I feel like I need to clean the house before the cleaning crew arrives.

Since I'm going to be incapacitated for an unspecified period of time after my surgery I really wanted to get my house thoroughly cleaned - not just a lick and a promise like I usually do. Deep cleaning is just something I cannot do anymore. And it needs to be done.

They are coming tomorrow between 8:30 and Noon.

Sad to me because it's just one more thing I have to admit I cannot do any longer. I'm grateful, though, because I have the ability to hire them - although I'm sure there is something much more pressing I could use the money for. It is what it is. I'm not going to worry about it.

Tomorrow is the day! Let's see if I can resist the urge to clean beforehand! Won't be too hard as my balance has taken a nosedive these past coupe of weeks.

Just put away any important papers and any valuables, to be safe & sure.

I will, Jo. Come to think of it there's really nothing out in plain view that is especially valuable. Important papers and documents are locked up in a safe. Everything else is inside my computer!

Am I supposed to tip the women that come to clean?

I admit....this is out of my comfort zone but I don't really have a choice. What is appropriate "behavior" while they're here? Do I stay in the room with them or just go somewhere and then reappear when it's time for them to leave? What if I don't like something they do.......such as not cleaned to my expectations? I have been told that short of boiling something it will never be as clean as I would like for it to be.

I have no idea of the protocol when they come to clean.
I guess I would watch tv or read, and keep an eye & ear on the workers.


I would think that only if they really do an excellent job - and any tipping is your choice.
If it is a most likely one time thing for now , then I'd wait until /if you ever have them come again or if they were regulars and you liked the work...

I always tip my cleaning crew. Not much but I think of it this way: I would want to be tipped for the service, just as a waiter/parking attendant/hairdresser usually does not charge so much that tips are not appreciated.

As far as what to do when they are there? I would tell them you are not all that familiar with having people come in and clean. Truth is always a good approach. In terms of hanging around? Since it is the first time, feel free to hang around and oversee the operation. My guess is that you will not need to comment but there is always something that you may want cleaned that would be overlooked.

Cleaning services want to do a good job so that they can have repeat business.

I have mixed emotions about cleaning. I loved being able to get it done exactly by doing it my way. I have had to give it up. There are so many things I wish could get done that are outside the realm of what I pay to have them do. I did just find a person that will come for an entire day and clean those extras.

But enjoy that you are having a nice clean house. It is a wonderful feeling to have things done and still most of your spoons left!

I have never had a cleaning service but after some bad contractors doing things at the house I would sure take a lot of before and after pictures.

I'm ready and waiting. Got everything moved that needed to be moved. Cleared off the kitchen counters.....bathroom counters........opened the blinds so they can reach the window sills. Moved the cat box to the spare bedroom. Put all cat furniture and toys away. Whew......I'm exhausted! Now I know I need a cleaning service. Just getting ready for them to come has worn me out!

Let's all hope they do a good job and it doesn't take me forever to get things back in place.

I would really love to do that a couple times a year to just get things spiffy. Let us know how it goes!

Well Kitty, I have nothing but good things to say on behalf of hiring a twice monthly reputable and insured maid service. It was the best decision and easily justifiable investment we have made in our married life.

My wife researched four highly reputable services in our metropolitan area and received quotes and contract copies. From there she made a selection and we have been with that same company for over four years now. Of the four years we have had the same two women, twin sisters, cleaning our house to and outstanding level. Actually, these two women are treated as guest in our home, talking about our families and what's new including my health updates. They have even gone so far as to assist me out of the bedroom to the guestroom and back to my bedroom in order to clean and make sure I was comfortable and okay before they left.

We have never had a concern for safety or possible theft, thus completing your own due diligence into the company as it is YOUR responsibility.

We do tip but only at Christmas time and then at a rate of twice the cost of one cleaning for each one of them. Well worth the investment from all aspects.