As mentioned in the previous chapter always start with the washing when you first arrive. Sort loads into similar colours, checking the pockets for items that need to be removed; check shirts for cufflinks; and read the labels for special instructions – it is best not to take chances. If the washing instructions say “Dry Clean only” – don’t wash it. If doing a dark load use cold water in case the colours run. Continue reading
You will find that even though you have a set of basic tasks to perform in each room that are fairly consistent in each house you go to, every client has their own special task and their own special way they like it to be done. Just find out what it is and make sure that it is done – it’s easy. Then you can guarantee that they will be happy. Spend time talking with and discussing those things that your client needs. If you have difficulty talking to and understanding your client ask them to speak slowly for you. For example, some clients are happy as long as the mirrors are perfect, or as long as the dishes in the sink have been washed up and put away etc. Continue reading
When booking a Spring-Clean you should try to schedule these longer cleans to be done on either a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, as these days of the week usually have more hours available to do the extra work. Nearly all clients want their regular work done on a Thursday or Friday, so there are fewer available hours to do these longer cleans. If you promote the idea that the ‘catch-up’ or Spring-Clean can be done for the first time at the start of the week, and then the Regular clean can be done at the end of the week, most clients are happy with that. Continue reading
Often when a client books your services for the first time, they do so because the house is lagging behind in the cleaning. Therefore, you will find that the first visit to their home requires that you spend much longer catching up on the work that is required. This first visit may not be a full Spring-Clean as you will only be doing the basics, but instead of keeping an ‘already clean’ house maintained you are bringing a dusty and grimy house into order so that a Maintenance clean is all that it now needs. Continue reading
These are your basic set of tasks for maintenance services:
If all tasks are done the cleaning generally takes 4 hours for an average size house – 3 or 4 bedrooms, 1 or 2 bathrooms Continue reading
Like any other task, cleaning is made easier with the correct tools. The supplies listed previously are standard for many kinds of cleaning and should always be kept in the boot of your car. For specialised cleaning tasks such as buffing floors you may need to hire the appropriate equipment. Continue reading
Modern standards of cleanliness, far exceeding those of a century ago, have given birth to a staggering array of specialized cleaning compounds. Most of these fall into six general categories based on similarity of function (although the types of cleaning agents in any given category may differ markedly in composition and strength). A few cleaning agents, however, are one of a kind, designed to solve specific types of stains. The following glossary gives characteristics of the six general categories: Continue reading
CLEANING is the worldwide home improvement. It maintains the client’s home in such a way as to display it’s beauty, prolong the life of the surfaces and finishes, and if done well can delay the need for repainting or costly home improvements. Cleaning ranges from washing windows to scrubbing mildew from bathroom walls, and from cleaning ovens to dusting skirting boards. In performing these tasks you will need to call upon a vast range of cleaning tools, from the simple sponge and mop to the sophisticated buffing and polishing machine. Continue reading