Life Lesson 2: Access Honestly =Survive a deep clean

SO.  I  TOOK MY VERY FIRST DEEP CLEAN JOB… THIS WAS OVER 6 YEARS AGO, AND I FELT PRETTY EXCITED. 

I thought that $135 was going to make me and my client very happy.   6 hours later, I wasn’t done with half the house.  And the half that WAS done hadn’t made the client ecstatic. In fact she was mad.  What happened?   The price was cheaper than competition.  The cleaning was the best of my (then) ability, we got along and I enjoyed cleaning … but her expectations ended up being more on par with a Chip and Joanna Gaines house transformation or a spotless magazine, and my FOCUS was off.  

I was not able to deliver a full-house deep clean at that time, because I had failed to realize the amount of detail this house needed in order to bring it up to par.  It was going to take more like 20 hours to complete this house.  But, instead of at least communicating this in advance (or when I discovered my estimate error)… I let the lady down and earned myself my very first poor review (and refund).  I was heartbroken.  But the lesson learned was:

A. Access correctly.

If you see Cheerios on and under the carpet, mud and grime caked into all the corners…  extra not-prepared spaces and not agreed-to dishes and debris… and your client then asks you to wipe the light switches, do extra bedrooms and clean out the attic… well, no need to SAY “Cheerio” and run! The  biggest need is to:

B. FIRST communicate, then DO A NORMAL CLEANING… this will make everyone happier. (nice clients anyway). You can complete a normal cleaning… THEN, go back over the house to spot check everything in DETAIL (I.e. a deep clean.)

Now I know.  

It isn’t the only time I have gotten lost in the fun of  detail cleaning… I wish it were… but each “oops” I’ve made with time limits or estimates,  something reminds me to come back to that NORMAL space… CLEAN NORMALLY FIRST. Then do details. 

So, Clients, please try and prepare for your cleaner by picking up personal debris… and if your cleaner lets you down… know we are trying, he he.  Also, if your space needs extra cleaning… we have to do a normal cleaning first, THEN go back and deep clean.

C. An honest conversation is the best policy for both client and cleaner.  

We can probably get you what you want and need… if you give us your needs clearly and we are both honest and understanding as we supply.  … your “deep clean” may just be waiting for you at the end of a few normal cleaning visits. 

Well,“Soapboxing” down memory lane is painful today.  But it’s worth it.  Because a new job is exciting and can stay that way -with a little shared wisdom from those who have learned these life lessons before you.  Someone like me.

Have a great night everyone. OH… and if you DO CHOOSE a normal cleaning.. you will find that DreamitCLEAN gives you a little extra each time… your deep clean may just be waiting for you.

Reach out and take it!