How I found my cleaner through Facebook

This year a prolapsed disc saw me in such agony I couldn’t walk more than a few feet, let alone scrub bathrooms or push a broom. Intensive physiotherapy was to continue for months and I was told to expect a very slow recovery. (We ate a lot of frozen dinners during that time).

What the heck was going to happen to the house while I recovered? Who was going to clean it? My husband, bless him, is very tidy but wouldn’t know how to vacuum to save his life.

The decision was made. We would hire a cleaning lady until I regained full health.

I put out a call on FB through a closed group I belonged to – these are like minded gals who were into fitness and exercise. I felt it was important to hire someone who was personally recommended.

Straight away I had a response recommending a gal from the group and with relief, I set up a time for my new helper to start. We hit it off straight away, she was meticulous (tick), energetic (tick) trustworthy and reliable (tick, tick).

We agreed to terms as to what she was required to do and how many hours of work she would be paid for. I suggested a minimum of two hours as any less might not have been worth her while.

I gradually regained my health and the back was almost as good as new but what to do about my new found “treasure”. After discussing it with my husband we agreed I could keep her! Happy days!

So she comes to me once a fortnight and vacuums, dust and steam-mops right through (I have a lot of tiled areas), cleans two bathrooms/toilets – all the heavy stuff. I pay her $25 an hour and I have to say she is worth every penny.

I am now able to concentrate on other things (like bowls, gym, quilting etc) while my treasure keeps my house “sparkle arkleing”. Of course, I am still stripping and making beds, washing, ironing, shopping, cooking and gardening – only now I have more time to do it.

At the age of 70 and after many years of cleaning other people’s houses I can now stop worrying about whether my house is clean. It’s a great feeling. And no, I won’t give you her number – that I’m keeping to myself!

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