is it common for them to be all glammed up. We do request that they shower in the morning before jobs, pull their hair back, wear deodorant and brush their teeth. Makeup is optional. But good hygiene and a clean and orderly look is common sense if you sell cleaning as your business. Showing up looking the weeds sends an incongruent message. I'm sorry you experienced that and I'm saddened that the house cleaners didn't take better care of their personal image as they most likely are an extension of the brand they work for.
Thank you!!! I was thinking it’s a cleaning hack video but you open my eyes to these housekeepers and you are right, who knows who we let into our homes.🏡Great Video
Hi and welcome! 🙂 Its personal preference- maybe for the first clean you might want to be there but if you feel comfortable not being home, lots are cleaners are ok with this too. You can talk about in the initial walk through. Hope this helps! 😃
I love all of my clients. Everyone treats me well and is very kind. I make sure to eat a hearty breakfast and bring my own water and snacks. My clients offer me snacks and drinks all of the time. I always decline. They even send me home with extra food and treats. They are often home when I am there. I could not imagine pretending to clean anything. Dreaming up ideas on how to get away with stuff would take more time than actually completing the tasks at hand. I guess the same folks that are pilfering meals and pretend cleaning are the same people that have time to read other peoples mail, sheesh. I sure do not have time for those shenanigans. I’m too busy cleaning. Lol.
Over here in NY, most of the housekeepers don’t have experience, they bring a friend or sister to help them, even their kids to help them. My friend cleans houses and her coworker did a crap job and she had to pick up the slack.
Very valid points, Angela! I do bring in customer's mail when I am there. I have even delivered mail to neighbor's homes. Bad Mailmen! This is only done with the greatest detail and sensitivity, especially when customers vacation. I was asked to sign my customers name to checks, I did, and to a Mail Hold form, I signed my name for them. Kind of scary!
I LOVE your videos.....they are SO helpful and I'm very grateful that you share this information. IT's actually helping me to find a housecleaner and budget for it.
People talk. People gossip. Trust is a big issue in all aspects of life. If a person clutters and finally decides to hire, it may mean they had to push past fear.
Not in all cases. There are some cleaning companies out there who have gone rogue and the purpose of this video is to shine a spotlight on bad behavior and send them a "cut it out" warning from a friend. 👍
Thats crazy i have cleanend homes i am not a housecleaner but i was taught not to go threw peoples stuff and eat or do all those things id love to clean homes agin just my heath i belve would prevent me but i know id do a great job regaurdless of my health im just out of shape and have some new heart issuse im not qwite shure what yet but i love cleaning and would totaly respect the peoples belongings and home
I have a customer whose a Dr. and she said her last cleaner was drinking her rare wines in her living room when she came home. This women is the nicest person she orders lunch for me and my wife frequently gives us stuff for no reason just a good good person and it's just beyond me how people in the past have treated her in return. You are correct Angela, there are just some pretty *evil* people out there and homeowners should keep their guard up.
I think that there are some house cleaners that will clean based on the way a home looks. If the house is always cluttered and dirty the homeowner will not notice the so called house cleaner didn’t do a good job. They will not notice the house cleaner didn’t get the dirt on the side of the washer that’s been there for 2 consecutive cleanings. I have wanted to get my house deep cleaned but my house cleaning motivation comes from watching my favorite ones on UA-cam clean and give great tips!
Wow!! This is very sad. I am a house cleaner. I can't believe that people would actually do these things. I have got my clients from word of mouth and I am proud of that. O just recently started a new house. The people were paying for 4 hr. They were being ripped off.
I've had ppl show up to clean that didn't know how to clean..... It was frustrating. I was a maid once and witnessed coworkers doing some of these things. I honestly wouldn't leave a maid alone in my house unless it was a relative.
Thx for shearing ❤️ My clients privacy is more important then enything else they are like my family and my responsibility is to take care of everything that sure to build that trust one you lost it there is no way to get it back and I feel very sorry for those who dos such crapy things and the same time is funny the way stealing food hahahaha
I am horrified that people actually do these things!! I am a house cleaner that has limited job experience in this field but I bust my ass to do a good job and I have a boss that trained me well. I have never betrayed confidence of any of my clients. I would never take anything (including food) that was not offered. I understand the concerns but it makes me so sad that there are people out there that would take advantage of someone willing to pay to get this service. I take my job seriously and I act accordingly. SMH I have to deal with issues that scammers have given to truly hard workers!
It's true, there are careless house cleaners that don't realize their behavior ruins the cleaning experience for their clients. And then they can't figure out why customers want to micro-manage a new cleaner. Congratulations for having higher standards and leading by example. I appreciate you. 🙏
I have my own check list and no one is in my house by themselves! We use my own cleaning fluids, towels, etc and no lunch break, no more than 4 hours, speak English, no phone calls . PERIOD!
APB...some of my cereal was ET. 😠 I LOVE your posts: excellent advice, perfect background and attire keeps it professional, delivery straight forward, extremely inspirational. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
being an honest person who respects others property, i am astonished this stuff happens. also, i can tell you're GenX by using the word "narc" lol thank you for your videos
It's shocking that some of these things still happen. Thanks for watching the video and for taking the time to comment, I appreciate it! Proud Gen Xer...lol
I will add a 6th: Watch out if/when a housecleaner - even one who has worked for you, and done a good job over time - says, "I'm going to bring a 'friend.'" That should set off your Early Warning System right now. It's not that your existing house cleaner will be a problem, but their "friend" or "ex-" or whatever may be a lizard. And the cleaner who has been working for you may not know that. I encountered this situation when a cleaner who had worked for my late mother for several years started bringing along "her ex-. If I visited her house on 'cleaning day', I didn't see "Joe" didn't really doing a whole lot - he always was "working" on the upper floor - alone. The situation bothered me, but my Mum had all her marbles, and was stubborn as a bull moose. Then she got sick, and the situation was such that I had to move into the house to be a caregiver. Not an easy situation - I was on extended leave after having a stroke (not good "recovery time"). But one day, my Mum - in a particularly morbid state of mind - said that she wanted to give some jewelry to friends before she died, rather than making a new will, or adding a codicil. (I'll add that she was nowhere near dying - just ill.). The most significant item in her small collection was a long rope of real pearls - a gift to her from my late father, and worth quite a lot. When she asked me to get out her jewelry, the pearls were nowhere to be found. She was having some temporary memory issues as the result of an infection, which made for a difficult situation. I started searching. I checked every possible hiding place, and several impossible ones. I made some inquiries, and established that my mother had not sold or otherwise disposed of them. At the same time, back-channel queries to friends in law enforcement found the "ex" had a history. For property theft. Hoo Boy. There was no way to prove that "Joe" had taken anything. Except for the "coincidence" that no other person had had the opportunity. Mum's house cleaner was not aware of all "Joe" had been doing since their divorce. To be fair, it's possible she may not have known. That may seem ridiculous, but "nearest and dearest" are not always aware of such things. Either way, it was a bit late at that point. There wasn't a darn thing to be done. The pearls were gone. Nothing could be proven. So, even if your house cleaner has been trustworthy, be aware of their "friends." A very sad "lesson learned."
You are great Angela. I think everyone would like to work with someone like you or be friends with. You are so, professional, correct, kind and wise. I'd take the opportunity to ask you if once is possible that you make a video with ecological and vegan products for cleaning, since now it became more popular to take care of the environment, (finally) I'm wondering what works and what not because the recommendation that I found in youtube aren't from such a professional cleaner like you. Wishing you all the best. ❤💫
We had weekly rental units. We always has in cleaner for each unit and they could not sub out the work. Reason.. they could walk in and immediately know If anything was missing or damaged cuz they were there each week. Also, they had a maintenance schedule so some weeks the place was left spotless by the tenant so was left for cleaner to do so she would do things from maintenance list.
We have a huge problem in my area with those suffering from addiction turning to house cleaning and handyman work to supply income. I've hired two cleaners and both were, I believe, either addicts or alcoholics. I'm not opposed to hiring someone who has addiction problems if they can do their jobs, but they were also both terrible cleaners.
@@melissazimmerman4208 my mom owned a cleaning business cleaning residential homes, she was very professional, but many others she talked with in the business were not, they wouldn't hesitate to tell everyone what they saw and heard in people's homes, my mom treated her customers homes like a hospital bound by HIPPA laws, no matter what you see and hear it is never to be repeated, needless to say she had a small but successful business
ron sylvia, I’m the same way. Most of my clients were referred to me by my friends/family. My friends have asked me questions about my client who is also their friend/family and I always tell them I can’t talk about my clients or their home. I was a dental assistant for 6 years and I follow the same practice as I would a patient with the HIPAA laws. Your home is a sacred safe place. It’s difficult to trust a stranger in your home. Most of my clients had bad experiences with cleaners and tell me they only trust me because I was referred by their friend/family.
Doing extra things that you see need to be done can be a great blessing but you may need to ask if they would like you to do XXX. Also ask if they need you to leave by a certain time that day. If you don’t have time to do everything that visit then put it on the schedule for the next visit and ask when you get there the next time if they would like you to do XXX 1st, then they know you remember it needs some attention (unless they did it before your visit). Always do more than they ask if possible. If you see something that needs to be fixed you may find it wise to ask them if they know about it so it won’t damage their home. If you work when they are there ask them if there is something they would like done that day so you know if there is something they want done. Thank them if you have the opportunity for the privilege of serving them each time you clean that location. These are a few things I can think of that make you a cut above. Asking what they would like makes many customers happier.
Hi Angela, what should I offer to the client a vulnerable sector check or a criminal record check? What is the most appropriate? Thank you for all your videos and all your explanations.
Clients want to feel safe in their homes with the stranger they hire. Anything you can provide them to ensure you are who you say you are, that you have been trained to do the job you are doing, and that you are insured in the event that something malfunctions needs to be proven.
I had a nightmare with a deep clean of my new house after getting the keys. Hired a company that did not do a single thing, they damaged furniture and the floor and left cobwebs in cupboards and balls of dust in the bathroom, other rooms, didn’t clean the dirty black fingerprints on the walls / doors. They then proceeded to demand payment over and over even after I sent photos of the shoddy work they’d done. Was really traumatic and has put me off so I’m now cleaning a five floor house along with a full time job 😮💨
Angela, great show, I appreciate your knowledge and sharing of it. My problem is our master bath. It’s got white marble floors and marble shower. Nothing else is marble. I need to know a safe way to clean it. I’ve only used baking soda. I’m sure you know another way to do this. Thank you do very much!! Edith
@@AskAngelaBrown Overall they did a good job but I do see one thing that they missed in the bathroom. The owner to come by and do a walk-through but me and her both missed it but they gonna call me tomorrow and I’ll make sure I let them now. Three girls one came late and one had to leave in the middle of the job to go somewhere else but they got the whole house done and about four hours. And they did have a checklist that they gave me so that was good.
You shouldn't even call these ppl house cleaners. These are con artists. I LOVE when a client asks me detailed questions. Gives me a chance to show off. This is a great video because it helps to keep our reputation intact.
Rifling through mail, making sandwiches!! OMG
I could be wrong but I think many times it's the customers looking for the cheapest deal that end up with this kind of cleaner .
@@AskAngelaBrown I have an invention idea. You have been in business a long time. I would like to ask you if you've ever seen or heard of it before. I trust you enough to know you won't steal it. Lol
Thanks for sharing your input about this topic. 🤗
I always thought that way too! Lol
Wow id never even think to do that (eat their food). Woah
I feel like that's really a sad way of thinking, most people should not need a college degree for home cleaning and even professional cleaners don't even know anything about cleaning or mixing chemicals. Had a "professional" mix bleach and ammonia, while any basic mother knows that's a no go. Someone might be trying to dabble into a cleaning business and people like you won't give them the chance. How can they get experience without applying what they have learned. It's closed minded and very dumb to live with that way of thinking.
I love this lady’s integrity and the seriousness she takes her job. It’s refreshing and motivating
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to write this comment, I appreciate it! 🤗
I love the lady who used to clean for me. I referred her to a few of my friends and she never ever gave me details of their homes or any of her clients. She always always did a magnificent job in my house and my friends told me the same thing. She even cleaned my windows without me asking her to do it. I miss having her come to my home. I had to let her go for financial reasons 😥 and I miss her.
Noo.
I am so glad to see you had a positive experience with a house cleaner. Sorry you weren’t able to keep her due to financial reasons but I think it’s great that you referred her to your friends. 🤗 ❤️
I need her!!!
I was a cleaner for years while I was going through college, and I actually made better money than I did as a teacher. To be honest, I was not licensed/bonded (this was years ago) but I had many clients for years. So what I would like to add this is for this: I always left a detailed list of everything I cleaned. My most persnickety clients had a list already typed out for me. Follow the directions of the person who hired you. If they want detailed cleaning on the kitchen and bathroom and no cleaning in the bedrooms, so be it. You are a professional hired to do a service. To people who are hiring, I would say provide the cleaning products you want used in your home, insist that your own mop be used and your own cleaning cloths, leave a detailed note for your cleaner, feel free to pop in occasionally, and also leave a small snack for them. It doesn't need to be much, one of those cheap packs of peanut butter crackers works. Cleaners, you are working, get off the phone. Last, this goes for both the cleaner and the client: stay out of the way. Homeowners, try not to be home while your house is being cleaned. Cleaners: if the client is home, try to clean the rooms they are not in first. A little PS: please understand that the cleaner will need occasional breaks while cleaning. If you find them sitting down drinking some water, please know they may have just half killed themselves vacuuming for half an hour.
Thank you for sharing your personal story and tips!! 😊
@@truthbetold6317 adding lol, doesn’t make it funny 😒😒
This is very good advice.
@@truthbetold6317 Nope! Great cardio! And people appreciate a job well done! If you think they aren't looking behind and under the furniture to see if the vacuum lines go all the way to the wall, believe me, they are. :)
@@MegaDede25 Thank you
Angela, I think the only “house cleaners” who would be angry with you are the bad, lazy, unprofessional people posing as house cleaners. The professionals should bravo this video as it will help keep the con artists from ruining the reputation of your industry.
I appreciate you watching the video and taking the time to leave a comment. 👍
I like this video. Very informative for homeowners hiring house cleaners. I decided to change careers after 20 years of caregiving. One housecleaning job lead to another. Now at 8 years of cleaning I always brought my own lunch and water. Ate quickly and never sat down. Never engaged in homeowners conversations not unless I was invited to do so. Love what I do and always learning something new with up to date products. Plus it keeps this 60year old in shape!!!
Thanks so much for watching my video and sharing your thoughts. House cleaners definitely get daily high-intensity fitness training : )
♥️♥️♥️👍🏼
The lady who cleans for me is so wonderful! I’ve always appreciated her, but I appreciate her even more after watching this! ❤
Thanks for watching and hats off to the great relationship between you and your cleaning lady. 😍
I had a house cleaner come in for a few weeks while I recovered from surgery. I *always* left her sodas/sandwiches/snacks. I felt so uncomfortable with the idea of someone cleaning my home, I had to do something nice for her. I left her stuff in a specific shelf in the fridge and on the counter.
That's a very nice thing to do.
wow that’s so nice. I had one or two that did that for me too when I was cleaning. It was always weird though. So I always brought my own food. Making sure it wasn’t something stinky 😂
I don’t mind them eating or taking a coffee break, but I don’t want to cook for them or provide their lunch. They need to bring their own food. I pay well enough for them to afford it. I’m always home when they come because I’m old and retired, and I really don’t know them well enough to leave them alone in my house.
In the past, I’ve had the experience of hiring housekeepers who started out doing a great job, and then, week after week they started doing less and less until finally I had to fire them because I was paying the same, but they weren’t doing the whole job anymore. If I have to call them out because they’re not doing what was agreed on, I’m not giving “chances.” I just don’t want to employ someone like that. I don’t want that “I’m going to see how little I can get away with” attitude in my home. It makes the relationship too stressful for me, and I’m hiring a cleaner to reduce my stress!
I've done housekeeping for 14 year's and I go above and beyond. I'm just starting my own business finally and I want to be even better and I respect everything you are saying.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this comment, I appreciate it! I wish you the best and lots of success in your new journey! 🤗
When I lived in Mexico, I shared a 3-bedroom condo with 2 male Mexican roommates. I am a foreign white girl. They hired a Mexican housekeeper (thank God because they didn’t clean anything!). She did clean but I was the only female roommate and after a few weeks, I noticed my perfume was getting less and less, as was my deodorant and hair spray, and my deodorant was going down much faster than usual (when I lived elsewhere in the same city). I didn’t always wear perfume or hair spray (my hair was braided at the time so I didn’t need it) I told my roommates about it and they shrugged it off. I’m sure the housekeeper spritzed herself up with my expensive products before she left for the day. 😡😡. The roommates told me not to worry about it. I moved out shortly after as their dismissive attitude was just the tip of the iceberg.
Oh no, this is a really sad story. I'm sorry to hear that your items were used without your permission. It's theft in a small form (since they still left the actual containers) but it's theft just the same. I'm sorry you had to experience this.
I've been cleaning for years now, I didn't even mean to get into it, I just started helping a friend, then their friend, and it went from there by word of mouth. I like it best when the homeowner is there the whole time, that way they can hear and keep an eye on what I do, there's no question. Of the eating food or crap that I can't believe people actually do!! I come in, clean, and go. I've never once shared info about a client. Not even last names. I hate that some people act like this and make homeowners scared to try someone new.
Thanks so much for watching the show and leaving a comment. I appreciate you sharing about your experience in the cleaning business.
I don't care if it makes other house cleaners MAD.
I do have a home that I clean and the lady says that I'm being a little on the OCD side.
I have never taken a course that provides training for house cleaners. In this area where I live there is no such thing.
That is one reason why I try to find people like you so that I can better myself as a house cleaner.
Since I work by myself most of the time, I do not overbook myself if at all possible. That way if I come across a speed bump in the road as the old saying goes. I can spend that extra time if need be.
It's great to hear that you're committed to improving your skills as a house cleaner and that you prioritize providing thorough cleaning services for your clients. Not having access to formal training courses in your area doesn't mean you can't strive for excellence. Seeking out resources like UA-cam videos and connecting with experienced individuals, like myself, can indeed help you gain valuable insights and knowledge. Additionally, your approach of not overbooking yourself and allowing extra time to handle unexpected challenges demonstrates your dedication to providing quality service. Keep up the good work and continue to pursue opportunities for growth and improvement in your cleaning business. Wishing you lots of continued success!
I'm 67, been housecleaning since 21.
The stories I've heard about their ex housecleaners.stealing booz.flirting with their husband's. Stealing meds.stealing expensive purses.taking naps.thats why I've been able to keep my customers. I'm. Honest, dependable and loyal.
Some stories are unbelievable! Thanks for sharing and for continuing to provide your service.
@@AskAngelaBrown thank you
This is a great video, when you are a good honest cleaning person. Eating your clients food and going in their mail is shameful! Fake cleaning is ridiculous and listening to the conversation or issues is just plan wrong. People like that give bad names to hard working honest house cleaning people. Thanks for the video I didn’t think people actually did those things
I’m so glad you liked the video. You’re right, people that do those things give good house cleaners a bad name.
When I cleaned houses, my clients hired me from "word of mouth" and my dad (a small business owner) always says, "Do a good job and your work will sell itself." And I think that's a great philosophy for any job.
I cleaned a day spa for two years that changed management. They stopped calling me back and I always wondered why. I found out through a former employee that I was blamed for taking $40 out of the register. It still bothers me. I wish I would've known some things to avoid about clients as well. I would've asked that money be put in a safe so I wouldn't be blamed. There are other things too, like customers who have filthy houses they haven't cleaned for ages, but expect you to get it all done in a day with little pay. It tuff out there!
Oh, I feel your pain! Thank you for taking the time to write in and share your story.
I like your father's philosophy : )
If the day spa is still there, you could maybe go in and tell them what you found out and explain threat their information was incorrect.
@@itsacarolbthing5221 yeah it's not, but I explained to the manager esthetician who hired me. I don't know if she believed me.
That's the thing. It couldn't be proven. Not a big loss though. It's not like they paid me a lot to begin with. It just sux to have people think of me as a thief when I worked so hard to take care of their place.
@@StephieGsrEvolution I'm just sorry that happened to you.
@@itsacarolbthing5221 thank you for your understanding. 💗 Lessons learned!
Many thanks for these points Angela! Especially important is the trust that you must put in the person who has access to your home!!! The way they talk about other clients is a definite "tell".
Absolutely, great point! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Omg I never even thought about eating someone's food while on a job! I have been offered many times a coffee or a chocolate bar but always politely refused. To be honest I feel weird even using the loo if I really must but never after I have cleaned it!
I appreciate you watching my video and writing a comment : )
I don't feel bad using the bathroom , its a basic need and especially for women on that time of the month. Just clean it afterwards
Exactly Jennifer!
🤣 totally with you on the bathroom!
@Jennifer I do too! Sometimes, I would bring a friend to help me clean a clients apartment. She would wait until we were fixing to leave and use his bathroom! I told her “I just cleaned that!” She would shrug her shoulders and say but I had to go! I made her clean it again. She doesn’t accompany me any longer.
Wow! I've done this for over 15 years and was professionally trained. I now clean homes, and I am turning clients away because of referrals. I never would even think of eating food, rifling through their documents, or telling their stories to other clients. That's shameful. In fact, I rarely go to the bathroom in my homes, ( unless it's big, and I can't wait) or take a break. I used to not turn on the air, and this is in the South, but now I am older and more confident- and I've had my clients for a long time- so I do. These people are not house cleaners, they are shams, and they degrade a business I love and something I make great money at while providing a valuable service to them. I still clean solo simply because other than my daughter, I could never find anyone with the same work ethic as I have.
Thank you for sharing your story and thanks for watching the video.Sending well wishes and hugs. 🤗🙂
Agree on all points.
The gossip advice is huge. I heard a famous lady used to want to talk to famous people's maids and cooks to get the
inside knowledge "dirt" on other people's family!
I’m a housekeeper and I loved this video! There are some bad housekeepers out there. I actually encourage my clients to have video cameras to not only see what a good job I’m doing but to see what’s going on in their home. If something goes missing, I don’t want to get blamed for it. The cameras help with this kind of situation.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts on this topic - I appreciate it! 🤗
I agree....Let the cameras roll! That way I can prove just how hard I work!!
Wow! I don’t even feel right using the clients toilet🤭
Angela Brown yes I agree, being 58 years old and having bore 6 children, cannot imagine being at someone’s house for 3 hours after my morning cup of coffee and holding things up!
That's ridiculous though! 🙄
ugh, same. I don't even like using my own home toilet if it wasn't cleaned that day. I am a stay at home mom about to open my own small residential cleaning business but not before I am licensed, insured, bonded, complete savvy cleaning training, OSHA compliant, have all tools and cleaners, SDS & MSDS, chemical signs down, and all the steps to insure I won't be ONE OF THOSE, house cleaners. lol
Same here!
How can you do anything with a full bladder? I’d rather someone use my bathroom and concentrate on their cleaning than suffer and rush through it.
This is good to know. I’m a private person and don’t air my “dirty laundry” around anyone. I am very uncomfortable being around a house cleaner when doing personal business on the phone. I was taking care of my 94 year old mother. We hade Physical Therapy twice a week.. Occupational therapy twice a week, the home health care nurse three times a week. The housekeeper once a week. The home health CNA twice a week for 4 hours each visit. Also, the head home health care manager once a month or so. I had absolutely no privacy in my own home. This was 10 plus people is my home each week. The number of people varied as time went on but this went on for YEARS. I hated it! It was impossible to have a phone conversation without everyone hearing my business. Everybody gossips. Also, ever week the people varied. I did not know these people most of the time.
Wow, that is a lot of people. Thanks so much for watching the video and leaving a comment.
Thank you for this great video, Angela! Whether you’re the client or the cleaner, this information is a must!
You're welcome! And thank you for watching the video. 🙂
Hi Angela,
I have a small cleaning business since 2014, I am glad to watch your videos, thank you!
I wish many house cleaners hear this video!
Some employees have bad habits, but the employer give the rules, periodically need trainer and give education about, how to clean, good behavior, clients privacy, professionalism, etc.
Employees records need be screened, I keep my 👀 nobody eats or drink client’s food, do not bring cell phone inside clients houses, talk just what is necessary for perform the clean etc…
The client pay for cleaning so if the house looks clean, we cleaning everything as in check list. 4
But unfortunately, some homeowners looking just for low rates, so they house is open for bad surprises.
Thank you again!
Nilceia Connolly
Hi Nilceia, you've got some really great points there as well as great business practices. Thanks for sharing those with us here. I appreciate you too. 👏
I do not have house cleaners but your videos give insight into many things. You may be a house cleaner but so much more. Your information about life is really insightful. I like your voice! Not being weird but a hate the whinny voices on youtube. I'm glad I don't have to hear about your kid snack plan or what you purchased. I'm disabled so I have watched a lot of videos. I'm glad I found yours. It's refreshing. I wish you good luck!
I worked as a house cleaner for a mom & pop company, no background check, no training, I worked hard, did an honest day's work & no one complained. In fact, one customer raved that she took less asthma medication after I cleaned her house (she had 1 inch of dust on her blinds behind a large piece of furniture I moved to get to the windows). The advice you give is good. It worked out for me but you are right I had no qualifications or training.
Wow, one inch of dust would definitely aggravate asthma and allergies. Thank you for writing in and sharing the story of your time as a house cleaner. I appreciate you watching my video. ❤️
I’m home when they are cleaning.
They never eat or drink anything.
I’ve offered drinks. They never take it. And I never conduct personal calls in front of anyone .
I put all my personal mail away before Anyone comes over.
I’m a very private.
Thank you for your feedback and thanks for watching. 🙂
To clients: do not boobytrap with unannounced unassembled items you want dusted under. Do not hide pennys to see if the runner in the hall got picked up, or under the candles are still there, or under the chair leg to see if it got moved. Expect a dish of found pennys on the counter. Make sure doors actually lock with the key. Contain pets that "never bite". They do.
LOL. YES! I think you've pretty much said it all. 👏👏👏
I cleaned a regular home recently. I didn't sit down until I had cleaned for over 6 hours, fifteen minutes. That is when my back said it was tired. 🥺 Angela, when do you take breaks?
I’m so grateful for all the years that I have been cleaning houses my clients offer me food they even serve me or buy me lunch I am so grateful and blessed for that and I don’t expect them to invite me anything’🙏💖
Thank you for sharing this. It is wonderful when a client offers you food. And that is the key, if they offer it to you that is different than just assuming that it's okay to make yourself at home and take it without being offered it. I love also how grateful you are once they have offered it. 🤗
The best thing is learn to clean your own house.
Completely agree! You can have things done your way, clean a bit at a time or the whole house in one day, as needed.
It’s not about knowing how to clean. Some people work all week and don’t want to do it themselves. That’s just one reason.
Most people who have their homes cleaned don't just do it because they don't know how to do it themselves. So many people simply just need the help because they can't do it themselves either for health reasons or for time constraints. I clean my home myself. But once in a while I have been blessed to be able to and clean my bathrooms for me as a extra push to just help me get things done the way I need. It's just Nice to have a little bit of extra help once in a while.
marsbeads Some people work all week and still clean their home because they are a normal person. 😂
@@samanthah9971 LOL, so people who have their house cleaned are abnormal. What a dimwit you are!
Wow, I wish I had seen this video before I hired a cleaner once last year. I’m a busy single parent that’s also in full time school, so I hired someone once not knowing what to expect. When I asked her for a list of what she cleaned we talked on the phone and she basically shamed me for how dirty my house was and that she wasn’t going to take every single item off a shelf to dust it. Then she proceeded to judge my parenting! It got to a point where I defended myself by saying I have adhd… and it was really just a mess. Anyways, the point of my little rant here was just to say that I appreciate the honesty and integrity and advice in this video. Thank you so much! I just might be comfortable to try and find someone again.
That is so nice of you to say- I'm happy you found it helpful. And thanks for watching. 😊
Im a house cleaner. I never go into the refrigerator or mail. Never even go into closets or drawers. My customers love me. And I always assume I'm being watched. As I should. I'm In their home!
Love that! We need more house cleaners like you. Thanks for sharing this and for the inspiration.
I was a housekeeper for 20+ years. This video is so spot on! My boss wasn't good at screening new employees, and I would witness people doing these kind of things. UNBELIEVABLE!! Great informative video for homeowners. TFS🧹🧺🧽💙👍
Thank you so much for your nice comment and for watching my video. 🤗
Pp no no no
I do have a motto and i do my job accordingly: "What ever you are working on, do everything with zest, because your work is for the Lord, and HE expects your BEST."
👍
My workers would never ever touch a clients’ food or anything that is not theirs. Speak for yourself. And my workers never snoop or look at clients confidential personal information! Never. They have integrity!
It sounds like you have good workers that have been trained well. Thanks for watching and for sharing. :-)
Par for the course. I've been cleaning houses, offices, etc for 20 years. For good cleaners, look for pet hair. Is pet hair still behind doors? Do the white glove test. Run your finger over a dark surface. Does dust come up? Customers need to pay attention to these things. Let neighbors know you have a cleaner coming over. There are lots of ways you can ensure your house will get done properly. I love cleaning. I tell customers up front what I intend to do. Cameras are usually going inside and outside houses. Customers need to just use a little common sense when people come into their house.
Margaret, Thanks so much for watching the show and leaving a comment about how customers can get a good cleaning. Best wishes to you and your business. 😊
Just. Wow. Thank goodness for you Angela. 🙏🏻
I appreciate the kind words. Thanks for spending a few minutes of your day with me. :-)
Excellent. Every contractor should have a checklist as part of the expectation for the client. As far as "I'm not making lunch.", that was funny 😂
I appreciate you watching the show and leaving a comment. 👍
Angela my house is such a mess I don't even have a space to set up a table to get rid of things. I can't find things and buy more wasting lots of money. As I was working to organize my quilting projects, AKA find the ones I need to work and finish; things started to click. I was in the garage, moved a few things I could to the driveway, set up a throw away box, recycle box, and donate box. Used an empty tote as my table and was able to make a dent in the mess. As I got tired, I was able to put everything away and load the donations in the car. After sitting and having a Coke I took donations to GW I was shocked they don't take or sell Tupperware, so those items had to come back home.
Oh no, I am sorry you couldn’t donate the Tupperware but it sounds like you made a dent in the stuff in your garage. You deserve a pat on the back for that 👏.
You may want to post the Tupperware on Nextdoor. Keep up the good work : )
Sorry if someone is hungry, I have no problem with them having lunch.
You are so sweet Vickie, and you have a kind heart. That said, maids are responsible to bring their own food and eat on their own time. Not ransack the clients pantry and eat while they are being paid to clean. :-)
I think it's fine if you've told them or if you've said they can help themselves or you've made them something. Not acceptable to just take it. If they were working in an office and just took someone's lunch, it would not be acceptable, would it? Your home is their place of work, so it's not acceptable. If they suddenly became hungry and asked, I would have no problem with feeding them then.
I started working in housekeeping for a resort and then winery etc. Thank you for emphasizing on SOME. And good points hopefully it will help people appreciate the one's worth hiring ... And on a random note eating while cleaning is just nasty and says a lot about someone in general lol I worked for housekeeping and serving so I always got told i was being ocd -ish about stuff cuz I do have ocd... But nah u just don't want to get ppl sick
Kristin, Thanks so much for sharing, I appreciate it. 👍
Wow, spot on. We live near CapeTown South Africa and all of the 5 points are true and we have experienced them first hand. After living here for 6 years, we still haven’t found a domestic that full-fills our standard when it comes to cleaning. Worst, if we clean ourselves its better than when she does it. Any advise would be much appreciated. Keep up the excellent work and I benefit a lot from your channel
Thanks for watching and I'm sorry to hear this show pertained to you and your experience with housekeepers/house cleaners. I wish for you a cleaner that takes pride in their work and does a fantastic job for you. 🙏
@@AskAngelaBrown it really IS refreshing to read about someone who does actually still take pride in a job well done. Especially in these current times, when even shopping, eating out, etc. almost anything pertaining to customer service in the area where I live, shows understaffed to the point of self service or form a line. Thank you for giving your clients a clean home to return to if even a similar situation exists there. Thank you for taking time to upload these videos too. As a disabled homeowner, I find them very helpful. Am hopeful that local cleaners will watch them too. Have a wonderful weekend. :)
I had a house cleaner tell me she had not been told she has to clean the kitchen sink.
Good communication is so important😃
The background thing applies to any service worker who is independent, sometimes it even applies to small businesses. When they're not independent, then at least the agency employing them is in part accountable for anything they do.
Good point, thanks for sharing your input!
Omg I can not imagine eating someone's food! That's horrible. I like your videos the only thing I dont like is you always make it seem like a house cleaner is always a person who is broke under education or desperate. This is not always accurate there are some of us who love the idea of having and growing your own company and or the flexibility
@@AskAngelaBrown I cant tell if that's sarcasm lol. Either way I do enjoy your videos they have been super helpful.
I agree wolves , i honestly don't need to work but i do it just to help out and buy my own stuff .
I'm not a house cleaner so I'm not as sensitive to the issue as house cleaners will be, but I've watched many of Angela's videos and have not sensed that AT ALL. Her target audience is people who take pride in their cleaning business and are generally on the lookout for ways to improve. Warning the public about what to look out for isn't an indictment of all house cleaners, and it doesn't come across that way. The things she mentions in this video would apply to any professional who comes into your house and functions unsupervised. Hourly caregivers, for instance. We had caregivers take food out of my mother's fridge. It's tricky bc if they need it, you don't want to say anything...
Angela, can you give tips on how to clean a house in a certain amount of time. Or how long should a cleaner stay at a house cleaning.
Routine. I’ve been a house keeper and janitor for over 20 years. I find by starting in the same room, spot every time I know how long it will take, if that makes sense. It keeps me organized in my routine so if a mess arises or I have to spend extra time on something, I know where I can speed it up to take care of the extras.
I agree Routine. I did hotels same way
I love it when our community helps each other out! ❤️
Hi..Yes it's true 👍 I respect the comments food and things I'm a professional house cleaning service. But some people do it 🙏👍
Yes, you are right. Thanks for watching!
Angela, I agree with you mostly, but not everyone needs to be bonded. "Surety bonds protect the third-party that is hiring a business (the customer), from any possible losses that would result from incomplete work, damage, theft, or other failures of the hired company." I've gone over this, in detail, with my business insurance agent. Firstly, we're talking employees here. Employees stealing, employees breaking things, customers being charged for work your employee didn't do. I do not have any employees, I am a sole proprietor with no employees. Bonding only covers what your employees do. INSURANCE/BOP liability policy covers any accidental damages I may cause. Bonding is extremely expensive (at least where I live) and in my case, completely unnecessary.
Thank you for the clarification! It's important to note the different application. I'm so glad you watched and shared! Have a great day!😚
I always
-do a mini clean put things away like bills and jewelry.
- feed my house cleaner
- just hired someone that a friend recommended
- I am there while it’s going on
- never argue in front of anyone in general
Wow I never heard spraying the house
👍
I really like this video, it has really great advice for all of us. I just shared your channel with a friend who is getting back into the business after years of being out. She just misses it. She moved to another state to be close to her aging parents and decided to go back into business in that state. She will do well because she is really good and follows all of these guidelines that you mentioned as a course of her natural standards.
Great video! The only people that should be upset by your video is the ones that don't do the right thing! I love that you are talking about this there were a few things that I didn't consider as we usually hire through a company and assume they have done the background checks etc. I think it's great for you to do this video so everyone like you said can be all above board!
Thanks for watching. Our goal is to shine a light on the cleaning industry and raise awareness and professionalism for cleaners everywhere. 👍
my housekeeper disappeared one time inexplicably and with no notice or goodbye shortly after she started. she called me the next day to say she had eaten without asking one of the many homemade brownies in the fridge. not knowing it was a super mega strong pot brownie she said she felt weird and realized what happened. she said she sat on a park bench for over five hours until she felt better. she should have asked. she was let go for other reasons.
Thank you for sharing : )
Thank you for the great advice..many I had not though of even considering..your honesty is deeply appreciated and highly valued.
Thank you, I appreciate that! 👍
I am a new owner and never thought of eating anyone's food. But I will make a point to cover it in my trainning . Because you never know if you are on camera so act like you are. Hmmm.
Thanks for answeing allmy question. Your information is so great. We have come to some walls that have carpet on them . They are glued on the wall for the walls to hold items (peg board type). But they hold dirt in them and vaccuming and shampooing them are not always getting them clean . Any thought on how to keep them looking good .
After a bad experience I had, one of my interview questions would have to be, “What do you do if you accidentally break something?” The bad experience? I came home to find the sliding mirror door to the closet was cracked at vacuum-cleaner level. Who else would have banged it that hard that close to the floor? Accidents happen; take responsibility.
Smart question - and you always want to make sure your house cleaner is insured so you can make sure those types of situations are resolved. I completely agree, house cleaners should always take responsibility when they make mistakes.
I have lived in several different cities and it's quite surprising how many house cleaners, who have been rec'd by a new neighbor or acquaintance, really don't know how to clean. I have chalked it up to the idea that some homeowners have a different expectation of what clean is.
That’s interesting! I appreciate you leaving a comment : )
After a surgery, I called The Maids to clean the kitchen and bathrooms in the house. The car pulled in the driveway and 4 women who looked like they did HARD time got out of the car-all tatted up, dirty looking, etc. I didn't even want to answer the door. LAST time I'll call anyone to clean my home.
It's true that house cleaners are not there to put on a fashion show, nor is it common for them to be all glammed up. We do request that they shower in the morning before jobs, pull their hair back, wear deodorant and brush their teeth. Makeup is optional. But good hygiene and a clean and orderly look is common sense if you sell cleaning as your business. Showing up looking the weeds sends an incongruent message. I'm sorry you experienced that and I'm saddened that the house cleaners didn't take better care of their personal image as they most likely are an extension of the brand they work for.
Oh my I didn’t even think about the safely issue that can be involved with hiring a house cleaner. Thank you so much for this information.
Sure, we are here to help. That means no surprises. LOL. Thanks for watching and spending a few minutes of your day here with me. 😀
Thank you!!! I was thinking it’s a cleaning hack video but you open my eyes to these housekeepers and you are right, who knows who we let into our homes.🏡Great Video
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing your input and for watching the video!
I am house cleaner , and I agree with you
Great mind think alike! thanks for watching!
Going through drawers , trying on clothes , snooping stealing things, money etc.
None of these things are ever acceptable, especially stealing!! Big NO NO and red flag.
EXCELLENT VIDEO!
Thank you so much, I'm glad you liked it! Did you know all 5 things?
This is a new world to me. I don't know anyone that ever had a house cleaner. But wouldnt you want to be home when they are there?
Hi and welcome! 🙂 Its personal preference- maybe for the first clean you might want to be there but if you feel comfortable not being home, lots are cleaners are ok with this too. You can talk about in the initial walk through. Hope this helps! 😃
Home security is ever important!!!!
Never get a cleaning service unless they're LLC and insured. I agree not everyone can clean.
Jodee Rochelle you don’t have to be an LLC , I’ve been a sole proprietorship for years
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this topic. 👍
Thanks so much for watching the show and leaving a comment. 👍
I love being a house cleaner. Everything is confidential.
YES! This is true. And you can build a business of trust on that. 🙏
@@AskAngelaBrown absolutely
I love all of my clients. Everyone treats me well and is very kind. I make sure to eat a hearty breakfast and bring my own water and snacks. My clients offer me snacks and drinks all of the time. I always decline. They even send me home with extra food and treats. They are often home when I am there. I could not imagine pretending to clean anything. Dreaming up ideas on how to get away with stuff would take more time than actually completing the tasks at hand. I guess the same folks that are pilfering meals and pretend cleaning are the same people that have time to read other peoples mail, sheesh. I sure do not have time for those shenanigans. I’m too busy cleaning. Lol.
I’m so glad you love your clients and you are treated well. 😊
Over here in NY, most of the housekeepers don’t have experience, they bring a friend or sister to help them, even their kids to help them. My friend cleans houses and her coworker did a crap job and she had to pick up the slack.
Oh wow that's unfortunate. I hope that this is not happening anymore.
Very valid points, Angela! I do bring in customer's mail when I am there. I have even delivered mail to neighbor's homes. Bad Mailmen! This is only done with the greatest detail and sensitivity, especially when customers vacation. I was asked to sign my customers name to checks, I did, and to a Mail Hold form, I signed my name for them. Kind of scary!
No way would I touch a customer's mail other than to bring in a box for them. If they go away, they can have the post office hold it for them. Yikes!
Thanks for leaving a comment. 👍
I LOVE your videos.....they are SO helpful and I'm very grateful that you share this information. IT's actually helping me to find a housecleaner and budget for it.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write me such a nice comment. Keep me posted on how things go with finding a house cleaner. 🤗
People talk. People gossip. Trust is a big issue in all aspects of life. If a person clutters and finally decides to hire, it may mean they had to push past fear.
It's true, moving past the fear is part of the bigger issue - and being able to trust the person you hire is a big part of that.
Thank you ,you are a big hep for a lot of people out here trying to make it work for our families and running a business of excellence
You're welcome! And thank you so much for your kind words. I appreciate it! 🤗
I need this job .can any person get me job
Omgosh. Is this what goes on?!!! I am baffled!!
Not in all cases. There are some cleaning companies out there who have gone rogue and the purpose of this video is to shine a spotlight on bad behavior and send them a "cut it out" warning from a friend. 👍
Thats crazy i have cleanend homes i am not a housecleaner but i was taught not to go threw peoples stuff and eat or do all those things id love to clean homes agin just my heath i belve would prevent me but i know id do a great job regaurdless of my health im just out of shape and have some new heart issuse im not qwite shure what yet but i love cleaning and would totaly respect the peoples belongings and home
You would make a great house cleaner. Thank you for reminding us that all house cleaners need to be respectful of other people's stuff.
I have a customer whose a Dr. and she said her last cleaner was drinking her rare wines in her living room when she came home. This women is the nicest person she orders lunch for me and my wife frequently gives us stuff for no reason just a good good person and it's just beyond me how people in the past have treated her in return. You are correct Angela, there are just some pretty *evil* people out there and homeowners should keep their guard up.
Wow, it sounds like you have a wonderful client. Thanks for sharing this with our community. 🤗
I completely agree with you Angela.
Thank you for your feedback and thanks for watching. 🙂
@@AskAngelaBrown notticed on house cleaning 360 there no Wisconsin
I think that there are some house cleaners that will clean based on the way a home looks. If the house is always cluttered and dirty the homeowner will not notice the so called house cleaner didn’t do a good job. They will not notice the house cleaner didn’t get the dirt on the side of the washer that’s been there for 2 consecutive cleanings. I have wanted to get my house deep cleaned but my house cleaning motivation comes from watching my favorite ones on UA-cam clean and give great tips!
Carolyn, Thanks so much for watching the show and taking the time to leave a comment. 👍
Wow!! This is very sad. I am a house cleaner. I can't believe that people would actually do these things. I have got my clients from word of mouth and I am proud of that. O just recently started a new house. The people were paying for 4 hr. They were being ripped off.
Thanks for your feedback and thank you for watching the video.🙂
I always bring my own cooler with my lunch and snack , water or pop .
I've had ppl show up to clean that didn't know how to clean..... It was frustrating.
I was a maid once and witnessed coworkers doing some of these things. I honestly wouldn't leave a maid alone in my house unless it was a relative.
Oh no, that sounds frustrating. Thanks so much for leaving a comment.
Omg I never do that to my clients that’s actually very rude
Thanks for your input!
Thx for shearing ❤️ My clients privacy is more important then enything else they are like my family and my responsibility is to take care of everything that sure to build that trust one you lost it there is no way to get it back and I feel very sorry for those who dos such crapy things and the same time is funny the way stealing food hahahaha
I am horrified that people actually do these things!! I am a house cleaner that has limited job experience in this field but I bust my ass to do a good job and I have a boss that trained me well.
I have never betrayed confidence of any of my clients.
I would never take anything (including food) that was not offered.
I understand the concerns but it makes me so sad that there are people out there that would take advantage of someone willing to pay to get this service.
I take my job seriously and I act accordingly.
SMH I have to deal with issues that scammers have given to truly hard workers!
It's true, there are careless house cleaners that don't realize their behavior ruins the cleaning experience for their clients. And then they can't figure out why customers want to micro-manage a new cleaner. Congratulations for having higher standards and leading by example. I appreciate you. 🙏
I have my own check list and no one is in my house by themselves! We use my own cleaning fluids, towels, etc and no lunch break, no more than 4 hours, speak English, no phone calls . PERIOD!
Thanks for sharing your input.
APB...some of my cereal was ET. 😠
I LOVE your posts: excellent advice, perfect background and attire keeps it professional, delivery straight forward, extremely inspirational. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
being an honest person who respects others property, i am astonished this stuff happens. also, i can tell you're GenX by using the word "narc" lol thank you for your videos
It's shocking that some of these things still happen. Thanks for watching the video and for taking the time to comment, I appreciate it! Proud Gen Xer...lol
I will add a 6th: Watch out if/when a housecleaner - even one who has worked for you, and done a good job over time - says, "I'm going to bring a 'friend.'" That should set off your Early Warning System right now. It's not that your existing house cleaner will be a problem, but their "friend" or "ex-" or whatever may be a lizard. And the cleaner who has been working for you may not know that.
I encountered this situation when a cleaner who had worked for my late mother for several years started bringing along "her ex-. If I visited her house on 'cleaning day', I didn't see "Joe" didn't really doing a whole lot - he always was "working" on the upper floor - alone. The situation bothered me, but my Mum had all her marbles, and was stubborn as a bull moose.
Then she got sick, and the situation was such that I had to move into the house to be a caregiver. Not an easy situation - I was on extended leave after having a stroke (not good "recovery time"). But one day, my Mum - in a particularly morbid state of mind - said that she wanted to give some jewelry to friends before she died, rather than making a new will, or adding a codicil. (I'll add that she was nowhere near dying - just ill.). The most significant item in her small collection was a long rope of real pearls - a gift to her from my late father, and worth quite a lot. When she asked me to get out her jewelry, the pearls were nowhere to be found. She was having some temporary memory issues as the result of an infection, which made for a difficult situation. I started searching. I checked every possible hiding place, and several impossible ones. I made some inquiries, and established that my mother had not sold or otherwise disposed of them. At the same time, back-channel queries to friends in law enforcement found the "ex" had a history. For property theft. Hoo Boy.
There was no way to prove that "Joe" had taken anything. Except for the "coincidence" that no other person had had the opportunity. Mum's house cleaner was not aware of all "Joe" had been doing since their divorce. To be fair, it's possible she may not have known. That may seem ridiculous, but "nearest and dearest" are not always aware of such things. Either way, it was a bit late at that point. There wasn't a darn thing to be done. The pearls were gone. Nothing could be proven.
So, even if your house cleaner has been trustworthy, be aware of their "friends." A very sad "lesson learned."
I’m so sorry you had to go through that difficult situation. Thank you for sharing that lesson with us.
If you have a cleaning lady, you can afford to feed them. If you're missing food, just know you fed a hungry belly who cleans your toilets.
Thanks for sharing your input and for watching the video.
You are great Angela. I think everyone would like to work with someone like you or be friends with. You are so, professional, correct, kind and wise.
I'd take the opportunity to ask you if once is possible that you make a video with ecological and vegan products for cleaning, since now it became more popular to take care of the environment, (finally) I'm wondering what works and what not because the recommendation that I found in youtube aren't from such a professional cleaner like you.
Wishing you all the best. ❤💫
Mari, Thank you for the kind comment. I appreciate you! 😊
Great 🙏💓
Thank you 🙌
We had weekly rental units. We always has in cleaner for each unit and they could not sub out the work. Reason.. they could walk in and immediately know If anything was missing or damaged cuz they were there each week. Also, they had a maintenance schedule so some weeks the place was left spotless by the tenant so was left for cleaner to do so she would do things from maintenance list.
Thanks so much for sharing! I appreciate you watching the show and leaving a comment. 👍
We have a huge problem in my area with those suffering from addiction turning to house cleaning and handyman work to supply income. I've hired two cleaners and both were, I believe, either addicts or alcoholics. I'm not opposed to hiring someone who has addiction problems if they can do their jobs, but they were also both terrible cleaners.
Kudos to you for giving them an opportunity, but If they are terrible cleaners you know what you have to do. This is your livelyhood and your clients.
@@AskAngelaBrown Sorry, I should have mentioned I am the client. ☺
Very good to know I’m learning disability person looking start my own house cleaning service
Thank you for your feedback and thanks for watching. 🙂
No matter what I will always clean my own home even if I am a millionaire
ron sylvia I’m a housekeeper and I would never let anyone else clean my house. I’m too picky 😂
@@melissazimmerman4208 my mom owned a cleaning business cleaning residential homes, she was very professional, but many others she talked with in the business were not, they wouldn't hesitate to tell everyone what they saw and heard in people's homes, my mom treated her customers homes like a hospital bound by HIPPA laws, no matter what you see and hear it is never to be repeated, needless to say she had a small but successful business
ron sylvia, I’m the same way. Most of my clients were referred to me by my friends/family. My friends have asked me questions about my client who is also their friend/family and I always tell them I can’t talk about my clients or their home. I was a dental assistant for 6 years and I follow the same practice as I would a patient with the HIPAA laws. Your home is a sacred safe place. It’s difficult to trust a stranger in your home. Most of my clients had bad experiences with cleaners and tell me they only trust me because I was referred by their friend/family.
When you’re elderly you might.
Thanks so much for watching the video and taking the time to leave a comment. 👍
Wow thanks for the info, great channel! I plan to hire house cleaning soon, this channel has been very helpful.
Keep me posted on how things go with hiring a house cleaner.
Doing extra things that you see need to be done can be a great blessing but you may need to ask if they would like you to do XXX. Also ask if they need you to leave by a certain time that day. If you don’t have time to do everything that visit then put it on the schedule for the next visit and ask when you get there the next time if they would like you to do XXX 1st, then they know you remember it needs some attention (unless they did it before your visit). Always do more than they ask if possible. If you see something that needs to be fixed you may find it wise to ask them if they know about it so it won’t damage their home. If you work when they are there ask them if there is something they would like done that day so you know if there is something they want done. Thank them if you have the opportunity for the privilege of serving them each time you clean that location. These are a few things I can think of that make you a cut above. Asking what they would like makes many customers happier.
Reneee, it seems like you got this all figure out, good for you! Thanks for sharing your tips! Wishing you lots of continued success!!😊
Hi Angela, what should I offer to the client a vulnerable sector check or a criminal record check? What is the most appropriate? Thank you for all your videos and all your explanations.
Clients want to feel safe in their homes with the stranger they hire. Anything you can provide them to ensure you are who you say you are, that you have been trained to do the job you are doing, and that you are insured in the event that something malfunctions needs to be proven.
I would never have strangers in my house without security cameras. Most people are great. It can be hard to spot the outliers.
In a perfect world we would only hire trust worthy, trained, responsible, honest house cleaners. You are correct, spotting the outliers can be tricky.
I had a nightmare with a deep clean of my new house after getting the keys. Hired a company that did not do a single thing, they damaged furniture and the floor and left cobwebs in cupboards and balls of dust in the bathroom, other rooms, didn’t clean the dirty black fingerprints on the walls / doors. They then proceeded to demand payment over and over even after I sent photos of the shoddy work they’d done. Was really traumatic and has put me off so I’m now cleaning a five floor house along with a full time job 😮💨
Oh no so sorry that happend to you! It's a shame that people do this to others.
Angela, great show, I appreciate your knowledge and sharing of it. My problem is our master bath. It’s got white marble floors and marble shower. Nothing else is marble. I need to know a safe way to clean it. I’ve only used baking soda. I’m sure you know another way to do this. Thank you do very much!!
Edith
Thanks, I have house cleaners coming tomorrow. Thanks for sharing!
You're welcome! I hope the house cleaners did a great job. Thanks for watching!
@@AskAngelaBrown Overall they did a good job but I do see one thing that they missed in the bathroom. The owner to come by and do a walk-through but me and her both missed it but they gonna call me tomorrow and I’ll make sure I let them now. Three girls one came late and one had to leave in the middle of the job to go somewhere else but they got the whole house done and about four hours. And they did have a checklist that they gave me so that was good.