On interview, the housekeeper estimated five hours weekly cleaning time, mostly for all the laundry. After hiring, she came as a team of four and they were done in much less than two hours. Can you wash, dry, and fold three queen sets and three twin sets and eight sets of towels (bath, hand, facecloth)--all definitely used--in under two hours?

Are the Whirlpool Duets that big? The same laundry takes me much longer. Tell me, am I that slow? Can housekeepers "freshen up" the linens in less time, and if so, how can you tell, and would you accept anything less than a full wash?

Are there other "creative cleaning" short-cuts to watch for, and can you spot them without being present for the cleaning?