Housekeeper of the Year 2019

Congratulations to Maria Helena! She trumped hundreds of housekeepers across the whole of London to win this year’s Housekeeper of the Year award and a £150 prize.

Customers were asked to nominate their housekeeper for the award. We received a huge response in recognition of the valuable work that house cleaners do across the city. Maria Helena received the most votes from customers and got outstanding reviews.

We spoke to Maria Helena when she came to our offices to collect the award.

How did you feel when you found out you had won the competition?

I was very surprised and very happy! I remember reading about last year’s winner, Bilyana and wishing that it could be me one day. I am very pleased to win this award.

You got huge support from your customers who are clearly very happy with you. What is your secret?

I really enjoy the work which is why I give it my best. I like and respect my customers and treat their home as I do my own. I am not perfect but if I respect my customers I can always reach an understanding with them.

What is your favourite aspect of being a home cleaner?

I love working as an independent house cleaner because I find it very peaceful working alone. I enjoy working with customers in their homes but I also like travelling between customers as it gives some time to relax with outside distractions.

What advice would you give to other housekeepers?

To be happy! Being happy in my work helps me do a better job. It is important to understand your clients and try to please their wishes.

Do you have any special cleaning tips and tricks that you can share?

I have been doing this job for a long time so I have learned a lot. I know many, many tricks but I cannot tell you all my secrets! A recent customer was having real trouble with a red wine stain in a glass vase but my potion of salt, washing up liquid and other secret ingredients sorted it out for him.

 About Maria Helena Fernandes

Originally from Lisbon, Maria Helena trained as a hotel room attendant and housekeeper in Portugal before moving to London. In London, Maria Helena did commercial cleaning before becoming a private house cleaner. She joined the TidyChoice platform in June 2018. Maria Helena travels to Portugal a couple of times a year to visit her parents. Outside of work, Maria Helena likes going to the movies and having the occasional pint down the pub!