Household chores usually end up at the bottom of the to-do list when work, other responsibilities, and even social life overwhelm and consume time. Unfortunately an unkempt home quickly becomes an annoyance, and then people find that they don’t care to spend time there. At this point, hiring a housekeeper needs to take priority. If the roof was leaking, a roofer would be called. If the sink stopped working, a call would be made to a plumber. If the house is dirty, call a cleaner.
Why A Clean House is Important
Besides not providing a haven of rest, a dirty home also loses value and can become a haven for germs. Dust is one area that many overlook and ignore, but according to studies conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), dust can even be toxic.
“Ordinary house dust is a complex mixture of pet dander, fungal spores, tiny particles, soil tracked in on your feet, carpet fibers, human hair and skin,” reports the EWG. “It's also a place where harmful chemicals are found.” Without realizing it, the avoidance of cleaning and the procrastination of hiring someone could not only lower the value of the home, but can actually cause health problems as well.
Types of House Cleaner
In order to minimize germs and maintain the value of the home, cleaning needs to be maintained. So, if housework is not getting accomplished, a house cleaner needs to be hired. There are several different kinds of house cleaners, maids, or housekeepers that have a variety of cleaning services available.
Consider the following specific services:
- Basic cleaning: dusting, vacuuming, mopping, kitchen and bathroom cleaning
- Basic cleaning plus bed linens
- Basic cleaning plus linens and other laundry
- Tidying, basic cleaning, linens, and laundry
- Deep cleaning: basic cleaning plus woodwork, window frames, blinds, spot cleaning of doors, walls, banisters, and splash guards in kitchen and bathrooms
Consider the frequency of service:
- Daily service
- Weekly service
- Bi-weekly service
- Monthly service
The specific services needed and the frequency of service makes a difference as to what type of house cleaner will be hired.
- Maids will come daily and attend to the basic cleaning, deep cleaning, laundry, and tidying needs. Their social security and sometimes a percentage of their income tax should be paid because they are hired workers who are told what chores to complete each day. Check local and federal tax laws for complete information and laws governing this.
- Housekeepers will come on a weekly basis and attend to the cleaning and bed linens, some do the laundry, and will do a periodic deep clean for an additional charge. Check local and federal domestic service tax laws to determine whether or not their taxes should be paid.
- House cleaners usually own their own business, have a list of specific services offered, don’t do tidying, laundry, or bed lines. They are self-employed individuals who take care of their own social security and taxes. They will come on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule.
- Cleaning services from an established company, such as Molly Maids, can also be contracted. They provide a variety of services that vary from company to company. Usually two or three different people come to the home, but the same people do not come every time. Taxes are taken care of at the corporate company and payment usually is mailed directly to the office, but leaving a cash tip for the cleaners is expected.
The Final Decision
Once the service and type of cleaner needed is established, then one of the best ways to find a good person is from friends, neighbors, or co-workers. If a company or individual receives a good recommendation then the apprehension about a stranger coming into the home is lessoned. The cleaning will be taken care of and it will once again become a haven of rest instead of a place that is losing value and holding germs.
Additional Information for Those Who Still Want to Do the Work
- Cleaning the Bathroom
- Cleaning the Kitchen
- Cleaning the Living Area
Paula Wilder - Paula is a freelance writer and speaker. She also teaches developmental reading and English at Guilford Technical Community College. She ...
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