Have you ever asked yourself if you can really justify a regular cleaning visit?
You might be wondering if you’re too clean for a cleaner. But it’s all about understanding what you need to feel relaxed and calm in your home.
My chat with Sylvie
Six months into my regular cleans from my brilliant Helper, Sylvie, we had an honest conversation. I lived on my own, and my home was very tidy. On the surface, it was clean, too.
And so, Sylvie told me she felt she wasn’t really needed.
But to be honest, when Sylvie hadn’t been for a regular cleaning visit, my world fell apart.
For me, peace of mind isn’t about how my home looks on the surface. It’s knowing there are no hidden germs lurking on handles, light switches, and touch points. When I know my home is properly clean and hygienic, I can relax. The thing is, I hadn’t told Sylvie that. So she had no idea of the impact she was having on my life.
Too clean for a cleaner?
For professional cleaners like Sylvie, the cleanest homes are the most challenging to work in. It’s hard to see where you’ve made a difference. I hear this all the time from our Helpers.
But we know how much our clients value their visits. Often clients with the cleanest homes ask for cleaning visits 2 or 3 times a week, because it gives them the peace of mind they need to enjoy their space.
And honestly, I get it. If I could, I would have a cleaning visit from Sylvie every day.
What does clean mean to you?
I once shared a flat with a friend who was, on the surface, very tidy. The space was clutter-free, and everything appeared clean. But scratch the surface (or open a cupboard) and it was chaos!
My friend was perfectly happy, but the hidden mess caused me so much stress. And my stress really wound her up.
We had different needs when it came to cleaning, and sharing a space just didn’t work.
Clean is personal
What we consider “clean enough” is deeply personal. You might need your home to look uncluttered and calm in case of unexpected guests. You might tolerate a bit of chaos if you know the surfaces underneath are clean. You might be okay with a little dust, but stale odours give you the ick.
If you work from home, having an orderly workspace can have a big impact on your productivity (as well as eliminating the last minute rush to move the drying laundry before your Teams call).
And having pets or small children in the house can cause us to shift our priorities when it comes to cleaning.
Recognising and understanding your own needs can help you stop comparing yourself with others, ditch the guilt and focus on what makes you happy in your home.
The power of the pro clean
Even if you think your home is too clean for a cleaner, it’s worth considering what a regular cleaning visit could bring.
A professional cleaner will approach your home in a different way with a fresh perspective, and might spot things that you’ve missed. They can target hidden areas like:
- skirting boards
- light switches
- door handles
- bannisters
- under furniture.
These can make a big difference to how your home feels, and give you that extra peace of mind.
You can ask your cleaner to focus on a specific area or task. So if you’re struggling with limescale, or you need help organising kitchen cupboards, the professional approach can have a big impact, and take another task off your to-do list.
Ultimately, just because you can keep your home clean yourself, does not mean you should spend your valuable free time doing it. A regular clean could save you hours, relieve the mental load, and give you more time for the things you enjoy.
Communication is key
As I learned from my conversation with Sylvie, the secret to a happy, productive partnership with your cleaner is communication. Explain what clean means to you. Make sure they understand your priorities. Tell them the things that will make you breathe a sigh of relief when you come into your space after their visit.
And of course, don’t forget to show them what a difference their work makes to your life.
