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We Clean A Haunted House

 

My name is Lori and I own a small cleaning service in the Pittsburgh area. I have 22 customers and 2 employees C.J. And Marie.

I am writing this story about one house in particular, yes the haunted one. Before I begin I would like to tell all you non believers of the paranormal to chill out, I am not looking for ghosties they just show up. In the past if I saw something or heard a misplaced noise I would pass it off as whatever, now I am paying a little more attention.

In June of 2008 I got my first customer in a very nice neighborhood with all new houses (economy is not effecting this hood). From that customer I was able to get 2 other houses. One was a couple with 2 dogs and the other was a family with 3 little girls. All was great. When we first started cleaning these homes all three of us would go together. The house with the family is quite large 5,000 square feet so as a group we would work our way through all 3 levels.

The first odd thing that I would notice and shrug off was that when we walked into the house we would all feel like someone was home. I would call out for several moments without a response before realizing no one was at home. The other strange thing was the door that we would enter would always shut on me and sometimes it would lock, ok not so strange just enough for me to always hang on to my keys. Then the little weird stuff started, a roll of paper towels spread across the grand foyer, cleaning rags tossed down the steps. I would blame my helpers, what are they doing? This was the norm.

Now the fun starts. Six months into cleaning, the customer request weekly service but only the main floor and the master bath, no problem I or Marie could come by ourselves the opposite weeks. Marie said no so that meant I would have to do, still no problem.

I went my first time by myself and once again the feeling that someone was home was overwhelming. I made it through the whole main floor with no problem. I went upstairs to tackle the master bath, my foot hit the top step and I heard a door slam somewhere in the house. I called out once again," Hello is someone home?" No one was home. I proceeded down the hallway lugging 2 sweepers, a bucket and a bag full of supplies, as I was walking a rubber ball rolls past me into the master bedroom, hmmm... Where did that come from? Whatever, I cleaned the bathroom (takes an hour). Whilst gathering all my stuff and I heard a crowd of voices coming from the foyer downstairs, once again, I called out "hello, whose home?" Got all the way down there with all my stuff, no one was there.

Weeks went by with some weird stuff but once again it could have been shrugged off as whatever. Then the day came when I saw him...

I once again got to the top step and for some reason this day I looked down that long hallway and I could not make my legs move, I was frozen. I felt a sense of dread, what? I said to myself "get your butt movin and clean the bathroom!" I did. After completing my task I began gathering my supplies as usual. As I walked into the master bedroom I kicked something, I looked down and it was that rubber ball again, "now where did this come from?" As I said it I felt a crack of static electricity I looked up and I said to a man "oh your home" As the words were coming out of my mouth he disappeared before my eyes.

What just happened?

Was that real?

Did I imagine it, am I crazy?

Every hair on the back of my neck was sticking straight out. I was covered in chills and sweat. I did what any reasonable woman would do I grabbed my shiat and ran. The story does not end here this is actually the beginning. Yes, I really did see a ghost and no I do not believe I am crazy.

I did have a million questions running through my mind one of which is how can there be a ghost in a brand new home. Well I did some research and I discovered spirits can also be attached to people, land or personal items.

I will tell you this makes perfect sense to me since my mother once gave my ex- husband a haunted clock. She found this dusty old Coca-cola clock at a yard sale, it drove him crazy because sometimes it would keep perfect time, sometimes it would stop, other times it would keep time backwards and sometimes it would fall off the wall for no reason. (Shortly after I moved out the neighbor reported that the clock was out with the trash.)

As time went on I began to wonder more and more about this fella that I saw and who he was. The research I did about the land that this house was on, uncovered that it was at one time farm land. I don't know if this fella was one of the farmers who worked this land. I remember him in pale clothing but nothing stands out in my memory other than his slight build and graying hair. I also thought maybe he was attached to an item in the house but without snooping through drawers and closets everything I saw looked newer.

Weeks passed by without any interruptions to my cleaning efforts. I go to the neighbor's house that I originally contracted as a customer. I was cleaning her dining room windows which faced the haunted house. I reached for the Windex and I saw movement out the corner of my eye in one of the windows at the haunted house. I thought "hmm, I wonder who that was" I said it aloud and Nancy the customer who I was cleaning for asked me if I was talking to her. I told her I thought someone was home next door and that I saw someone in the window. She said "no, they are at work, but I saw someone looking out that window." I turned and looked at her and she had a look on her face that said she knew something. I told her that strange things sometime happen over there. She proceeded to tell me that they first looked at that house before deciding to build this one and she said she got very disturbed when they went to the second floor. She said she felt uncomfortable in one of the bedrooms upstairs. I asked her if the owners had noticed the presence in the house. She said the only thing that they have ever mentioned is that the girls won't sleep in their own bedrooms and so they all camp out in the master bedroom. Hmm, I wonder why... Nancy also told me that on several occasions weird things have happened in her own house as well. The one thing that stood out to me was that she said she has also heard groups of people conversing in the foyer while she was upstairs interesting.

Well I guess my seeing ghosty in the window that day was his way of letting me know that my next cleaning day there was going to be crazy. It was my day to clean alone.

I arrived at my usual 9am start time. I unlocked the door and prepared to go in. Just as I turned the knob I heard the dead bolt lock again. What the ****? Now my key wouldn't turn in the lock, this went on for 5 minutes, I was getting upset. I was now angry and decided I would walk around to the front door and go in that way. The only problem was I would have to run through the house to reach the security box before the alarm sounded off. I got to the front door put my key in the deadbolt; it unlocked the door knob, success. Before I opened the door I prepared for my sprint through the house, ready, get set, go! I dashed through the grand foyer and round the corner to the hall that led to the kitchen. The door to the hall closet opened (ouch!) I ran into it, but kept moving. There is a stool in the hall, I leapt over it and landed on that damned rubber ball again, its ok I was still on my feet and I was now flying through the kitchen. I arrived at the security box and got my code in with seconds to spare. Whew... What a work out!

The security box is by the back door which I couldn't get unlocked a few minutes before. I looked at the door, it was unlocked. Shaking my head I carried on a one sided conversation with ghosty telling him please don't play games. I have to do a good job, I am poor and need to make money and can't get sidetracked by such shenanigans as this.

Did I hear a giggle?

I completed my work at the house and I decided to leave the owners a note to have the lock checked, even though I know there is not a damn thing wrong with it. I put the note on the counter and I saw movement by the sink. The dish towel that was hanging on the handle of the dishwasher was slowly sliding to the right, I said "hey!" The towel fell to the floor. I walked over; it was like I was walking into a freezer. I picked up the towel and hung it neatly on the handle. "OK, I am leaving now; please keep the place clean, thank you!"

Once again I grabbed my shiat and ran.

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Comments about this paranormal experience

The following comments are submitted by users of this site and are not official positions by yourghoststories.com. Please read our guidelines and the previous posts before posting. The author, Haunted_cleaner, has the following expectation about your feedback: I will read the comments and participate in the discussion.

Sywren (29 posts)
+1
12 years ago (2012-09-01)
Read over your story twice, even shared it with my mom. Definitely enjoyed your relaxed writing! I'm off to read more of your stuff.:D
NiNiNogginHead (33 posts)
+1
12 years ago (2012-08-24)
I love your stories. I would have refused to go in there alone if I saw a ghost. Have you asked the owners of the house if they've seen anything?
Mrs_Davis27 (1 stories) (6 posts)
+1
13 years ago (2011-06-04)
Lol! I was cracking up when you said you grabbed your shiat and ran! Ha! I'd do the exact same thing except I wouldn't of went back and I probably would've left my shiat... I love your story I must read the next 1
geetha50 (15 stories) (986 posts)
+1
13 years ago (2011-05-27)
Just added this story to my favorites. I'm surprised you went back. I probably would have wet my pants and left without returning. I, also, would like to give you credit for having the information about the history of place ready for us; you make for a great investigator (have you thought about becoming one. You cleaning business could be your cover, lol, just joking). You should also get a prize for going back alone after that first incident. For what you go though on a daily basis, I hope your business does really well. ❤
shamby (15 stories) (100 posts)
+1
14 years ago (2011-01-14)
You are so brave and you write beautifully. Your personality comes through in your writing. Also, you story is very factual and entertaining! I don't think I'd be able to go into that place alone after the running through the house incident, closet doors opening and the dishrag moving by its self. I don't know if I could handle it! I hope your business continues to do well! Thank you for sharing
Cinx102 (6 posts)
+1
14 years ago (2010-12-07)
LOL I love how you write "i grabbed my shiat and ran". That just cracked me up. This story's really entertaining, you're sooooo brave. Thanks for the share!

-Cindy
applerose (13 stories) (139 posts)
+1
14 years ago (2010-10-20)
WOW WOW WOW! Love your story!
He sounds like a friendly and playful ghost. - but like you I would have got the job done and got the HECK out of there - WHEW!
darkQueen (29 posts)
+1
14 years ago (2010-05-11)
very good story I loved it wow that was cool I can't wait to read the next story you wrote!
mrdeagle (6 stories) (69 posts)
+1
14 years ago (2010-05-10)
Incredible story! It is unbelievable that you have managed to be so brave after all you've been through! Stay strong, I'm sure the ghosts mean you no harm. Reading next story... 😊
Alivia_Valliance (6 posts)
+1
15 years ago (2010-01-31)
This is ironic because my mother has a hired cleaning woman for our home and I plan on asking her if she's had any experiences like this.

You're a brave woman, and a talented writer. Unfortunately I cannot help you with your predicament since it's to early to tell. Continue working hard and writing stories, I'm looking forward to reading them.
Moongrim (2 stories) (871 posts)
+1
15 years ago (2010-01-29)
Good Storytelling.

I'd say you're far better at restraint than I would've been under those circumstances.
DARKNESS (3 stories) (2022 posts)
+1
15 years ago (2010-01-28)
Hi Lori what a story! Your very brave for continuing to work there I commend you on that, it definitely sounds like there is more then 1 spirit that resides there and to see a full blown apparition would have been quite intense experience. I would be interested to hear what the owners of this house have experienced they would obviously know that something is going on there. I look forward to hearing more from you.

Thank you for sharing

Dan
koalagirl (3 stories) (111 posts)
+1
15 years ago (2010-01-28)
you are so brave to clean that house, he doesn't seem to be a bad spirit, I really enjoyed reading your story can't wait to hear the other I found it very intersting, ireally believe that spirits are all around us, take care and good luck with every thing. Di
zzsgranny (18 stories) (3329 posts) mod
 
15 years ago (2010-01-28)
oooooooo...now you have me sitting on pins and needles! 😆...Can't wait for the next one!...
Cholulteca (148 posts)
+1
15 years ago (2010-01-28)
Very well written and an interesting story too!, did the ghost took the hint and let you do your job after this? 😳

Claudia
BloodyMary03 (5 posts)
+1
15 years ago (2010-01-28)
Great story btw! I wonder if this sort of thing is common in the cleaning service industry since you guys have to enter so many different places by yourselves when nobody's there.
BloodyMary03 (5 posts)
+1
15 years ago (2010-01-28)
This story reminds me of something similar my mother went through a short while ago. She and her husband ran a small cleaning service in the Scarborough area (Canada). They used to clean a very large hardware and home supplies-type store. They are very skeptic people my mom and my step-dad. But the offices always gave them the creeps, because weird things would happen repeatedly and like you said they stopped being able to justify the happenings. According to them when they entered the office space, the air always felt stale and old, even though the place was always clean (they'd know since it was their job). Also there was this pencil holder in a desk which kept being thrown off into the middle of the room without logical explanation since it was impossible for this to happen unless someone actually threw it with force. These things would only happen when the person doing the cleaning was alone. They started working on this room together since it was too creepy to do by themselves. The worst experience was when my mother was cleaning it alone one night and she had almost finished and was wiping the manager's desk in his office space which overlooked the whole store below through a large glass wall. Anyway she was wiping his desk and as she stood there she started feeling like her foot was sinking into the ground. The first few seconds she shrug it off as being a very mushy part of the carpet or something but she freaked out when she felt her foot sinking more and more, by that point she literally felt like her foot had sunken completely up to the ankle and she jumped back in fear. Then she looked to the spot that was sinking and it looked normal so she decided to touch the floor to see if it was soft or mushy and it was hard as nails... She even knocked on it a few times and it was solid. She proceeded to freak out and ran as fast as she could. After that, they never cleaned that room alone.
moonshadow (3 stories) (146 posts)
+1
15 years ago (2010-01-28)
great story haunted-cleaner this spirit certinley likes to have fun with you but he sees that you don't show fear so he knows he can't scare you I think that you should try and communicate with him and maybe talk to the owners of the house about your experiances there they are bound to be having experiances too looking forward to hearing more of your story take care...
blue_raven80 (13 stories) (338 posts)
+1
15 years ago (2010-01-27)
Can't wait for the next part of your story... When will it be by the way? Hehe... You might want to read my stories... Just a suggestion because our house is also haunted...
Haunted_cleaner (7 stories) (23 posts)
+1
15 years ago (2010-01-27)
Hi again, some of you had questions about the rubber ball. I will tell you that it makes several more appearances but not with the man, with the other surprise that will be revealed in the next part of my story.
Stay tuned, I should have it together by this weekend.
blue_raven80 (13 stories) (338 posts)
+1
15 years ago (2010-01-27)
verry interesting story and creepy as well. I wonder why there is a ball if there is a man? Hmm... Makes me think. Does the neighbor know the history of the place? I'll wait for more of your stories... God Bless You!
troyarn (5 stories) (479 posts)
+1
15 years ago (2010-01-27)
Very good, interesting story. I'm looking forward to hearing more about this place!
BabyBoo (4 stories) (25 posts)
+1
15 years ago (2010-01-27)
Lori, really loved your story. I have a somewhat similar situation--new construction haunted as all get out! One of the things that I have done is to set some boundaries. I have politely asked that the unseen resident of my place not touch me and to not scare one of my cats (the other cat seems to enjoy the attention). So far it has worked out very well. Given that our ghost not only seems friendly but is also helpful at times I find that I just need to acknowledge the presence here and things settle down. So maybe next time you're there ask that he doesn't lock you out again because you have a job to do and just talk to him a little. He probably just wants some acknowledgement.
zzsgranny (18 stories) (3329 posts) mod
 
15 years ago (2010-01-27)
WOW!...You had to go through an obstacle course to get to the back door!...I wonder what the ball has to do with the man?...This is going in my favorites...
Thank you for the story!
Haunted_cleaner (7 stories) (23 posts)
 
15 years ago (2010-01-27)
Hello All,
Thanks for all the great comments. I will be continuing the story, there is so much more to tell. Yes fatthead the closet door opened as I ran toward it. I will tell you when this first started, I would sit in my car almost in tears but with a mortgage to pay, I made myself go in.
I am so happy that I have found this site and I can tell my story to all of you and I will be reading yours as well.
_pretty_ (25 posts)
 
15 years ago (2010-01-27)
Id bring a extra pair of pants and person... Loved how you told it
_pretty_
Watersprite (3 stories) (85 posts)
 
15 years ago (2010-01-27)
Wow, you sure are brave! I think my favorite thing about your story is your interaction with what is obviously not a mean ghost. Thanks to your excellent writing style, he comes across as just an old farm hand, a very human person, just happens to be dead and also curious about what you are doing. Way cool. Thank you so very much for sharing this story. ❤

Watersprite
fatthead (1 stories) (55 posts)
 
15 years ago (2010-01-27)
The land the home sits on was most likely haunted and do you think the ghost opened the door so you could run into it. This thing is playin with you. Great story hope it don't follow you everywhere. Crazy crazy
frmSTP (2 stories) (11 posts)
 
15 years ago (2010-01-27)
Wow! I would've ran and never go back! You're very brave. Thanks for sharing your story.
Wardo (8 stories) (171 posts)
 
15 years ago (2010-01-27)
Very well written and pretty creepy! Have you had the opportunity to talk with the residents in more detail about their experiences? I think that would be a super follow up to this story! It's going on my favorites! Thanks! ❤

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