The Power of Patience: Dealing with Rude Customers in the House Cleaning Business

​If you've been in the house cleaning industry long enough, you know that not every customer is a dream client. Some call expecting to be treated like royalty, demanding instant service, making unreasonable requests, or worse—being downright rude.
​
I get it. I’ve been there—literally. I grew up in this business. From around the age of 13 to 15, I was already answering calls and dealing with customers, some of whom had no problem yelling at a kid on the other end of the line. I remember feeling angry, disrespected, and sometimes even questioning why we had to put up with such behavior. But over time, I learned one of the most valuable lessons in business (and life): patience isn’t something that comes instantly—it’s something you build over time.

Patience is a Skill, Not a Switch

​Back then, I didn’t have the level of patience I do now. It took years of experience, trial and error, and, most importantly, self-discipline to keep my emotions in check. If you’re currently struggling with rude or demanding customers, just know that it’s normal to feel frustrated. The key isn’t to suppress those emotions but to learn how to control them in a way that benefits you and your business.
​
In 2019, I started meditating. At first, I wasn’t sure it would make a difference, but I stuck with it. Over time, I began to notice a shift—not just in how I responded to customers but in how I felt afterward. The anger and frustration that used to linger for hours (or even days) started to fade much faster. I became more composed, more intentional with my responses, and, most importantly, I stopped taking things personally.

How Meditation Has Helped Me Manage Difficult Customers

​Meditation has played a huge role in helping me develop the patience I need to deal with challenging customers. Here’s how:

1. It Helps Me Pause Before Reacting
   When a customer is being rude or making unreasonable demands, my first instinct used to be frustration. Now, I take a deep breath, process what they’re saying, and respond with professionalism instead of emotion.
   
2. It Keeps My Emotions in Check
   There’s a big difference between hearing a customer out and letting their attitude ruin your day. Meditation has taught me to acknowledge the negativity without letting it consume me.
   
3. It Puts Things Into Perspective
   Many times, rude customers aren’t actually angry at us. They might be having a bad day, dealing with stress, or simply not know how to communicate respectfully. Instead of taking their words personally, I remind myself that their behavior is a reflection of them, not me.
   
4. It Helps Me End My Day With a Clear Mind
   Before meditation, I used to carry the stress of the day with me into the evening. Now, I have a routine that allows me to release that tension and go to sleep without replaying negative interactions in my head.
   

You Can Build Patience Too

​If you find yourself struggling with patience, know that it’s something you can develop over time. Whether it’s through meditation, deep breathing, or simply taking a moment to step away when emotions run high, there are ways to train yourself to respond rather than react.

The truth is, rude customers will always exist. But your reaction to them is what determines your peace of mind and the success of your business. With the right mindset and tools, you can handle any situation with grace, professionalism, and—most importantly—patience.
​
Have you had to deal with difficult customers in your cleaning business? How do you manage your emotions in those moments? Let’s talk about it in the comments below!

---

Start meditating with the Headspace app for free!