Ask a House Cleaner

House guests light a cleaning and organizing fire in us. We've got to get the guest room ready. Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at top cleaning tips when house guests are coming. Home organization can make your family feel at home. Hosting ideas and instructional how to. House guests are going to love coming to your home.

Feel-Felt-Found is a leadership strategy to inspire and motivate cleaning employees. Management offers the chance to observe, listen, understand, relate to and track your employees. The Feel-Felt-Found method provides guidance to housekeepers in need of an attitude boost. When you take notice of your housecleaners and hold them accountable they become loyal, reliable workers. Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at using the feel-felt-found way to influence others.

I should have said no to the weirdest cleaning requests. As a house cleaner or maid, we aim for customer service and customer satisfaction. But the day will come when you'll have a cleaning mistake that will leave you saying "I should have said no." Today on Ask a House Cleaner tips include a house cleaning waiver and knowing when to walk away. Housework Twilight Zone style will leave you with regret, lessons learned and saying "I should have said no."

No money? Lots of house cleaners start a cleaning business with no money. They have student loans, are in debt and need a job. Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at business growth and development that starts with no money plus action. Relying on business strategy, business marketing and paying your dues you can build an empire.

Employee birthday? Yikes! How should we celebrate? Your maids birthday only comes once a year. And while it may be a time of personal reflection for them it is a time to celebrate that employee birthday. Should you give a money gift? Cash? Gift card or a paid day off? What is the appropriate gesture for your housekeepers birthday? Today on Ask a House cleaner we look at your cleaning employee birthday. And whether you should throw a party, have birthday cake or a happy birthday banner.

Time - My hours are my own. Right? I'm the boss. I can make my own work schedule as a cleaning service provider. Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at time management, cleaning schedules, and time as a limited resource. Having a work schedule or regular business hours may be constricting. But if you get fired for not being a reliable housekeeper then you'll have all the time in the world. Here's what you need to know to be a Savvy Cleaner and keep the accounts you have.

Hoarders are creative and artistic people often with obsessive compulsive behavior. As collectors of stuff, hoarders often become disorganized, overwhelmed and depressed. Hoarders are generally people who spend all their time helping others, but neglect to help themselves. Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at hoarding and some insightful tips when hired to help a hoarder.

Customers Trash should be treated with the same respect we treat all customers belongings. But if they've tossed out stuff they no longer want, can we keep the customer's trash? It's junk to them, pure rubbish, used property, possessions they'll never use again. But customers trash takes on a whole new meaning when clients think the housekeeper stole their stuff, or they turn it into a barter deal. Today on Ask a House Cleaner, we look at best practices for clients discards.

Percentage of clean vs messy houses is a question that came up from one house cleaner. It's a fair question so she can plan enough time to clean a filthy mess. Not all homes will be spotless and need a quick wipe down. Is there a way to gauge the percentage of tidy homes against the number of cluttered homes in any area?

Tall ceiling fans and window ledges are a challenge for maids and homeowners alike. But how do you clean tall ceiling fans and window ledges? Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at a telescoping extension pole that adjusts to a 45-90 degree angle.

Organizing vs House Cleaning - What is the difference? The House Cleaning Guru, Angela Brown shares some chores of a professional organizer vs. those of a professional house cleaner. It's not a matter of organizing vs house cleaning because both are part of a cleaning routine. Together they cut clutter from your home and keep your place neat and tidy. Organizing is all about an emotional cleansing process. It's an alignment of your needs, wants and stuff to create harmony in your house.

How to Clean a Dorm? Lots of college kids are asking about cleaning systems to keep their dormitory neat, and tidy. Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at the bedroom and bathroom. These three simple hacks will teach you how to clean a dorm and organize your personal space. Of course, systems cost money for organizational supplies. But these two cheap items are all you need. In a minute you'll know how to clean a dorm and you'll have habits you can use for the rest of your life.

Are you allergic to pets? I know how you feel. I was the cleaning lady allergic to dogs and would get a headache. But you still have to clean even if you're allergic to pets. We Ask a House Cleaner about maids and pet allergies, airborne allergens and what to do if your nose itches. Or is it watery eyes and a hypersensitivity to pet dander? House cleaning is no fun when you're allergic to pets. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru shares tips on apple cider vinegar and lemon juice.

Hire family yes or no? Quick. Don't think about it. If you think about it, you'll think about the nepotism or perceived bias that comes when you hire family. Often when you hire family it's because you're in a bind and need a quick fix. Or, your family member is in a quandary and needs you to rescue them. Hiring family includes possible fights, anxiety, tension, and disagreements. Not to mention insider information now at the front of your company.

Drug test and background checks are commonplace these days as more homeowners hire house cleaners and maids. You may not want to take a drug test - but if the client is willing to pay for it, why not Too many homeowners have had a previous bad experience with a druggie, a junkie, or a thief and they lose confidence in the hiring process. There are other ways to build reassurance with clients through a trial period, evaluation, satisfaction guarantee, quality assurance program, and yes, a drug test.