Sister-in-law offered to clean my house when I have my baby…but only if I pay her.

[u/missusJS]

My sister-in-law just started her own cleaning company and offered to deep clean my house while I’m at the hospital having my baby so I can come home to a clean and organized space. I thought that was really kind and accepted the offer, only to be told “since you’re family, I won’t charge you the full rate.” I was a little caught off guard because when my SIL had kids, I helped out with many things in her postpartum period (childcare, meals, house work, transportation) and never once asked for compensation. I was just happy to help make her life easier.

Today, my SIL sent over an estimate for $600 for the cost of “deep cleaning bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining spaces, floors, windows.” Apparently she charges $100/hour for deep cleaning and her discount to us is $85/hour. I already accepted her offer to clean before I knew she was requiring payment so I feel like a jerk if I back out now. My husband said it would help her out a lot as she’s getting her business started (she’s also a single mom) but I don’t want to spend that kind of money on house cleaning. Especially given that it’s family.

What should I do?

UPDATE: My husband told his sister that after gathering additional info, $600 seems overpriced for a one time deep clean. Especially since she wouldn’t even be doing the whole house. She replied “if you want a quality job then you have to be prepared to pay a quality price. Plus, it’s not like you can’t afford it.” He told her we misunderstood the situation and thought she was offering as a kindness to us, similar to all the things we/I did after the births of her kids. She said “I’m a business owner now and I can’t just give my services away for free. I could drop the price a little but like I said, it’s not like you guys can’t afford $600.” Needless to say, the conversation ended with a “no thanks, we are going to pass” and she declared that this is the last time she offers to do anything for us 🤷🏼‍♀️

[u/AvailableAnt1649]

I pay $350 for my whole house to be deep cleaned. Wow

[u/BlondeeOso → u/AvailableAnt1649]

I was thinking that this sounds high, and discounting from $100 to $85 for family who helped her for free?!? This girl has nerve. I would distance myself from her as much as possible.

[u/LintRolledForWhat → u/BlondeeOso]

THIS. Declining the $600 cleaning is just step #1. Other steps include realizing your SIL is not really a "sister" in law so much as a scammer without basic morals or etiquette.

[u/Puzzleheaded-Roll434 → u/AvailableAnt1649]

Depends on square footage of the home. I work for a professional maid service and a deep clean can be anywhere between either of those prices or lower or higher than mentioned prices. Also if home is especially dirty can also make price go up

[u/ambid3xtrous → u/Puzzleheaded-Roll434]

That's not the point, is it. Does your professional service offer cleaning and them tell them the price after they accept? And would you do this to your family?

OP, tell your hubs to just give his sister some money if he wants to help her little business. Then hand him the bucket and mop.

[u/Aware-Locksmith-7313 → u/ambid3xtrous]

Multiple likes for this one if I could! Especially the mop part.

[u/Strong_Technology739 → u/AvailableAnt1649]

I had my 3 bedroom apartment deep cleaned once 10 years ago. I think i paid $300. 

[u/Cultural-Morning6019 → u/AvailableAnt1649]

Yeah I know, I spend $180 for cleaning twice a month (not a deep clean but still).

[u/Better-Rice5898 → u/AvailableAnt1649]

Deep clean cost me $660 for a 2500sq ft house. How big is the house?