My Experience: Hiring a Professional Cleaner for the First Time

After years of juggling work, family commitments and household chores, I finally decided to hire a professional cleaner. It wasn’t an easy decision – I’d always managed on my own and wondered if it was an unnecessary expense. Three months in, I can confidently say it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my home and wellbeing.

The Initial Hesitation

I was initially concerned about having someone in my personal space and whether they would clean to my standards. There was also the practical consideration that I would need to provide all the cleaning supplies and equipment myself, which made me wonder if it would really be worth it.

Like many people, I’d grown up in a household where we did everything ourselves. The idea of paying someone else to clean seemed almost indulgent. What would my mother say? She’d managed to keep a spotless home while working full-time and raising three children. Was I admitting defeat by bringing in help?

There was also the awkwardness I anticipated – having someone witness the true state of my home, seeing the dust bunnies under the bed and the limescale that had built up in the shower. Would they judge my living standards? These thoughts lingered as I began researching local services.

Getting Started

After recommendations from colleagues, I contacted a local cleaning service called Diamond Home Support. They arranged a consultation where we discussed my expectations, schedule preferences and which areas of the house needed the most attention. I appreciated their professional approach – they asked detailed questions about my preferences and any specific products I wanted used on particular surfaces.

During this initial meeting, I realised how little I’d thought about my own cleaning routines. When asked if I preferred eco-friendly products or had specific methods for cleaning certain surfaces, I found myself a bit stumped. It prompted me to consider these details for the first time, which was surprisingly refreshing.

We settled on a fortnightly schedule, focusing on the kitchen, bathrooms, and living areas. The cleaner, Sarah, was pleasant and professional from the outset. She explained that using my own equipment and supplies would help keep costs down and ensure consistency with how I maintained the home between her visits.

The First Few Weeks

The first time Sarah arrived, I felt oddly nervous – almost as if I were being evaluated. I’d spent the evening before tidying frantically, worried about making a poor impression. She gently explained that this wasn’t necessary; the purpose of her service was to clean, not to judge.

Over the first few weeks, we established a rhythm. I learnt to leave notes about any specific areas that needed attention, and Sarah became familiar with the quirks of my home – like the temperamental vacuum cleaner that needs a firm hand, or the wooden floors that require special care.

The Difference It’s Made

The most obvious benefit has been coming home to a consistently clean house. There’s something quite lovely about walking through the door and not immediately spotting dust on the shelves or toothpaste splatters on the bathroom mirror.

What surprised me most was the thoroughness. While I’d always thought my cleaning was adequate, there’s a noticeable difference in how the house feels. Areas I tended to rush through or overlook – like skirting boards and behind furniture – now receive proper attention.

The kitchen, which had always been my cleaning nemesis, has been transformed. The grout between tiles is visibly cleaner, the hob shines consistently, and even the inside of the microwave – a task I’d shamefully neglected – now sparkles regularly.

The Unexpected Benefits

Beyond the visible cleanliness, there have been several unexpected advantages. My allergies have improved, likely due to the reduction in dust. The bathroom mould that I’d battled with sporadically is now kept permanently at bay through regular, thorough cleaning.

Perhaps more surprisingly, I’ve found myself maintaining tidier habits between Sarah’s visits. Knowing someone else will see my space has motivated me to keep things more organised. I’m more inclined to wash dishes immediately after use or wipe down surfaces before stains set in.

Time Reclaimed

The time saved has been substantial. I used to spend most of Sunday afternoons cleaning, whereas now that time is mine again. I’ve been using it to catch up with friends, pursue hobbies, and simply relax – something I hadn’t realised how much I needed.

This reclaimed time has had a ripple effect on other areas of my life. I’ve taken up swimming again, something I’d abandoned due to lack of time. I’ve started reading more in the evenings instead of tackling the cleaning tasks I’d been putting off. The mental load of constantly thinking about what needs cleaning has lightened considerably.

A Few Challenges

It hasn’t been entirely smooth sailing. We’ve had a few miscommunications about my expectations, particularly regarding how to organise certain rooms. And occasionally, I’ve forgotten to replenish cleaning supplies, which has limited what could be accomplished during a session.

There was a week when my vacuum cleaner broke, and I hadn’t replaced it in time for Sarah’s visit. She did her best with the brush and dustpan, but naturally, the results weren’t as thorough. This highlighted the importance of maintaining my end of the arrangement by ensuring all equipment is functional.

Learning to effectively communicate my preferences has been a learning curve too. Initially, I was reluctant to point out areas that needed more attention, not wanting to seem critical. Over time, I’ve realised that clear, polite feedback benefits us both – Sarah wants to do a good job, and I want to be satisfied with the service.

The Financial Consideration

At £19 per hour for a three-hour fortnightly clean, the service costs me around £120 per month. It’s not insignificant, but when I calculate the value of six hours of my time each month, plus the improvement in my quality of life, the maths makes sense.

I’ve made small adjustments to my budget to accommodate this expense – one fewer takeaway each month and being more mindful about unnecessary purchases. The trade-off has been more than worth it.

Is It Worth It?

For me, the answer is yes. The service isn’t perfect – sometimes the floors aren’t quite as spotless as when I do them myself, and occasionally a dusty corner might be missed. But the overall improvement in my home’s cleanliness and the gift of time far outweigh these minor issues.

The financial aspect means I’ve had to adjust my budget slightly, but the mental space and free time I’ve gained feel more valuable than the money spent.

There’s also the satisfaction of supporting a local business like Diamond Home Support. I appreciate knowing that my payment goes directly to someone providing an honest, valuable service in my community.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the fence about hiring a cleaner, I’d suggest trying it for a month or two. You might be surprised by the difference it makes not just to your home, but to your overall wellbeing. There’s something genuinely liberating about crossing a significant task off your perpetual to-do list.

I’ve come to realise that acknowledging you can’t do everything yourself isn’t admitting defeat – it’s a form of self-care and practical time management. In our busy lives, choosing where to direct our limited energy is essential. For me, redirecting some of that energy from scrubbing tiles to activities that nourish my wellbeing has created a more balanced, enjoyable life.

And as for what my mother would think? When I finally told her about my new arrangement, she surprised me by saying, “About time! I wish these services had been more common when I was raising you all.” Sometimes, even the most self-sufficient among us recognise the value of a helping hand.