# #121: Why Your Cleaners Keep Going Over Time (And How to Fix It)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/filthy-rich-cleaners-the-cleaning-business-podcast-7179545/121-why-your-cleaners-keep-going-over-time-and-how-to-fix-it
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/filthy-rich-cleaners-the-cleaning-business-podcast-7179545/121-why-your-cleaners-keep-going-over-time-and-how-to-fix-it.md
Podcast: [Filthy Rich Cleaners: The Cleaning Business Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/filthy-rich-cleaners-the-cleaning-business-podcast-7179545)
Published: 2026-03-12T11:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.filthyrichcleaners.com/e/121-why-your-cleaners-keep-going-over-time-and-how-to-fix-it/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/6b6m74mrar9b84su/FRC_Ep121_AudioOnly.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2801

## Resource

Are your cleaners going overtime or skipping check-ins? Before you blame the cleaner, you need to check yourself first 😉 In this solo episode, Stephanie breaks down one of the most common and costly problems in cleaning businesses: cleaners going over their approved time with no communication. Inspired by a real question from the ZenMaid Mastermind and a recent consulting call, Stephanie walks through every layer of the problem and gives practical, implementable fixes for each one. 📌 What You’ll Learn— Why the problem often starts with your estimating, not your cleaner's speed— What production rates are and how to audit yours using real data— How to calculate labor hours for first-time cleans, maintenance cleans, and vacant homes— Why cleaners need to know their approved time explicitly— How to set up a midpoint check-in process that gives you time to adjust before it's too late— The difference in risk between hourly vs. flat rate when jobs run long— How pay structure (hourly vs. performance-based) drives cleaner behavior— Why a fast feedback loop matters more than a formal sit-down— When to send a cleaner back through training vs. when it's a discipline issue— Legal considerations around docking pay for W2 employees who go over approved time Resources Mentioned:— Serene Clean Document Bundles: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services — Estimated Times Free Template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q75a_fQMs0fcwGGMr5tCQL6ZwtnGJqO9bc2slfx9Qfo/edit?tab=t.0 👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://zenmaid.lpages.co/newsletter-sign-up/ 📖 Read the full transcript: https://zenmaid.com/magazine/why-your-cleaners-keep-…

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## Transcript

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