About Us...
Why do people call you "Mr. Clean"?
I offer a unique service: housecleaning, de-cluttering, and organizing, all at the same time. I'm the only man I know of my in my area who offers in this service, all from a friendly, trustworthy person. I've been doing this business for 28 years now, and my focus is primarily on residential clients, who also refer to me as the "Master of My Craft".
When a client calls you for help, how do you get started?
First I send them an introductory letter along with the some articles written about me, because I want people to feel at ease in dealing with me. Then I do an initial consultation, listening carefully to the client's desires. From there I device a plan specifically tailored to their needs and habits.
I look at the big picture. I envision the room as if it were empty, even if it's full of clutter at the moment. Then I help my client build a new view of how good it can look. Then, when I come back, I roll up my sleeves and go get 'em!
Do your clients stay and help you, or do you tackle the mess by yourself?
I do whatever the clients wants. About 50% of the time my clients want to be directly involved, so we dig in together and help them set up a system to keep it organized after we're done. Here's an example: If a person always comes home and tosses their keys on a certain shelf in the living room, I place a small basket there to hold the keys. This way we're working with their habits rather than against them.
What about the other 50% who hire you?
They give me full rein; some of them even leave the house when I get there. I decide what to keep and what to give away, but items in question always get placed in a box for them to look through and decide themselves.
I can imagine how great they feel coming back to less clutter, more order, as well as a thoroughly cleaned room! How do you help a client who is overwhelmed and embarrassed about their clutter?
I help them feel as ease. I tell them to leave their house as it is, never to be embarrassed about their home; it is their castle. I'm there to help them, not to critique them. I'm there to make their life less frustrating and more manageable. As I help them set up a routine to keep organized, I teach them that it won't happen all day in one day, but a tiny step at a time will go a long way. Cleaning should be pleasurable, not miserable.
That's a nice thought. How can the average person make cleaning pleasurable?
Cleaning a little bit on a regular basis makes it enjoyable, rather than letting it build up until it's overwhelming. It also helps to get the right tools for the job helps, like a good vacuum cleaner, plenty of clean rags, and a quality mop. Enjoy the personal pride that comes from a job well done. It looks nice, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment.
Windows and mirrors: Wash windows in the shade or on a cloudy day, because heat causes streaks. Mirrors will be less streaky if you turn off the lights, again from getting rid of the heat source. First wipe them down with a clean, damp cloth (either plain water or vinegar and water) to remove most of the dirt and detergent residue. Then dry with a clean cloth.
Dusting: Dust before vacuuming because dust falls to the floor, but often vacuum bags emit a fine powder of dust, so if that bothers you, wipe the surfaces again afterward.
Vacuuming: Vacuum your way out of the room if you don't want to leave any footprints. Periodically vacuum the edges with the vacuum wand.
Hardwood floors: First sweep well or vacuum with a soft brush vacuum. Then mop with a mixture of vinegar and water (1 cup white vinegar to 1 gallon water), and ring the mop out thoroughly to avoid leaving streaks.
Bathroom soap scum: After washing the sink or opaque shower door, wipe on furniture polish or mineral oil repel soap scum.
Overall cleaning: Clean from top to bottom, starting in one corner, and around the room in a circle, working your way out of the room.
Clutter: Use containers and decorative baskets to give items a home. Then develop a routine of putting items away right when you're done using them. It only takes a moment to put something away the first time once you give items a home. That way you'll maximize your storage space and always find your keys.
Re-printed with permission from an article written by myorganizedlife.com an industry-related publication and resource.
