Those who have attempted a deep clean know that housecleaning is a profession that takes specialized skills, attention to detail, and physical strength. Despite how challenging it can be, the trade gets minimal respect. Numerous domestic workers in the U.S. work without federal anti-discrimination and health and safety protections, including house cleaners.
Using hashtags such as #thingsiwontdo #housecleaner, cleaners on TikTok have been sharing misconceptions and boundaries about their work. Using these videos, HuffPost curated four things house cleaners explained are outside their job description:
Image Credit: Pexels/Tima Miroshnichenko
Hover In The House While They Work
You do not need to assist housecleaners. They are hired to do a job, and most are very good at it, so let them do their thing. Let them clean the rest of the house while you stay in one area.
Befriend A Client
The one thing housecleaners advise against doing is befriending clients. Don’t treat them like friends or family. Ileana Cabrera, a Los Angeles-based housecleaner, said that she’s had terrible experiences since clients treated her like family and her work was devalued. Clients also expect deals, and therefore, you lose certain benefits.
Image Credit: Pexels/RYO Alexandre
Use Chemical Or Fragrant Cleaners
It is best not to use cleaning products with strong scents, even if they are marketed as natural because they cause headaches for two or three days afterward. Wear gloves when using bleach or harsh ingredients at clients’ homes and ventilate the area.
Get Paid Later Instead Of Upfront
Make sure the payment is ready when your cleaner arrives. It is handy if they are self-employed and need the money by the end of the week. Don’t say, “I’ll pay you when I get paid in two weeks.” Housecleaners depend on your payment, and delaying it is both insensitive and rude.