Let’s be honest.  It’s pretty easy to let our house cleaning chores go by the wayside when we are busy.  When there are reports to prepare, meetings to be had, and children to be fed, there sometimes aren’t enough hours in a day.  It’s not hard to believe that mopping, dusting, vacuuming, and window washing are last on our list of things to do.

You can, however, have the best of both worlds.  Hire a cleaner!  When you make the decision to hire cleaner for your home, you aren’t wasting money or being lazy.  You are devoting whatever free time you have to enhancing your life.  When you have to choose between time and money, more times than not, time wins.  This is especially true if you have children or pets that you’d like to spend more time with.

It’s pretty easy to hire a cleaner.  Follow these 4 steps and you’ll have a cleaner house and more free time very soon.

1.Go for it!
Don’t waste a lot of time debating whether or not you should hire a cleaner.  You already know you need cleaner.  Many people, especially women, feel inadequate once they recognize they aren’t keeping their homes as clean as they’d like.  There are things far more important than house cleaning that you have prioritized.  Let someone help with the menial task of home maintenance so that you can build relationships, advance at work, or simply relax a little bit more.

2. Find a local company.
There are cleaning companies headquartered all over the world.  Since you’re busy, it’s best to use a cleaner that is based right in your neighborhood.  This way you won’t have to hunt down telephone numbers or call toll-free directories if you need to talk to management about a complaint or service issue.

3. Interview at least three candidates.
This is the most time consuming part of hiring a cleaner.  It is also the most important part.  Etching out a few hours to interview your cleaner candidates is important because you want to make sure that they are going to be able to work around your schedule, meet your expectations, and fit within your budget.  It can be tempting to forgo a detailed interview.  However, it’s not recommended.  Learning more about the person that is going to be in your home is always advisable.  Make sure to ask about the flexibility of the workload and whether or not she or her company is bonded and insured.

4.Get it in writing.
You’ve made the decision to hire a cleaner.  You’ve found a great local company and conducted interviews.  You’ve even found the perfect person.  Great!  Now is the time to get your agreement in writing.  Do they need to arrive at the same time every week or have they agreed to a flexible cleaning routine.  All of these things should be detailed in your contract.  Don’t leave specifics to chance.

Once you hire a cleaner, you probably won’t be able to figure out how you survived without her.  Keep these four steps in mind during the process and you’ll end up with a cleaner house and more time to devote to the people and activities you love.

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Four simple ways to find a reputable local cleaner

Finding a reputable local cleaner can be a big task.  Of course you can open the yellow pages; but, do you really want to take a shot in the dark when you’re looking for someone to work in your home?  I didn’t think so.  If you have a little bit of time to invest, you can find a cleaner that has stellar references and the necessary experience to meet your domestic needs.

Using a local cleaner is always preferred over a company headquartered far away.  When you use a local company, they are right in your neighborhood and you have easy access to them if need be.  A local company will also have more references from your neighborhood.  This can be especially important if you live in a historic area where your cleaning needs areas distinct.

When you need to find a local cleaner, the following four options will provide you with the most viable candidates.

1. Ask friends and family.
2. Ask local business owners.
3. Use an online freelance network.
4. Place a classifieds ad.

Ask Friends and Family

The best way to find a local cleaner is to ask your friends and family.  They know you best.  They will be able to assist you with determining if a candidate in question is going to be a good fit with your personality, attitude, and expectations.  None of the other options will provide such a personal perspective.  However, make sure that the friend or family member offering the referral has actually been satisfied with the cleaning service of the referred cleaner.  Knowing a cleaner is much different than having had her work in your home.  If you don’t have any trusted friends or family offering experienced referrals, try a couple of the other options.

Ask Local Business Owners

Many business owners use local cleaners to keep their shops and office space clean and inviting.  They will be able to give you specifics about the cleaner’s performance and professional conduct.  Business owners are usually very aware of their reputation in their community.  When asked for a referral, a local business owner will normally only refer a top-notch cleaner.  The place to start is with local businesses that you already frequent.

Use an Online Freelance Network

Online freelance networks are the next-generation of job boards.  Online freelance networks connect local cleaners with property owners looking to have work done.  By posting a job on one of these networks, you’ll receive the contact information and maybe even an actual bid on your proposed work from cleaners in your area.  Though you don’t get an actual referral from these networks, most allow for past users to leave comments and ratings on the services of the cleaner.  Besides feedback from past users, online freelance networks also give you access to a plethora of information about the cleaner without you having to pick up the phone or set up a meeting.  From the comfort of your home you can browse local cleaners interested in working for you.

Place a Classifieds Ad

If you have a bit of time before you need your cleaner to get started, consider running a classifieds ad.  Classifieds ads are inexpensive and will more than likely generate a sufficient number of candidates from which to choose.  If you use this option make sure to ask detailed questions once you contact the cleaner.  You may have to splurge for a background check to ensure that the selected cleaner doesn’t have a questionable history.

Once you have made a decision to hire a Professional cleaner, it shouldn’t take long to find one if you use one of these simple options.

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How to use the internet to get a high quality cleaner.

The pressures of a hectic lifestyle are more than enough to overwhelm a working mother.  Excelling at work, home, and in your personal relationships is already a balancing act and adding a critical mother-in-law to the mix doesn’t make for a stress-free environment.  To avoid the nagging and complaining of your husband’s mother, make sure your home is clean and neat on her arrival.  You may not have the time to actually clean your home to a sparkly shine with your busy schedule.  Getting a cleaner, however, allows you to go on with your schedule and get a clean house at the same time.

Traditional methods of getting a cleaner are time consuming and tedious.  With your already jam-packed schedule, I am sure you don’t have time to place a classifieds ad, contact a local business owner, conduct interviews, or run background checks.  Forgo all of the work necessary to secure a reputable cleaner with stellar credentials and use an online freelance network.

An online freelance network is a web site designed to connect cleaners with homeowners looking to have work done.  To find an online freelance network, go to google.com and perform a search for “freelance cleaner”, “freelance network”, or “freelance contractor”.  With these three keywords you should be able to locate a number of networks.  Fool around with other keyword combinations and see what your search yields.  Once you have located a network, browse the contractors to get a feel for the type of cleaners this particular network attracts.  Your first stop may not be the network for you.  If you don’t see any cleaners that catch your eye, head back to google.com and find another network to browse.

Once you’ve hit upon a network that you like, use the search feature to locate cleaners in your local area.  Online freelance networks allow for member contractors to create profiles.  These profiles will display all of the cleaner’s credentials.  Without calling to ask questions or set up an interview, you can find out if the cleaner is a member of the Better Business Bureau, how long she’s been in business0, and her specialties.  Read the profiles and get ready to post your job.

Once you have determined exactly what you want done, post your job on the site.  Most online freelance networks are free, but some do require that buyers (that’s you) pay a small fee for accessing the service.  After only an hour or so, you should have at least one contractor interested in your job.  If her credentials are sufficient, you’ve found your cleaner in record time.  If you want to pass on your first interested cleaner, wait a little while.  There will surely be more respondents.  How do I know?  Online freelance networks usually have more member contractors than jobs.  This means that a large number of cleaners will be competing for your work.  This is also great for your bank account.  With the fierce competition, prices are held to a relative bargain.

Ditch the frantic cleaning and get a cleaner to work a little magic in your home.  Your mother-in-law will never know and you’ll be stress free.

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3 essentials to a great cleaning experience

Bringing someone into your home is always a bit nerve wrecking.  Homeowners sometimes struggle with hiring a cleaner because they want to make sure their home and possessions are secure.  Besides property issues, homeowners want to be sure that the cleaning gets done to their liking.  By making sure that your cleaning candidates meet the following standards you should have a much more pleasant experience.

1. Excellent referrals and background check.

Ask your cleaning candidates for referrals.  Testimonials are nice, but a referral will come complete with contact information.  Use it!  Find out what past customers have to say about the candidate’s performance and professionalism.  Ask specific questions about the issues that are most important to you.  For example, do you want to know if the candidate is prompt?  Maybe you’d like to find out if her work performance slacks over time?  Take advantage of referrals and get answers to your most important questions.

Also ask to see a background check.  If the cleaner doesn’t have one available, ask them to submit to one that you’ll pay for.  Most homeowners are put at ease once they see that their cleaning candidate doesn’t have any convictions or a history of questionable behavior.  Excellent referrals and a background check make for a strong starting place with domestic help.

2. Bonding, insurance, and money-back guarantees.

Most companies are both bonded and insured.  Insurance and bonding takes away much of the risk of strangers coming into your home.  Independent cleaning people usually don’t have these credentials. They may, however, be members of the Better Business Bureau.  This is a big plus because you are able to call and get objective information from a reputable source.  The BBB will also be able to give you information about customer complaints.  Offering a money-back guarantee can also limit some risk associated with a new cleaner.  Either way, you want to know all of the details so that you can make an informed decision.

3.  Child and pet safe products.

If you have children or pets, using a company that places a focus on these types of products is key.  Most companies now offer some type of green or eco-friendly service.  Make sure to ask extensive questions if these services interest you.  You may want to know which product lines they use and their green cleaning procedures.

These are three of the most important aspects of cleaning services.  Getting clear answers about your candidate’s experience and background, bonding and insurance, and specific products and procedures will make your decision to move forward much easier.

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Once you’ve determined that you need to hire a cleaner, it is best to set up an interview with the candidate.  The domestic help industry is known for scams.  Take the time to discuss your expectations and requirements with the candidate.  Also, ask the following ten questions to get a good idea of whether or not you’ve found a good fit for your job.

1. Are you or your company bonded and insured?

Most cleaning companies will advertise this fact.  It is quite attractive to property owners and takes away a great deal of the risk involved with bringing someone into your home or office.  Most independent cleaners won’t have these credentials.

2.   Are you a member of any trade organizations?

There are quite a few trade organizations specifically for the cleaning industry.  These organizations require that members follow certain guidelines as well as maintain ethical business standards.  While there is no trade organization police, individuals and companies that are members usually follow the guidelines of their organization.

3.   Do you have proof of trade organization membership?

Make sure to ask for proof of membership.  Some companies will not be truthful when asked about membership in trade organizations.  Ask to see a certificate or badge and make sure it is up-to-date.

4. What training have you undergone?  What training does your company provide?

Anyone can claim to be a professional cleaner.  The best cleaners are going to have undergone training.  It cannot be assumed that everyone knows how to sufficiently clean a bathroom or kitchen.  Companies that are concerned about their reputation will definitely offer training to their employees.  Individuals can sometimes receive ongoing training as members of trade organizations.  Ask what areas she considers herself an expert and which she has just attained basic proficiency

5.  Do you have references that I can contact?

This is especially important.  Don’t take her word for it.  Ask for the name and number of any reference and actually call.  If she doesn’t have references on hand, ask her to call you the next business day with the contact information

6.  What is your physical address?

Much independent cleaning work from home.  This is acceptable; however, you should still get the address of anyone working in your home.  Just like any company, cleaning companies that don t provides an address present a red flag.  Consider how you will reach them if their phones are disconnected

7.  How long have you been in business?

This is a simple question; however it will help you determine if the company has sufficient experience.

8.  Has your company run a background check on you?  Can I have a copy?

Most reputable cleaning companies will run background checks on all of their cleaners and should have no problem providing you with one.  Independent cleaners almost never have background checks.  If you’d like to proceed with an independent cleaner running your own background check is advisable.

9.  Will I be able to customize my cleaning or are there set schedules?

This question will help you determine whether or not there is any flexibility in the work that you have done on your scheduled visits.  Some cleaners will allow for you to customize what work you’d like done at every visit.  Others will follow a checklist that you selected at the start of your services.

10.   Will you wash windows, iron, fold laundry, etc.

Are there specific tasks that you would like completed, but aren’t mentioned in the company’s literature.  Ask about them.  Independent cleaners are usually more flexible.  Companies focused on customer service will often offer extra services that can be added to your job for free or a nominal fee.

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How hiring a green cleaning service can keep your children safe

There has been a glaring spotlight placed on traditional cleaning products lately.  Completely green cleaning lines have popped up all over, not just at the health food store.  You can now buy laundry detergent, toilet bowl cleaner and all-purpose cleaner free of harsh chemicals.  Though eco-friendly products have been around a long time, they have gained immense popularity over the last five or so years.  These products have gained such popularity that many cleaning services offer a “green clean”.

Parents particularly like these green services because they cut down on the amount of chemicals coming in contact with their children.  This is one of the best reasons to use a green cleaning service.  You can throw out all of your traditional cleaning products and allow a cleaning service to clean your home in a more eco-friendly way.  This will greatly limit the amount of chemicals in your home.  By replacing the necessary cleaning products with their green counterpart and allowing the cleaning service to do the heavy duty work, your children will be much safer.  The air in your home will be cleaner and fresher, your carpets won’t be full of chemical residue, and your toddler won’t discover the dangerous cleaning products under the sink.

Besides the benefits of green cleaning, hiring a cleaner gives you an opportunity to spend more time with your children.  One of the most common complaints from working parents is not having enough time to spend with their children.  Using a cleaning service will give you a chance to devote more of your day to your children.  What parent wouldn’t want that?  You’ll also be less stressed in the process.  Coming home to a clean, fresh smelling home makes for more pleasant interactions with your family; no running around trying to clean, cook dinner, and do homework.  With the cleaning out of the way you can get on with your regular routine in a more calm and peaceful environment.

We are all aware of the dangers of stress.  If you want to eliminate some of the stress in your life, consider hiring a cleaning service.  Free yourself from the demands of keeping your home clean and tidy and focus on building stronger family relationships.  If you want to keep your home free of harsh chemicals, ask for green cleaning products.  You’ll be more relaxed and your family will love the extra time you have available.

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