Revolt of the cleaners: Women share horror stories of ‘posh’ nightmare clients

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Revolt of the cleaners: Women share horror stories of nightmare clients including one who was sacked for ‘stealing’ a penny – and some vow not to return to work until they feel safe

  • Cleaners have shared horror stories of terrible conditions in which they work 
  • Comes as easing of lockdown restrictions means cleaners can return to work 
  • Some have vowed not to return until they feel it is safe to do so 

By Stephanie Linning For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Cleaners have come together to share horror stories that highlight the degrading and difficult conditions in which they sometimes work. 

Professional cleaners from around the world shared their experiences in response to a post by London-based Twitter user Tabitha McIntosh, who wrote about cleaning ‘pubic hair, skid marks, and puke stains’ while working to support her toddler.  

Some revealed they had been made to brush down floors on their hands and knees because the client didn’t have a vacuum cleaner. Another told of how her mother was fired for ‘stealing’ because she had pocketed 3 cents left on the floor as a ‘trap’.

Professional cleaners from around the world shared their experiences in response to a post by London-based Twitter user Tabitha McIntosh, who wrote about cleaning ‘pubic hair, skid marks, and puke stains’ while working to support her toddler. Stock image

Cleaners have come together to share horror stories that highlight the degrading and difficult conditions in which they sometimes work. Pictured, an example from one user

Cleaners have come together to share horror stories that highlight the degrading and difficult conditions in which they sometimes work. Pictured, an example from one user

Some said they refuse to go back to work until they feel it is 100 per cent safe to do so

Some said they refuse to go back to work until they feel it is 100 per cent safe to do so

The comments come amid ongoing public debate surrounding the treatment of cleaners during lockdown and their return to work this week amid a relaxation of government restrictions. 

Domestic cleaners are now able to return to work in people’s homes, provided they abide by social distancing measures, or take extra attention to cleaning and hygiene if this is not possible.

However some said they refuse to go back to work until they feel it is 100 per cent safe to do so. Both cleaners and clients pointed out they often rely on public transport to travel between jobs.   

Dozens of Twitter users shared stories on behalf of themselves and family members who are cleaners. Pictured, a handful of the examples shared online

Dozens of Twitter users shared stories on behalf of themselves and family members who are cleaners. Pictured, a handful of the examples shared online 

Government support for self-employed

Millions of self-employed workers will be able to apply for grants of up to £7,500 from today, with payments due to land within six days.

The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant is worth up to 80% of average trading profits for those stuck at home.

It is the biggest direct financial support package for freelancers and the self-employed since lockdown started, and claims for lost work can be dated back to March.

The Government has not said whether it will be extended in line with the furlough scheme protecting 80% of employees’ wages up to £2,500 a month. 

This week an anonymous cleaner took to British parenting site Mumsnet to accuse some of her clients of not giving a ‘toss’ because they didn’t offer to continue paying for her services during lockdown. 

Responses to the post were divided with some agreeing, and others accusing her of not considering the financial difficulties that her clients may also be facing.

The discussion has been echoed on Twitter, with the majority of users arguing clients should be expected to pay if they are in the position to do so.