Communicating with Your Residential Cleaning Clients is Key

As a residential cleaning contractor, you not only need to provide a good service, but you also need frequent communication with your client to ensure that both parties understand their responsibilities and that there are no misunderstandings.

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communicating, residential cleaning clients

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Copyright 2006 The Janitorial Store

People hire a residential cleaning service to make their lives easier. As a cleaning contractor, you not only need to provide a good service, but you also need frequent communication with your client to ensure that both parties understand their responsibilities and that there are no misunderstandings.

Before taking on a new client, it is important to specify what services are included in their cleaning service. As you walk through the home with the client discussing the specifications list of what will be cleaned, be sure to ask plenty of clarifying questions. For example, "so you DON'T want us to dust the curio cabinet?"

Give your client the written specifications list so they know what is covered in their routine cleaning. Your specifications list may also include the additional services you can provide such as carpet cleaning or window washing, the fees for those services, and how much advance notice you need before taking on any additional tasks.

You may need to explain to your clients that your crews are scheduled to clean several homes on a particular day and therefore, any added services must be requested in advance. This not only ensures that your crew can spend the additional time needed to clean, but that they will have the right supplies for the job.

Good communication is also important in the case of accidents, mishaps or broken items. Instruct your employees to leave a note whenever a problem or accident occurs, and to contact you immediately so you are aware of the situation. It is handy to have a pre-printed form that contains a check off list (broken item, stain that would not come out, cracked window, etc.) to leave at the home and contact information for your cleaning company.

Your cleaning crew can also leave notes if they notice additional tasks that need to be done. Is it springtime and the windows need washing? Are the carpets looking soiled and need cleaning? This not only shows the client that you care about their home but can also lead to additional services you can provide and charge for.

Cancelled appointments or missed appointments can cause problems if you don't communicate with your client about your policies. Outline your cancellation policy in your customer contract and discuss it with your customer so they are fully aware of your policy. Conversely, if your employees miss an appointment, you need to have a policy in place that will keep the customer happy - perhaps a discount on the next service.

Don't let a simple misunderstanding of the services you provide escalate into losing a client. Keep open a good line of communication to help ensure your success. Make sure your crew leaves notes and check up with follow-up phone calls to keep your clients happy and your profits flowing!

Do You Need an Automated Timekeeping System for your Cleaning Business?

Small cleaning businesses usually have their employees track time on a paper timesheet. But as your cleaning business grows, deciphering data and adding up hours from numerous time sheets can take time away from other profit-making activities as you burn up your time doing payroll. This article shows the benefits of automating your timekeeping system.

Keywords:

automated timekeeping system, cleaning business

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Copyright 2006 The Janitorial Store

As your cleaning business grows and you add employees, keeping track of time sheets and adding up hours can be a big headache. If you have just one or two employees a paper time sheet where employees "clock in" and "clock out" for each location they clean may be all that you need to track their hours. However, deciphering data and adding up hours from numerous time sheets can take time away from other profit-making activities as you burn up your time doing payroll.

There are options available to your cleaning company other than hiring a full-time bookkeeper. Telephone timekeeping systems are ideal for cleaning companies. They allow employees to call from any location they are working at and "clock in" and "clock out" by using their employee pin number and location pin number.

These timekeeping systems have many time-saving benefits and features:

1. Tracks each employee's time down to the minute.

2. Reassurance that there's no cheating, as there can be with a handwritten time sheet.

3. Tracks travel time between buildings.

4. Caller ID capabilities to ensure employees are calling from the correct location.

5. The ability to leave messages for employees. As soon as they call into the system they receive their messages.

6. Employee scheduling and management.

7. Tracking of no shows or late arrivals. The system alerts supervisors with a call to their cell phone or pager.

8. Supervisors can call into the system to see who is clocked into a building at any given time.

9. The ability to track by job number as well as employee.

10. Easy way to import payroll information. Hours are automatically added up for you, including travel time. Various reports available. Two such automated timekeeping systems are: Express Time from A&B Express Products LLC, http://www.expresstime.net/index.html, and MITC's Telephone Timekeeping Software, http://www.mitcsoftware.com.

MITC's software has a one-time fee. You can buy added blocks of support time from them. Express Time is different in that it has a monthly charge as well as a per call fee. The MITC program does require added hardware and software installed on your computer or you can buy a ready-to-use computer from them.

Express Time has two different systems available: Express Time and Express Time Online. Express Time has a one-time fee, and you can buy added support hours. Express Time Online has a recurring monthly fee as well as a 12 cent per charge for each incoming call. Each system has software that must be downloaded on to your computer. They do not have hardware that is installed on to your computer, but they do have specific computer recommendations for the software to work efficiently. Express Time also states high-speed broadband is needed for technical support.

On either system, employees can call in any time of day, seven days a week, as long as you have the software is running on your computer. The MITC system has different modules that can you can add depending on your specific needs.

Either software, MITC or Express Time, will require a time commitment on your part to learn the system, which may seem overwhelming at first. But after a couple of weeks using the system you will be flying around it like pro.

Adding an automated timekeeping system may be the next step to growing your cleaning business. Any type of automated system you buy will require a financial investment, but it will free up your time from doing the mundane tasks of timekeeping and allow you to spend your time in more productive ways.

Commercial Cleaning Companies – A Strategy For The Future

A previous article looked at this in general terms with regard to a start up cleaning company. This article will concentrate on a strategy for an established company to follow if it wants to be even more successful and continue expanding into the future.

The nature of cleaning is changing and the criteria companies use to choose their cleaners is also changing. Little by little companies are realising that it is more economical and administratively easier to find a cleanin...

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A previous article looked at this in general terms with regard to a start up cleaning company. This article will concentrate on a strategy for an established company to follow if it wants to be even more successful and continue expanding into the future.

The nature of cleaning is changing and the criteria companies use to choose their cleaners is also changing. Little by little companies are realising that it is more economical and administratively easier to find a cleaning company that can meet all their cleaning requirements.

Very few cleaning companies are able to do this or have wanted to do so in the past. They have chosen to concentrate on a particular specialism and develop that. So we have firms that are office cleaners, carpet cleaners, window cleaners, stone cleaners, kitchen cleaners, and ventilation duct cleaners to name but a few. Each of these builds up their own particular client base and their only way of growing is to expand their area of coverage. Many cleaning companies are reluctant to do this and consequently their potential for growth is limited. A large proportion of these companies are run by a single person who is quite happy to restrict themselves to a physically manageable area and manage a finite number of clients. However if you own and operate a company or want to start a cleaning company that has wider visions then you have an opportunity to take advantage of the changing market place.

The medium and larger sized companies and corporations are now beginning to look for cleaning companies that can provide them with all the cleaning services they require. From the simple and straightforward office cleaning on a daily basis to the six monthly or yearly cleaning of their ventilation ducts. If the cleaning company wishes to take advantage of this and gain corporate clients then it must expand its areas of expertise. If the financial burden of doing this is too great for the company to bear then the alternative is to find other firms who specialise in these various areas and work together either as partnerships or sub-contract out these fields of specialist cleaning. Sub-contracting has its pitfalls and to a large extent should be avoided if possible but it is a way into this new market place until you can develop your own expertise.

Companies working together in some form of partnership who share the same goals is a better solution but ultimately it is better if your own company can develop within these various areas and then you have complete control without the concern and constant anxiety of being ‘let down’. Become an expert in carpet cleaning, window cleaning, deep cleaning of commercial kitchens and ventilation duct cleaning. That way you can offer your prospective clients the complete cleaning package, increase your turnover and continue to grow.

Business hygiene and cleaning machines

Fundamental elements to ensure a good production. The focus of hygiene and cleanliness of the workplace has always been an important and fundamental to guarantee employees a workplace healthy and valuable incentives at work in the best possible conditions.

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industrial, cleaning

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In the production of machinery for industrial cleaning, such as cleaning machines, motor sweepers, steam generators, Italy holds a decisive role and there are solid companies that for decades working in this field that arise as a reference point for overseas.

The experience gained by italian companies and the continued development and study in the field led to export in central and north Europe as well as in South America and North America. In these states currently focus investment promotional character of the largest producers, especially industrial floor scrubbers machines. Our companies are always looking for new techniques and equipment for cleaning and hygiene company, seeking new developments in the field from simple detergents and disinfectants down to the most complex machines for cleaning.

A workplace clean and healthy is a guarantee of prosperity and is the basis for a good production and future development, incentive to work and security to those who live every day. For this hot air thermoelectric generators and dessicant dryers, sweepers, vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers and water jet equipment are essential to achieve a high degree of cleanliness in the large and local business environments where the transition and the concentration of people makes daily hygiene common first need.

Companies involved in the cleaning business bring into the market products and instruments that cover every need and problem of cleaning and enviroming disinfection. They are wet and dry vacuum cleaners and scrubber for the floors as well as equipment for cleaning effective vertical surfaces such as windows, walls and panels.

The Italian companies as well as available for sale machinery are well on the market even with the rental service of themselves and not for minor importance with accurate support services. New technologies have resulted in the production of tools that take more account of who is going to use the machine and then we come to produce equipment built with materials such as aluminium alloys and thermoplastics that allow you to have robust equipment and at the same time by short weight.

In addition there is always an eye regard to safety, so there are systems that allow dual secure the machinery starting only if the operational phase of use and with full control of the half. High quality and safety, equipment maximum functionality for each application hygiene going to support each separate what our clients in the choice of systems and equipment that are appropriate to each transaction cleaning necessary.

All this in response to a request for ease of use, versatility and security united to effectiveness in obtaining company hygiene, with particular attention to the long duration and quality / price ratio.

Develop a Stone Floor Care Program for Your Cleaning Business

Office buildings have many types of flooring and growing in popularity are stone floors. Stone floors give buildings a classic and upscale image. Popular choices in flooring these days are natural surfaces including marble, slate, granite, and terrazzo. Learning the tricks of stone floor care can lead to extra income and profit for your cleaning company.

Keywords:

stone floor care program, cleaning business

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Copyright 2006 The Janitorial Store

Office buildings have many types of flooring and growing in popularity are stone floors. Stone floors give buildings a classic and upscale image. Popular choices in flooring these days are natural surfaces including marble, slate, granite, and terrazzo. As more and more buildings are installing stone floors there is a growing need for cleaning contractors who have the experience and knowledge to take care of these valued surfaces properly. Learning the tricks of stone floor care can lead to extra income and profit for your cleaning company.

Before expanding into the area of stone floor care make sure that you understand the differences in the types of flooring and how to design a maintenance program to keep stone floors looking their best. It helps to develop a relationship with a distributor that has quality products and can help you with technical support.

The first step in any floor maintenance program is finding out what type of stone you're dealing with. Stone floors are broken down into one of two categories: stone that contains calcium and those that do not contain calcium. It is important to note that acids will attack and etch stone that contains calcium.

If the floor is not coated on the surface, a simple test can determine what type of stone you are dealing with. Place a drop of hydrochloric acid in an inconspicuous area and watch the reaction. If the acid fizzes the stone contains calcium. If there is no reaction, the stone is most likely granite, slate, sandstone or some type of ceramic that has been designed to look like natural stone.

Your second step is to decide what type of results you want with your floor program. Do you want a polished surface, a slip resistant floor or a floor program that is easy to manage? Any stone floor program should also take into account the type of surface - polished, honed or textured. Also, remember that stone is a product of nature and should be admired for its inconsistencies. The imperfections of stone create random patterns, which is what makes natural stone so desirable.

When looking at how you should maintain stone floors, both calcium containing and non-calcium containing stone floors should be maintained in identical ways except when it comes to re-polishing. A marble floor develops wear patterns faster as marble is a softer stone. You can polish marble, limestone and terrazzo effectively with superfine abrasives you mix with potassium oxalate or oxalic acid. These are typical compounds available in various ready to use formulas.

Granite floors, on the other hand, are acid resistant requiring granite to be polished mechanically using superfine abrasives. The re-polishing of granite is a slow process as compared to re-polishing a marble floor.

At times the floor will have been so neglected it may need restoration. A properly restored stone floor will have no lippage (where one edge of a stone is higher than adjacent edges, giving the stone a ragged appearance), will look better and be easier to clean. The restoration process is best handled by professionals. Improved technology has made the restoration process faster and with a restored floor maintenance costs will go down while the overall appearance of the floor will go up.

Stone itself has a porosity factor (materials can pass through it) and some stones absorb stains faster than other types of stone. A high quality impregnator can help prevent stains from passing through and being absorbed into the stone. Impregnators can be water resistant, or water, grease and oil resistant. The specific impregnator to use will depend on your specific situation.

The most important part of your stone floor care program will be the use of a quality stone soap. A high quality soap will clean and enrich the stone, which will make it more soil and stain resistant. This is not an area to be cutting costs!

Quarterly cleaning is recommended for commercial stone floors. This will not only remove any built in soil, but will also remove stone soap build-up. This is an important step as most stone soaps are non-rinse. Because of this dirt can build up in the grout lines, even when you are following a floor maintenance program. An intensive cleaning should also be used if you have an extremely dirty floor.

Other stone surfaces that may need extra care are countertops, vanities and vertical surfaces, such as pillars. A good relationship with a distributor of quality products will help you in deciding which chemicals you'll need to use to clean these surfaces.

If you have buildings with stone floors, your first step is to develop a quality stone floor care program. Spending a little time and effort before beginning your stone floor program will save you headaches and keep the floor looking its best. Your customer will be happy and your bank account will grow!

Business industrial cleaning and hygiene machines

The business of industrial cleaning machines and equipping is constantly expanding and Italian products are standing out for quality and competitiveness. Fundamental elements to ensure a good production.

Keywords:

industrial cleaning

Article Body:

The focus of hygiene and cleanliness of the workplace has always been an important and fundamental to guarantee employees a workplace healthy and valuable incentives at work in the best possible conditions.

Industrial hygiene and cleanliness are fundamental in order to guarantee high quality production. In fact, they provide workers with a better environment thus enhancing productivity and wellness. Particularly, the Italian product is very much appreciated in USA and Spain where exports and companies’ investments in industrial sweepers and mechanical vacuum cleaner are at their highest pick.

Just thanks to exports and focused investments on web marketing, these firms are widening their horizons and setting new markets that finally contribute to the growth of both, production and industrial sector. In the production of machinery for industrial cleaning, such as cleaning machines, motor sweepers, steam generators, Italy holds a decisive role and there are solid companies that for decades working in this field that arise as a reference point for overseas.

The experience gained by italian companies and the continued development and study in the field led to export in central and north Europe as well as in South America and North America. In these states currently focus investment promotional character of the largest producers, especially industrial floor scrubbers machines. Our companies are always looking for new techniques and equipment for cleaning and hygiene company, seeking new developments in the field from simple detergents and disinfectants down to the most complex machines for cleaning.

Thanks to the decennial experience in the industrial-cleaning sector of its firms, Italy is one of the leading countries with the highest number of machines, produced and distributed within its borders and abroad.

A workplace clean and healthy is a guarantee of prosperity and is the basis for a good production and future development, incentive to work and security to those who live every day. For this hot air thermoelectric generators and dessicant dryers, sweepers, vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers and water jet equipment are essential to achieve a high degree of cleanliness in the large and local business environments where the transition and the concentration of people makes daily hygiene common first need.

Modern street sweepers are equipped with water tanks and sprayers used to loosen particles and reduce dust. The brooms gather debris into a main collection area from which it is vacuumed and pumped into a collection bin.

Companies involved in the cleaning business bring into the market products and instruments that cover every need and problem of cleaning and enviroming disinfection. They are wet and dry vacuum cleaners and scrubber for the floors as well as equipment for cleaning effective vertical surfaces such as windows, walls and panels.

The Italian companies as well as available for sale machinery are well on the market even with the rental service of themselves and not for minor importance with accurate support services. New technologies have resulted in the production of tools that take more account of who is going to use the machine and then we come to produce equipment built with materials such as aluminium alloys and thermoplastics that allow you to have robust equipment and at the same time by short weight.

A regenerative air street sweeper uses forced air to create a swirling knifing effect inside a contained sweeping head and then uses the negative pressure on the suction side to place the road debris inside a containment hopper.

In addition there is always an eye regard to safety, so there are systems that allow dual secure the machinery starting only if the operational phase of use and with full control of the half. High quality and safety, equipment maximum functionality for each application hygiene going to support each separate what our clients in the choice of systems and equipment that are appropriate to each transaction cleaning necessary.

All this in response to a request for ease of use, versatility and security united to effectiveness in obtaining company hygiene, with particular attention to the long duration and quality / price ratio.

On this regard, you can easily look for its products on the Website, specifically developed to market industrial cleaning machines.

Dry Ice Blasting- A New Revolution in Industrial Cleaning

Eco-friendly cleaning methods are fast becoming the norm today, replacing traditional methods. Dry ice blasting is one such environment-friendly cleaning method which has become popular in a cross-section of industries such as automotive, power, aviation, plastics, etc. due to its multiple benefits. This article discusses the basics of dry ice blasting and how it is applied as a safer alternative.

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dry ice blasting, blasting dry ice, co2 blasting, dry ice cleaning, dry ice blasting services, dry ice blast, dry ice blast cleaning

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In today’s world, when the concerns regarding the environment are growing, the demand for environment friendly cleaning methods is increasing. The traditional methods of cleaning such as pressure washing have come under scrutiny. Companies are turning to other more eco-friendly alternatives.

One such alternative is dry ice blasting. It is considered superior to other traditional methods such as scrapers, sanders and wire brushes. This process is known to save time and cleans as thoroughly and neatly or more so in a comparatively less time.

It is also faster and time-saving. It is used in any type of industry which has equipments that need to be cleaned regularly like automotive, power plants, aviation, packaging, plastics and many more. For instance, companies such as React365 Inc. offer on-site dry ice blasting services. This non-invasive form of cleaning technology is safe and effective on everything from the bottoms of boats to electrical switches and turbine fins.

What is Dry Ice

Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide (Co2). Dry ice is as hard as a plaster and under atmospheric pressure it sublimes at a temperature of -78oC.

Dry Ice Blasting

Dry ice blasting or CO2 blasting is a process in which dry ice pellets (about the size of grains of rice) are shot out of a nozzle at a supersonic speed to rid the equipment of residues including oil, paint, ink, glue, dirt, grease, food, mold release agents, rubber and several other contaminants. The pellets are accelerated using compressed air. Upon impact the dry ice transforms from a solid state to a gaseous state without passing through the liquid stage.

There are three phases in a dry ice blasting process.

Energy Transfer:

Kinetic is transferred when the blasting gun fires dry ice pellets onto the surface. The dry ice pellet sublimates upon impact and is softer compared to other cleaning media such as sand, grit, or beads. It’s a non-abrasive form of cleaning and does not cause any damage to the equipment.

Micro Thermal Shock Effect:

It occurs when the freezing dry ice pellets strike a much warmer contaminated surface leading to a thermal shock between the surface contaminant and the substrate. At that point, cracking and delamination of the contaminant occurs.

Thermal Kinetic Effect:

In the third and final phase, the dry ice pellets explode when coming in contact with the surface. As the pellets warm, they convert to CO2 gas which expands rapidly underneath the contaminated surface. Then the contaminant either falls to the ground or becomes airborne. The dry ice evaporates and only the contaminant is left behind.

A Comparatively Safer Process

Dry ice blasting is quite effective and a safe process for the following plus points:

• No water or harsh chemicals are used in the process, so there is no additional waste being generated.

• There is no risk of slippage as with the pressure washing process.

Precautions Needed

However, certain safety precautions should be taken while conducting the process:

• Proper ventilation is a must. CO2 can be dangerous when concentrated in confined spaces. CO2 is 50 percent heavier than air and can displace oxygen and strangulate a person if there is no proper ventilation.

• It is imperative to wear ear plugs, as the process generates deafening noise.

• The temperature of dry ice can be as low as -110 degrees F and can instantly freeze the skin. Wear gloves when handling dry ice.

• Always use protective clothing, face shield when handling CO2 pellets or dry ice blasting unit.

Watch this space for the next article which will focus on the benefits of dry ice blasting.

Green Cleaning Gets a Boost with the Ultimate Cloth

Cleaning with the "ultimate cloth" saves time, saves money, and, most importantly, helps save the earth.

Keywords:

ultimate cloth, mirafiber, streak free, washable, bleachable, guaranteed

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No one would argue that there's a growing consciousness about the impact that we, as humans, have on the environment. While much of the media's focus has been on greenhouse gas emissions and the ways we can lessen our carbon footprint, less attention has been paid to the impact that conventional cleaning products and methods have on our health and on the environment. Although chlorofluorocarbons have long been recognized as contributing to the depletion of the earth's ozone layer, and have been largely eliminated from consumer products, conventional cleaning products continue to have a detrimental effect on the environment. To that end, there has been a wave of "green cleaning" products entering the marketplace.

Traditional Cleaning Products

Most traditional cleaning products contain a variety of potentially harmful chemicals, in part because they are largely unregulated and in part because there are few labeling requirements. For example, many cleaning products contain phosphates (which are also a primary component of many fertilizers), which can contaminate water and rob lakes and rivers of oxygen. Likewise, many cleaning products with dyes and fragrances contain phthalates, and most incorporate other organic compounds into their formulas. Together, these chemicals can have adverse effects on the neurological functions, respiration, and reproductive organs of humans and wildlife. Our use of several different cleaning agents at once (a window cleaner, a basin cleanser, and a toilet bowl cleaner, for example) can exacerbate the products' effects on our health.

Green Cleaning Products

In response to the growing concern about the chemicals in cleaning products and their adverse effects on our health and on the health of our planet, green cleaning products are being touted. Some companies that make green products ban certain chemicals, and others make it a point to fully disclose all ingredients on labels. What they don't tell you, though, is that it's absolutely possible to have a clean home without using any cleaning products at all. Cleaning without products may take a bit more elbow grease, but water alone will do the trick.

Why Water and a Cloth Works Just as Well

For the environmentally conscious, one of the best cleaning tools is a cloth - some would say the ultimate cloth - that uses mirafiber to produce a streak free, spot free, lint free, and dust free finish. Using this type of cloth means that you don't have to use paper towels, which add to the waste that negatively impacts the environment. Moreover, this ultimate cloth is usually guaranteed to last five years, making it decidedly eco-friendly. Because it's washable and bleachable, it can be used over and over again on virtually any surface, from windows and glass to stainless steel and Corian. Basically, you just wet it, wring it, wipe your surface, and walk away. This ultimate cloth saves time, saves money, and, most importantly, helps save the earth.

For San Diego, North County Residents: How to Choose the Right Carpet Cleaning Service

Tips for San Diego residents on how to choose the right carpet cleaning service...

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carpet, cleaning, cleaner, san diego, north county, encinitas, carlsbad, rancho santa fe, solana beach, cardiff, del mar

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Having a clean, fresh smelling home or office can be achieved with something as simple as having the carpet cleaned occasionally. By keeping the carpet clean, you're also reducing dust, dust mites, and harmful allergens. The air is fresher because the carpet will no longer have a huge amount of built-up dust particles. When dust is built-up in the carpet, it's being released in the air as you walk on it - even if you can't see it. Persons with allergies will benefit tremendously from a professional carpet cleaning.

How to Clean Your Carpet

There are two ways to clean the carpet. One, you can rent a steam cleaner and do it yourself. Two, you can hire a professional carpet cleaning service in the San Diego area. Cleaning the carpet yourself can take many hours, so it might be best to hire a professional carpet cleaner if you have a busy schedule.

If you live in the San Diego, North County area and want to find a reliable carpet cleaning service, here are some important facts you should know.

Not All Carpet Cleaners are Created Equal

Check with the cleaning service to see what type of carpet cleaners they use. There are several ways to clean carpet. One is the dry-chem method in which a cleaning chemical is sprayed onto the carpet, and then removed with a machine. No water is used so the soapy residue remains after the cleaning. The disadvantage of this method is the machine does not rinse with water and it does not clean deep into the carpet - it only cleans the surface.

Another popular method is steam cleaning. There are several types of steam cleaning: portable machine method, truck-mounted unit method, and the Dri-Steam method. With a portable machine, the carpet can stay wet for days after the cleaning. Also, the machine runs off an outlet plug-in in your home.

With the truck-mounted method, a very powerful unit is used and powered by the truck. In this method, cleaning chemicals are washed out of the carpet using soft hot water. The carpet dries much faster than with portable machines, and it doesn't leave a residue behind after the cleaning. This is the preferred method of professional carpet cleaners.

There's also the more recent Dri-Steam method, which also uses a truck-mounted unit, but with a jet-less rotary cleaning tool. With this method the carpet dries faster than any other - in one to three hours!

Be sure to choose a professional carpet cleaning service that understands these methods and chooses to use only the best. Your carpet will be with you for a long while, so handle cleaning it with care.

Maintaining the Carpet after a Cleaning

Be sure the carpet is completely dry before vacuuming or even walking on the carpet if possible. To keep dust particles down, vacuum the carpet often and change the vacuum cleaner bag often as well. Dust can settle in the bag and release particles into the air as you are vacuuming - defeating the whole purpose of cleaning your carpet!

To keep allergens to a minimum, spray allergen removal chemicals on the carpet and upholstery occasionally. Leave them for a day or two, and then vacuum the carpet. Also, cover heavy traffic areas with rugs to protect the carpet.

While vacuuming the carpet, don't forget to vacuum the furniture and around the windowsills and room corners. Dust and cobwebs accumulate in these areas also.

Choosing a Carpet Cleaner in San Diego

Finding a carpet cleaning service is easier once you understand the types of carpet cleaning available. Wherever you live - San Diego, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Cardiff, Del Mar, San Marcos, La Jolla, Vista, Oceanside, Escondido - there are reliable carpet cleaning services who offer the type of cleanings mentioned above.

Give your carpet a great cleaning and enjoy the fresh, clean air once again!

Finding Sales Leads For Your Cleaning Business

To grow your cleaning business you need to expand your circle and gain new customers. Where do you look for potential clients? The following are practical ideas to find qualified leads.

Keywords:

sales leads, cleaning business

Article Body:

Copyright 2006 The Janitorial Store

When starting out in your cleaning business, your first clients may be friends, relatives or clients that you had while working for another cleaning service. To grow your business you need to expand your circle and gain new customers. Where do you look for potential clients? The following are practical ideas to find qualified leads.

-- Join a networking or volunteer organization. Your community may have a chamber of commerce, Sertoma, Rotary or other networking organization. Joining and participating is one way to get businesses in the community to know about you and the services you provide.

-- Become an authority. Conduct a survey or poll that offers marketing information and then publicize the results through press releases and websites. Another way to become an expert is to teach classes in a local community education program. Both ways will build recognition and hopefully demand for your services.

-- Find a partner. Work with businesses that compliment your cleaning service. Think of pairing up with a carpet cleaning service, air duct service or a business that cleans blinds. When your partner cannot supply a service they can refer the client to you and vice versa.

-- Create an industry profile. Put together an informative speech or write an article about green cleaning, taking care of carpets or another area you're experienced in. Then put together a few promotional pieces to mail out to the local media.

-- Buy banner ads in electronic media. Look for a website that targets your potential customers, such as your local chamber. This can deliver your information right to the businesses that need your services.

-- Read your local newspaper. Your local paper will keep you informed about new businesses, expansions and remodelings. These can all be prospective clients.

-- Have a booth at a Business Expo. Most communities have some type of commerce and industry trade shows. Setting up a booth and having a sign up for door prizes is one way for people in the community to learn about the services you provide.

-- Check your records. Have you lost clients? Were there potential customers who contacted you that you did not sign up for cleaning services? Circumstances may have changed and they might now need your services.

-- Buy leads. You can buy prospect lists and mailing lists from various sources including local chambers, trade groups, professional organizations and mailing list services. Some lists can be very specific and break down the leads to specific groups, while others (such as from a chamber) may include all the group members.

Growing your cleaning business and getting more clients will take some time, creativity and perseverance. Devoting time into developing contacts and using the above ideas as guidelines you can grow your cleaning business and put your profits into the bank!

Cleaning Mitts Work Wonders - With the Ultimate Cloth

With my ultimate cloth, I can "clean as I go" and keep my house spic and span, and still have plenty of time for the things in life that are most important to me.

Keywords:

ultimate cloth, mirafiber, streak free, washable, bleachable, guaranteed

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Housecleaning has been the bane of my existence for as long as I can remember. At the ripe old age of 50, I finally came to accept the fact that I would never be named "Housekeeper of the Year." I think that my recalcitrance stemmed from my belief that housekeeping was, to a large extent, pointless. Take the kitchen, for example. I would spend an hour or two scrubbing it to spotless perfection, only to cook a meal and have grease-spattered countertops and smudged cupboards defiantly stare back at me. In my heart, I just knew that all of the dust in the neighborhood chose my house as its final resting place. The stuff accumulated on the blinds, on picture frames, on ceiling fans, on knick-knacks - and of course on coffee tables and the top of the TV.

My shortcomings as a housekeeper were never more obvious than when I went to visit my two closest friends. To say they are tidy is an understatement. A dust mote wouldn't dare cross the thresholds of their homes. I suspect that one of my friends cleans her house with the thought that Martha Stewart will show up any day to give it the white glove test, while the other spends part of each Saturday morning on a stepstool, cleaning the tops of her doorframes. On more than one occasion, I found myself rolling my eyes, wondering if they didn't have more productive ways to spend their time. Deep down, however, I was just a tad bit envious. After all, it's not that I don't enjoy the tranquility of a clean home; housekeeping just never came out at the top of my list of priorities.

About a year ago, my perspective shifted when the three of us were out to lunch and one friend mentioned in passing that she'd misplaced her cleaning mitt. My other friend was empathetic, and I sat back as the two discussed the wonders of an ultimate cloth that made cleaning a breeze. As they waxed poetic about a mirafiber cloth that was washable, bleachable, and guaranteed for five years, I realized that they didn't spend an inordinate amount of time on housecleaning. Rather, they had found a product that made housekeeping a breeze.

Although it went against my nature, I decided to give this ultimate cloth a try. What I discovered was eye-opening. Essentially, I could clean my whole house (and my car) with water and a cloth. I didn't need a whole cabinet full of cleaning supplies, and I didn't have to waste paper towels. Instead, I could wet the cloth, wring it out, wipe down the surface I was cleaning, and then walk away knowing it was all streak free. I could get rid of everything from hair spray and grease to dust and soap scum without using any chemicals at all. I even got a cleaning mitt, which worked great for blinds, ceiling fans, and small items.

I'll still never be named "Housekeeper of the Year," but with my ultimate cloth, I discovered that keeping my house clean doesn't have to be an unpleasant chore. I don't have to choose between having a clean house and doing the things I love. Now, I can "clean as I go" and keep my house spic and span, and still have plenty of time for the things in life that are most important to me.

Finance Your Cleaning Business by Bootstrapping

New cleaning businesses tend to have few financial resources, so many rely on a technique called bootstrapping -- learning to do more with less. This article has 12 techniques that have helped cleaning businesses grow and and become successful.

Keywords:

finance cleaning business, bootstrapping

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Copyright 2006 The Janitorial Store

New cleaning businesses tend to have few financial resources. Before you sign your first client you need capital for supplies, equipment, basic start-up expenses, and perhaps even payroll. Where do start-up companies get the financing they need to set up shop? Some businesses use savings, some borrow from friends or relatives, and some get a bank loan. But many small start-ups rely on a technique called bootstrapping.

Bootstrapping means pinching pennies, cutting corners, and learning to do more with less. Using bootstrapping techniques also means carefully watching where your cash is coming from and where it is going to. Does this technique work for growing your business? You bet! Ernest & Julio Gallo, Domino's Pizza, Hallmark Cards and Black & Decker are examples of businesses that started with $1000 or less and used the art of bootstrapping to grow and become successful.

In bootstrapping you not only focus on how revenues come into the business, but where you are going to spend the money that comes in and if there are other ways to obtain those resources.

The following are techniques that have helped businesses grow and expand.

1) Focus on the right customers. Some customers like to hold onto invoices as long as possible. Finding customers who pay immediately helps keep cash flowing into your cleaning business. Maintaining a good customer relationship will also help to get your customers paying as soon as they get their invoice.

2) Be frugal, but not cheap! Distinguish between costs that are necessary and ones you can avoid. Do you need to rent space for your cleaning business or can you begin by running the business out of your home or garage? Can you get by with used equipment? Do you need a cell phone with streaming video or just a basic model to make sure you do not miss any calls? On the same token, don't be shortsighted (and cheap) with suppliers. Develop a good relationship with your suppliers and they will be happy to let you know when there are specials and if a lower priced item works as well as a more expensive one.

3) Create a high profile for your cleaning business. By taking on larger cleaning accounts your business projects an image of competency and that it has the skills and resources to handle the job.

4) Keep your salary as low as possible. The less cash that go out of your business the better. Cut back on your personal expenses while the business grows. Avoid buying that new car and that holiday cruise until your cleaning business has a good cash flow.

5) Get your customers talking about you. Word of mouth is the best advertising around and it doesn't cost you anything. Ask your customers for referrals and tell them to mention your name if they know of anyone who is looking for cleaning services.

6) Keep good records and track every dollar. It is difficult to know if there are expenses that you can cut if you don't know where your money is going or where your money is coming from. Keep more income by not giving preferential treatment or discounts to special customers.

7) There is power in becoming a partner. Find another business owner to share equipment, office space or even employees.

8) Trade for services. Are there individuals or businesses who would be willing to have you clean their offices for part or all of their payment? Large businesses and corporations may not have the flexibility to "swap" services, but your lawyer, graphic designer, accountant or other consultant may be happy to exchange services.

9) If you need employees, hire part-time or temporary help. Rather than having a full-time bookkeeper or marketing person think of hiring a virtual assistant that you can pay for just a few hours a month. Another benefit to a virtual assistant is that she will have her own equipment and be responsible for her own employment taxes.

10) If you are buying or leasing space and equipment agree to only short-term leases. This helps you control costs and keep your cash flow flexible.

11) How much inventory do you need to have on hand? Don't tie up money in supplies and equipment that will just be sitting on a shelf.

12) If necessary, work nights and weekends while your business is growing. Many entrepreneurs will keep their full-time job and a part-time job until their own business is financially stable.

Using bootstrapping techniques mean that you are looking at more than just where your money is coming from. Earning a dollar in revenue may lead to only 20 cents in profit. But if you save a dollar in cost savings, that goes 100 percent to your bottom line. Being frugal at the start of your business can pay big dividends in the long run. Bootstrapping can be your best friend when it comes to the cash flow of your cleaning the business!