House cleaning questions...

[Diane]

I know that some of you have or have had people come into your homes to clean. I'm just wondering if you provided the cleaners of your choice or if they did. Also... if they did, did you have a choice as to what kind was used? Were you ever unhappy with any of the cleaners they used... not only because you didn't feel they cleaned well enough, but because you didn't care for the odor?

I'm asking this because dh's aunt has been providing me with... well, I guess what she calls cleaner, and I haven't been very happy with what she's been having me to use. (Palmolive dish soap ) When I clean my house, I like it to smell clean. I LOVE the smell of Pine Sol. My second choice being Clorox Clean-up.

I'm wondering what kind of cleaners you use for/in each room? What do you use to clean your kitchen/bathroom floors? How about your bathtub/shower area? Counter tops?

I realize that this is her house, and if this is what she wants me to use to clean with, I should use it and shut my mouth... but when I'm all done, I don't feel like it's totally clean. That's and it's... well, dish soap and IMO it doesn't exactly clean/disinfect the way I think it should. I don't know if I should do/ask her if I could/should be bringing my own cleaners and if so... what the best ones are to use? I know that not everyone loves the smell of pine sol or Clorox cleaner the way I might, so I’d really appreciate any input anyone might be able to give me about this. Thanks so much!!!!

If this post doesn't make any sense, it’s only because I’m extremely tired. (head nodding up/down and me falling asleep... LOL) Thanks again...

[JAK]

My mil has cleaning ladies and I think they bring their own cleaning supplies. I personally can't stand the smell of pine sol. I use lemon ammonia to clean my floors (don't like the smell of it either, but it's cheap). I clean my kitchen with Clorox kitchen cleaner (can't think of the name and don't really like the smell). I use comet to clean the sinks and scrubbing bubbles in the tub/shower. It all works for me and had nothing to do with the scent. I'm not sure about cleaning the whole house with dish soap. Sounds like a mess to me.

[AnnW]

It's been a little of both. Sometimes my housekeepers have certain preferences on things they have liked (I figured they used it more so they knew best! LOL) on other things, I have made it clear that I want 'x' product used.
You might suggest that you have had great luck with xyz cleanser and that you would be happy to bring some with you the next time you come and see how she likes it, but the bottom line is, she is your 'boss' and you use what she tells you to use.

[MaryL]

When we used a cleaning service, they used all of their own products. I'm sure that I could have provided a specific product, and they would have used it...but I never did that. They even brought their own vacuum.

Does your dh'saunt get out much? (Is she mobile?) Maybe she uses only the Palmolive because that's all she has. ???? If it were me, I'd suggest a different product, and then provide it for her.

[Diane]

When we used a cleaning service, they used all of their own products. I'm sure that I could have provided a specific product, and they would have used it...but I never did that. They even brought their own vacuum.

Does your dh'saunt get out much? (Is she mobile?) Maybe she uses only the Palmolive because that's all she has. ???? If it were me, I'd suggest a different product, and then provide it for her.

She get's out, just been pretty slow lately because she's been having so many problems with her hips/ankles.

She told me that she has some Pine sol... but always hands me the Pamolive. I understand that she's my "boss", and that it's totally her decision what she wants me to use... but it certainly wouldn't be my first (or even last) choice. LOL I love it after I've cleaned my house and people will walk in and say... "oh, you've been cleaning again, it smells so good in here". LOL When you walk into her house after I've cleaned, you can't smell that nice "clean" house smell, and I walk out feeling like it isn't totally clean.

Maybe I'm just weird... LOL I know everyone's different, and that's why I wanted to ask/see what those of you who have experience with cleaning ladies... or what you would like/want or expect if you had a cleaning lady come into your home. Thanks, I really do appreciate all your input.

[Amy]

There is certain things that I pick that HAVE to be used, such as a certain cleaner for the hardwood floors. I also like anti-bacterial cleaner for the counter tops and Mr. Clean for the bathroom floors. Other things I let her pick and tell me what to buy my next time out. I don't care what type of toilet cleaner she uses or dusting stuff.