Home Cleaning Services - Luxury or Necessity?

Some might say it depends on where you live, how much money you make, whether you work outside the home,or some other variable, but the question remains the same.......is having a house cleaner a luxury or a necessity?

I recently read the Coming Clean article in the July 2010 issue of Parent's Magazine, and could relate to much of the article. A few lines that really stood out to me were:
"The refrigerator and stove are streaked with hasty dinner efforts. If we were a restaurant, we'd be closed down by the health department."
"...once you have your house cleaned by someone else, it really is like being addicted. I'd eat beans every night before giving it up."

Maybe that's it.......if you haven't had your home cleaned by someone else, you don't know what you're missing. I had someone come in to clean my home just once. I was so excited. I thought the price was right and I even de-cluttered the day before (which you'll soon learn is an ongoing activity for me) so that she would have no trouble getting to anything. What a let down my experience was. She advertised wiping walls, dusting, vacuuming, scrubbing floors and bathrooms, and so on. When she left the house smelled fabulous. I loved whatever cleaning agent she used, that is on what she DID clean. I wasn't picky either. I didn't even care about the deep cleaning steps she advertised, I was happy for everyday cleaning. However she never even wiped the kitchen counters or stove, and completely forgot to vacuum the living room carpet or sweep and mop the kitchen and dining room. I never bothered to contact her again, nor did I contact another cleaner, but after this article, I really want to. I feel my house is constantly in disarray and I truly cannot relax in messes. I try to catch up, but it seems like a trade off. Sure I can get the kitchen spotless, but then I walk into the living room and see the mess my 2 year old made while I was busy in the kitchen. I often feel it's not worth it. Then I decided no problem, I do everything once both kids are in bed. Well then it's so late I've spent no time with my husband. Where is the middle? A cleaning person would solve many of these issues. I believe I'll do some research on cost and approach my husband with this.

So, leave a comment and confess.... Do you use a cleaning person? If so, what's your reason? If you don't use a cleaning person, tell us why not. Let's hear everyones opinion!

Everyone who leaves a comment with their opinion will be entered to win an awesome Febreze Home Collection Gift Package, so no matter who cleans your home, it will smell nice. (Earn extra chances too. Details below)

Febreze prize package includes: 1 linen & sky and 1 hawaiian aloha set & refresh, 1 pomegranate mango scented reed diffuser, 1 pomegranate mango flameless luminary starter kit, 1 pomegranate mango flameless luminary refill package, 1 pomegranate mango room spray, 4 home collection coupon booklets, and 4 set & refresh coupons.

1 winner will be chosen at random on Thursday, July 22, 2010
Here's how to enter:

Leave your opinion in a comment on this post - 1 entry

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AND THE WINNER IS: 

Comment #8 - Mom Caboodle!

Thank you to everyone who participated.  Please continue following as there are some fantastic giveaways coming up!