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“Guests Tell Me I Have Dust Bunnies”: My $150-an-Hour Cleaner Is Dropping the Ball — Should I Fire Her?

Let’s be honest—$150 an hour for a cleaner sounds wild. But if you live in a big city, that’s just the going rate for top-notch help these days. When you’re shelling out that kind of cash, you expect a sparkling home, no dust bunnies lurking under the sofa, no shortcuts taken. So why is it that so many homeowners find themselves grumbling about missed spots and half-hearted cleaning after a few visits?

I’ve seen this story over and over with clients who value their time way more than their money. The honeymoon period with a new, highly-rated cleaner is real—the first few visits can feel like magic. But fast forward to visit number five, or ten, and suddenly things aren’t quite as pristine. Corners get cut, details fade, and those pesky dust bunnies make a comeback.

What You’re Actually Paying For

At $150 an hour, you’re not just paying for someone to show up. You’re paying for professionalism, reliability, and *attention to detail*. If your guests are the ones noticing dust bunnies, that’s a big red flag. So, what now? Do you just fire her and move on? Or is there a smarter way to handle it?

Why Do Premium Cleaners Sometimes Slip Up?

There are a few reasons why even the best cleaners can let things slide over time:

• Complacency creeps in. When a cleaner feels secure—especially if you never voice any concerns—they might stop pushing for perfection and start just “getting the job done.”
• They’re swamped. Skilled cleaners are in high demand, especially after the pandemic. Rushing between jobs makes it nearly impossible to keep up five-star standards every time.
• Communication gaps. If you haven’t been super clear about what you want—say, “Please dust under the sofa every visit”—don’t be surprised if those details get missed. Cleaning can become routine, and habits are hard to break.

Having the Talk (Yes, It’s Awkward)

Firing someone who’s been in your home, met your family, maybe even your dog—that’s never easy. But money is money, and value is value. Before you hit the eject button, try a straightforward conversation first.

Something like, “Hey, I’ve noticed a drop in quality lately, and guests are mentioning dust. Can we talk about how to fix this?” Usually, this resets expectations. Sometimes your cleaner will step up immediately. Other times, they might get defensive or even ghost you—and that’s your answer right there.

When to Cut Ties

If you’ve had the chat and things don’t improve, it’s totally fair to move on. You wouldn’t keep a careless accountant or a sloppy contractor—why settle for less with your cleaner?

Also, if you catch yourself checking every corner or dreading their visits, that trust is broken. Life’s too short to stress over dust bunnies.

When This Approach Doesn’t Work

There are times when giving feedback isn’t enough—like when your cleaner works for a big agency that switches staff regularly. Consistency can vanish, no matter how clear you are. Or if you live somewhere with a labor shortage, sometimes you have to accept imperfect help because the alternatives aren’t any better.

About the Price Tag

Sure, $150 an hour sounds steep, but in many pricey cities, it’s the norm for experienced, insured cleaners with good references. Still, paying a premium doesn’t guarantee perfect results.

If you feel the quality isn’t matching the cost, don’t hesitate to negotiate. Many cleaners would rather adjust their rates than lose a good client. On the flip side, if your cleaner is knocking it out of the park, don’t nickel and dime—good help is hard to find.

Other Ways to Keep Your Home Clean

If you do decide to part ways, consider some alternatives. Some people find success hiring two part-timers instead of one pro. Others mix deep cleans with lighter weekly visits to balance thoroughness and upkeep. Tech can help too—robot vacuums and air purifiers can keep dust down between visits, but they won’t replace a good human touch.

Starting fresh might feel like a hassle, but sometimes it’s just what your home (and sanity) needs. Trying out a new service for a month can also help you figure out what really matters in your cleaning routine.

The Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, this isn’t just about dust bunnies or dollars. It’s about respect and standards. When you pay premium prices, you deserve peace of mind, not second-guessing your cleaner’s work.

One tip that really works? Use a checklist. I know, it sounds a bit extra, but having a shared list of your must-haves—whether that’s baseboards, under the beds, or kitchen counters—helps keep everyone on the same page. Review it together every few months and adjust as needed.

Final Thoughts

Letting a cleaner go isn’t a failure—it’s just recognizing when your needs have changed or the service isn’t cutting it anymore. The real mistake is putting up with less than you deserve because you want to avoid confrontation.

Sure, dust bunnies might be cute in cartoons, but in your living room? They’re a sign it’s time to take control. Whether you keep your current cleaner or start fresh, don’t settle for less than what you’re paying for. A little honesty and action can go a long way toward keeping your home—and your sanity—clean and happy.

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