I’d like someone to do deep cleaning in my house 1–2 times a month (will depend on price). I have never had help cleaning my house. What kind of directions do I need to give? Do I leave a key for them? Should I be home when they clean?

How much input is too much? Not enough?

I have asked my husband to take the lead on this since it is embarrassing to me that I am not keeping up with everything myself. I emailed him this:
I don’t want the housekeeper to “pick up”. They can put things that they don’t know where to put into a box. We will try to pick up and wash dishes before they get there.

I want deep cleaning done. Monthly? Twice a month? Vacuum/sweep/mop/dust.
Entranceway: I want the entranceway cleaned (we never get to that). Floor mopped, mirror cleaned, bookcase and shelf dusted, shoes piled up (we will try to do in advance)
Dining/Living rooms: Floors/surfaces cleaned
Kitchen: wiped clean and mopped. Don’t worry about food or dishes.
Stairs and upstairs hallway: floors cleaned (mopped?) and molding dusted.
Bathroom: Wiped clean and mopped
Please leave the messy desk alone.
If they end up with extra time, they can vacuum/mop bedroom floors or dust the shutters. These don’t need to be done each time.

Would prefer to avoid heavily fragranced cleaners.

Topics: cleaning, hiring, household, communication, cleanliness, help, housekeeping, directions, housework