So, I have lived in Hangzhou now for about 8 months or so now, since last late August 2007. I've finally started getting used to the lifestyle here and starting to get to know the local Chinese culture a bit more as well.

One of the most useful amenities I have found in Hangzhou is the cleaning service I use. Being someone who often works overtime and collapses as soon as I get home, a nice and regular cleaning service is something that I can't live without. I asked one of my colleagues at work and was recommended to a website where there were listed several cleaning services. I called all of the service places and read the reviews on each one, the only one that got through where I was able to reach a real person was Xin Nuo Housekeeping.

See the directory listing for Xin Nuo (Promise) Housekeeping (includes business card image with pricing) . Starting rate for cleaning is 20 - 24 kuai for 2 hours. 

I first tried Xin Nuo several months ago, perhaps back in January of 08, since then I have used them on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Just yesterday I had a housekeeper come in and do some cleaning. What I have discovered about housekeeping services is that some firms charge a high rate and some charge lower rates. From what I learned from these housekeepers is that the services really doesn't differ too much. The ones that charge high rates are simply ones that  have more of a brand name is all. Many of these housekeepers usually simultaneously work for several different housekeeping firms.

As with all things in China though, if you cannot communicate at least in basic Chinese, don't expect to be able to use these economical services for the locals, as they won't be able to communicate with you. Just like there's already an established food delivery place more economical than Sherpas, but since most expats can't yet communicate well enough in Chinese, there's little choice but to use places with English service, which ultimately leads to higher rates. But with an expat wage, it's really not a problem for most. I'll write about the economical local Hangzhou delivery service which I use several times a week.

Another thing I learned about these housekeepers is that most of them are migrant workers from more rural areas of China and often less economically well off. All the ones I've encountered so far have been very pleasant and nice, albeit a bit shy, and I've never once lost anything. Most of them are very good in that regard because they hope to continue this line of work with the various housekeeping firms. Some of these housekeepers have left their villages to come to Hangzhou for work, living out on their own and earning very little, it makes me a bit sad sometimes to see the drastic difference in our lifestyles. I generally try to tip them an extra 10 kuai or so, if they do a decent job as it really does make a difference for them.

When they come to my home to do cleaning, I generally offer them a cup of warm water in a disposable cup in case they get thirsty. Most, don't drink it regardless, but some do and they often appreciate the offer.

If your Chinese communication is decent, you can try to hire one of these local housekeepers and chat with them while they clean. It does give you a bit of insight into how these migrant workers live and they places they came from.

See the directory listing for Xin Nuo (Promise) Housekeeping (includes business card image with pricing) . Starting rate for cleaning is 20 - 24 kuai for 2 hours.

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