Although I do not watch the Food Network, I do know who Paula Deen is. She was on Oprah recently and I have seen her on other shows. I’ve also seen her cookbooks in the local bookstore. She is a very popular cook.
I was surprised to discover that she had been using a private “cleaning lady” to clean her home, as opposed to using a bonded and insured cleaning company.
Numerous sources have reported that between August, 2009 and May, 2010, Paula’s maid, “Mary Alice White” literally stole expensive property and jewelry from both Paula and her husband. She was caught by the husband and was also caught trying to sell the stuff at a local pawn shop.
To be honest with you, I am happy that Ms. Deen and her husband did not have something more ominous happen as the result of allowing this cleaning lady in their home.
Quite frankly, it is dangerous to hire a single maid from off the street. And yes, even if the person has references from others in the neighborhood, that “cleaning lady” is someone from off the street.
Here is how a cleaning service should be chosen:
a. Search the phone book or a reputable outlet such as Angie’s List or Checkbook for a list of real maid services. To qualify as “real” the service must be registered as a business.
b. Check with the service to find out what types of insurance they carry (should be bonding, liability and worker’s comp insurance)
IF they don’t have insurance, don’t hire them. Why? Because if one of their workers gets hurt in your home, YOU will be responsible for their medical bills. And if a worker steals from your home, the onus would fall upon you totally to try to get your things back. You would have no supervisor of an insured company to call.
Hiring a real cleaning company takes that burden off of you. ALSO, real cleaning companies perform background checks and professionally train employees to clean. Real cleaning companies pay taxes and unemployment. Cleaning ladies do NOT pay taxes, which is why they demand cash.
Why are people insisting on entrusting people from off the street into their homes? Generally it’s because they are looking to have their homes cleaned for dirt cheap. They are willing to trust anything to walk into their home—-around their keys and their children and their pets, all to save a few bucks.
It is nothing short of a phenomenon. However, too many people are not willing to pay cleaning companies what they are worth. They would much rather risk life and limb rather than to pay to have their homes cleaned.
I’m happy that Paula got off easy. And yes, if all she lost were some jewels, I consider that getting off easy. The thief could have taken her key, had a copy made, and given it to a “boyfriend” who in turn could have done things to that family that I don’t even want to go into. But use your imagination. I would strongly urge Paula even now to have all her locks changed.
In closing, you get what you pay for. There are no shortcuts in life. When you hire a cleaning lady as opposed to hiring a real cleaning company, you take on so many risks that it’s not even funny. First of all, the IRS views you as the cleaning lady’s employer. They hold YOU responsible for the taxes. And you are breaking the law if you are paying her in cash to help her hide the fact that she is working tax free.
Hire a real cleaning company. Yes, you will pay more but at least you will be protected. I will continue with these warnings for as long as my business exists.
Give us a call. We’ll be happy to send out a bonded, insured crew to clean your home. 301-322-7112
Picture source HERE
