How to Give Feedback to Your Cleaner (Without Feeling Awkward)

The truth is, feedback is a normal and necessary part of any professional service. Cleaners work in many different homes, each with different expectations, routines, and priorities. Clear, respectful communication helps them tailor their work to suit you and ensures you’re both on the same page. When handled well, feedback doesn’t damage the relationship—it strengthens it.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to give feedback to your cleaner calmly and confidently, without guilt or embarrassment, while keeping things professional and positive.

Why Giving Feedback Feels So Uncomfortable

Many people worry that giving feedback will come across as rude or ungrateful. Others feel awkward because cleaners work inside their personal space, which can blur professional boundaries. There’s also a common fear of offending someone who is already working hard.

However, avoiding feedback often leads to:

• Ongoing frustration over small issues
• Repeatedly missed tasks
• Resentment building over time
• A service that never quite meets your expectations

Most cleaners would much rather receive clear guidance than guess what you want. Feedback, when delivered politely and constructively, is part of maintaining a professional service—not a personal criticism.

Start With Clear Expectations From the Beginning

One of the easiest ways to avoid awkward feedback later is to set clear expectations early on. Many misunderstandings arise simply because assumptions were made on both sides.

Before or during the early cleans, it helps to be clear about:

• Which rooms or tasks are the priority
• Any areas that need extra attention
• Products you prefer (or want avoided)
• How often certain tasks should be done

The first clean is especially important. It’s often more of a learning visit than a perfect final result, as the cleaner gets familiar with your home, layout, and preferences. Understanding what usually happens during this initial appointment can make you feel more confident about when and how to speak up. If you’re unsure, it can be helpful to read more about what to expect during your cleaner’s first visit, as this sets realistic expectations for both sides.

Keep Feedback Clear, Calm, and Specific

Vague feedback is one of the biggest causes of confusion. Comments like “it wasn’t quite right” or “some bits were missed” don’t give your cleaner enough information to improve.

Instead, aim to be:

• Specific – mention the exact task or area
• Neutral – focus on the work, not the person
• Calm – keep your tone relaxed and professional

For example:

• “Could the skirting boards in the living room be included next time?”
• “I’d prefer the bathroom taps dried to avoid water marks.”
• “The kitchen looks great—could we prioritise the hob a bit more going forward?”

This approach removes emotion from the feedback and makes it easier for your cleaner to respond positively.

Use the Right Timing and Method

When you give feedback can be just as important as what you say. Mid-clean interruptions can sometimes feel uncomfortable for both parties unless something is urgent or safety-related.

Good times to give feedback include:

• At the end of the clean
• Before the next scheduled visit
• Via a short message if you’re not comfortable face to face

Many homeowners find written feedback helpful for small adjustments, as it allows the cleaner to take it on board without pressure. For more detailed conversations, a quick chat can be more effective and avoids misunderstandings.

Balance Feedback With Positives

Feedback doesn’t have to focus only on what needs changing. Acknowledging what’s working well makes conversations feel more balanced and shows appreciation for the cleaner’s efforts.

A simple structure that works well is:

1. Mention something you’re happy with
2. Follow with a small adjustment or preference

For example:

• “The floors always look great—could we also include the hallway skirting boards when there’s time?”
• “I really appreciate how reliable you are. One small thing: could the mirrors be polished rather than wiped?”

This makes feedback feel collaborative rather than critical.

Understand That Preferences Aren’t Failures

It’s important to remember that many feedback points are about personal preference, not mistakes. One homeowner may want beds made a certain way, while another doesn’t want bedrooms touched at all. One person may prioritise bathrooms, another kitchens.

Your cleaner isn’t expected to automatically know these preferences. Communicating them clearly is part of the job, and most professionals expect these conversations, especially in the early stages.

Handling Ongoing Issues Professionally

If the same issue keeps cropping up, it’s best to address it directly rather than letting frustration build. Repeating feedback doesn’t mean you’re being difficult—it usually means expectations haven’t been fully aligned yet.

When something keeps being missed:

• Re-state the priority clearly
• Ask if there’s a time or workload issue
• Clarify whether something needs to be done every visit or occasionally

For example:

• “I’ve noticed the inside of the microwave is often missed—can we make that a regular task?”
• “Is there enough time to cover everything, or should we adjust priorities?”

These conversations work best when framed as problem-solving rather than complaints.

Build Trust Through Ongoing Communication

Good feedback is part of a bigger picture: communication and trust. The strongest cleaner–client relationships are built on openness, mutual respect, and realistic expectations.

Checking in occasionally—even when things are going well—helps keep standards consistent and avoids awkward conversations later. Over time, this kind of communication leads to smoother visits, fewer misunderstandings, and a more reliable service overall.

If you’d like more practical advice on strengthening this dynamic, there are helpful insights available on how to build a good working relationship with your cleaner, covering communication, boundaries, and mutual expectations in more detail.

Feedback Gets Easier When You Have the Right Cleaner

It’s also worth noting that feedback tends to feel less awkward when the cleaner is a good fit for your home in the first place. Professional, reliable cleaners usually welcome clear guidance and are happy to adjust their approach.

If you’re still early in the process—or considering making a change—learning how to find the best cleaner for your home can make a big difference. Starting with someone who communicates well and takes pride in their work naturally makes feedback conversations easier and more productive.

Final Thoughts: Feedback Is Part of the Service

Giving feedback to your cleaner doesn’t need to feel uncomfortable or confrontational. When handled calmly and respectfully, it’s simply part of maintaining a professional service tailored to your home.

By:

• Setting expectations early
• Being clear and specific
• Choosing the right timing
• Balancing positives with preferences

You create an environment where feedback feels normal, not awkward. Over time, this leads to better results, stronger trust, and a cleaner home that truly meets your needs.

Clear communication isn’t about criticism—it’s about collaboration. And when both sides understand that, everyone benefits.