As the owner of a residential cleaning company for 14 years, I have hired and trained many cleaners. Some people may think that cleaning houses is easy. True, it doesn’t require an advanced degree, or any degree for that matter, but if you think it’s easy, try doing it for a few months and you’ll see how wrong you are. A good cleaner needs to be aware of how to properly clean various sensitive surfaces, be efficient, discreet (don’t ask), honest, reliable and sensitive to each home’s unique cleaning needs.
I love it when a potential employee has a background in hotel cleaning. Here’s why: Hotels have requirements that they adhere to. Typically, most hotels require their rooms to be cleaned in about 45 minutes for a large room with bells and whistles and about 25 minutes for a small room with few if any (like a ‘no-tell motel’).
During college, my sister worked at a hotel and she was required to clean 10-15 rooms per day. This is pretty typical and you might be wondering how it can be done. The answer is it can’t…UNLESS you have and follow a system. Remember, if you fail to plan you plan to fail and that’s not gonna happen on my watch. So here we go…
Start with your upper level and after cleaning out trash containers, clean the bathroom(s). Here’s how:
- Spray the shower walls and the bath tub with a mild disinfectant spray. If the area is dirty, let the product work its magic for a few minutes. Remove with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
- Clean the toilet paying close attention to under the rim and behind the toilet. Use a disinfectant with either a brush or rag with a gloved hand, wiping the outside as well, and dry.
- Spray the counter top and sink with a disinfectant spray, and use a dry rag to finish the job.
- Clean mirrors, sink faucets and bathtub faucets with window cleaner, using a microfiber cloth.
- Grab some moistened toilet paper and wipe up the floor, getting as much hair as possible. Flush the toilet paper down the toilet. Vacuum or sweep the floor then clean by hand using a rag.
Now that you’re done with the bathroom…
- Make Beds
- Dust furniture, using a microfiber cloth or slightly damp rag.
- Vacuum and mop as appropriate.
Once you’re downstairs, repeat the process and then finish up in the kitchen. Here’s a general guide for efficient kitchen cleaning:
- Remove counters of all food and clutter
- Throw out trash
- Wipe out inside of microwave/toaster oven.
- Wipe surfaces, including range top.
- Wipe faucet and clean inside of sink.
- Sweep and mop floor
Some general tips to keep your space looking cleaner longer:
- Don’t use bar soaps. They cause soap scum build up.
- Get into the habit of using a squeegee after you shower. It takes literally two minutes and will save you lots of time in the long run.
- Cover food with a paper towel when microwaving to prevent splatters. If a splatter occurs, wipe it immediately.
- Remove shoes upon entering your home.
- Adhere to this simple rule: LEAVE A ROOM AS YOU FOUND IT
If you drop it, pick it up. If you open it, close it. If you break it, fix it. If you move it, put it back.
Clutter is the number one enemy of efficient cleaning. If your house looks like this there’s no way efficient cleaning can take place.
If you need help with clutter control, there is no shortage of resources available. A quick search on the internet will give you more options than you’ll know what to do with.
The above cleaning processes are for general, weekly cleaning only.
I realize this may sound self serving, but I’m a big advocate for getting outside help for the more difficult jobs or the jobs you know you just don’t want to do so you probably won’t do them. Let’s face it. You know I’m right. If your budget won’t allow for weekly help, try every other week or even once a month, or maybe just having help with certain areas of your home. Certain items in your home will last longer if maintained properly, so it’s money well spent. Not to mention it’s a great motivator for removing clutter at least once in a while ;).
I’m curious, do you have outside help? If not, why not?
Partying At
Brenda Kula says
Great advice! I was able to keep my home pretty darned clean until this injury. Now the 1010 square feet feels too large. All the dusting!
Brenda
Doreen@househoneys says
I’m sure you’re more than ready to get back to your old self Brenda! Your injury has certainly overstayed its welcome, and yes, even a tiny house is too big if we can’t clean it. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Judy Clark says
Doreen – Great post!! Love your blog! Am new and went back and read all of your posts. Did you design your header? It is one of the cutest I have ever seen!!
Judy
Doreen@househoneys says
Thank you so very much Judy! Yes, I designed the header, and Charlie was my inspiration ;). That’s him in the wagon, and while I’d love to say that’s me pulling him, I’m not that tall or thin (but that’s our little secret, ok?). Just to be clear, I designed it, but there’s no way I would have been able to do the installation!
I’m so glad you stopped by! I’ve been to your fabulous blog and it truly reflects what a wonderful person you are. Brenda is lucky to have such a giving friend.
Nici ~ Posed Perfection says
Hi Doreen! I liked the methods you described in this post. Sadly, its’ the clutter that gets me into a tizzy. We do not have outside help now, but at one point we did. What I loved about having our gal come over was that the whole house was clean for that one afternoon. Oh, sure, I would have to “clean” before the cleaning lady came by taking care of the clutter, but once she was finished, the house sparkled. I tend to get bogged down in the decluttering and then am too worn out to make it really clean. I appreciate your great tips.
Blessings,
Nici
Doreen@househoneys says
Clutter is a challenge for sure, especially with small children. It’s a never ending battle and requires discipline and efficient systems that truly work. Thanks for stopping by Nici! Great to hear from you!
Debbie@Mountain Breaths says
Great advice, especially since I always start with the downstairs. Thanks for the info!
bj says
Hi, Over from Kathe’s…
Great tips here…I use a lot of your tips but also learned a few more.
Thanks…
Ruth Hovsepian says
Great tips. I chuckled as I read the tips for the bathroom, I’m told by my family I’m nuts for cleaning the floor by hand. 🙂 I do this everyday. I wipe the floor with a damp paper towel and then sweep/swiffer… LOL… As part of my concierge offerings I also provide house cleaning and whatever I do in my own home we do in my client’s homes. I have a list of things all my cleaners follow.
Akilah says
Thanks for this I’m going to try it in this order, I think my problem is I’m always all over the place and take twice as long to get the cleaning done
Doreen@househoneys says
It’s easy for that to happen Akilah, especially when we are in our own homes and there tends to be so many distractions. Staying focused is key.
I tried to visit your blog but your page wasn’t loading :(. Thanks for stopping by!
Resa Dance at Pitcher and Plate says
Well, I am inspired! You make it sound so easy. As soon as I’ve had my morning coffee tomorrow, I’m going to jump in and follow your plan. Thanks, in advance, for your help with my weekly cleaning!
Resa ~ Pitcher and Plate
Doreen Sargente says
What time is coffee Resa? I’m comin’ over to keep you on task ;).
Lexi says
Hi! I love this site! I started my own house cleaning business back in February because I have an ill child at home. I didn’t realize how well I would do,) and now I have more houses then I can handle and no help,( how do I go about hiring others and do you charge by the job or by the hour? Any help would be greatly appreciated! ,)
Doreen Sargente says
Hi Lexi! Congratulations on starting your own business! I would be more than happy to share my thoughts with you and answer any questions you might have. It would be best if you would email me (click on the email icon above) as there is a lot to know and this might not be the best place to discuss everything.
Thanks for stopping by and I look forward to hearing from you!
Chelsey says
What do you use for the bathroom cleaner. I don’t want anything that is really smelly or bad for my family. But I have read that you are to use a disinfectant but didn’t know which one to use. Thanks for your help!
Doreen@househoneys says
Hi Chelsey,
Good question! Sounds like you need to stick with a green product like Seventh Generation. We use Eco Lab’s Oasis line but it’s typically not available at most retailers.
There are many safe and effective products on the market sold at many retailers like Trader Joes, Whole Foods, etc. Many typical grocers sell them also, so they shouldn’t be that hard to find. Not knowing where you live I can’t recommend a specific one, but you also order anything and everything on line as well.
Hope this helps and thanks for stopping by! Don’t forget to sign up for updates via email so you don’t miss any future tips!
Hot Dish Homemaker says
Thanks for sharing! I also had a home cleaning company and providing this list is great for those who need more structure. I have similar tips on my website http://www.hotdishhomemaker.com Cleaning can be overwhelming for some, especially if you let it get out of control. Organization is key and a motto of “clean as you go” will cut back on things piling up. You have offered some great advice for cleaning!
Mini Clean says
Hi! I totally agree with what you are trying to say. Cleaning isn’t an easy task. You have to be very careful in using cleaning agents that might be harmful to you and to your family. Can you also suggests some cleaning agents that you use for cleaning? It would be great if you can share it also. Thank you.