Ask a House Cleaner

Broken vacuum. "Nooooo." What should I do? This question comes from house cleaners with a broken vacuum and half a house left to clean. Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at options for a broken vacuum. It could be a suction problem; the vacuum is not picking up anything. You have an empty vacuum and you've checked the hose attachment - it's got to go to the shop.  Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru says it happens to every maid and every house cleaner.

Depression. You know somebody whose house is a mess. They're filled with anxiety, gloom, sadness, misery, worry, and sorrow. The trouble with depression is you want to help, but you can't change someone else. Today on #AskaHouseCleaner we dig into compassion and helping vs. enabling. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru covers mild depression to severe depression. "Get clear about your reasons for helping." Yes, you can volunteer, but you're still dealing with mental health and neglect.

Prejudice and bias towards house cleaners? If you are a cleaning service provider you're feeling the pinch from homeowner prejudice. Stuck in an old-fashioned mindset of chauvinism, racism, and bigotry. Maids and housekeepers with tattoos and facial piercings are feeling unwelcome. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru does a deep dive into open mindedness with a plea to home owners. "Hold off on the judgment, prejudice and pious attitude. Permission of acceptance the new norm.

Lock out! You can't get in to clean and the customer is not responding when you call or text. And you don't have an alarm code or a hidden key. What do you do? Can you prevent the lock out? As a maid service, a lock out means you're wasting time you could be earning money. Today on Ask a House Cleaner we cover tips you'll find in your maid service training and house cleaner training.

Part time expert or hack? A guy owns a business designing websites and moonlights as a house cleaner on the side. Can he bill himself as a part time expert or must he disclose to clients he's got two jobs? Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at entrepreneurs who wear lots of hats. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru says "Yes, be a part time expert. Clients hire you for solutions for a clean home. They don't want to know that you have another job."

Pet hair removal is a constant struggle for homeowners as they leave the house covered in dog hair and cat fur. So how do you get rid of pet hair on furniture, clothing, and carpets? Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at pet hair removal tips from cleaning professionals. Want to know what pet hair gadgets they've got in their cleaning caddy? Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru shares 7 of the best ways to remove pet hair. Hint: some of the items you already have.

In the moment is different from zoning out. The most important thing you can do when cleaning a house is to be in the moment. Today on Ask a House Cleaner we cover awareness vs. routine. Sequence vs. mental checklist. Being present and asking permission to shift gears when needed. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru says being in the moment gives you choices. Be alert, pay attention, be flexible, and be a savvy cleaner.

Clean countertops - is it even possible? And what is clean? Can you have clean countertops when you have a countertop microwave or a breadbox? And what should you keep in your pantry rather than on your countertops? Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at cleaning advice from The House Cleaning Guru, Angela Brown. She says you can have clean countertops even if you have a dish drainer, or a countertop coffee maker.

Odor eliminator request. How do you stop the stink? Whether your odor is a lingering cigarette smell, kitty litter or pet urine, you've got a stinky problem. Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at non-toxic, natural, chemical-free ways for odor removal in your home. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru talks allergens, bacteria, pollutants, and airborne contaminants. This goes beyond house cleaning training.

Blog, research, and writing. What does a blog have to do with house cleaning? Do I need a blog? Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at ways to market your cleaning business that boost your authority. Writing a blog can grow your maid service through your expertise and tips you share through blogging. Write tutorials, create a blog and guest post on other authority websites. Being a savvy cleaner is more than knowing how to clean.

Cancel on your house cleaner? We've all had to do it once or twice. But before you cancel on your house cleaner listen to Evelyn's story. She is among the single parents relying on income from her cleaning clients. The Housse Cleaning Guru, Angela Brown says when you cancel on your house cleaner, it's like telling them to take the day off without pay. In Evelyn's case, she then has to send the babysitter home without pay. And there is a domino effect when you cancel your maid service.

Dorm room cleaning supplies are on the minds of college students. What do you need to keep your life in order? Today on #AskaHouseCleaner we get cleaning advice on the best dorm room cleaning supplies. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru covers vacuum cleaners, and the best mop to use. Common dorm room cleaning supplies will help you clean up roommate messes. You'll learn tips on dish washing soap and the no scratch scrub sponge.

Video games are a great activity for kids out of school for the summer. But is it rude to play video games while the maid is cleaning? Today on #AskaHouseCleaner you'll find out what to do when the maid is trying to clean around a kid playing video games. Whether it's expected for the kid to acknowledge the maid while he or she is cleaning your room. Is your maid interrupting video games at your house?

Communication skills are on the top of every house cleaning business owners list. Dynamic communication skills will help you clarify and articulate customers expectations. Reconnect with clients in a way that helps you understand, and be understood. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru gives tips on joining a Toastmaster club. Hone your communication skills with eye contact, vocal variety, hand gestures, speaking in sincerity.

Volunteer hoarding cleanup is a church members gift. And the cleaning business owner in charge of the project wants to Ask a House Cleaner about the legal issues. Volunteer hoarding cleanup is a lovely gesture if delivered with tough love. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru warns about the comfort zone of the homeowner. Yes, this is a church project. And while you've made commitments, there is a lifetime of issues buried in stuff.