Most people tip restaurant servers, taxi drivers, and bartenders. But not many people know that you should also give your house cleaner a tip at the end of a job well done. For some reason, tipping home cleaners is often overlooked when compared to other service providers.
This may be because it’s just too easy to forget about tipping someone who comes to your house regularly. But just like any other service provider, your house cleaner deserves a little something extra for all the hard work they do. Let’s learn more about why you should tip your house cleaner, and how much to tip housekeeping.
Why should you tip your house cleaner?
Tipping your cleaner is important because it ensures that they are properly compensated for the work they do. It also encourages good service, since cleaning company staff, maid services, and other workers know that they will be rewarded if they provide great service.
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Let’s explore some common reasons why it is good practice to tip your house cleaner.
They work hard to keep your home clean
Cleaning is hard work. From cleaning your room and mopping floors to dusting hard-to-reach ceilings, tipping recognizes the effort your cleaner puts in to keep your home looking its best.
They often go above and beyond their job duties
Cleaners often carry out additional housekeeping tasks and complete special requests that might not be part of their original role. From taking out the bins to maintaining curb appeal and ensuring the outside of your property looks good, a tip shows you can see your cleaner goes the extra mile.
They rarely get the recognition they deserve
So many people take cleaners for granted and do not realize the hard work they put in to keep our homes clean. Even a small token of appreciation can go a long way in making them feel appreciated and valued.
They’re typically underpaid for the work they do
Cleaning staff are some of the lowest-paid workers in the world, and yet they often do the most strenuous and dirty work. For those who work minimum wage jobs, tips can be the difference between making ends meet and struggling to get by. A generous tip can significantly boost a cleaner’s bottom line.
How much should you tip your house cleaner?
The amount you should tip your house cleaner depends on a few factors. As a general rule, try to tip between 15 to 20% of your total cleaning cost. At Christmas time or during other holidays you might want to include an extra cash bonus or a gift card as a gesture of goodwill. You can tip in cash or you can add a gratuity to card payments.
That said, it is important to consider how often the cleaner comes to your house. If they’re coming every week, then you might want to tip them a small amount each time they visit. If they’re only coming once a month, then you might want to tip slightly more.
Another factor to consider is how much work they’re doing. If they’re just doing a light cleaning, then you can tip less than if they’re doing a deep clean. Similarly, if your house is particularly dirty, you should tip more.
The cleaner will be doing more heavy-duty work, such as cleaning ovens, unclogging drains or pipes, and shampooing carpets. A larger tip shows your appreciation for the effort that they have put into giving your house a thorough clean. In addition to the tip, you might buy a Cleaning bundle of different soaps and reagents that could help them to clean your home without doing those extra efforts.
Always tip the housekeeping staff
House cleaners are often undervalued and taken for granted. They work hard to clean our homes and make them liveable, but many people forget to tip them. Not only is tipping the polite thing to do, but it also helps ensure your cleaners continue to provide you with quality service.
Some people argue that house cleaners should be paid a living wage so that they don’t need to rely on tips, but in many cases, their wages are still not enough to live on. Tips can help supplement their income and ensure they continue to make a living from cleaning. Even if you cannot tip every day, a small token of thanks will be appreciated.
Do you leave a tip for house cleaning services? Get in touch and let us know your thoughts.