19/08/2025
Something most people don’t know about cleaners (but should)
When people see “£20 per hour” for cleaning, the first reaction is often: “That’s so expensive!” But here’s what that really means for the person behind the mop.
Cleaners don’t get paid holidays. We don’t get sick pay. We don’t get bonuses or bank holiday pay. After taxes and expenses, that “£20” is closer to £14 in the hand.
And for that, we work our bodies to the bone.
* Carrying heavy hoovers up and down stairs.
* Scrubbing ovens that haven’t been touched in 10 years.
* Breathing in strong chemicals all day.
* Rushing from client to client, often with 2–3 hours unpaid travel in between.
A “6-hour day” often means 8–9 hours out of the house. By the end of it, our backs ache, our arms throb, and in summer, we’re dripping with sweat in houses with no air conditioning. But we keep going — because people are counting on us.
And yet, cleaners are asked to do the impossible: “Can you do a full end-of-tenancy in 3 hours?” In reality, 3 hours might only be enough for the kitchen alone. Still, we push ourselves because we don’t want to disappoint.
Now think of this:
* A nail set: £50 in 45 minutes.
* A hairstyle: £150–200 in under 2 hours.
* A bottle of wine: £30+.
* A family takeaway: £70
But the person who scrubs your toilets, cleans your kitchen, and leaves your home fresh and peaceful? Too often, people want to pay them next to nothing.
Here’s the truth: cleaners are mothers, fathers, neighbours, and friends. We also dream of taking our kids for pizza, or treating them to a fun day out. But when we’re paid less than a living wage, even those little joys feel out of reach.
🙏 Please, if you have a cleaner, show them kindness. Even small gestures — a cup of tea, a biscuit, or simply a heartfelt “thank you” — can mean the world.
When a cleaner feels valued, you’ll always get their very best effort.
Behind every sparkling home is a tired body and a hardworking human being. Please don’t forget that. ❤️
