Cleaning Homes in France
Arrive at a client's home, ask where things are, get the cleaning done and sort out hours and pay.
Many cleaners in France work directly for households and are paid through the CESU (chèque emploi service universel), the state system where the client declares your hours online and your social contributions are handled for you. Clients get a tax credit of half the cost, so declared work is the norm. Hourly rates for home cleaning are typically around 13 to 18 euros net; you usually say vous to the client unless they suggest tu.
- 1
Bonjour, je viens pour le ménage.
Hello, I'm here for the cleaning.
- 2
Où sont les produits ménagers ?
Where are the cleaning products?
- 3
Vous avez un aspirateur ?
Do you have a vacuum cleaner?
- 4
Je commence par quelle pièce ?
Which room do I start with?
- 5
Je commence par la cuisine.
I'll start with the kitchen.
- 6
Je change les draps ?
Shall I change the sheets?
- 7
Je peux utiliser ce produit sur le sol ?
Can I use this product on the floor?
- 8
Je vais passer la serpillière.
I'm going to mop the floor.
Tip: Wet cloth, bucket, floor.
- 9
Je fais la salle de bain maintenant.
I'm doing the bathroom now.
- 10
Je fais aussi le repassage ?
Shall I do the ironing too?
- 11
Il n'y a plus de sacs-poubelle.
There are no bin bags left.
- 12
Attention, le sol est mouillé.
Careful, the floor is wet.
- 13
Pardon, j'ai cassé un verre.
Sorry, I broke a glass.
- 14
Je mets les clés où ?
Where do I put the keys?
- 15
J'ai fini pour aujourd'hui.
I've finished for today.
- 16
J'ai travaillé trois heures.
I worked three hours.
- 17
Vous passez par le CESU ?
Do you pay through CESU?
Tip: The state voucher system for home help.
- 18
C'est 15 € de l'heure.
It's 15 euros an hour.
- 19
La semaine prochaine, même heure ?
Same time next week?
- 20
Je peux ouvrir la fenêtre ?
Can I open the window?