I have a moderate size one bedroom + den apartment, am tidy and clean - no clutter, no hoarding. Except for the kitchen and tiny bath, cleaning is mainly dusting, vacuuming and washing the hardwood floors. The living/dining area is rarely used. In the past six years, I've had three top notch cleaners (one less so, plus one disastrous encounter with another service). They have come bi-weekly for two hours and kept the place spotless - supplemented by occasional "spring/fall" cleans. I contacted Mighty Moms when my previous cleaner returned to her pre-pandemic job. Ashley came by, went through each room and we discussed what was to be done (not everything has to be done every visit, so it averages out). We discussed scheduling "deep cleans" as required. I asked if her rates were by the hour or job. She said she charged by the job/square footage - taking the time required to do it right. We agreed on a price and schedule. I had to sign her "contract" - detailing what you must do, but nothing about what Mighty Moms will do. For example, you must give two months notice to dump them; they can drop you at whim. (Take note). Charlene was my cleaner (she is good). Her predecessor wasn't among the best I've had, so I expected that a "deep clean" was due, but we had agreed to work that out after the initial clean. Two hours in, Charlene says my time's up; if I want the living/dining room done, I have to pony up more money. She did the work but, remember, I was quoted by the job. I emailed Ashley expressing, very politely, my disappointment about feeling like I'd been subjected to "a bit of the old Bait & Switch." I put it down to poor communication, and said so. For a week, she ghosted me. I finally requested the courtesy of a reply - and was told that I'm "not the right fit," rationalized with some gobbledygook about how she provides a "cleaning service" and I expect "maid service" (BTW, the cleaning we discussed was less than what's in her website's "Routine Clean" standard). I expect I'm not the "right fit" because I dared call her out for selling me one thing, then flipping it once they got through the door. Use what word you want for that. Alternately, what they actually deliver falls short of what they advertise (Bate & Switch again) - don't want anyone around who holds them to their advertising or might spread the word. At this point, I did become uneasy, expressed that very clearly, and asked that my keys be returned early the next day or I would contact the authorities. Being quite senior, I've learned to be circumspect about many things. As the authorities urge, I report anything (phone, mail, internet, etc.), which feels off key. No ghosting now - Ashly launched a rambling, vituperative email with accusations such as "You attacked my employee with rude comments." Barely spoke to her. Showed her around; read while she did the den; went there, closed the door and didn't reappear until summoned to ante up more cash. It gets better. I'm accused of "threatening" her because I mentioned the authorities. The topper: "I have contacted the police and informed them of the situation. As I am 23 and having this come from a man 3x my AGE and the language and anger and jabful [sic] words I feel a concern for my safety." Now, I'm definitely thinking "the lady doth protest too much." Happy to provide a full transcript of all my communications with this outfit upon request. It may be nothing more than poor management, but who wants to get embroiled in that? read more
