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As more and more people are calling in the professionals to tackle those household chores, here are some expert tips and insights
All Credits: PA
Busy lives and longer working hours mean today’s householders have even less time for domestic chores, and many are turning to professional cleaners for help.
A third of adults struggle to find time to take care of their home, according to research by home appliances brand Beko, and other polls suggest the popularity of domestic cleaning services has risen substantially in recent years.
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But if you’re thinking of getting a cleaner, what do you need to know?
Is there a type of person who gets a cleaner?
“Though the people who hire help to clean their home come from all walks of life, we find that most simply lead busy lives, working longer hours or distances from their home. Having us clean their home is an investment of sorts, so they can enjoy the precious spare time they have. The few extra hours that customers get by not having to clean their home are really valuable to them.”
What services do cleaners usually provide?
“While everyone uses their home differently, thorough cleaning of the kitchen and bathrooms is always a priority. After that, each home and service is a little bit different. If you have pets, you probably have a lot of pet hair and paw prints, so cleaning the floors is important. If you have kids, it’s probably making sure their rooms are dusted and vacuumed, as well as the living areas. If you have a lot of furniture, you probably want it polished and cushions straightened and tidied.
“You may not want every room cleaned each visit, only on special occasions like when you’re having guests over, or when your children are back from university. The point is that each customer’s home and needs are a little different. Good companies understand this and will tailor their service to your own unique needs – you just have to ask.”
How much does cleaning cost?
The going rate for a cleaner depends on several factors, including where you live, and whether you opt for a private individual cleaner or one provided by an agency, and whether they provide the supplies and equipment or the householder does. Internet searches suggest cleaners generally earn around £10-£15 per hour – although some may charge per house/job rather than an hourly rate.
Holden says Molly Maid’s average fee is around £75 (AED 359.91) for a whole house clean, including supplies and equipment. “This depends on your home, how much is involved in keeping it clean and how frequently you want it cleaned. Remember, you get what you pay for – the cheapest price is often not the best value for money.”
What should you ask a cleaner before hiring them?
Holden suggests asking these four key questions before hiring a new cleaner…
1. Are they an insured key holder?
Get details of their policy and ask them to explain what happens if something in your home is damaged, misplaced or goes missing. Consider asking for proof of insurance and how they’ll fix any damage that’s not covered through your own insurance. If you’re providing a key, ask who keeps it and how it’s secured.
4. Check the legalities
For cleaning companies, ask if the staff are employees, as being an employee means they’re legally allowed to work in the UAE and have sponsorship and paid a living wage. If you’re thinking of hiring an individual cleaner, head to our classifieds to sponsor a home help position, which will mean that they are legally able to work in the UAE under your sponsorship.
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