Can you imagine your life without cleaning? Imagine this—all the nagging chores disappear in a puff of smoke, and you have all your free time to do more pleasant stuff! No, it is not a daydream—it is the reality for thousands of people who delegate housekeeping tasks to a professional cleaner.

If you hire a cleaner, we will help you choose the right one for your needs. Discover how a professional cleaner can transform your space and simplify your life!

What Do Professional Cleaners Do?

Professional cleaners offer various services that enhance your home’s cleanliness and hygiene. They use expert techniques and high-quality equipment to ensure every nook and cranny receives a thorough sanitisation, creating a healthy space for you and your family.

Whether you’re looking for regular maintenance, deep cleaning, or specialised tasks, these professionals prioritise your satisfaction and deliver visible results while adhering to safety standards. So whether you need help with routine upkeep or a major disaster clean-up, you can rely on their dependable service and commitment to quality for peace of mind.

Along with standard cleaning routines, they provide services such as:

• Carpet and upholstery cleaning
• Window cleaning
• Post-construction clean-ups

Using eco-friendly products keeps your loved ones safe and contributes to the planet. Their specialised techniques, such as steam cleaning and sanitisation, eliminate allergens and bacteria.

Clients often rave about the amazing transformations and attention to detail these services provide, proving just how vital it is to choose professionals dedicated to enhancing cleanliness and customer satisfaction.

The Advantages of Hiring a Professional Cleaner

Hiring a professional cleaner has numerous advantages beyond simply having a spotless home. When you hire the experts, you save valuable time that you can spend with family or enjoy your favourite leisure activities.

Moreover, their expertise guarantees cleanliness that can improve indoor air quality and overall health. These trained professionals use specialised equipment and techniques to deep-clean your home, transforming it into a sanctuary free from allergens and clutter.

And the best part? Their reliable service can be tailored to fit your schedule, providing peace of mind and the convenience of a well-maintained home.

Time-Saving Benefits

One of the biggest advantages of hiring a professional cleaner is how much time it saves for busy homeowners like you. Instead of spending your weekends scrubbing floors or wrestling with clutter, you can reclaim those precious hours for family time, hobbies, or relaxing.

Professional cleaning services have efficient processes and expertise, so they can do the job more quickly and effectively than you could. With flexible scheduling options, you can set a cleaning frequency that suits your lifestyle, allowing you to enjoy a tidy home without sacrificing your valuable time.

By passing those tasks off to skilled cleaners, you can optimise your cleaning routine and keep your home looking great without the constant maintenance stress. For example, you can enjoy spontaneous outings or host game nights without worrying about how messy your living space is. This newfound time can deepen your connections, allowing you to engage more fully with your children and create cherished memories instead of feeling buried under chores.

In the end, hiring professional cleaning services enhances the cleanliness of your home and enriches your family life, allowing you to focus on what matters.

Expertise and Quality Cleaning

When you hire professional cleaners, you’re not just getting a service but investing in expert cleaning that meets the highest quality standards.

This investment goes far beyond just a quick dusting; it’s essential for boosting your home’s overall hygiene. The staff undergo rigorous training programmes covering various cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and the latest tools. This means they know how to handle different surfaces and understand the importance of using the right products to keep your home safe.

You’ll also appreciate thorough inspections before and after each cleaning session. This ensures meticulous attention to detail that often gets overlooked in a typical cleaning routine. This comprehensive approach leaves no stone unturned, giving your home that fresh, clean feel that contributes to a healthier living environment.

Reduced Stress and Hassle

Hiring a professional cleaner can relieve the stress of keeping your home tidy. With their efficient cleaning solutions and organised approaches, these professionals handle the dirty work, letting you enjoy a clutter-free space without the hassle of DIY cleaning.

Imagine walking into a pristine home where everything is neatly placed; that peace of mind is priceless. You can finally focus on what matters without those cleaning tasks hanging over your head.

This newfound freedom not only eases the mental load that often comes with household chores but also helps you feel more relaxed and at ease. By outsourcing the cleaning, you can reclaim valuable time and turn it into moments for rest, family, or those personal hobbies that bring you joy.

Clean space can boost your productivity and lift your mood, creating an environment that supports mental clarity. The organisational perks of hiring experts also help create a more harmonious living space, ultimately enhancing your overall quality of life.

The Cost of Hiring a Professional Cleaner

Understanding the cost of hiring a professional cleaner is key to balancing quality and affordability. Sure, some might initially see the expense as a luxury, but the value adds up when you consider the health benefits and improved indoor air quality that come with expert cleaning.

Many cleaning services offer flexible pricing structures and service agreements, so there’s something for every budget. This means you can get a clean home without emptying your purse. Investing in professional cleaning shows your commitment to maintaining your home and prioritising your family’s well-being.

Factors that Affect Cost

Several factors are crucial in determining your price when hiring a professional cleaner, so it’s good to know what influences your final bill.

First, consider how often you will need cleaning. You can change pricing for a one-off deep clean or regular service. The scope of work also matters; asking for deep cleaning or specialised tasks will affect your overall costs.

Moreover, many companies offer tailored services based on your cleaning needs, allowing you to customise your experience without breaking the bank.

Other important elements include the size of your space and the specific areas that require attention. Larger homes or more complex jobs typically come with a higher price tag. Different providers also have various pricing models, such as hourly rates versus flat fees, which can lead to differences in your spending.

Remember to consider the level of expertise needed; seasoned professionals might charge a bit more, but they often deliver superior results.

So, figure out exactly what you need and consult a few providers. This way, you can find the best cleaning service for your budget.

Comparing Costs to DIY Cleaning

When weighing the costs of hiring a professional cleaner versus doing it yourself, it’s essential to look beyond the price tag. Think about the value for your money and the long-term benefits. Sure, the initial cost of a professional cleaning service might shock you, but that investment can pay off in the time saved and the level of quality you receive.

Considering the cost of cleaning supplies and equipment and the effort required to keep your home in shape, choosing a professional looks quite appealing for many homeowners who aim for long-term maintenance.

Opting for a professional service means you benefit from the expertise of trained cleaners who use high-quality products that might not be available in shops. These professionals know how to tackle tough stains and reach those often overlooked spots, ensuring a deeper clean that enhances the overall hygiene of your space.

In the long run, this approach helps protect your health by eliminating hidden allergens and bacteria and extends the life of your furniture and fixtures. Ultimately, it’s a wise investment for anyone wanting to create a pristine living environment.

How to Choose the Right Professional Cleaner

Choosing the right professional cleaner is significant if you want quality service and peace of mind. With so many options available, it’s important to consider key factors that can help you find reliable service providers who genuinely care about customer satisfaction.

Look for trustworthy professionals who offer cleaning guarantees and have glowing testimonials from previous clients. By researching and seeking expert advice, you can make a sensible choice that perfectly meets your cleaning needs and expectations.

Factors to Consider

When choosing a professional cleaner, there are a few essential things to consider to ensure you select a trustworthy and effective service.

First, look at their professional standards, including their training protocols and whether they use eco-friendly products—this demonstrates their commitment to quality. Customer satisfaction is another significant factor; reviews and testimonials highlight their reliability and service excellence. You’ll also want to consider their flexibility with scheduling and services, as this can enhance your cleaning experience.

Make sure to inquire about their insurance and bonding. This not only protects you in case something goes wrong but also indicates your level of professionalism. Don’t hesitate to ask about their techniques and equipment; modern tools can boost efficiency and the overall results.

Communication is crucial, too. A company that listens to your specific needs and preferences will more likely provide a cleaning experience tailored just for you. You should seek out more information and references. Speaking to past clients can give you valuable insights into what to expect, helping you make an informed decision.

Questions to Ask

Asking the right questions before you hire a professional cleaner helps you uncover essential information that gives you confidence in their quality and reliability.

This isn’t just about the basics; it opens up a discussion about their training protocols and the background checks they carry out on their staff. Additionally, getting a feel for their customer service approach can provide valuable insights into their responsiveness and adaptability. Don’t hesitate to ask about their flexibility with scheduling and how they handle special requests or last-minute changes.

You’ll gain a clearer picture by making notes during these conversations and comparing the responses from different companies. That way, you can make a more informed decision about which cleaning service best fits your specific needs.

Is clutter taking over your living spaces? Are you struggling to find ways to keep your home organised and efficient?

We’ll offer you practical tips and strategies for conquering clutter in every room of your home. From decluttering your living room, bedroom, and bathroom to organising your kitchen and pantry, you’ll learn how to maximise space, create functional storage solutions, and maintain a clutter-free home.

Discover daily habits and routines for staying clutter-free and get some tips for dealing with those sentimental items that keep piling up. Start your journey to a clutter-free and organised home today!

The Importance of Organising Your Home

Organising your home is crucial for cultivating a peaceful environment that encourages order and efficiency in your daily life. A living space free of clutter can make a big difference in your mental well-being and productivity.

A neat home can help lower stress and anxiety levels, enabling better concentration and feeling more at ease. By optimising how you use your space and setting up efficient layouts, you can improve your home’s look and establish a calming retreat where you can relax after a hectic day.

Making organisational habits part of your daily routine can result in a more balanced and harmonious living space, ultimately enhancing your overall quality of life.

Decluttering Your Living Spaces

When you’re tackling decluttering your living spaces, such as the living room, bedroom, and bathroom, remember to use smart decluttering methods and cleaning tricks to make those spaces both practical and clutter-free.

A little room revamp can work wonders, totally changing the vibe of your home. It gives you a chance to show off your home decor and keep all your stuff in order.

Tips for Tackling the Living Room, Bedroom, and Bathroom

When it comes to tackling your living room, bedroom, and bathroom, you need some effective organisation tips and storage solutions to make the most of your space and keep things clutter-free. Implement labelling systems and creative storage solutions to simplify your life and streamline your designated spaces. These tricks will help you set up efficient systems that stop clutter from building up and support good habits for long-term home improvement.

Want to keep your home in order? Start by giving each area within these rooms a specific purpose. Designate a cosy reading nook or entertainment corner in the living room, create a relaxing vibe in the bedroom, and make sure your bathroom is all about those grooming essentials. When you define these functions, you’ll bring structure to your space and make it easier to keep clutter at bay.

And why not mix things up by rearranging your rooms now and then? It’ll give your living space a fresh feel and stop things from getting stale.

Organising Your Kitchen and Pantry

You need to get your kitchen and larder in order for meal prep and storage. Use storage bins, shelves, and clever organisation tricks to create a clutter-free area that maximises space and cuts down on mess. Adding drawer dividers and vertical storage options enhances the functionality and style of your kitchen and larder.

Maximising Space and Efficiency

To maximise space and efficiency in your home, you need to get strategic with your space utilisation and create functional spaces with efficient layouts. Start by incorporating clever storage solutions and ideas to tackle organisation challenges and keep things in order throughout your home. This will transform your rooms and optimise how you use your living space.

Consider using furniture that can do double duty, like storage footstools or bed frames with built-in drawers. Consider installing shelves or cupboards that reach the ceiling to make the most of your walls. Organisers like drawer dividers, wardrobe systems, and under-the-sink racks can also help you boost your storage efficiency. Don’t forget to adopt a clutter-free mindset and regularly declutter items you no longer need—it’s key to maintaining a streamlined and organised living space.

Creating Functional Storage Solutions

When you’re looking to create functional storage solutions, you want to make the most of shelving, baskets, and containers to keep your household items organised and clear your surfaces for a clutter-free and functional space. Using these efficient storage options, you can tackle organisational hurdles and keep your home tidy and efficient.

Utilising Shelving, Baskets, and Containers

Using shelves, baskets, and containers is critical for keeping your home organised and clutter-free. By incorporating labelling systems and creative storage solutions, you can transform your spaces into functional and orderly havens that make the most of your space.

Using these storage units strategically allows you to assign specific items to their rightful places, cutting down on the time you spend hunting for lost items. With everything clearly labelled and organised, it becomes a breeze for everyone in your household to keep things tidy.

Mixing in different storage options like baskets and containers not only adds a visual flair but also boosts the space’s usability. By merging style with practicality, you can strike a perfect balance that brings peace and efficiency to your living environment.

Maintaining an Organised Home

To keep your home in order, you must set up daily habits and routines that help keep things clutter-free. By including tidying-up tasks and effective systems in your daily routine, you can tackle organisational hurdles and create habits that will help you stick to a decluttering plan and maintain an organised home.

Daily Habits and Routines for Staying Clutter-Free

Establishing daily habits and routines is essential for maintaining clutter-free and organised living spaces. By implementing efficient systems and practising clutter control, you can develop organisational habits that promote a clutter-free environment and support your journey towards minimalism and orderliness.

Consistency is key to forming habits and maintaining routines that support clutter control and organised living. Try setting specific times for decluttering sessions each day to prevent items from piling up and ensure your living spaces stay tidy.

Don’t underestimate the power of incorporating small tasks, like putting things back in their designated spots right after use. These simple actions can make a big difference in keeping an organised environment. Remember, it takes time for these changes to become a natural part of your daily routine, so be patient and persistent as you work towards transitioning to a clutter-free lifestyle.

Dealing with Sentimental Items

When it comes to sentimental items, you might find it tough to part ways. But hey, mastering the art of letting go and getting your keepsakes in order is vital to managing clutter and giving your room a whole new vibe.

So, why start by making some changes in your lifestyle that focus on the things that matter and decluttering those sentimental items? This way, you can turn your space into a true reflection of your values and memories.

Tips for Letting Go and Organising Keepsakes

Using sorting methods and a declutter checklist helps you let go of your keepsakes and organise them. By getting creative and keeping things in order, you’ll be able to stop clutter from piling up and give your room a whole new look with a clean, clutter-free vibe.

If you’re trying to sort through sentimental items, a good idea is to group them based on how attached you are to them. Start by determining which items hold the most sentimental value, like heirlooms or gifts from special people, and separate them from the ones that don’t mean as much to you. This way, you can focus on what matters and make it easier to part with things just taking up space.

Keeping a checklist of items you want to keep, donate, or toss can help you stay organised while decluttering.

In the competitive world of home cleaning professionals, making a great first impression is critical to securing a loyal customer base. From being punctual and respectful of their time to using high-quality products and tools, there are several ways to impress a first-time customer. We will explore the best strategies for impressing your clients and ensuring they return for more. Let’s dive in and discover how you can stand out in the world of home cleaning services.

Why First Impressions Matter for Home Cleaning Professionals

As a home cleaning professional, creating a positive first impression is crucial for attracting and retaining first-time customers. The best way to impress new clients is by providing a professional, trustworthy, and reliable cleaning service that is punctual, efficient, thorough, and affordable.

It sets the foundation for building a lasting customer satisfaction and loyalty relationship. Attention to detail ensures that every corner and surface is meticulously cleaned.

Based on your industry experience and expertise, communication with customers about their specific needs and preferences is essential. By consistently delivering high-quality service that exceeds expectations, you can establish yourself as a reputable and sought-after cleaning professional. This approach leaves a positive first impression and sets the stage for long-term success in the competitive cleaning industry.

Be punctual and respectful of their time.

Being punctual and respectful of a customer’s time is essential for home cleaning professionals to showcase their professionalism and reliability, setting the foundation for customer satisfaction and potential repeat business.

Why Is Punctuality Important?

Punctuality is crucial for home cleaning professionals as it demonstrates professionalism, reliability, and respect for the customer’s time. This ultimately contributes to customer satisfaction, loyalty, and potential repeat business.

Being punctual in the cleaning service industry plays a significant role in meeting and exceeding customer expectations. A punctual arrival sets a positive tone for the service experience, showing customers their time is valued. This level of respect helps to build trust and rapport with customers, showcasing the dedication to delivering high-quality service.

By consistently being on time, cleaning professionals can create a competitive edge in the market by showcasing efficiency and reliability. This leads to satisfied customers spreading positive word-of-mouth recommendations and fostering long-term relationships.

How Can You Show Respect for Your Customer’s Time?

Respecting a customer’s time involves effective time management practices, clear communication, and a commitment to punctuality. These practices contribute to a positive customer experience, increased loyalty, and potential repeat business.

By prioritising efficient scheduling and timely arrivals, you demonstrate professionalism and reliability, instilling trust and confidence in your customers. Transparent communication further solidifies the relationship, as customers appreciate being informed about potential delays or changes. These practices show respect for their time and set the foundation for building long-term relationships based on mutual understanding and satisfaction. Ultimately, aligning your business operations with these strategies can lead to enhanced customer satisfaction, increased loyalty, and a positive reputation in the market.

Communicate Clearly and Effectively

Clear and effective communication is a cornerstone of success for home cleaning professionals, ensuring that customer needs are understood, services are personalised, and expectations are met consistently.

Why Is Communication Important?

Effective communication is at the heart of successful home cleaning services. It allows professionals to understand customer needs, deliver personalised solutions, and build long-term relationships based on trust and satisfaction.

By actively listening to customers’ requirements and concerns, cleaning service providers can tailor their offerings to meet specific expectations, ensuring higher customer satisfaction.

Clear and timely communication helps manage expectations and promptly address issues, showcasing professionalism and reliability.

Building a strong online presence through responsive communication channels such as social media and websites can enhance visibility and accessibility for potential clients.

Encouraging and incorporating customer feedback into the service model demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and personalised care.

How Can You Communicate Effectively with Your Customers?

Effective communication with customers involves active listening, clear articulation of services, transparency in operations, and a proactive approach to addressing feedback and concerns, all of which contribute to improved service quality and customer satisfaction.

By actively listening to customers and understanding their needs, businesses can deliver tailored service solutions that address specific requirements and exceed expectations. Transparent information sharing ensures customers are well-informed about products or services, reducing misunderstandings and building trust. Responsive feedback mechanisms allow businesses to improve continuously by promptly incorporating customer suggestions and resolving issues. This customer-centric approach fosters professionalism, reliability, and a culture of service excellence that sets companies apart in today’s competitive market.

Pay Attention to Detail

Excellence in home cleaning services requires keen attention to detail, ensuring every cleaning process is meticulously handled to deliver high-quality results and exceed customer expectations.

Why Is Attention to Detail Important for Home Cleaning?

Attention to detail is a hallmark of excellent home cleaning services. It ensures thoroughness, precision, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results aligned with customer expectations and industry standards.

Such meticulous attention guarantees a spotless living space and significantly impacts the overall service quality. By paying close attention to every nook and cranny, cleaning professionals can ensure that no speck of dust is left behind. This level of precision not only enhances the cleanliness of the home but also contributes to customer satisfaction and loyalty. When cleaning professionals demonstrate their commitment to excellence through attention to detail, it showcases their professionalism and reliability, setting them apart in a competitive market.

How Can You Ensure You Don’t Miss Anything?

Preventing oversights in cleaning tasks requires a systematic approach, thorough checklists, regular training on industry standards, and a commitment to continuous improvement to ensure consistent, high-quality service and customer satisfaction.

By implementing detailed checklists for each cleaning task, service providers can maintain a focus on every aspect of the job, ensuring no step is overlooked.

Ongoing training sessions help employees stay updated on the latest techniques and advancements in the field, enhancing their skills and attention to detail.

Quality assurance processes play a vital role in monitoring service delivery and identifying areas for improvement, leading to a higher level of professionalism.

Considering eco-friendly practices demonstrates reliability and social responsibility, contributes to a healthier environment, and positively impacts the company’s image.

Use High-Quality Products and Tools

Using high-quality cleaning products and tools is a cornerstone of professional home cleaning services. It ensures effective cleaning results, environmental sustainability, and customer satisfaction through industry-standard practices.

Why Are High-Quality Products and Tools Important for Home Cleaning?

Utilising high-quality cleaning products and tools enhances cleaning efficiency and effectiveness and underscores a commitment to environmental sustainability, industry standards, and customer satisfaction in professional home cleaning services.

Cleaning businesses can deliver superior results while minimising their ecological footprint by investing in top-tier products such as HEPA vacuums, microfiber cloths, and eco-friendly detergents. These tools remove dust and grime effectively and contribute to a healthier indoor environment, which is critical for maintaining client loyalty.

Utilising industry-standard equipment like floor scrubbers and steam cleaners sets a business apart, ensuring a competitive edge in delivering thorough and customer-centric services. This emphasis on quality and professionalism not only boosts brand reputation but also reinforces the value proposition of the cleaning service.

What Are Some Recommended Products and Tools for Home Cleaning?

When selecting cleaning products and tools, professionals should prioritise those that offer high quality, eco-friendly features, and superior performance to deliver exceptional service standards, maintain a healthy environment, and enhance the overall customer experience.

By choosing eco-friendly products, cleaning professionals demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility and show customers that they value their well-being. Opting for bio-degradable cleaners, microfiber cloths, and reusable mop heads ensures effective cleaning and reduces the impact on nature.

These choices resonate with clients who appreciate businesses prioritising eco-conscious practices and upholding industry standards of professionalism and trustworthiness. Such decisions elevate the service and contribute to a positive brand image and customer loyalty.

Go Above and Beyond

Exceeding customer expectations and going the extra mile are critical strategies for home cleaning professionals to impress clients, build loyalty, and secure repeat business by delivering outstanding service that reflects a customer-centric approach.

Why Is Going Above and Beyond Important for Home Cleaning?

Going the extra mile in home cleaning services demonstrates a commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships, fostering positive word-of-mouth recommendations, client referrals, and a strong online presence built on trust and exceptional results.

By exceeding expectations through professionalism and reliability, clients are more likely to become loyal advocates of your service. Happy customers who receive exceptional customer-centric care are inclined to return for future cleanings and are more likely to leave glowing reviews and recommend your business to friends and family. This cycle of customer loyalty, repeat business, and positive referrals is integral to the growth and success of any cleaning business.

What Are Some Ways You Can Go Above and Beyond for Your Customers?

Delivering exceptional service beyond the standard cleaning scope can include offering personalised solutions, accommodating special requests, providing extra attention to specific areas, and ensuring a hassle-free experience that resonates with customers seeking value, reliability, and outstanding results.

This level of service excellence often involves going the extra mile to tailor cleaning schedules to fit the client’s preferred timings, addressing unique cleaning needs such as eco-friendly products or allergy concerns, or even providing follow-up consultations to ensure ongoing satisfaction.

By listening attentively to customer feedback, implementing innovative cleaning techniques, and offering competitive pricing without compromising quality, cleaning professionals exhibit a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and consistently strive to exceed expectations.

Showcasing positive customer testimonials and promptly resolving any issues or concerns demonstrates a proactive approach to problem-solving and a genuine dedication to fostering long-term relationships with clients.

Hello, my dear cleaning-loving friends! My name is Dawn Bremmer, and I am an all-round cleaning specialist and an instructor at TDX. While still serving customers regularly, my true passion is training our novice technicians and helping them make their first steps in the industry. Which leads me to the topic of today’s post – how I dealt with the anxiety of working for my first high-profile customer.

I need to clarify a few points before I begin. Today, TDX Cleaning is a top-tier Croydon cleaning contractor with a well-established reputation in the local community. It was not so five years ago when I joined the company. We were a small team back then, always hard-pressed with schedules and deadlines. If one of the more experienced cleaners had to take a leave for a few days, a pandemonium of frantic calls and last-minute improvising erupted in our small office.

This exact thing happened to me on a sunny Tuesday morning. I had been with TDX for just over six months, still wondering if I should consider it a short-term stop-gap to pay the rent or a credible career choice. I was brushing my teeth when my phone began buzzing. My first reaction was panic – I had somehow mixed the days and was hopelessly late for an appointment. But then I saw my supervisor’s name on the screen and figured he couldn’t find out so quickly. A glance at the calendar assured me I still had some sense of time. But why would Paul call me then?

“Good morning, Dawn! I hope I didn’t get you out of bed or something. Look, I know it is early, and you don’t have appointments in the morning. But we have a bit of a situation here. Linda’s husband just called. She had to go the ER – some very nasty virus, fever, painfully sore throat, the whole nine yards. You get the picture. We have no one else available for Mrs Weldham’s appointment. Do you think you are up to it?”

I gulped silently. Linda was our top house cleaner – experienced, knowledgeable, and always on top of things. At that time, all I knew about the world of professional cleaning was because of her – she had taken me under her wing and took the time to show me the ropes. But the more significant problem was Mrs Weldham.

She was something of an urban legend among the cleaners. A highly successful corporate lawyer in her early forties, she lived in a large luxurious apartment in the newly opened apartment complex at Park Lane. Mrs Weldham was a demanding perfectionist who did not tolerate even the slightest imperfection. Linda, of course, had never had a problem with that – she was the embodiment of cleaning perfection. But I wasn’t sure I would be up to the task.

I tried to express my doubts to Paul, but he cut me short. “Sooner or later, you have to jump in the deeper end of the pool. You cannot remain a small-scale cleaner forever, Dawn. Besides, we will lose one of our most important customers if I don’t send someone. If I screw up, the outcome will be the same. I am willing to take the risk. Having said that – don’t screw up!”

I had to give it to Paul – he had a talent for riling up the troops. I put on my cleaning uniform and headed for the office to pick up my cleaning gear. Before I left for the job, a few of my colleagues wished me luck and patted me on the shoulder. It felt like a rendezvous with fate – a last cleaning job or baptism of fire.

I still had two hours before the appointment, so I stopped at my favourite Cake Box Croydon. It is one of my guilty pleasures – whenever I am stressed, I need something sweet to improve my mood. I tried to remember every tip that Linda had given me throughout the last six months, and one stuck out: “Always be honest with your customer. Double-dealing is not a good policy in the long run.”

I finished my chocolate fudge cake and headed for the Fold – the high-rise apartment complex where Mrs Weldham lived. After signing in at the reception desk, I entered the elevator, desperately trying to calm down. Unfortunately, by the time I reached her apartment, I had convinced myself this was going to be a total disaster.

A surprisingly short and casually dressed woman opened the door with a quizzical look. “Can I help you?” she asked politely, probably wondering how I had passed through the security in the lobby.

“Nice to meet you, Mrs Weldham! My name is Dawn Bremmer. I work for TDX Cleaning and will be your house cleaner today. My supervisor must have already notified you of the change.”

“Ah, yes, of course. Come on in. How is Linda? I hope she gets better soon.”

I stepped into the apartment and looked around. The place was stunning! It was spacious, well-ordered yet simplistic – the owner apparently favoured minimalism in interior design.

“You are ten minutes early”, noticed Mrs Weldham, kicking me out of my daydreaming.

“I am sorry, ma’am! I really wanted to make sure that I am not late.”

“Oh, don’t apologise for being early. I like punctual people who understand the importance of time.”

After giving me some simple and short instructions about her preferences, she returned to her study. Mrs Weldham told me Tuesdays were her days away from the office when she preferred to work at home. My fear and anxiety were quickly dissipating. There was obviously some disconnect between what I had heard and the person in front of me.

And then it dawned on me(no pun intended!). I had never heard Linda say anything about Mrs Weldham. It was the other cleaners who were speculating. Maybe they were jealous of Linda’s success. Or they just loved to gossip. Either way, my terrible cleaning appointment was going much more smoothly than expected. The apartment, although large, was very easy to clean. The lack of too much furniture and the easy-to-clean surfaces – no carpets on the floor – meant there was nothing to slow me down. Within two hours, I was done.

Mrs Weldham made a quick inspection and voiced her approval. Then, as she was about to pay me, she fixed me with her stare. “I could tell that you were afraid when you arrived. Why?”

I was caught by surprise. I could deny it or try to come up with some excuse. But then I remembered Linda’s advice. “You have a reputation as a very demanding and strict customer, and I am a novice. I thought I was going to fail.”

“Did Linda say that?”

“No, ma’am! My colleagues were just speculating. You are a very successful corporate lawyer, after all.”

The slightest trace of a smile appeared on her face. “I like to sustain the reputation of a ruthless shark – at the negotiations table or in conference rooms. But I am not a tyrant in my private life. I like you, Dawn. You have all the qualities of a successful person. Keep up the great work!”

Linda returned to work in a few days, and I told her what had happened. “I never saw the reason to straighten the others about Mrs Weldham. If they want to talk, let them talk. Now, you and I know the truth.”

My supervisor was more than impressed that I had survived my encounter with the “fearsome corporate shark”. I didn’t see the need to correct him either. But I learned a valuable lesson – never assume anything, and don’t go to an appointment with preconceived notions.

Micro cloths are ideal cleaning supply. They are suitable for everything-for dusting, wiping, drying. The material is a soft and gentle one-a proper solution for various surfaces and products;
Sponge-classic, abrasive, sponge cloths, silicone or like spaghetti;
Every homemaker must store in the cleaning cupboard white towels. That must-have on hand supply is comfortable and easy for washing, bleaching and disinfecting;
Squeegees are a smart little trick for bathroom keeping, free of moisture and mould. They are perfect in window washing, simple for maintaining. Observe on a regular base the condition of the blade before to use it, to avoid leaving streaks. Its rechanging is rapid.
A nice sized bucket will help you with many of the household purposes.
I love the spray bottle support-that is useful for gentle rinsing, especially must-have when you rely on homemade cleaning solutions.
Broom, Dustpan, Mop-classic and necessary, especially for hard floors and for homes with kids and pets;
Toothbrush and a scrub brush washing tools can give you more power in housekeeping tasks, suitable for nooks and crannies, difficult-to-reach places;
Vacuum and a steam cleaner protect the indoor environment. Ensure healthy home without dust, acari and bacteria-clean and disinfected floors with a pure shine at bay.