Hiring a cleaner/household help

[elginred]

I'd really like to hire a cleaner next year, 4hrs a week over two mornings.

My question is, what would be a reasonable expectation of their role?

For example, dusting and hoovering, and changing beds would be what I'm looking for. But I wondered if they'd do ironing, clean toilets etc?

Also, what should I expect to pay for this service?

TIA
ERx

[Sachs]

Hi elgin,
yes all those are reasonable jobs to expect a cleaner to do. You must state what you want from the outset, it might help to put it print even. Charge by the hour. Be reasonable in expecting what to have completed in the time. It may be more beneficial to have some chores done on a specific day and some on another. 7.00 to 8.00 an hour is a fair rate xxx

[Im a BusyBee]

i have had a cleaner for many years. they will do all of the things you mention, although i have never asked mine to iron. I used to find my own through putting card in shop window but when they move on its like my world has fallen apart until a replacement can be found (same when they go on holiday) so more recently i have been using an agency, it costs slightly more but means they are insured against breakages etc and if and when they leave, go on holiday or i am not happy with them i get a replacement just like that, no hassle or upset in routine.the pay rate sachs gives is about right i would say.

[thelewisgang]

As someone who has worked privately as a house cleaner for several people I used to do all basic cleaning; hoovering, dusting, cleaning the bathroom(s), loo's etc. A couple of people who wanted to hire me at that time certainly had crazy expectations. Like cleaning a three bedroom house in an hour and a half. ok, if you dash round you could do it (at a struggle) but the way I clean there was no way I could do a thorough job. I never done any ironing though. Maybe, although I am a "young" retired
I'll start up again!

[alishalexy]

You can ask for what you want in the cleaning feild and it should not be a problem. Some people mind ironing while others don't. You find the right one that will. As stated before state all the cleaning required. Time it by doing it yourself at a reasonable normal speed and of course you should pay a reasonable rate.
Not every one cleans to the same standard, if you want to give a raise check the work before offering more.
Trust is my biggest issue, have your personals jewerly and cash locked away safely. Maybe a room which is left locked.
Few people these days are trustworthy.
Better still if you know someone who could do with the extra cash offer them the job.