Monday, June 24, 2013

How You Can Clean A Brand New House & Just How Much To Charge

People often hire professionals to clean new houses before they move in.


When it comes to moving into a new house, most people recognize the importance of having a clean home. According to microbiologist Norman Pace, harmful bacteria exist in the home that can cause health problems for people with weakened immune systems. Whether you work for a large company or own your own business, cleaning houses can be a lucrative career. In addition to regular household maintenance, people often hire professional cleaning companies to clean a new house top to bottom prior to moving in.


Instructions


1. Visit the house you will be cleaning with your prospective clients. Walk through the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, baths and other rooms, and assess the level of dirt, dust and stains throughout the house. Ask your clients to provide you with a specific list of cleaning services they would like you to perform.


2. Provide a cost estimate that justifies how much you will charge for your cleaning services based on the time it will take and the amount of labor that needs to be done. An article in CNN Money’s Small Business section suggests factoring in the house’s square footage and the cost of cleaning supplies when determining how much to charge for house cleaning services. Come to a final cost agreement with your clients or charge a standard rate of at least $25 an hour.


3. Vacuum all of the carpets thoroughly to remove dirt, dust and hair. Use a professional carpet steamer to remove deep stains and dirt that a vacuum might not pick up. A properly cleaned carpet can help prevent dust mites and allergy problems caused by carpet bacteria and dust.


4. Dust the moldings, ceiling fans, light fixtures and countertop surfaces with paper towels and a mild dusting spray. Use a feather duster with an expandable handle to remove cobwebs from ceiling corners.


5. Wash both sides of all windows with a glass cleaning spray and a towel rag. Spray the glass cleaner directly on the window surface and wipe with a circular motion to remove dirt and grime. Dust the window blinds with a feather duster.


6. Run a vacuum over hardwood floors to pick up stray hair and loose dirt. Mop wood floors with a gentle floor cleaner made specifically for hardwood floors. According to the Good Housekeeping website, you should never use plain soap and water on hardwood floors because this can lead to stains and warping.


7. Wipe down ceramic counters, bathroom sinks, toilets and shower stalls with bleach and a rag. Line the inside rim of toilet bowls with bleach and clean with a bristled brush. Spray bathtubs with bleach. Let the bleach sit for a few minutes and then scrub with a brush to remove tough stains.


8. Take out any removable shelves and drawers of the refrigerator and clean with soap and water. Wipe down the stove top and use an oven cleaner to remove burnt-on food particles stuck to the inside of the oven. Mix one tsp. of bleach with one qt. of water and pour this mixture down the sink drains to kill bacteria and eliminate odors, suggests an article on Fox News Health.


9. Write a brief report for your client that outlines how much time you spent cleaning the house and what services you performed so you can be paid accordingly. Do a walk-through of the house to show your clients their clean new home and answer any questions.








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