We have a sister company called A Spring Cleaning that does/did whole house deep cleaning. The regularly scheduled housecleaning company we operate has really taken over our time, but we still do a couple of deep cleanings a week. Let me clarify, we do detailed cleanings.
George Pappas called me yesterday from New Way Carpet, Upolstery, and Wall Cleaning, at 206-244-8709. He was looking for work, just bought a house, and was a little surprised that this year has been slow. He is a very high end cleaner who has had a steady clientele through the entire recession. This year is different.
We scaled back our deep cleaning because people are reluctant to pay at a price point starting at $360 and up. This is what George is finding also, but I do want to make this post a caution of sorts about new cleaners, and cleaning companies.
Deep Cleaning is really a skill. When we first started many years ago we had some trial and error in what works. Thankfully we have had a very few times when we had to repair damage. Bleach stains in carpet are the biggest liabilty and we have Mr. Color Restoration at 206-363-1877 who we have only had to call twice. He fixed the stains as good as new.
There are issues with damage to grout that the sealer is worn off, or poruos tiles that may discolor. Fabrics on upostery can be delicate, or paint may be damaged by chemicals. It’s hard to make all the right choices for every product. That is why we stay with regular house hold products you can buy at the super market.
In George’s case he has the equipment to do a micro fiber steam cleaning. He know what works where, and how. It is best to hire some one who knows how to care for your home, rather than by price.
The job we went to today has had three bids now without getting a match. the tile work is older and we can do the job by hand scrubbing, but our price for that is really high. After some of the quotes they have maybe we would be a better choice. We gave them George’s number today and we’ll see what George says for a price.
Since 1968, high school, I have worked on properties for rent and sale. My first company was formed in 1972 with a partner. Over the years the business grew. Last year in 2008 my main company A Spring Cleaning won an award for Cleaning Service by the U.S. Local Business Association.
A Spring Cleaning was my own creation. In the 1980s and 1990s we did many things. Dry rot repair, yard work, paint, pressure washing, hauling, and design. In 2000 we changed to a regularly scheduled house cleaning company with the trade name Seattle House Cleaning.
The transition was gradual. A Spring Cleaning got a boost in 2005 with a mention on a national TV show, then a few interviews in the local media, and business was very good. I was also a licensed Real Estate agent with some project properties.
In 2005 I became concerned about the housing market and concentrated on finishing my projects full time. We sold off properties in 2006 then concentrated on the Seattle House Cleaning business. Three years later the cleaning business is good.
Blogging is a part of my daily routine. Most of the time my focus has been on Real Estate and economics. To go along with that we encourage people to be in business. Our cleaning business has branched off into other cleaning businesses and we consult with other business owners.
This site is an extension of what we already do. By sharing what we have learned about the cleaning business we hope you will see it's more than just a bucket and rags that get you the fresh feeling of a clean home. These are just some tricks of the trade and some of the pit falls we experience.
This is a great article. Keep up the good work!