6 Ways You Might Be Annoying Your Cleaner Without Realizing It

Hiring a cleaner, whether part-time or live-in, is a common practice in many Kenyan households.

From city apartments in Kilimani to maisonettes in Syokimau, house helps (domestic managers) play a vital role in making homes run smoothly.

Yet, many people unknowingly frustrate the very people they rely on to keep their homes clean and organized.

Here are six common (and avoidable) ways you might be annoying your cleaner—and what to do differently.

1. Leaving Your House in a Complete MessIt’s easy to confuse dirty with disorganized. A dirty floor is a cleaner’s job.

But a pile of clothes all over the couch, toys scattered in every room, used utensils left on the sink for days, and personal items in every corner?

That’s a time-wasting nightmare.

Why it’s annoying: Your cleaner spends more time tidying before they can even start cleaning. It also shows a lack of basic effort or respect for their time.

Real-life example: Imagine a cleaner coming into your house in South B at 8 a.m., only to spend the first hour just clearing up the breakfast dishes and gathering laundry from the floor before touching the mop.

What to do instead: Do a quick 10-minute tidy-up before they arrive. You don’t need to deep-clean, but at least put clothes in the laundry basket and collect cups and plates. Think of it as clearing the runway before the plane lands.

2. Micromanaging Their Every Move: Some people feel the need to "supervise" their cleaner—peeking over their shoulder, offering step-by-step instructions, or even redoing work in front of them.

Why it’s annoying: It implies you don’t trust them, even if you do. It also creates a tense working environment and strips away their confidence and dignity.

Real-life example: Wanjiku, who cleans for two households in Lavington, shared that one client constantly follows her from room to room, correcting how she wipes tables—even though she’s been cleaning for over five years.

What to do instead: Discuss your expectations during onboarding or at the start of the day, then give them space. You can inspect later if you must, but avoid hovering.

3. Changing the Rules Every Visit: Some people expect cleaners to remember a new list of chores every week—without warning. Today it's the windows, tomorrow it’s organizing the pantry, and next week it’s scrubbing the rooftop balcony.

Why it’s annoying: Constantly shifting priorities without clear communication or extra pay can feel exploitative, especially if the cleaner is working under time pressure.

Real-life example: A house help in Umoja said she dreads Saturdays because her boss randomly decides to turn it into a spring-cleaning day, without asking or adjusting working hours.

What to do instead: If there’s a big task that deviates from the norm, bring it up in advance. Better yet, create a weekly cleaning schedule. Let your cleaner prepare mentally and physically.

4. Expecting Deep Cleaning Every Time: Sweeping, mopping, wiping, dusting—that’s regular cleaning. But expecting your cleaner to wash curtains, scrub the cooker burners, defrost the fridge, and polish your parquet floors every time they come? That’s deep cleaning, and it requires planning.

Why it’s annoying: It’s unrealistic and exhausting. Plus, it increases the risk of injury or damage to items.

Real-life example: Jane, a live-out cleaner from Gikambura, said a client once expected her to wash all the sofa covers and curtains plus clean the house in four hours—without access to a washing machine.

What to do instead: Plan deep cleans separately and consider compensating accordingly. Schedule such tasks monthly or quarterly.

5. Using Worn-Out or Insufficient Supplies: Imagine being asked to clean an entire flat using one old rag, nearly-finished detergent, and a broken broom. Yet, this is surprisingly common in many homes.

Why it’s annoying: Poor supplies make the job harder, longer, and more frustrating. Plus, they reflect poorly on how much you care about cleanliness.

Real-life example: A Karen-based cleaner mentioned that her client had her use cold water and bar soap to clean greasy kitchen tiles—because "Jik is expensive."

What to do instead: Ask your cleaner what supplies they need. Stock basics: bleach, disinfectant, gloves, decent brooms, toilet cleaner, and quality mops. These small investments make a big difference in both morale and results.

6. Failing to Show Basic Appreciation: It’s not always about money. Sometimes, it's the little things: saying "thank you," offering lunch, or simply acknowledging a job well done. Sadly, many cleaners feel invisible in the very homes they work in.

Why it’s annoying: Everyone wants to feel respected and appreciated. Cleaners are often overworked and underpaid—don’t make them feel undervalued too.

Real-life example: Esther, who works in Parklands, says she feels more appreciated when offered a cup of tea and treated kindly, than when she’s paid extra but ignored or scolded the whole day.

What to do instead: Greet them warmly. Say "thank you." Offer water or lunch. If you’re pleased with their work, say so. It costs nothing to be kind.

Cleaners do much more than just scrub floors—they help maintain order and sanity in your home. The least we can do is treat them with dignity, communicate clearly, and create a respectful working relationship.

When we do that, everybody wins: you get a cleaner, more peaceful home, and they feel safe, seen, and valued.