Professional House Cleaning Supplies List

by | House Cleaning Tips, Uncategorized

 

–House Cleaning Supplies ChecklistA comprehensive professional house cleaning supplies list.

As a professional house cleaner, you are expected to have the right supplies at the right time for the job. Your equipment and supplies are what assist you in providing that exceptional service that your clients want and expect.

Don’t show up to a client’s home without the needed cleaning supplies to clean a home. This comprehensive cleaning supplies list was created for professional house cleaners. You won’t use all of these supplies with each house you clean, but there will be times when you will need to use each of these listed.

Some house cleaning services may choose to use their client’s supplies. If you do this, you should still keep these supplies on hand as a backup in the event your client runs out of a cleaner or their vacuum breaks. You can read this article about the pros and cons of bringing your own cleaning supplies versus using your client’s supplies.

Professional cleaning services that provide the cleaning supplies needed to clean a home. When pricing new cleaning jobs companies should take into account the cost of these supplies.

Choose equipment and supplies that will work for you so that you spend less time scrubbing. With the right supplies, you can clean faster, while still maintaining a high-quality clean.

 

 

Professional House Cleaning Supplies List

Please note, this article may include affiliate links. You can read the full disclosure at the bottom of the page.

  • Vacuum, use for carpet and hard floors.
  • Steam Clean Mop – used to mop hard floors.
  • Spray Mop – used to mop Wood and Laminate floors.
  • Broom – used to sweep outside areas (porches, walkways).
  • Long Duster – used to dust ceilings, ceiling fans, high-to-reach wall hangings, and baseboards.
  • Apron – used to carry cleaning supplies on you as you clean.
  • Cleaning Caddy – used to carry all cleaning supplies into a home.
  • Small Hand Duster – used to dust small objects such as lamps and picture frames and furniture surfaces.
  • Razor Blade – used to scrap stuck on goo or heavily built-up soap scum. Great for use on glass or tile.
  • Plastic Scrapper – used to scrap up stuck on grime, usually when mopping with food stuck on floors.
  • Large Scrub Brush – used in showers and tubs.
  • Small Scrub Brush – used to clean grout lines, around sinks and faucets. Best to get 2 colors (1 for the kitchen and 1 for the bathroom).
  • Whisk Broom – used in hard-to-reach areas and to brush animal hair and dust off furniture and lampshades.
  • Plastic Cups – to rinse showers and bathtubs down when the client does not have a removable shower head.
  • Disposable Gloves
  • 50-foot extension cord – used to plug in vacuum and steam mop so that you can vacuum larger areas without having to find another outlet.
  • 5 & 10 Gallon plastic bags – used to line bathroom garbage cans. The client loves the detail thought and makes it easier to empty and keep cans clean.
  • 2-step step stool – used to reach high areas in a home. Usually, liability insurance will not allow higher than a 2-step ladder. Check your insurance if you decide to go with a larger one.
  • All Purpose Cleaner – used on most bathroom and kitchen surfaces.
  • Heavy Duty Cleaner – used for tough jobs. Great for build-up in showers and bathrooms.
  • Glass Cleaner – Any glass cleaner will work. We diluted an essential oil cleaner and worked awesomely and smelled great. You can even use a mixture of vinegar and water. 
  • Bar Keepers Friend – used for porcelain sinks or stainless steel. This was the best way we found to get porcelain sinks to look brand new.
  • Wood polish/cleaner – used on wood furniture only when the client requested it. This is a light cleaner that can be sprayed directly on your microfiber dusting cloth and does not take much buffing.
  • Stainless steel cleaner – used in the kitchen on stainless steel appliance surfaces.
  • Toilet Bowl Cleaner
  • Microfiber cleaning cloths – used to clean all surfaces. Get 4 separate colors each for bathrooms, kitchens, dusting, and glass cleaning.
  • Terry Cloth towels – used to buff out glass and mirrors.
  • Toilet bowl brush – I highly recommend you use your clients. It is not fun carting around a used toilet brush. If you do though, purchase one with a sealed lid like the one shown in the link.

 

 

A few rules to follow when bringing house cleaning supplies to a clients home.

#1  Always use the same supplies.

All cleaning supplies work differently and leave a different clean. By using the same supplies, you’ll become very familiar with how to use them. And secondly, you will provide a consistent cleaning service. Once you find the supplies that work for you and your business stick with them.

 

#2  Always keep backup cleaning supplies.

You don’t want to arrive at a job and run out of toilet bowl cleaners halfway through the job. When we cleaned houses, we always kept backup cleaning supplies in the car. This way when we arrived at a house to clean, we would fill up our cleaning bottles before we went into the house.

 

#3  Use quality products.

Stay away from dollar store cleaners or off-brands. They do not clean as well as premium cleaning supplies.

By buying quality house cleaning supplies you will provide a better cleaning service for your clients. Plus you will have to do less scrubbing because the cleaning products will work better at cutting through soap scum, grease, and grim.

 

#4 Buy Cleaning Supplies in Bulk as much as you can.

Save money and the environment by purchasing your cleaning solutions in bulk and not by individual-use bottles. Cleaners that you buy at the store for single use are diluted with water and create lots of extra waste that ends up in the landfill.

Purchase quality reusable spray bottles (16 oz fits best when using a cleaning apron) and add your own water. This will save you lots of money in the long run. You can also be proud that your business is environmentally friendly by reducing the waste that it generates.

 

#5 Properly label all cleaning supplies.

When you are buying in bulk and diluting your own cleaning solution it is VERY important to label all spray bottles so that you know what cleaner is in them. Don’t make the mistake of spraying the wrong cleaner on a delicate surface that can be damaged.

Never mix cleaning solutions in your spray bottles. If a bottle was used for All Purpose cleaning ONLY fill that bottle with All Purpose cleaner. Cleaning solutions are chemicals and will create a chemical reaction when mixed, so never repurpose a spray bottle for a different type of cleaner.

 

#6 Maintain your equipment for cleanliness and safety.

Keep your equipment and supplies looking clean and in working condition. Don’t bring broken down and dirty equipment into a client’s home. They will notice and this does not look positive for your cleaning business.

Have a nightly routine where you clean out your vacuum filters. We always had extra so we could clean filters each night with hot water. Wipe down all other equipment including mops, steamers, dusters, and any other equipment you may have.

Wipe down all spray bottles after each cleaning service, you can do this while you are topping them off to prepare for the next house. Clean out your cleaning caddies each evening and never toss garbage or dirty towels in them to help keep them clean and sanitary.

 

The Best Cleaning Apron With Pockets

The Best Cleaning Apron With Pockets

by | House Cleaning Tips, Running Your Cleaning Business

It’s no secret that cleaning with an apron saves you time and energy. But what should you look for when buying a cleaning apron?

Please note, this article may include affiliate links. You can read the full disclosure at the bottom of the page.

What is the purpose of a cleaning apron?

The purpose of using an apron for cleaning is that it will hold all of your cleaning supplies while you clean.

For example, when you are dusting a living room and come up to a class table, you can put your duster in your back pocket and grab the glass cleaner and microfiber cloth from your apron.

When you are done cleaning the glass table put your supplies back into your apron, grab your duster out of your back pocket and continue cleaning.

There was no need to come back later with the glass cleaner to clean the table. You are able to clean all surfaces in a room the first time because you are carrying all of your cleaning supplies with you.

Cool huh?!?!?

 

8 Reasons why you need an apron with pockets

1. To keep your cleaning supplies close at hand.

If you’re wearing an apron with pockets, you can easily keep all of your cleaning supplies close at hand. This way, you won’t have to go searching for them every time you need to use them

2. To be more organized.

An apron with pockets can help you to be more organized while you’re cleaning. This way, you won’t have to stop what you’re doing to search for something that you need. When you place your tools back in the same pocket, you will always know where to reach for it next time.

3. To avoid losing things.

If you’re constantly misplacing your cleaning supplies, wearing an apron with pockets will help to avoid this problem. This way, you’ll always know where they are when you need them. No more wasting time looking for tools you set down or accidentally leaving something behind!

4. To save time.

By keeping your cleaning supplies close at hand in an apron with pockets, you’ll save yourself the time that would otherwise be spent searching for them.

5. To keep your hands free.

Wearing an apron with pockets will allow you to keep your hands free while you’re cleaning. This way, you can use both hands while cleaning. Don’t be stuck holding your cleaning bottle with one hand and a towel with another. This is not an effective use of your time. You will want one hand to move and lift items while the other hand cleans with the towel.

6. To carry other things besides cleaning supplies.

You will need to carry other things besides just cleaning supplies, an apron with pockets can help with this. For example, if you need to carry a dustpan and brush, paper towels, or garbage bags, an apron with pockets will make this easy to do.

7. To look professional.

If you’re trying to give off a professional image, wearing an apron with pockets is a good way to do this. Having an apron as part of your uniform makes you look like a professional cleaner who knows what they are doing.

8. To keep your clothes clean.

If you’re doing any kind of cleaning, whether it’s scrubbing the floors or dusting, you’re going to get dirty. Wearing an apron while cleaning will help to keep your clothes clean and free from stains.

 

What is a speed-cleaning apron?

Speed cleaning is a popular phrase nowadays. It was popularized by Jeff Campbell who started the company Speed Cleaning.

A speed cleaning apron is just a phrase that refers to an apron that helps with cleaning efficiently and helps you clean fast. Speed cleaning aprons are durable, and have pockets and loops to hold all of your cleaning tools while you clean.

 

The Best Cleaning Apron

 

 

What to look for when buying a Cleaning Apron:

Has Pockets

Having a cleaning apron with pockets is an absolute must. The purpose of the apron is to hold your cleaning tools not to protect your clothes.

When shopping, look for an apron with ATLEAST 3 pockets or more. You’ll want to have pockets so that you have separate compartments to place small tools and clean and dirty towels.

A cleaning apron without pockets will be a complete waste of your money and will not do much help for you when cleaning houses.

 

Has Loops

Look for a cleaning apron that has loops on the side by your hips. Have you ever put your spray bottle down to clean a surface? Then you kept cleaning only to find you forgot where you put the bottle down??? Well, I have and it sucks!

Loops are great to hold your spray bottles. The lever fits nicely into the loops which makes it super easy to have your spray bottle with you at all times. Make sure to get a smaller spray bottle though, the larger ones are more difficult when you are moving around quickly. They have a tendency to bump around on furniture and your legs as you walk.

 

Is Water Resistant or Water Proof

Cleaning is a messy and wet job. Look for an apron that will hold up to getting splashed with water. let’s face it, you will be washing down showers and have the potential to be of getting wet.

I remember my first apron, it was great had pockets and loops and I thought wow! what a game-changer. But I quickly found that it was not water resistant or waterproof. I remember by the second home, my apron would be wet. My pants would be wet from soaking through the apron.

It was uncomfortable and it did not keep my towels and tools dry while I was cleaning. It did not take me long to invest in a waterproof apron.

 

Has an Adjustable clip to secure it around your waist

Another mistake I made when buying my first apron was buying one without an adjustable clip to secure around my waist. I had to tie my first apron around my waist.

What happened is my apron would start falling down halfway through the cleaning service. When you start adding your spray bottles and grabbing things in and out of your apron it starts to tug on the apron. If you just have a tie around your waist your apron will start falling.

I would have to keep tying and securing the apron around my waist throughout the cleaning. It was annoying and a wasted time.

Having an adjustable clip securely keeps your apron up around your waist while you are cleaning.

 

House Cleaning Apron Reviews:

These are my top 3 picks when buying a cleaning apron, read about what features make them great and which features can be improved upon.

 

Clean Team Apron – Retails at $27.95

Clean Team apron review

The Clean Team Apron has been around for a long time. It is a durable apron that offers pockets for all your tools and gadgets. The Clean Team is the original brand around speed cleaning and they build this apron for just that.

This is a great apron for cleaning, the biggest downfall is that it does not do so well in the waterproof arena.

 

Pros to the Clean Team Apron

  • Includes small pockets at the top of the apron which is great for holding small tools such as your small detail brush or scrapers.
  • Offers customization. You can get your business name or logo embroidered on the apron and comes in 6 different colors to match your brand.
  • Has loops at the hip to hold your spray bottles.
  • Comes with an adjustable clip to secure around your waist.
 

Con’s to the Clean Team Apron

  • This apron is not waterproof. Though it does come with waterproof liners to help keep some of the pockets protected.
  • The price is a little higher than other competition. But they have name recognition and are able to charge an additional price.

 

 

Supply Maid Cleaning Apron – Retails at $23.97

Supply Maid Cleaning Apron review.

The Supply Maid apron is a little newer on the market than the Clean Team apron. It was started by a cleaning business owner.

It is a great all-around apron for Cleaning Services. Plenty of places to hold all of your tools for hands-free cleaning.

 

Pro’s of the Supply Maid Apron

  • Is very durable.
  • Has 2 larger pockets below and 3 small pockets at the top for easy access to your tools.
  • Special tools holder. These are rings that you can attach around the belt to hold things like your duster so you don’t have to put it in your back pocket.
  • Has 2 loops at the hip to hold your spray bottles.
  • Comes with an adjustable clip to secure around your waist.
  • This apron is 100% waterproof.

 

Con’s to the Supply Maid Apron

  • The waterproof material can be warm to wear as it is not as breathable as a basic cloth apron.
  • Some of the reviews said the buckle did not always stay tight but said they either replaced the buckle or ended up tying the apron.

 

 

Klever House Cleaning Tool Belt – Retails for $24.95

Klever house cleaning tool belt review

The Klever House Cleaning Tool Belt is a bit of a less conventional design than the standard apron. It is built more as a belt with extended pockets than an apron.

I added this to my review because it was a little different than the standard cleaning apron. If you like more of the utility belt feel this one is more for you. It still checks off the majority of the must-have boxes when buying an apron for house cleaning.

Though be careful when buying, many of the reviews gave it a poor rating for quality. If this is an apron that interests you, I recommend first buying 1 and trying it out before you invest in multiple.

 

Pros of the Klever House Cleaning Tool Belt

  • 6 pockets in 3 different sizes to hold different types of tools. 2 of the pockets are more like pouches which are great for keeping your cell phone safe.
  • Special tools holder. These are rings that you can attach around the belt to hold things like your duster so you don’t have to put it in your back pocket.
  • Has loop a loop to hold your spray bottles.

 

Con’s to the Klever House Cleaning Tool Belt

  • The pockets are not very large, there is not a ton of space to hold extra clean or dirty towels. When I clean I always have multiple clean microfiber towels when cleaning the bathroom or cleaning the kitchen.
  • The pockets sit more on your hip. This can create more bulk around your waist and make it more difficult to move around furniture.
  • There were several reviews that said the apron did not get small enough to fit their waist. Even though there is an adjustable belt, it may not get small enough for those with more of a petite build
  • Several customer reviews also gave in a low rating on the quality of the build.

 

 

My Final Thoughts:

All in all my favorite pick is the Supply Maid apron. It is still owned by a small cleaning business owner and it checks off all the must-have boxes. It is waterproof, durable, and has great pockets for efficient cleaning.

My second runner-up is the Clean Team apron. It is a great durable apron as well and is used by many house cleaning companies.

 

The Best Cleaning Aprons with Pockets

 

How to Clean a Flat Screen TV or Computer Screen

How to Clean a Flat Screen TV or Computer Screen

by | House Cleaning Tips, Speed Cleaning, Uncategorized

This article will share with you how to clean a flat screen tv or computer screen without causing damage.

Cleaning sensitive electronics can be a nerve racking or scary experience.

Hi my name is Jason. I am a computer science professor, PC repair specialist and computer nerd.

I have been working with computers and technology before flat screen TV’s and monitors were a thing. In my profession, I have had to repair devices due to in correct cleaning habits.

If not cleaned properly, it is easy to damage the screen on a computer, Macbook, laptop or television, resulting in hundreds of dollars in repair or replacement costs.

However, cleaning these items are pretty straightforward with the proper supplies and techniques.

 

How to clean a computer or flat screen tv

 

Cleaning tv and computer without damaging the screen

A Few Do’s and Don’ts when cleaning technology:

Please note, this article may include affiliate links. You can read the full disclosure at the bottom of the page.

Make sure your device is turned off

When cleaning the device’s screen, it is important to have the device turned off before cleaning.

It is possible to damage your electronics if you clean them while they are powered on.

Ask your clients to shut down any computer or tv’s before your visit.

When the device is off it is will also be easier to get a streak-free clean because the screen will be black.

 

Never use paper towels

Paper towels or other abrasive cloths can scratch and severely damage the LED, LCD or OLED screen, resulting in unhappy clients and hundreds of dollars in damages.

To remove dust from the device’s television screen it is best to use a clean, dry microfiber or antistatic cloth.

I recommend that you have a dedicated cloth for only cleaning these types of screens to help prevent leftover residue from damaging the screen or leaving streaks.

 

Never use water

I am sure you have heard the saying that electronics and water do not mix. Well, it is not a myth….Water can damage the screen on your device, as well as the electronics inside.

If you must use a screen cleaner for streaks and smudges, it is important that you spray the cleaner on the microfiber to slightly moisten it rather than spray the cleaner directly on the screen.

This will ensure that you do not get any of the liquid on the sensitive electronics. If you can if can squeeze or ring water out of the cloth it is TOO WET!!!

 

Steps on how to clean Technology

Like dusting a room, it is best to start at the top and work your way down.  Start at the top of the device and dust the perimeter, back and cables.

This handheld microfiber duster is great for getting around and behind the technology.

It is faster than using a microfiber towel. Plus, you can run it over the cords for a quick dust.

Before cleaning the screen, it is important to dust the top and sides of the device before cleaning the screen.  LED, LCD and OLED screens create a magnetic charge that attracts dust.

If you clean the screen of the electronic device before dusting the rest of it, may result is double the work as you may have to clean the screen again.

Also, when cleaning the screen, it is best to start at the top of the device and work down to prevent falling dust from clinging to the newly cleaned screen.

 

Cleaning the computer or flat screen tv

Use a separate cloth to clean the screen than you used when dusting the perimeter, back and cables. This way you are not transferring dust onto the screen.

 

How to clean a macbook screen

How to Clean a MacBook Screen

Cleaning a MacBook screen is similar to the steps above.  Make sure your MacBook is turned off to prevent damage.  Use a dry microfiber to dust the entire device before cleaning the screen.

Since the screen is located directly above the sensitive electronics of the device, be extra careful that any electronic cleaning solution you use does not run down into the keyboard or screen bezel.

To reiterate from above, it is best to use a dry microfiber to dust the screen and use dedicated electronic cleaning wipes to remove fingerprints and smudges.

 

 

how to clean a laptop screen

How to Clean a Laptop Screen

Cleaning a laptop screen is similar to cleaning a MacBook, however, some laptops have touchscreens that may make cleaning a little more involved.

It is extremely important that the device is turned off, not only to prevent damage, but to prevent accidental input from touching the screen.

There have been a few times where I have cleaned a touchscreen only to accidentally change a setting or close some important work.

Touchscreen devices tend to get more fingerprints, smudges and grime that traditional, non-touch screens.

Using an electronic cleaning solution sprayed on the microfiber or using a pre-moistened electronic screen wipe is best for these types of devices.

 

 

how to clean a flat screen tv

How to Clean a Flat Screen tv

Similar to cleaning a MacBook screen, most flat screen tv’s do not have touchscreens.  However, these devices are much larger and can be more difficult to reach.

Often times, utilizing a dry microfiber towel is all that is needed to dust off the screen of the device.

If the TV is located in a hard-to-reach area, a cleaning pole with a microfiber duster or extender may be needed, however, take care not to damage the screen.

 

Best Products to use when cleaning a computer screen or flat screen tv

 

Cleaning Cloths safe to clean flat screen tv and Computer Screens 

For general dusting and cleaning of LCD, LED or OLED screens it is best to use a lint-free microfiber designed for electronics.

These Wisdompro microfiber cleaning cloths are great for cleaning these delicate surfaces.

The cloths can be washed and reused, however, do not wash them with detergent, fabric softener or soap as it can damage the microfiber and the electronic devices you clean with them.

 

Spray Cleaner safe for flat screen TV’s and Computer Screens

For fingerprints or smudges, it may be necessary to use a cleaner that is designed for LED, LCD and OLED screens.  Using a product such as Screen Mom Screen Cleaner Kit, is a great way to get rid of those unsightly blemishes.

Cleaner for TV and Computer screens to clean smudges off.
When using the Screen Mom Screen Cleaner Kit It is important that you spray the cleaner on the microfiber to slightly moisten it rather than spray the cleaner directly on the screen.  This will ensure that you do not get any of the liquid on the sensitive electronics.

 

Cleaning Wipes safe for Computer Screens and TV’s

If using a spray cleaner is not to your liking, you can also use a product like Endust for Electronics.

Cleaning wipes that are safe for Screen and Electronics

These pre-moistened, one-use wipes are great for a quick, smudge-free cleaning. However, make sure any wipes you use are designed for use on electronics.

Never use furniture wipes, they can contain oily chemicals that can damage your screen or leave hard to remove streaks.

 

How to clean flat screen tvs and computer screens

 

How to Deep Clean a Kitchen | 20 Minutes or Less

How to Deep Clean a Kitchen | 20 Minutes or Less

by | House Cleaning Tips, Uncategorized

Professionally Deep Clean a Kitchen, 20 minutes or less.

When cleaning a kitchen, it is easy to spend lots of time scrubbing surfaces. It is important to not clean surfaces more than once.

There really is no reason to spend more than 20 minutes cleaning your kitchen from top to bottom.

In this article I am going to teach you how to clean a kitchen thoroughly and fast.

Please note, this article may include affiliate links. You can read the full disclosure at the bottom of the page.

 

 

Supplies needed to deep clean a kitchen

  • All Purpose Cleaner
  • Microfiber Clothes
  • Razor Blade
  • Small Detail Brush
  • Stainless Steel Scrubber (if you have gas stove grills)
  • Bar Keepers friend
  • Stainless Steel cleaner (if you have a stainless-steel refrigerator)
  • Wiemam glass cook top cleaner and brush (if you have a glass stove top)
  • Long Duster

 

Click here to get my list of all my House Cleaning Supplies that I use in my Cleaning Business

 

Tips and Tricks for Deep Cleaning a Kitchen Fast

#1. Clean Top to Bottom

The most important trick with cleaning a kitchen is you want to start at the top of the surfaces and make your way down. If you clean counter tops before wiping the cabinets, you will have to wipe the counter down a second time to clean up the dust from above.

#2. Clean Left to Right

The second trick is to start on one end of the kitchen and make your way around cleaning everything in your tracks.

Do not go back to an area after you have cleaned it because you forgot to wipe an appliance down. This wastes time and you will mess up what you have already cleaned. Make sure you clean every surface the first time.

#3. Wear a Cleaning Apron

Third trick to deep clean a kitchen fast is to wear an apron and carry all of your cleaning supplies needed plus lots of extra microfiber clothes. This way you don’t have to go back to your cleaning caddy to get a tool or cleaner.

 

 

Start at the top with long dusting

Start with dusting the high and low areas of the kitchen. Dust the tops of cabinets, bottom of cabinets, window treatments, and light fixtures and any ceiling fans.

It is best to use a removable microfiber dusting wand. The microfiber will attract the dust while you are cleaning so that it does not fly everywhere.

You will be able to wash the removable microfiber after each house you clean to avoid contamination from one client to another.

Dust hard to reach areas with a long dusting wand.

 

Wet Cleaning all surfaces

Starting from the kitchen sink make your way around the kitchen cleaning with a warm damp microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner. Don’t clean the sink yet, this will be done right before you clean the floors.

As  you walk around the kitchen, first spot clean above cabinets if there are any spots. Use the all-purpose cleaner if needed to remove spots.

Spray the counter. Wipe down the tops and fronts of small appliances.

Wipe the counter down and brushing any crumbs or debris to the floor to vacuum up later. Do not try and catch the crumbs. This will cost you lots of extra time.

You will be vacuuming the kitchen floor and will pick up the crumbs super-fast.

Lift any small appliances or items that may be sitting on top of counters with one hand as you wipe under it with another.

For a streak free finish on the counter tops, follow up with a dry microfiber cloth. I always keep lots of extra clean and dry microfiber clothes in my cleaning apron so that I can dry surfaces after I clean them.

My clients love this. They get a streak free and non-sticky finish on their appliances and countertops. If you are cleaning granite counter tops, they have a tendency to show water marks after cleaning. Wiping with a dry microfiber towel will eliminate the water marks.

Finish an area with spot cleaning any smudges on the bottom cabinet doors.

 

Clean the Stove and range hood

Spray the stove top underneath the range hood. If there is a microwave above the stove spray the inside and outside.

Wipe the outside of the microwave and then underneath. Wipe out the inside of the microwave from top to bottom. Sweep any debris out of the microwave on to the stove or floor.

If needed get a new towel. If your towel has grease and debris don’t continue using it. You will spread the grease to other surfaces making it more difficult to clean.

Wipe the back of the wall behind the stove. If the control nozzles are on top of the stove, wipe them down now.

Clean the top of the stove, wiping any debris to the floor. Then make your way down the front of the oven door wiping it down.

For stainless-steel or glass tops, uses a dry microfiber to towel to dry water residue to prevent streaking and leave a shinny finish.

Grab a new clean towel to continue cleaning counter tops after cleaning a stove top or microwave. The grease can leave streaks and residue on the counter tops making it more difficult to clean.

 

Clean the kitchen sink

After you have made your way around the entire kitchen, you can now wash the sink.

Spray down the sink with the All Purpose Cleaner. If you have a porcelain sink, I recommend using bar Keepers friend to clean it.

Let the cleaner sit on the sink while you pack up your cleaning caddy and apron. Now is a good time to take out any trash as well.

Using a small detail brush, brush around the base of the facet, the sink drain and any crevice’s that are hard to reach with a cloth. Place brush back in your apron, and grab microfiber cloth.

Starting with the faucet, wiped down into the sink and around the edges. Once all spots are cleaned up rinse down the sink and your microfiber towel.

Don’t worry about getting your towel too clean. You are now done with it and can discard it for washing.

 

Clean the Floors

At this point all the surfaces in the kitchen should be cleaned. You are now ready to vacuum and mop the floors. If you are going to be using a steam mop, now is the time to plug it in to warm up.

Vacuum

The kitchen generally will have hard floors (tile, linoleum, laminate or wood). Use a vacuum cleaner that works well at vacuuming hard surfaces. Preferably one with out a beater brush.

Starting in the back of the kitchen, vacuum the floors. Use the hose to reach into any corners that the vacuum can not reach. Vacuum your way out of the kitchen.

Use the whisk broom to get debris from under the refrigerator, stove and dishwasher.

Mop

Depending on the types of flooring you will choose which mop will work best.

 

Begin mopping in the back of the kitchen and make your way out of the room.

If there is any food stuck to the the floor that does not come up easily with the mop use the scrapper or razor blade to quickly pick it up.

Do not spend a lot of time mopping over stuck on food. This takes to much time when you can quickly remove it with a razor blade.

 

Kitchen Cleaning FAQ’s

 

How to clean a white kitchen sink?

Bar Keepers’ Friend will be your best bet in cleaning a white porcelain sink. To clean a sink with bar keepers’ friend, first wet the sink, then sprinkle the cleaner all over the surface. Let set for a few minutes while you clean the counter tops.

Clean white porcelain sinks with Bar Keepers Friend for a deep kitchen clean
Use a microfiber cloth and clean in a circular motion all around the bottom of the sink and then up the sides of the sink. All scuff marks and stains will lift with the cleaner. Finally rinse down the sink to be sure to remove all the cleaner. Bar keepers’ friend can leave behind a grainy finish if you do not rinse well enough.

How to clean white Formica counter tops?

A Mr clean magic eraser kitchen scrubber will work great at cleaning marks and stains off of Formica counter tops. You can either wet the scrubber or use it dry. Once complete cleaning with the mr clean magic eraser then clean your counter tops as usual using an all-purpose cleaner.

How to clean white Formica counter tops and remove all stains with mr clean magic eraser. Deep clean a kitchen in less time.

How do I clean foam kitchen mats?

Your clients may have foam kitchen mats. The best way to clean foam kitchen mats is with warm water and mild soap. This process can be time consuming when cleaning each service. For your routine cleaning clients offer this service as an up charge or add it as a rotating task. In between deep cleans you can wipe the foam mat with a warm damp microfiber cloth when mopping floors.

Do not use a harsh cleaner on foam mats. This can break down the foam and ruin your clients’ mats. I also do not recommend steam cleaning them if you steam clean floors. The high heat can also degrade the material of the mat causing it to break down.

 

How do I clean a kitchen aid self-cleaning oven?

The easiest way to clean a self-cleaning oven is to set the cleaning cycle when you first arrive to a home to clean. Let the clean cycle run its course. Just before you are finished cleaning the home, you can wipe out and debris at the bottom. If there are still spots on the glass window, spray the window down with a degreaser. Let it sit for a few minutes. Take a razor blade and scrape off the residue.

 

How do I clean white glass top stoves?

Glass stove tops are notorious for leaving marks after cooking. If we want our glass stove top looking new, we have to clean it after each time we cook.

The best cleaner to clean a white glass top stove is Weiman’s glass cook top cleaner combined with the scrubbing pad.

Deep clean kitchen. How to clean white glass top stove with glass top cleaner and scrubber.
When cleaning, you don’t have to clean the whole stove top. Just use a little bit of the cleaner where there are scuff marks on the glass top. Wipe up the cleaner with a clean dry microfiber cloth and buff out any streaks.

This method leaves your glass stove top shinny and clean.

 

How to clean grease off kitchen walls?

The kitchen is notorious for grease stains on all the surfaces. The walls are not immune to getting grease splatters. To clean grease off of walls it is best to use a degreaser. This will help to cut through the grease and remove it off of the walls. Do not try and use a mr clean magic eraser for this job. The magic erasers are great at removing stains, but not great at removing grease.

Spray the wall with the degreaser then wipe it up with a warm damp microfiber cloth. Make sure to wipe up all of the degreaser. You may have to rinse out your towel or follow up with a clean damp towel to remove excess cleaner.

Once the grease is removed. Use a clean, dry microfiber to wipe down and dry the wall.

 

How to clean sticky wood kitchen cabinets?

Sticky wood cabinets tend to happen in high humidity or areas where you may cook. The sticky residue usually is from wet and grease that have settled on the surfaces from cooking. To clean sticky wood kitchen cabinets, you will want to use a degreaser. A degreaser will cut through the sticky residue on the cabinets.

If you use a wood cleaner to clean your cabinets, this will not get the sticky finish off. To clean spray a warm damp microfiber cloth with the degreaser cleaner. Then wipe down the fronts of the cabinets.

Do not spray the cleaner directly on the cabinets. This can leave behind spray marks on the finish of the wood cabinets.

Make sure to rinse the wood cabinets with a clean damp warm microfiber cloth to remove all the excess cleaner. To finish, buff out the cabinets with a dry microfiber cloth to remove all water residue.

 

How much to charge for extra cleaning tasks in the kitchen:

Upselling extra cleaning tasks is a great way to add more revenue without having to get new clients. Cleaning out a fridge or oven takes extra time, so make sure to charge your client when they request these services. It is your time

How much to charge for fridge cleaning services?

The going rate for cleaning out a refrigerator is between $25 – $45. The more food and dirty he fridge is the more you will want to charge as it will take you longer to clean.

If you are doing a move out clean or a rental cleaning service, refrigerator cleans are usually included in the cost to clean the home. And generally you would not charge extra for these types of services.

How much to charge for oven cleaning services?

Oven cleaning can take up to 2 hours depending on the size and type of oven a client has. Another factor to determine how much to charge will be how messy and when the last time the oven was cleaned. If you clean your clients ovens on a regular basis you will not need to charge as much. But if the oven looks like it hasn’t been cleaned in 5 years, it will take you longer to clean. You can charge an extra $35 – $100 dollars to clean an oven for your clients.

 

Learn how to Deep Clean a Kitchen fast.

 

Best Steam Cleaner for Cleaning Business

Best Steam Cleaner for Cleaning Business

by | House Cleaning Tips

If you are reading this article, then you may have decided it was time to start using a Steam Cleaner for your House Cleaning Business.

Your next step is to figure out which Steam mop is best for your house cleaning business.

The are several different steam cleaners to choose from. All with varying prices and capabilities which make it difficult to know which steamer is right for your business.

 

How Steam Cleaning Works

Steam Cleaning works by breaking down the dirt and grime and then the dirt is wiped up with the pad on the Steam mop. The high temperature of the steam is what makes this happen.

When you purchase a high-quality steam cleaner, your cleaning business will be cleaning floors quicker and better.

It is amazing how dirt and grim melt under high powered temperatures of steam mops, taking less effort on your part in mopping your client’s homes.

 

Please note, this article may include affiliate links. You can read the full disclosure at the bottom of the page.

 

 

The benefits of steam cleaning for cleaning businesses.

  • You’ll never have to rinse cleaner off of the floors
  • No cleaning a mop heads any more
  • Never have to buy floor cleaner
  • No need to rinse floors or wait for a cleaner to ‘work since you will not be using any
  • Dries quickly, and if you get the right steamer, will dry streak free
  • No more sticky floors after mopping (cleaners can leave residue which creates that sticky film on the floor)
  • Steam cleaning kills allergens such as dust mites, which make them a great alternative to chemical mopping

 

When not to use steam cleaning

Steam cleaning is awesome with its disinfecting power and the need to not use chemicals. But there are a few flooring types I do not recommend you use your steam cleaner on. Those include….

Hardwood Floors

Now most steam cleaners you purchase will say that it is safe on hardwood floors. And it may be, for some that are properly sealed. But you will be cleaning for lots of different homes and you will not always know if steam cleaning will be safe with the flooring or the finish. So as tempting as it may be, do not mop hardwood floors with a steam cleaner. Make sure you are using a safe and effective cleaner instead.

Laminate flooring

Similar to hardwood, laminate flooring can be sensitive to high steam causing boards to warp or damage the finish. It is safe to stay away from steam cleaning this type of floor and instead use a safe effective cleaner for laminate flooring.

Cork flooring

Believe it or not, cork flooring is a thing. We cleaned for a beautiful home that had several types of flooring and cork was one. We learned the hard way that even on the lowest setting steam cleaning ended up lifting the flooring tiles. Stay clear of steam mopping for these types of floors. 

 

Features to look for when buying a Steam Cleaner for your Cleaning Business

 

Continuous Refill

Continuous refill allows you to add water to the Steam Cleaner while you are mopping. If the unit does not have continuous refill, then you will need to wait for the Steamer to cool down prior to adding more water to continue mopping. This is important if you are mopping for larger homes. Without a continuous refill canister, you will either waste time waiting for the equipment to cool, or you will have to mop in small batches. Which this is not an efficient way to clean.

Your upright steam cleaners will not have continuous fill capabilities. You will find this feature in high end, commercial steam cleaners. I have not included them in this review as they are priced well over $1000 and do not make economic sense when running a house cleaning business.

Heat up time

A faster heat up time will help you to clean a home faster. Your upright steam cleaners will have faster heat up times than the canister steamers. This is because they have smaller water canisters and do not reach as high of temperatures as the canister steam cleaners do.

When choosing a steam cleaner look for a shorter heat up time compared to similar models so that when you are cleaning a home, you will not have to wait for the mop to heat up. There are ways to get around this. If you decide to go with a canister steam cleaner you will be able to set up your steam cleaner just before you start vacuuming. This will give plenty of time for the machine to heat up so that you can start mopping as soon as you done vacuuming.

Steam Pressure

Steam pressure is the rate at which steam is projected from the steam cleaner. The higher the pressure the faster the steam is produced. This can improve the clean and how quickly dirt and grim is removed from the floor. The more steam that is being produced the faster the steam cleaner will pick of dirt and debris. The higher the steam pressure, the faster you will be able to mop floors in a home. Because time is money, I highly recommend investing in a steam cleaner with a higher steam pressure. As this will save you money in the long run because you will not be spending as much time mopping floors.

Steam Control

Choose a steam cleaner that allows you to control the amount of steam that comes out of the steam cleaner. You will be cleaning all sorts of homes with more than likely an aware of flooring types. Some flooring may be sensitive to high levels of steam such as linoleum and a lower steam level will be best for cleaning them. Tile floor on the other hand can be cleaned with a higher amount of steam.

Steam. If you are wanting to disinfect, you will need a steam cleaner that reaches at a minimum 175 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Best steam cleaner for house cleaning business

 

Steam Cleaner Options

 

The Upright Steam Cleaner for your Cleaning Business

Upright Steam Mops are very popular for homeowners. They are generally lightweight and easy to use with out a lot of complicated set up. These steam cleaners may not be the best match for your business if you clean largest homes with hard flooring through out. But if the majority of the homes you clean do not have large area’s of hard flooring, these will be your best bet.

The Pro’s of using an Upright Steam Cleaner for your House Cleaning Business
  • Less expensive
  • Easy to carry in your car and easy to carry into homes with your other cleaning supplies
  • Great for smaller spaces. Because upright steamers are smaller and lighter, they are great for homes that have carpet in most of the living spaces, but hard floors in the kitchen, foyer, and bathrooms.
  • Upright steamers tend to heat up in less time, less than 1 minute.
The Con’s of using an Upright Steam Cleaner for your House Cleaning Business
  • Upright steamers do not get as hot as most canister steamers meaning they will not be able to clean as efficient or effective as a canister steam cleaner.
  • Don’t always use dry heat. What this means is the upright steamer can leave floors wet after mopping especially if a higher steam level is used.
  • Mop heads are smaller and are not as efficient at cleaning larger areas as fast
  • Water reservoir is usually smaller, causing you have to refill water

 

The Canister Steam Cleaner for your Cleaning Business

The canister steam cleaners will be your best choice for cleaning larger homes with hard flooring. These steam cleaners reach super high temperatures and have higher powered steam production making them the best. Purchasing a canister steam cleaner will take your cleaning service up a notch by providing the best floor mopping in your area.

The Pro’s of using Canister Steam Cleaners for your House Cleaning Business
  • The most powerful clean
  • Uses very little water, leaving surfaces dry.
  • High temps sanitize surfaces
  • High temps pick up dirt and grim much faster than other types of steamers
  • These steam cleaners tend to have the highest heat temperature and highest steam pressure making them power houses in steam cleaning. When I made the switch to a canister steam cleaner my cleaning times were improved. But what really sold me, was my customers noticed the difference! That was a huge win. We had clients who said they would never switch companies because their floors had never been cleaner. I used this in my marketing and made sure to get reviews from those clients so that I could use that in my sales pitch.
The Con’s of using Canister Steam Cleaners for your House Cleaning Business
  • High price points.
  • Can be cumbersome to carry into homes. (The steam cleaner I first purchased for my house cleaning business was very heavy and difficult to carry into a home. We cleaned a condo that was on the 14th We had to park away from the building and carry the steam cleaner from the vehicle. My arms were sore after this each time.)
  • Can be cumbersome to clean with. You will want to be mindful of where the machine is moving along with you as you clean. Be careful not to pull be the cleaning hose. I had a cleaning team do this and damage the hose. It cost $50 to replace the hose and I was not happy.

My Recommendations for buying a Steam Cleaner for your Cleaning Business:

 

BISSELL Power Fresh Steam Mop – Less than $100 option

 

Best upright steam cleaner for cleaning business

 

The Bissell Power Fresh Steam Mop is a great Upright Steam mop option for your house cleaning business. It has a low price point yet still provides a quality clean for smaller homes and hard floor areas. If you have a lower budget, this is a great option to start steam cleaning floors in your house cleaning services.

What I like about the Steam Mop:
  • It’s Price. You can get the steamer for under $100 making it easier to purchase for house cleaning businesses with lower budgets or who are first starting out.
  • There are 3 Steam setting. Low for delicate floors, medium for regular cleaning levels, and high for dirtier surfaces. In some of the review’s customers made comment that the higher steam setting left floors damp. This would be caused by the higher pressure; higher pressure means more steam is produced.
  • Heat up time. The steamer heats up in 30 seconds, making it a good tool for speed cleaning.
Some of the downfalls in the reviews
  • The knob on the water tank tends to split after some time. But you are able to purchase new knobs.
  • Make sure to use distilled water. Tap water contains minerals deposits that will clog up the steam holes and make the steam cleaner useless.
  • Users complained that the mop pads do not come completely white after washing.
What you may want to consider:

You will not be able to purchase mop pads from other retailers, such as microfiber wholesale. You will have to purchase the pads specifically made for the mop. This can be pricy as you will want to have at least 3 clean pads for each home you clean each day. You can purchase an 8 pack for about $25 on Amazon.

 

Dupray Neat – About $150

Most affordable canister steam cleaner for cleaning business

The Dupray Neat is the best affordable canister steam cleaner option for house cleaning services. It is a powerful multipurpose heavy duty steam cleaner. It does not have the highest power that other canisters carry, but it does trick when cleaning homes.

Dupray Neat features:
  • Heats up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Cleans up to 50 minutes of steam cleaning
  • Heat up time is 7 minutes
  • Weighs 9 pounds
  • Steam pressure, up to 50 psi.
  • Your able to use tap water and do not have to use distilled water.
  • Comes with 18-piece kit that includes a Floor Tool, Window tool, small triangle tool for smaller surfaces, attachment for small brushed used for detail cleaning such as grout.
What I like about the Steam Mop:
  • Heats up in 7 minutes, which is better than most canister steam cleaners. Though this could be due to its lower temperature point.
  • Small, light weight and compact. Coming in at just 9 pounds. This steam cleaner will be easier to carry from your vehicle and into your client’s homes.
  • High continuous temperatures with 50 minutes of cleaning time. This should be plenty of time for you to mop the floors at your client’s home. My recommendation is to leave the mopping for last (with the exception of the bathrooms) when cleaning your client’s homes. It is more efficient this way. You will only have to heat up your steam cleaner 1 time and the 50 minutes of clean time should be sufficient in completing this task.
Some of the downfalls of the cleaner
  • When reading through the reviews many customers commented on water being left behind on the floors. This could be due to the lower temperature point of the machine. I would not use on wood flooring because of the extra moisture left behind.
  • The mop head has limited flexibility. This makes it a little more challenging to get around and under furniture. The mop head does not get completely flat because of this.
  • The cord storage is underneath the unit and not great. It makes it more difficult to wrap the cord up after usage and can be difficult in transporting from your vehicle to the home.
  • Not a continuous fill canister

 

Take away notes:

Overall, this steam cleaner is more powerful than an upright steam cleaner but does not have all of the powerful functionality that can come with other canister steam cleaners. If your budget is less than $200 this is a great steam cleaner. It will mop floors more efficiently than an upright steam cleaner picking up dirt and grim.

 

Dupray One – About $550.00

Best overall steam cleaner for cleaning business

The Dupray One steam cleaner is the step up of the Dupray Neat. It boasts higher temperatures and a more powerful clean. The grim and dirt on floors literally melt away with quicker mopping and without having to hoover too long over any one area. If you clean homes with lots of tile, stone or linoleum flooring this steam cleaner is going to really up your game in cleaning. You will be able to mop floors faster and better than other house cleaning companies in your area.

It’s features:
  • Low moisture steam which reaches up to 303 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Up to 50 minutes of cleaning
  • Adjustable steam control
  • Heats up in 8 minutes
  • Steam pressure 50.8 PSI
  • Weight – 10.5 pounds
  • Your able to use tap water and do not have to use distilled water.
  • Comes with Floor Tool, Window tool, small triangle tool for smaller surfaces, attachment for small brushed used for detail cleaning such as grout.

 

What I like about the Steam Mop:
  • Higher temperatures. The higher temperatures in this steam cleaner make for a faster, yet better clean.
  • Adjustable steam power. This allows you to lower the steam setting for more delicate surfaces.
  • It is still relatively light weight for carrying around.
  • The heat up time, is quicker than other brands.

 

Some of the downfalls of the cleaner

The price is higher. If you do not have the budget, I recommend getting a less expensive steam cleaner. But then save up for this one.

 

Maid service guide to buying a steam cleaner for house cleaning

 

Other Considerations when purchasing a Steam Cleaner for your House Cleaning Business.

 

What will you be cleaning with your Steam Cleaner?

Are you planning on just using the steam cleaner to mop floors in your regular cleaning services? If so you do not need to purchase a steam cleaner for your house cleaning business with tones of tools and attachments. There is no need to spend extra money on the tools and attachments if you will not be using them while cleaning houses.

Are you planning on using the steam cleaner to clean grout?

If you are planning on offering grout cleaning with your house cleaning business, you will want to purchase a steam cleaner that includes a grout cleaner attachment. You will also want to purchase a steam cleaner with higher steam pressure. This will push the most steam into the grout to allow for a deeper and more effective clean. Keep in mind you will probably pay a higher price for your steam cleaner.

Are you planning on cleaning surfaces around the home such as bathroom and kitchen surfaces?

If you are planning on cleaning surfaces around the home such as bathroom and kitchen surfaces you will need to look for a steam cleaner that has the attachments that allow you to do this. Not all steam cleaners come with these attachments.

 

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    How to clean more houses in a day

    How to clean more houses in a day

    by | House Cleaning Tips, Uncategorized

    As a cleaning business owner, you want to clean more houses each day. It is the bread and butter of your cleaning business. If you are not cleaning houses, you are not making money.

    This is why it is so important to clean as many homes in a day as you can. Now, I do not mean you are cleaning until 10 pm or that you are cutting corners to get to the next home. I mean, increase the number of homes you clean in a day, from 8 am – 4 pm, while still maintaining a Quality service.

    When I started my cleaning business my service was all over the place. There was little consistency and little focus. If someone was willing to pay me, I would clean whenever and where ever.

    As I started taking on more clients I was not able to keep up. I was starting to lose money. Not because I wasn’t getting new clients. But because I could not clean enough houses in a day.

    This is when I knew I needed to tighten up my service and my business. Before I hired my first employees I needed to create some serious efficiencies in how I ran my business.

     

    Additional Resources for Cleaning Businesses:

     

    How I was able to clean more houses each day

    Here are the steps that I took to create systems in my business that allowed me to clean more homes in a day.

    Please note, this article may include affiliate links. You can read the full disclosure at the bottom of the page.

    5 tips to implement in your Cleaning Business so you can clean more houses in a day.

     

    Step 1: Proper Scheduling

    Scheduling your cleaning clients appropriately will help you to clean more houses in a day. While scheduling seems like a no brainier, there is a bit of an art to it.

    Schedule nearby homes on the same day

    If I was going to clean more houses in a day, I was going to have to drive less and clean more. Commuting can suck away time you can be cleaning and making money. No longer would I clean a home on a Wednesday because that was what a client wanted. 

    I re-looked at my schedule and rearranged my clients by location. My goal was to clean homes in similar or close neighborhoods on the same day. After that, when a new client signed up, I told them what days we had available to clean their home.

    If a client really wanted service on a day I was not cleaning in their area, I told them that day was not available. I told them the days I did have available in their area. I offered a ‘waiting list’ so that when a day opened up, they would have the first choice.

    Most of my clients signed up for bi-weekly service, so I would alternate days and weeks when I would clean in a particular geographic area. This way I could offer cleanings on a certain rotation in the areas we serviced on most days of the week.

    I wrote a whole blog post on how to create a Cleaning Business Schedule. The article walks you through how to efficiently schedule your clients so that you can fit more in a day. 

     

    Step 2: Offer a Consistent Service

    Offering a consistent cleaning service will help you to clean more homes in a day through repetition. Your first step to offering a consistent service is deciding on your cleaning niche, and knowing what kinds of cleaning services you will offer.

    Once you choose a niche, stick to it and do not deviate. In my company, we focused on residential homes with regular, ongoing cleaning services. We did have a few clients who owned businesses or rental properties and we did service these properties as well. Other than that we did not advertise these services and only did it for our repeat customers. 

     

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    Find your Niche and Stick to it

    When I first started out, I was willing to clean ANYTHING. I would clean any type of property or offer any service a homeowner was willing to pay me for, does this sound familiar??? I was so excited just to get my first client, that I was willing to do anything they wanted!

    But I started noticing I was becoming a jack of all trades and a master of none. I was not specializing in any one service. So I was not able to develop systems or clean as fast if I were to focus on 1 type of client or service. I was not able to create a plan for cleaning.

    What was needed to clean move-ins/move-outs was WAY different than what was needed to clean recurring residential homes. It was difficult to stick to a checklist, let alone get enough experience under my belt for all the different types of niches and problems that may arise. 

    I started getting a grove with the recurring cleaning services. I found I was able to clean them quickly and very effectively. That’s when I had that A-HA moment in my business. I had found my niche. I stopped taking just any cleaning jobs and started focusing my marketing on acquiring clients who needed recurring cleaning services. 

    Once I choose my niche and started focusing on cleaning residential homes as a continuing service, I was able to create a plan to clean more efficiently. It also helped with my scheduling. I could book clients based on weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly cleaning services.

    When I was able to focus on a consistent service for each home I cleaned, there were fewer surprises and more planning. I purchased all the equipment needed for regular maintenance cleaning. 

     

    Step 3: Follow a Consistent Cleaning Routine

    A consistent cleaning routine is where you follow the same steps with each cleaning and each house. Every space we cleaned in a home was cleaned in the same order using the same steps.

    I know you are thinking, ‘But Roberta, no home is alike. How can I create a consistent routine?’ Well, all homes have at least one bathroom and separate living spaces, right?

    The order in which you clean these spaces is routine. They may have different types of flooring or one may have more furniture than another, but they all have the same basic rooms (kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, lounging rooms).

    Once you build a routine, you begin building repetition. The more repetition the better and faster you will become at cleaning. I teach this routine in my Maid Services Guide to Cleaning Professionally.

     

    To create a consistent service to clean more houses you need to:
    1. Decide what areas of the home you will clean first.
    2. Develop a system of how each space will get cleaned.
    3. Build a cleaning checklist of what will be included in your service.
    4. Now, stick with it!

     

    After I created my cleaning routine and stuck to it, I was able to clean more houses in a day. I would practice with each house I cleaned, and created a game out of it by tracking my steps. The fewer steps I took to clean a house the more efficient I became. When I arrived at a new home, I knew exactly how I was going to clean it.

    When you clean in the same order and in the same steps, cleaning becomes automatic and second nature. There is no stopping and wondering what you will clean next. You begin building muscle memory as you transition from task to task easily and quickly. 

     

    Step 4: Use Speed Cleaning Tools

    When I started my cleaning business, I was not familiar with Speed Cleaning terminology.

    I would read how companies could clean several homes in a day. No matter how fast I moved while cleaning, I felt I would never reach that point. The more research I did, the more I learned what speed cleaning tools were and the more I implemented the concepts into my cleaning routine the faster I was cleaning while still maintaining that high level of service my business was built on.

     

    What are speed cleaning tools?

    Speed cleaning tools are any tools that assist in cleaning quickly while maintaining quality. They are any tool that helps you clean faster and smarter.

     

    Sample Speed Cleaning Tools:

    Whisk Broom

    A whisk broom helps remove debris (like cat hair, crumbs, and dust) from fabrics such as lampshades, couches, or dining chairs.

    Razor Blade

    Razor blades help with removing gooey, caked-on gunk. Think gum on the floor, sticker residue on the glass, or smudges on a glass stove top.

     

    speed cleaning tools, scrapper

    Short Duster

    A Short duster reaches around knick-knacks, and electronics, hard-to-reach spaces on furniture and tables without having to hand dust or move items around.

    speed cleaning tools, small duster

     

    Before using speed cleaning tools, I was scrubbing and spending extra time on tasks. There was no way I was ever going to clean more homes in a day because it took me too long to clean a house.

    When I thought of professional cleaning businesses, I figured they used fancy tools that cost too much for me as a solo cleaner just starting out. But I found that speed cleaning tools did not cost that much, things like a scrapper or a whisk broom cost under $10, but saved me so much time in scrubbing. 

    Don’t spend extra time mopping floors or scrubbing showers. If you use the right tool, you can quickly remove soap scum or hard-to-remove sticky spots on the floor quickly. You’ll laugh at your old self who use to sit and scrub sticky residue from floors or windows when all it took was a razor blade and a wipe to remove it. 

    This blog post would be too long to get into all the tools that I used to help me and my cleaning business clean more houses in a day. I wrote a blog post on speed cleaning tools and how they can help you clean more houses. 

     

    Step 5: Use an Apron

    Using a cleaning apron will help you to clean more houses in a day by reducing the amount of time you spend at a client’s home. Similar to speed cleaning tools, using this tool will help you to clean houses faster.

     

    Why use a Cleaning Apron?

    Do you set cleaning supplies down and have to go hunt for them? Or do you have to run back to your cleaning caddy to get a tool? How about stuffing your pockets with cleaning towels or garbage you find while cleaning?

    All reasons why you should clean with an apron. The number 1 benefit of using a cleaning apron is being able to carry all of your tools with you while you clean.

    The Apron also stores extra towels for you to grab when one gets dirty. A good cleaning apron has multiple pockets and pocket sizes so that you can store all sorts of tools. Even use a pocket to place misc trash you may find laying around while cleaning.

     

     

    What the Cleaning Apron does for you:

    1. Keeps all your tools within arm’s reach
    2. Eliminates trips to a trash can to throw away trash
    3. Eliminates walking in circles looking for misplaced tools
    4. No more trips to grab more towels.

     

    The point is to not have to stop cleaning, just to throw something away, grab a clean towel or grab a different cleaner. All of your cleaning supplies and tools will be right with you so that you can clean the space without stopping.

     

     

     

    Increase you Cleaning Business income by cleaning more houses in a day.

    A recap of what you need to do to clean more houses in a day:

    1. Proper Scheduling
    2. Offering a consistent service
    3. Following a consistent cleaning system
    4. Using Speed Cleaning Tools
    5. Using an Apron

    Implementing these 5 tips will help you clean more houses in a day. That means more revenue for your cleaning business.

     

     

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