What to Do When a Client Tries to Poach Your Cleaner
And How to Stop It From Ever Happening Again!
You ever get that text or message that makes your stomach drop?
“Hey, your cleaner is amazing… any chance she’d want to work for me directly?”
Or worse, they cut you out and go directly to your cleaner. 😭
If a client has ever tried to go around you to offer your cleaner a job on the side—or if you’re worried it might happen one day—then keep reading. Not only am I going to show you how to stop client poaching, but I’m also going to walk you through what to do if it has already happened.
This post is the written version of my latest YouTube video (if you’re more of a listener, scroll down and watch!), but I’m also diving a bit deeper here—because I want this blog to be a resource for cleaning business owners who are ready to stop winging it and start building something legit.
Why Do Clients Try to Poach Cleaners?
Let’s call it what it is: disrespectful and shady.
But also, it’s common—and very preventable.
Most of the time, when a client tries to hire your cleaner behind your back, it comes down to two things:
- 💰 They want to pay less (cut you out = no business overheads)
- 🙄 They think it’s “no big deal” and your rules don’t apply to them
But here’s what they don’t get: You’re not just sending someone to clean. You’ve built a business. You do the scheduling, the training, the customer service, the insurance, the marketing—all of it.
Trying to bypass that? That’s not being clever. That’s stealing.
1. Add a No-Poaching Clause to Your Contracts
Your contract = your safety net
If your contract doesn’t already have a clause that prevents poaching, you need one—like, yesterday.
Here’s a sample clause to include:
“Clients agree not to solicit or hire any team member they’ve met through our company, during the service or for at least 12 months after it ends.”
This line sets a legal boundary and lets you take action if a client crosses the line. It doesn’t need to be all lawyer-y. Just clear.
ACTION STEP:
Want to ensure that your contract is doing its job? Download my free Client Contract Checklist to ensure that your policies protect your profits.
2. Teach Your Cleaners How to Shut That Down
They need the script, not the stress.
Let’s be honest—some clients can be sneaky about it. They’ll say things like:
“How much does she pay you? I’ll pay more if you come to me directly…”
If your cleaner isn’t prepared, they might not know how to respond—or worse, they might think it’s okay.
Here’s a simple, respectful response your team can use:
“I actually signed a contract and work through the company. I love it there, and I can’t take on anything directly.”
ACTION STEP:
Do a few role-play sessions during training. Practice what to say. It will give your team confidence and show that you run a tight ship.
3. Set Expectations with Clients from Day One
This is where so many cleaning businesses drop the ball
You can’t enforce a rule if no one knows it exists. And trust me—most poaching happens because the client didn’t think it was a big deal.
Here’s where you should include your anti-poaching policy:
- In your welcome email
- On your service agreement
- At the bottom of invoices
- During your first onboarding message or call
Use friendly wording like:
“Just a quick heads up—our team members work exclusively through our business and can’t be hired directly. It’s how we keep things smooth and professional for everyone!”
ACTION STEP:
Open your welcome email template right now and add this in. You’ll thank yourself later.
What to Do If It Already Happened 😤
Don’t panic. Take control.
If a client already offered your cleaner a side job—or worse, your cleaner took it—here’s what you do:
- Check your contract. If the client broke a clause, send a polite but firm notice reminding them.
- Talk to your cleaner. Understand the situation—was it pressure, confusion, or intentional?
- Decide what kind of client you want. A boundary-pusher might not be worth keeping long-term.
And remember: You’re not alone. This happens to so many cleaning business owners. If you need backup or advice, post it inside our private group!
💬 Join the community:
Profitable & Productive Cleaning Business Owners Facebook Group
Final Thoughts: You Built This Business—Protect It
Client poaching is sneaky—but you’ve got the tools to handle it like the boss you are.
- ✅ Use clear contracts
- ✅ Train your team
- ✅ Set expectations early
These aren’t just policies—they’re the foundation of a business that runs smoothly, profitably, and on your terms.
🎥 Watch the Full Video
If you want to hear exactly how I handled this and what I teach my students, check out the full YouTube video:
📣 Join Our Community of Cleaning Bosses
Need support? Want templates, strategy, and systems that actually make your business work?
Join Profitable & Productive Cleaning Business Owners, our private Facebook group for women ready to scale smart and protect what they’re building.
