<![CDATA[Phoenix Janitorial Service | House Cleaning | Carpet Cleaning | Tile & Grout Cleaning | Window Cleaning | Denver Cleaning Services - Blog]]>Sun, 13 Nov 2022 04:21:06 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Frequently Asked Questions | House Cleaning | Maid Service]]>Wed, 10 Feb 2016 01:30:44 GMThttp://mikacleaningsolutions.com/blog/frequently-asked-questions-house-cleaning-maid-service
We understand that every home is different and you have your own idea of what needs to get done, as well as how much money you want to spend.​ That's why we've listed these questions and answers to give you a better understanding of what you can expect when MiKa Cleaning Solutions.
I've never had a cleaning service before. How does it work?

We will create your client profile by asking you some simple questions – including the type of service you desire. We will provide you a cost estimate and book you an appointment at the time and date of your choosing (pending availability).

For your cleaning appointment, a team of two or four cleaning professionals will arrive at your home or office within a 1-to 3-hour arrival window. If you choose to be on site when we arrive, you can let us in. Otherwise, we can work out the entry details (most clients provide us with keys). We provide our own supplies and equipment, and will follow any instructions you may have provided when you contacted our office. We encourage you to tidy up before we arrive (it will lower your invoice if you do). Due to a high number of incidents involving pets attacking our staff, please safe guard dogs in kennels or a secure room.

Our policy is payment at time of service. Once the team has finished cleaning, we will process your payment. We charge hourly, and determine your rate according to the amount of time we spend cleaning your home. After your cleaning, we will contact you to verify that you were pleased with our service :
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2. Should I do anything to prepare for cleaning service?

You can help us provide exceptional cleaning service by following these steps.
  • If you pick up and tidy all rooms before we arrive, we can dedicate our time to cleaning, rather than to straightening up. Because we charge for the amount of time we spend cleaning your home, it will be more cost-effective if you do the straightening up before we arrive. Tidying the house before our arrival also prevents us from putting stray objects in the wrong location (thus, you will never have to hunt for the remote control).

  • Due to a high number of incidents involving pets attacking our staff, please safe guard dogs in kennels or a secure room.

3. What time will you arrive?
  • We clean from 8 am until 5 pm. While we cannot tell you the exact time of arrival, we can give you an estimated time (generally, a 1-to 3-hour window).

4. Do I need to be home when you arrive? What about a key?
  • You don’t need to be home when we clean. For convenience, most clients provide us with a key. You can leave a key for us at the initial cleaning, or you can send us a key in the mail (be sure to use a padded mailer). We take the security of our client’s keys very seriously.

  • Clients who use a security alarm typically assign us our own unique security code. For apartment and condominium complexes, we generally register at the front desk and sign out a key.
5. Do I need to provide any supplies or equipment?
  • We provide all our own equipment and supplies. Because we practice green cleaning, we select our cleaning products carefully. Our products are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, non-abrasive, and non-allergenic. We use no waxes, polishes, ammonia, bleach, scented, or alcohol-based products. However, we will be happy to use any products that you supply (please advise our office of any special instructions).
  • We generally clean only items that are within reach when using the three-tiered step-stool that we bring with us.

6. Who will clean my home or commercial space?
  • A team of two or four cleaning professionals will clean your home or office. One of the team members will be a team leader, who, in addition to assisting with the cleaning, will guide the team and perform an inspection at the end of the visit.

7. Will the same team clean for me every time?
  • The same two or four person team will clean for you if you schedule weekly or bi-weekly cleaning service.

8. Can I request team members to remove their shoes when they clean?
  • For personal safety reasons, team members are required to wear shoes at all times when cleaning.

9. How do I pay for service?
  • Payment is due at the time of service. We will invoice your via email and you may pay online on our website, over the phone or by paying the crew directly. We accept cash, personal check, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. We prefer to collect cash or checks to minimize credit card processing fees. These savings allow us to keep cost low, passing the savings on to you!
  • You may wish to set up recurring payment with your bank’s auto-pay feature, please be sure to schedule checks to arrive at the office before or on the day of service. Arrange automatic credit card billing for future cleaning service by enrolling in our Credit Card Payment Plan.

10. How do you determine your rates?
  • After cleaning thousands of homes, we have determined average production rates of how fast our crew members should clean the 3 different types of homes we may encounter. The cost to clean your home is determined on the size, condition and amount of time we spend cleaning it. Having pets also adds more time due to their hair :)
  • Basic Cleaning – Homes that are cleaned on a regular basis and only require up keep. Ideal service for ongoing maintenance of already well preserved home.
  • Deep/Spring Cleaning – Takes twice as long as a basic cleaning. Recommend for homes that are not cleaned on a regular basis and as our first visit. 70% of first time clients require this service.
  • Move out/In Time consuming as we have to spent a lot of time on all details in order to deliver a spotless home for you to move in or to get you that deposit back in your pocket!
  • Rate for recurring cleaning service is $25 per hour, per team member.
  • Rate for other cleaning services (initial cleaning, one-time cleaning, move-in/move out and construction clean-up) is $35 per hour, per team member.
  • We have a minimum of $69.99 regardless of how small a property may be.
Although we are not cheapest, we are also not the most expensive cleaning service. You are paying for quality, convenience and professionalism. 

11. How do you deal with pets?
  • We love pets and understand that your pet is the most adoring and lovable pet ever and would never harm a soul. However, due to a high number of incidents where dogs have bitten our staff, we ask that you please safe guard dogs in kennels or a secure room.

12. Do you wash laundry or dishes?
  • We do not provide laundry or dish washing service at this time.

13. Are there certain tasks that are not included in your cleaning packages?
  • Oven, stove, Refrigerator, microwave, blinds, scrubbing base boards and windows are not included. This items are available as an a la carte option for an additional price.

13. Are you licensed, bonded and insured?
  • Yes, we are fully licensed, bonded, and insured.

14. What if something breaks while your team is cleaning?
  • In the event of a mishap, our cleaning team will leave you a note, and our office manager will promptly contact you to discuss the incident. We pay the cost of replacement or repair, and we carry insurance for valuable items.
  • When it comes to items or collections of significant sentimental or monetary value, we ask that clients bring these items to our attention and direct us to avoid cleaning them. In such cases, we prefer to leave your precious objects undisturbed, rather than risking a mishap.
  • In addition to valuable items and collections, we avoid cleaning curio cabinet interiors. We may also avoid cleaning sensitive items such as plasma television screens, computers, other electronic devices, and associated wires or plugs.

15. What if I’m not satisfied with a cleaning?
  • At MiKa Cleaning Solutions we have a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your cleaning for any reason, contact us within 24 hours of service, and we will return the next day at our expense to meet with you, receive your instructions, and correct the problem. If you are still not satisfied with our service, we will issue a partial to full refund, depending on the situation. That’s how confident we are that you will love our cleaning.

16. What if I need to reschedule or cancel an appointment?
  • You may cancel or reschedule; however, please keep in mind that we reserve time in our day and decline other clients request in order to accommodate your cleaning. Therefore we require a 24-hour advance notice to cancel your appointment without penalty.
  • There is no charge for cancellations made with 24-hour’s notice on business days (M-F, 7am-5pm). However, we charge a $59.99 fee for cancellations made with less than 24-hour’s notice. Please note, to avoid a fee, Monday clients are required to cancel by 3 pm on the preceding Thursday.

17. What if my routine cleaning falls on a holiday?We observe these holidays:
  • New Year’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day (Friday after as well)
  • Christmas Day
If a routine cleaning falls on one of these holidays, we will contact you in advance to arrange a make-up date (please be sure to provide us with a valid email address for convenience). We work on many federal holidays. Unless you cancel service, you can expect us to arrive as scheduled, if your cleaning date falls on any holiday except those stated above.

18. Should I tip the cleaning team?
  • Team members are permitted to accept tips should you choose to leave a tip as recognition for exceptional cleaning service.

19. Do team members speak English?
  • Yes, there will always be at least one team member that speaks English. We are a non-discriminating employer and have a diverse, multi-cultural staff. Good communication is important to us. Thus, we ask our clients to contact us to relay any notes or requests. We will add this information to the work orders for the team.
  • All our teams are in touch with the office via cell phone throughout the work day. We can easily call a team to relay a message for you even while they are working in your home. Just let us know.

Our goal is to built a long term relationship with you and we know we can only achieve this by delivering top quality results with competitive pricing and awesome customer service. We look forward to serving you, please feel free to contact us 24/7 for any additional questions at Support@mikacleaningsolutions.
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<![CDATA[Ready For Flue Season?]]>Mon, 16 Nov 2015 20:38:25 GMThttp://mikacleaningsolutions.com/blog/ready-for-flue-seasonPicture
The American flu season started in October and health officials expect to give out about 171 million to 179 million doses of the flu vaccine. 

As of last month, about 98.5 million doses had already been given out. Are you ready for the battle? Check out these help tips from Alexandra Panzer on what you can do to fight off the flu!

1. Disinfect

Create a homemade disinfectant spray using 3 cups water, ½ white vinegar, and 15 drops lavender or tea tree essential oil — natural disinfectants. Using a spray bottle and/or clean cloth, wipe down doorknobs, fridge handles, remote controls, and light switches. Use this to gently wipe down your phones and keyboard as well. Too busy to clean and disinfect your home? Not a problem, give us a call and let MiKa Cleaning Solutions do the dirty work for you :) 

2. Keep germs from getting cozy in your bed

Beds are harbingers of disease! Use a mattress cover, wash your linens frequently (at least once a week), and wash your blankets and pillows monthly. Refresh your mattress monthly by combining ½ cup of baking soda with a few drops of lavender essential oil. Sprinkle it across your mattress. Let it sit for about an hour and then vacuum it up.  

3. Get a lot of rest

lack of sleep can have a detrimental effect on your immune system. There are lots of ways to help improve the quality of your sleep, from cutting back on alcohol to cutting back on screen time in bed.

4. Stay hydrated

Dehydration can lead to disease. Drinking lots of water not only helps you flush toxins from your system, it can improve your sleep. If hydration feels like a chore, why not try one of these delicious detox waters? Fill a pitcher with water, add fresh basil and strawberry slices or orange, lemon, and cucumber slices. Keep it in your fridge, and you won’t be able to get enough.

5. Relax!

It has been scientifically proved that stress can exhaust your immune system. Luckily, it has also been proved that there are lots of little tricks to help you dial down your stress. Why not start by creating a relaxing bath ritual? Create a soothing, detoxifying combination of dried lavender, ginger peel, and oatmeal in a cheesecloth pouch, and add it to your bath.

6. Stock your fridge with green flu fighters

By eating vegetables you can increase your alkaline level, improve your immunity, and be less likely to get sick. Good alkaline-promoting foods include leafy greens, avocado, peppers, zucchini, and cucumber. So carve out some space for including these little warriors in your meal plan.
All credit for this very helpful information is due to Alexandra Panzer. Thank you so much Alexandra for sharing this wonderful tips on how to fight this battle :) 
MiKa Cleaning Solutions
Phoenix, Arizona 480-437-4296 / Denver, Colorado 720-317-6591
Janitorial Service | House Cleaning | Carpet Cleaning | Floor Care & Maintenance
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<![CDATA[Why Hire A Professional Cleaning Service? ]]>Tue, 13 Oct 2015 21:07:03 GMThttp://mikacleaningsolutions.com/blog/why-hire-a-professional-cleaning-servicePicture
Our well trained professional cleaning crew can clean your home 3 times faster than you can do the same job. How is this possible? 

We precisely train our crews to be as efficient as possible. We know the best products to use and the correct way to use them. Our crews are trained to perform specific tasks in a specific order maximizing productivity.

Top 3 reasons why customers choose MiKa Cleaning Solutions for their cleaning services -
  1. We are reliable, efficient, consistent and affordable 
  2. We back ground screen, train and certify every staff member
  3. We comply with federal, state and local labor and tax laws
We're a locally owned and operated cleaning service in Phoenix, AZ & Denver, CO, that can save you time and energy. We'll tailor a cleaning program to your family’s needs and budget. Once your home is clean, we'll follow-up to ensure your satisfaction. If ever a problem occurs, we’ll take care of it right away and re-clean that area. We are committed to your satisfaction with our No Fee Guarantee! Call today to chat with our friendly staff on how we can simplify your life :) 

                               Phoenix 480-437-4296 / Denver 720-317-6591
                                           MiKa Cleaning Solutions 

   Cleaning Service | Janitorial Service | House Cleaning | Carpet Cleaning | Floor Care
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<![CDATA[Amazon's Customer Love Our Cleaning Services! ]]>Fri, 11 Sep 2015 23:14:47 GMThttp://mikacleaningsolutions.com/blog/amazons-customer-love-our-cleaning-servicesPicture
We're all about creating unshakable relationships with all of our customers. Why? We understand that our business will only be successful, if (You) our customers are happy. 

It's the path that has helped us beat bigger companies and we're just getting started with our expansion to Denver, Colorado and surrounding cities. 

We're currently rated at 4.8 out of 5 on Amazon from 46+ verified buyers and a 4.7 out of 5 on google. We have many more positive reviews on other directories and sites but these are the most important.  We understand that we have to gain your trust in order to obtain your loyalty and we can only do so by delivering consistent, quality results. 
This doesn't mean that we are perfect and never make mistakes. God knows we've had our own share of horror stories but we always tough it out and make it right! Even if ti means loosing out money on a job by doing it free of charge or going the extra mile and doing more then what was promised. Our goal is to built a long term relationship with you :) 

Our cleaning services are offered in Denver, Colorado & Surrounding cities, as well as Phoenix, AZ & surrounding cities. Give us a call today for a no obligation quote!

                         Phoenix, AZ - 480-437-4296 |  Denver, CO - 720-317-6591

              Janitorial Service | House Cleaning | Carpet Cleaning | Floor Care | Videos 
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<![CDATA[Carpet Cleaning Questions & Answers]]>Wed, 24 Jun 2015 23:18:54 GMThttp://mikacleaningsolutions.com/blog/our-carpet-cleaning-questions-answersPicture
While regular carpet cleaning is necessary to ensure your carpet leads a long and healthy life, additional care and maintenance on your part can go a long way. 

Failure to maintain proper care will result in premature wear and damage. Here are answers to our most frequently asked questions

What method do you use for carpet cleaning?

The method we use for carpet cleaning is a "hot water extraction", commonly referred to as steam cleaning.  Hot water extraction with our truck mounted van using either "The Wand" for basic cleanings or "The Rotovac 360i" for deep cleanings They remove the toughest, deepest dirt safely and gently.  Hot, soft water and a specially formulated cleaning solution are injected deep within the carpet fibers.  A powerful suction extracts deep-down dirt, allergens, cleaning solution and 95% of the moisture.  It’s the carpet cleaning method most recommended by carpet manufacturers.

Do you guarantee spot removal? 
We cannot guarantee that we will remove all spots or stains. There are substances that can permanently discolor the carpet fibers. The age of the carpet and the type of carpet fibers also plays a factor in this. Our certified technician will try to determine if this is the case prior to cleaning but they are not always able to determine this before trying to remove the spots.

Urine & Other Odor Removal? 
Pet urine and other odors goes deep into carpets and fibers, and using simple sprays only temporarily masks the problem. For example; Pet urine will sink down into the padding of carpets and upholstery making it almost impossible to get out. In some homes, the pet urine isn’t that bad and then do some light deodorizing and get your carpet smelling and looking great again. There are different levels in which pet urine or odor removal will require a more extensive procedure. Each level depends on the urine or smell. If the urine has reached the padding, then the padding will have to be treated, but if the urine has reached the wood under the padding, then that will also have to be treated in a unique way that protects the wood floor while removing all odor and bacteria. These deeper cleanings and more extensive procedures are time consuming and will require additional charges. If we simply go over the surface of the carpeting without treated the padding and flooring, the pet urine below the carpet wont be disinfected, then the odor will return.
How long will it take to clean my carpets?
On average, it will take approximately 20 minutes per room. This time can vary greatly depending on the amount of furniture is in the way, how soiled the carpet is, and any necessary spot removal treatments.

How long will it take for my carpet to dry?
Dry time is affected by humidity, temperature and air flow to the area. It can take anywhere between 8-24 hours for the carpet to completely dry, depending on the aforementioned variables. Using fans in any rooms cleaned and turning your air conditioning or heating system on, depending on the time of year, can help accelerate drying time. 

My carpet has bubbles/ripples after being cleaned, What caused this?
As the carpet dries, these bubbles or ripples should start to lay flat again. Once it is dry they should be virtually unnoticeable. This is usually a sign that the carpet was in need of re stretching prior to the cleaning.

Why do certain areas look cleaner then others? 
Like all textiles, carpets will eventually show signs of wear. The wear creates an illusion of soiling, which often causes frustration and misunderstanding between the homeowners and carpet care experts. Even though a carpet has been cleaned, it does not mean the traffic areas will look clean. Traffic areas are those places where people are constantly walking or working. This situation creates what is called “Traffic Lane Gray”.
While “Traffic Lane Gray” is an inevitable part of any carpet’s life, the process causing it can be slowed down. One way to prevent this is to rearrange the furniture in your home. By doing so, you will block old traffic areas and create new ones. By occasionally switching the flow of traffic you will distribute the effects of “Traffic Lane Gray”. You can also add area rugs to places where “Traffic Lane Gray” is unavoidable through rearranging furniture.

Will you move furniture & misc items out of a room?Due to liability and insurance reasons,  we do not move items in, out or around a room. We will perform a thorough clean of all accessible areas only.  Please remove off the floor all items such as shoes, toys, decorations, rugs, tress, coffee tables and misc items, if you'd like for us to clean under such areas.  

How often should I get my carpet cleaned?
While every home is different, most homes should have their carpets cleaned a minimum of once a year. We usually recommend every 6 months though, this will help keep your carpets in great condition. Especially if you have children, pets or heavy traffic. Having your carpets cleaned can help eliminate Micro organisms that come from things like dust mites, food particles, soil, pollen and bacteria. Improving the indoor air quality of your home. Adding to the life of your carpets and helping you have a healthier home.

Between Carpet Cleanings
The normal hustle and bustle of everyday life can take its toll on your carpet. To keep yours looking its best between professional cleanings, vacuum heavy traffic areas two to three times a week, and the rest of your carpet once a week. Using indoor and outdoor mats at each entrance can reduce the amount of dirt tracked into your home. Be sure to clean these periodically to ensure their utmost effectiveness.

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<![CDATA[Jillian Harris Shares 5 New Year's Resolutions for Your Home]]>Tue, 06 Jan 2015 21:25:21 GMThttp://mikacleaningsolutions.com/blog/jillian-harris-shares-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-homePicture
Kick off 2015 with a fresh start for your home! The New Year is the perfect time to take a second look at your home and come up with some resolutions to make it a more beautiful, clean and green place. 

Jillian Harris, the co-host of HGTV'S "Love It or List It, Too," stopped by "Good Morning America" to share five suggestions for easy New Year's home improvement resolutions and how to achieve them.

The former "Bachelorette" has easy ways to cut the clutter, to get ready to entertain with pillows and plants, to save money by cutting your bills, among other tips.

1. Streamline the Clutter.

Each year most of us acquire a mountain of stuff, Harris says. Go room-by-room and clear anything you don’t have. Clear your counters of everything you don’t use on a regular basis.

2. Make your home safer in 2015.

There are a few things that every homeowner should do to ensure that they're not living with a potential health hazard or fire risk, Harris suggests. Check your home for radon. Install a carbon monoxide detector on every bedroom floor. And don't neglect the lint in the dryer vent -- lint is highly combustible, accounting for more than 15,000 building fires each year, according to U.S. EPA. Cleaning your dryer vent removes dangerous build-up, reduces drying time which can also save money.

3. Ways to be a better hostess in 2015.

Make your New Year's resolution to be the hostess with the mostest and give the areas you entertain in your home a little update. Rearrange your furniture so its oriented in conversation groups and not just facing the television. Plants are an easy, budget-friendly way to make your home look more finished, Harris says. Add a bright ceramic planter that compliments your color scheme. Decorative pillows or throws are another way to update your look.

4. How to reduce your bills. Start by cutting energy usage in your home with old-fashioned common sense, Harris suggests: turn off lights when you leave the room.Install compact fluorescent bulbs and low-flow shower heads. Dry your clothes on a line. Turn off your air conditioner when you leave the house. Dial your heater down to 55 degrees at night. Turn off power strips.Set your home computer to revert to sleep mode when not in use.

5. Create a weekly system to keep your home clean.

Harris "secretly loves cleaning," she says, and suggests working out a weekly system for keeping your house clean instead of letting the mess pile up and waiting until spring cleaning time.

Enlist everyone in the family to help and divide the jobs. It's a tip she picked up from her mom. One person can do the dusting/vacuuming and changing the beds, the other can clean bathrooms, and this way you can get the whole house done in 45 minutes.

Even more cleaning tips: Keep all cleaners in a portable carryall that moves with you from room to room; stash cleaning implements such as toothbrush, scraper, sponge, cleaning cloths and plastic bags in a builder's apron that you wear while you clean. Hook glass cleaners and all-purpose cleaners on the loops; focus on one type of cleaning at a time. Wipe down all fingerprints on cabinets before spraying and wiping down counters. Move to windows, mirrors and appliances. Then move on to sweeping and mopping floors.


Check out the online video  here
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<![CDATA[Tips On Cleaning Up A Flooded Home]]>Wed, 10 Sep 2014 23:24:39 GMThttp://mikacleaningsolutions.com/blog/tips-on-cleaning-up-a-flooded-homePicture
Record rain produced dangerous flash floods that swamped freeways and residential areas. Two people died in southern Arizona after being trapped in flood waters, over one hundred people were evacuated in Mesa and Mayor Greg Stanton and Arizona Governor Jan Brewer declared a state of emergency, urging non-essential state employees to stay home Monday.

When your house floods, water can wreak havoc on the structure of the house, your personal belongings, and the health of the inside environment.  You have 24 to 36 hours to clean up a flooded home before bacteria and mold develop. Here are some ways to mitigate the damage yourself.

The good news is that the sooner you get started, the better chance you have of preventing an unhealthy environment!
  • Disconnect the power, unplug any electronics, and remove electronics, furniture and movable items immediately 
  • Get rid of the water. 
  • Dry out the affected area. 
  • Disinfect.
  • Prevent mold growth. 
  • Dispose of damaged items responsibly 

The National Center for Healthy Housing recommends tossing the following items if they look or smell moldy or they've been underwater:
  • Carpet, carpet padding, and rugs
  • Upholstered furniture
  • Computers, microwaves, window A/C units, or any appliances that have fans that were sitting in moldy rooms
  • Papers and books
  • Food items, including canned foods if they were in contact with flood waters
Items that can usually be cleaned and saved include:
  • Hard, non-porous items like jewelry, china and dishes, glass, porcelain, and metal
  • Wood furniture, even if it’s moldy, as long as it’s in good condition
  • Some electronics and small appliances, depending on flooding conditions
  • Photographs, books, and valuable legal documents with only small levels of mold
  • Artwork, textiles, or clothing that has no physical damage
Additional Tips On What To Do: 
  • If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, use dehumidifiers if available.
  • Use fans to circulate the air and assist drying.
  • Wipe furniture dry.
  • Lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
  • Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place small wood blocks or aluminum foil under furniture legs.
  • Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings.
  • Open furniture drawers, closet doors, and luggage to enhance drying.
  • Move photos, paintings, art objects and firearms to a safe, dry location.
  • Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
  • Remove damp books from shelves and spread out to dry.
  • If damage occurs during a cool season, leave heat on; if in summer, use an air conditioner if available.

Important warnings on water damage:
  • Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to remove water.
  • Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or wet floors.
  • Do not go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on.
  • Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help. Lifting the carpet incorrectly could promote shrinkage.
  • Do not wait to call for professional help. Damage from the water and bacteria growth can begin within hours.

Contact a professional fire and water restoration company that has extensive experience in restoring commercial and residential  to their original condition as quickly as possible. Notify your insurance company if you’re making a claim. Your insurance company writes a scope to repair the damages resulting from the water loss.  It’s now time to put your house back together :) 
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<![CDATA[Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Cleaning Service]]>Fri, 06 Jun 2014 19:18:59 GMThttp://mikacleaningsolutions.com/blog/questions-to-ask-before-hiring-a-cleaning-servicePicture
People hire cleaning professionals for many different reasons. The number one reason is to save valuable time. You can save countless hours on dreaded housework. Hiring a good home cleaning service can give you back some of that time. Cleaning services are rapidly becoming not a luxury anymore, but instead a needed service in most homes. Read below to learn what to ask before you hire a cleaning cleaning service

I want to hire a cleaning service to clean my home, what should I know first?
Most people that hire individuals or even cleaning services to clean their homes are not aware of what they should be asking before turning over the keys to their homes. Somehow along the way bonding became the industry standard question to ask. This is a false sense of security. When interviewing cleaning services customers should ask the following questions:

  1. Are you insured? This means adequate liability insurance! Ask to see a copy of their insurance certificate.

  2. Are you bonded? Bonding is not a bad thing and in extremely rare cases does serve a purpose. 

  3. Will employees or independent contractors clean my home?

  4. What does your pre-employment screening consist of? Do you perform criminal background checks on all employees?

  5. Who will be cleaning my house? One person? A team? Is there a trained crew leader or crew manager on-site at all times?

  6. How do you train your employees, do you have a formal training program?

  7. Do you provide a satisfaction guarantee with your services?

  8. Make sure all expectations are clear and up front. Ask about any service or task that you expect to be performed that is not mentioned or listed by the owner/ manager.


What is typically included with residential cleaning visits?
There is a somewhat wide range in service. Some may offer more services while others will not do certain tasks. All reputable professional services should offer a comprehensive list of services that should include most all surfaces in the kitchen, bathrooms, living areas, bedrooms, and the floors. Make sure they perform key services like vacuuming, wet mopping, etc. Ask for a list of what they perform, or request a list of what they will do in your home when the quote is given. Be sure to clarify up front what is included with the service you will receive.

Do I need a maid or a cleaning service?
While many call themselves maid services and others call themselves cleaning services most are the same. Most cleaning services perform basic home cleaning with a wide range in services. The days of the typical "maid” are all but gone. If your expectations include things like laundry, ironing, shopping, organizing, looking after the children, or things beside basic house cleaning you will want to discuss this with the service you are interviewing. While there are people available for this type of work most cleaning professionals do not provide those services. If you are looking for a home manager or a more in depth service you might be more suited to seek out a domestic placement agency. Most everyone’s needs can be met by a professional cleaning service with some input from the customer.

How do I arrange payment for my cleaning service?
The standard procedure for payment is a check to be left at the time of service. Cash, check, and major credit cards are generally accepted. Payment is most always expected at the time of service. Some services require pre-payment for first time or one time service.

But isn’t it expensive and only for wealthy people?
The answer to that is definitely NO! While there are many services that may charge too much, there are just as many out there that really do not charge enough. A good cleaning with regularly scheduled services will typically not cost more than a nice dinner for two. If you think of the time you save that is a deal.

What kind of insurance do I need to ask about? 
Liability insurance should be at the top of the list. Most carry a third party Theft Bond Request. There should be an insurance certificate for each type of insurance. Check policy dates. It will take more time, but if you request an insurance certificate from their insurance company you will get it.

Are you bonded?
While most reputable services do carry a "dishonesty” bond, unfortunately this really is not as important as you may think. Most carry them because they are cheap and they do protect in serious obvious theft problems. This insurance will only pay if the person is caught, tried, and convicted. More importantly make sure there is proper liability insurance, workers comp, and find out what measures are taken in the pre- hiring and screening process. Ask if they do a criminal background check.

Is it okay to leave a note for the cleaning people?
Definitely yes. It is always a good idea to communicate whether you have concerns with the service or if you are very pleased with the service. Do not wait and write notes only when you are dissatisfied. All communicated feelings are good ones!

What if I forget it is my cleaning day?
Most services charge for appointments missed that are not canceled in advance. If the service has a key for your home most will go ahead and clean the home and let you pay later. This is another reason why giving a key is a good idea. Sooner or later everyone forgets and who wants to pay for a service they didn’t get? If you don’t give them a key and you forget it is your day, don’t give them a hard time, pay for the visit and then give them a key.

What do I do about inappropriate behavior?
DON’T STAND FOR IT! Your telephone should not be used UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. Most professional cleaning teams should have their own means of communication. Your food should never be eaten. Your drawers or personal things should be left closed and never looked at. If you feel like anything is inappropriate call the owner/manager at once. Cleaning service owners go to great lengths to ensure they only send well-trained cleaners to your home. If you experience anything other than this then let the owner/manager know at once. They will appreciate your concern and feedback.

What if I have a security system? 
Cleaning professionals are used to dealing with alarms and various types of security systems. The ideal is to provide a separate code that you can easily change if needed. Many times people choose to not give the cleaning service the code to the alarm and inevitably it is left on when the cleaning team comes. Not only is this ordeal nerve racking, it can end up costing you money. You may not get your home cleaned that day and still have to pay for it, plus most local police departments charge a fee for false alarms. If you are dealing with a professional service then you should feel confident turning over alarm codes or keys to your home.

What about my pets? 
This is an issue that should be discussed in detail before the service begins. Ensure that your pet does not intimidate or scare the cleaning person. If the person does not like the animal or is afraid of it this is a recipe for disaster. Most good services will match up professional cleaners that are animal lovers with clients with animals. You will need to make arrangements to put animals away or secure them if they will impede the work of the cleaning crew. Also, advise them of any animals such as cats that may try to escape quickly if a door is opened. Nothing is more frustrating to a cleaning crew than an escaped animal over which they have no control. Also, it is very dangerous for the animal. If you have a pet with special needs or that makes a mess, please make arrangements to control these occurrences. Cleaning services should not be expected to clean up after pets.

Can I get my oven cleaned?
Most services will accommodate this request. It is rarely included with basic service. Keep in mind that if you have a self-cleaning oven that spray oven cleaner should never be put in it. An experienced cleaning professional should know this. If you have a self-cleaning oven and it does not work properly, more than likely it has had oven cleaner used in it in the past. At this point you and your cleaning professional will have to decide whether or not to clean it with oven cleaner.

What if something is broken?
Unfortunately breakage happens occasionally with even the most experienced and conscience cleaning professionals. Do not wait until it happens; discuss breakage up front. Make sure it is clear who is responsible for what, depending on whether it is a small incidental or if it is something of value.

What if something is missing from my home?
This is NEVER a good feeling and it is almost always the cleaning person who was last in the house! Try and remain calm. Retrace your steps; about 90% of the time, whatever is missing will be found within 24 hours (it happens all the time). HOWEVER if it is not found or if the disappearance is obvious, call the owner/manager. Give a complete description of what is missing including important information such as serial number inscriptions, or any distinctive markings. Give the manger the opportunity to correct the situation. Please keep in mind, though, that ALL good managers treat the accused as innocent during any investigation. However, it is not unreasonable to suspend the service or ask for a different cleaning person until it is resolved. Fortunately, with good hiring and background checks a good service will rarely have REAL cases of theft. Most cases turn out to be simply misplaced items.

Porches, decks, carports, are they included? 
Typically most professional cleaning services limit their services to tasks inside the home. If this is a service you require bring it up before the service begins.

What about laundry?
Laundry is such a time consuming task that it is just not feasible for cleaning teams to try and price for it. Some services will wash sheets. This is another area that should be discussed before service starts if it is an issue for you. If laundry is a priority, try using a laundry drop off service. They do a wonderful job and it is A LOT less expensive than paying someone to wait for towels or jeans to dry.

Are they going to do my dishes?
Very few services will hand wash dishes, pots, pans, or especially knives. Some services will load dishes into the dishwasher; typically they do not unload the dishwasher or put things away. Most people would rather put their own belongings away in the proper place. Also some services will not do dishes at all. Just be clear up front about expectations. A good way to ruin a solid working relationship is to leave a sink full of dishes when it is not part of the service. If it is the day of the cleaning and you were running late or did not have time to take care of your part call as early as you can to let the service owner/ manager know and the two of you can more than likely work something out.

Am I better off with an individual or a service cleaning my home? 
This is a question that you yourself will have to answer. Both have pros and cons. With an individual it is a more personal relationship, if the relationship is stable. This can be a good situation for both parties involved. In the event that you hire an individual to clean your home you need to be aware of and make sure you comply with local, state, and federal laws concerning taxes and insurance. If you hire an individual and they do not take care of the taxes they owe on the money you pay them, YOU can be held liable for the taxes. If you use a service you are more than likely protected from these liabilities. Another plus of a service is if the person who is cleaning your house quits or is not doing a good job they can be replaced with a professionally trained employee, without any effort on your part.

What am I suppose to supply?
Professionally staffed and home-run cleaning services most always supply their own products and equipment. This is for a number of reasons. Mainly for productivity and training purposes. Not to mention that most customers find it a relief not to have to buy or store cleaning products in their homes any longer. This is especially beneficial when concerning small children and their safety. Home cleaning professionals are trained on the products they use. This is necessary in regards to using the product efficiently, effectively, and most importantly safely. 

What if I have chemical sensitivities or want only safer-environmentally products used in my home?
The trend in society is toward more "green”, "environmentally friendly”, "Non-toxic” products for everyday life. There are many products readily available for home use. Many service owners already have in place "green cleaning” programs while others are just getting into that segment of cleaning. Take time to ask what products they use. Investigate for yourself (if you do not already know) what products suit your needs or are safe for you, your home, and your family. The Internet is full of information on green cleaning. If you do require special products and want them to be used in your home. Detail each product to the service owner/manager. Professional home cleaning services do not merely start spraying and "going at it” with cleaners. A large part of training goes into product safety and knowledge. If you supply a product you expect to use make sure that you supply the cleaning service with a MSDS (material safety data sheet).

What if I am unhappy with the service I receive?
CALL US IMMIDIETLY. Don’t let it go for any length of time. Call the first time you feel the service is not as it should be. A good service will welcome your comments and do all they can to ensure that you are happy. The only way they will know that you are not a happy customer is if we hear from you. Unfortunately, the service is not likely to improve without you addressing it. If it warrants a second cleaning and you are that dissatisfied with the service you paid for, the service should have a policy where they come back out. You will find out rather quickly if they are sincere in their efforts to ensure that you are a happy customer. Usually give it two or three cleaning visits to improve. If no improvement is made, find another service. When hiring a new service let them know what you were unhappy about with the last service; that will go along way to ensuring your satisfaction.

What does guaranteed service mean?
We offer a service guarantee or satisfaction guarantee. If you are unhappy with service you received, then what ever you are unhappy with will be corrected. If you are unhappy or something was missed call immediately do not wait a day or two when the house will be ‘lived in”. We will gladly send the crews back as soon as possible to correct and over sight. It should be expected that you should only require the service to come back if it is something that was obvious or really matters. If it is a something small, or incidental do not have them come back, but rather call the office or leave a note to ensure that it is not missed again. Neither Service owners nor the cleaning crews like to have to come back to your home for a task that may require a very short time. With a guarantee in place you should be assured good service. If items are repeatedly missed or not performed up to the standards you and our service owner agreed on then it may be time for a discussion of a crew change or perhaps discontinue the service.

What are the difference between an independent contractor and an employee?
There is a big difference. If you are being provided a good quality service it will not be as big of a difference as it is to the IRS. This is a very "gray” area in terms of taxes and benefits. Independent contractors are rapidly becoming more common in every industry. An employee is a person that works for a business or an individual and is paid wages with taxes, social security, and other withholdings. being withheld. An independent contractor is for all practical purposes in business for themselves. The service you hire may ‘contract out” work. This may not a bad thing if the proper steps are taken to ensure that all involved are complying with tax laws and insured professionally. The biggest difference between the two is that the service owner/manager will have more control over the work performed by employees. Ask the service if they utilize independent contractors or have employees. The homeowner should be aware of the classification of the worker. In rare cases the homeowner can be responsible for taxes etc not properly paid by independent contractors.

How do I know who will be in my house?
When you start the service ask who will be doing the cleaning. If it is important to you, ask to be notified when crew changes are made. Ask if it is the same person that cleans your house each time. Some services rotate or change up who does which house and what teams work together. Most try and have the same person(s) each time. Keep in mind that turnover rates for jobs in this industry is tremendous. A good service operator does everything to keep good employees and checks out new ones thoroughly. If you hire a professional service that takes great lengths to hire the right people and train them you should feel confident about the people they send to clean your home.

 Am I supposed to tip the person(s) that clean my home?
While tips in this industry are not expected it is common for tips to be left. NEVER feel like you HAVE to tip, and NEVER tip in hopes of receiving better service! ONLY tip if you feel you are receiving great service. Tips usually range from 10 to 15% . Before tipping make sure it is the same person or team each time. In the event that your regular person is not there that day, leave a note with their name(s) to ensure the right person(s) get the tip.

Do I have to hand over a key to a stranger?
While it is YOUR house and YOUR key, it is more convenient and secure to let a professional service keep a key to your home. It is usually not possible to be able to come home at the exact time the cleaning people need to get into your home. Most cleaning services will charge for the visit if the appointment is not canceled in advance. Some services use a lock box where the key is left at your place. A key kept by the cleaning service is the best way for the cleaning crew to gain entry to your home. (Also, it can be a lifesaver if you ever get locked out.)

 How can I be sure my keys are safe when I hand them over?
While it can be very scary to hand over the keys to your home to a complete stranger, be sure you check references and insurance information. Ask how they will protect your key and ensure that your privacy and safety are protected. If the person that takes your key will not be doing the cleaning personally, ask what the procedure is for signing keys out and how long they are allowed out. Ask where the keys are kept. Are they tagged with tamper resistant tags or other means that will deter or prevent duplication? Ask how they are labeled. Ensure nothing that could identify you or your address is on the tag (in case they are lost or stolen). Are they locked up? Is the list kept in a separate place that is locked and secure? How many people have access to them? Any reputable service should be willing to discuss their key security policy with you.

(Content provided by the Association for the Residential Cleaning Industry)

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<![CDATA[Is your Dryer a fire hazard? Over 16,800 dryer fires every year. Learn how to prevent them before its too late!]]>Tue, 27 May 2014 22:45:14 GMThttp://mikacleaningsolutions.com/blog/is-your-dryer-a-fire-hazard-16800-fires-dryer-fires-occur-every-year-learn-how-to-prevent-them-before-its-too-late
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Failure to Clean your dryer vent is one of the most common causes of fire according to the U.S. Fire Administration. A reported 16,800 dryer fires resulted in 51 civilian deaths, 380 civilian injuries and $100 million in direct property damage.
By observing a few simple indications of poor system performance, one can examine the dryer components for any blockage or excessive heat. A clogged dryer vent may be your problem if: you notice heavy clothes such as blue jeans or towels taking a long time to dry, or clothes feel hotter than usual at the end of the cycle. Follow these few safety tips and maintenance to prevent dryer fires and make sure to get your dryer vent cleaned at least once a year:

  1. Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes. If clothing is still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or drying requires longer times than normal, this may be a sign that the screen or the exhaust duct is blocked. Inspect lint screen for rips. If any are found, replace immediately.
  2. Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting material with a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. Most manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, which provides maximum airflow. The flexible foil type duct can more easily trap lint and is more susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the airflow. Note: WHITE VINYL HOSE is prohibited and should never be used in dryer venting.
  3. Disconnect, clean, and inspect the dryer duct and venting every couple of years, or hire a professional company to clean the dryer vent and other components. Some dryer vents may need more frequent inspection, such as in homes with complex construction where the dryer vents exceed 6 feet from the outside, or with smaller stack dryers and dryers that are older and do not have moisture sensors or high temperature safety limit controls. This will reduce the fire risk and increase the dryer's efficiency.
  4. Inspect your outside exhaust termination. Outside wall dampers should have a covering that will keep out rain, snow, and dirt. However, do not use wire screen or cloth of any kind to protect the exhaust opening. It can collect lint and clog areas of the dryer vent. In order to deter birds and small animals from nesting in vents, make sure the dryer vent system and damper are working suitably. 

  5. Keep the area around the dryer clean and free from clutter. Clean behind dryer, where lint can build up. Have a qualified service person clean the interior of the dryer chassis periodically to minimize the amount of lint accumulation.
  6. Never let your clothes dryer run while you are out of the house or asleep. If it malfunctions, no one will be there to avert possible disaster.
  7. Never put synthetic materials such as rubber, plastic, foam, or pieces of cloth that have been used to sponge up flammable liquids in the dryer, even if previously washed. Vapors from these products could ignite or explode.
  8. Have gas-powered dryers inspected by a professional annually to ensure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
  9. Install a smoke detector in or near your laundry room. Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector if using a gas-powered dryer.
  10. Dryer vent cleaning should be performed at least once a year. 
Call us today to get your dryer vent cleaning in phoenix and surrounding cities. 
We use only the best quality environmentally friendly cleaning products to ensure the safety and highest level of protection of your home and our environment.  Check out the video below on additional dryer fire prevention and additional tips! 

Source: Departments of Homeland Security, Consumer Product Safety Commission
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<![CDATA[Floor Care & Maintenance Tips]]>Mon, 12 May 2014 19:41:07 GMThttp://mikacleaningsolutions.com/blog/-floor-care-maintenance-qaPicture
Most floors seem smooth. It is true that floors are flat, but they are not as smooth as they seem to the naked eye. A section of a floor under a microscope will show that the surface is uneven and consists of small pores which can trap dirt like a sponge. Thus, floor maintenance is required in order to prevent dirt from getting into the pores and damaging the tile itself. 

Floor Care & Maintenance Plan 

Floor care & maintenance includes cleaning, high-performance matting, buffing, burnishing, stripping or using an automatic scrubber. Recoating the floor can usually remove soils and blemishes on a finished floor, restore its shine, and add a layer of protection.

A floor care maintenance plan should focus on three key areas:
  • Selecting high-quality floor care chemicals, especially finishes.
  • Developing an efficient, cost-effective daily floor cleaning program.
  • Scheduling interim maintenance through out the year. 
We have classified the various types of floors into 3 categories: 
  1.  Non-resilient floors: Primarily natural stone-type products (Ceramic/Quarry) 
  2.  Resilient floors: Man-made chemical compositions of resins and/or polymers. (VCT) 
  3.  Concrete floors: A mixture of sand, gravel, water and cement. 4. Wood floors: Natural wood products. 

Types of Floor Maintenance

  • Sealing Purpose: Fills the pores so that materials which could stain or damage the floor cannot get in. Sealing prepares the floor to accept finish by filling the pores of a new floor, or of an old porous floor which has been stripped. Sealing produces little or no gloss on the floors. 
  • Finishing Purpose: To provide a protective floor surface which improves the floor's appearance. Finishing is easy to maintain and prolongs the life of the tile. The tough, thin film of finish protects the sealant. The sealant and finish, together, protect the floor. 
  • Spray Buffing Purpose: To maintain the floor's appearance and cleanliness without having to wet scrub or wet strip. Spray buffing picks up dead finish and dirt. It also levels and fills scratches and reduces the need for stripping.
  • Scrub and Refinish Purpose: To remove the surface dirt from the first couple of layers of floor finish. The scrub process is done with the use of a neutral cleaner, without using a stripper. 

Floor Care Issues

  • The floor appears soiled or lacks shine after mopping or refinishing. A number of issues can cause this scenario, but at the top of the list is the cleanliness of the mops used to maintain the floors and apply finish. Are the mops clean? Before performing many floor care tasks, such as refinishing a floor, it is best to select new, unused mops for the job. Also, the mops used to clean and rinse the floor should not be used to apply finish; keep finishing mops separate from cleaning mops.
  • The floor shows no gloss or shine. When clean mops, buckets, and solution are used for refinishing work but the floor still does not shine, it may simply be that not enough finish was applied. In most cases, the gloss shine does not necessarily develop until the third coat of finish is applied. In a health care facility, applying four to even six coats of finish is advisable.
  • The finish does not adhere properly to the floor. Environmental conditions can impact how well finish adheres to the floor. In most cases, it is best to finish floors when it is not too cold, hot, or humid. Heat, cold, and humidity can impact how well finish adheres to the floor. This also applies to the storage of floor care chemicals and finishes. They should be stored in areas that have moderate temperatures throughout the year.
  • Powder forms over the floor. Sometimes the floor’s finish actually starts to disintegrate shortly after it is applied. A fine, light-colored powder forms over the floor, referred to as powdering. There can be a variety of reasons this happens. Is the floor brand new? Some new floors have a protective coating to shield the surface during transportation and delivery. This coating should be removed first before finish is applied. In some cases, the wrong finish is applied. There are essentially two types of floor machines: low speed and high speed, also known as burnishers. If a low speed finish has been applied to the floor, yet a high speed machine is used to burnish the floor, it can cause the finish to disintegrate, causing powdering.
  • Excessive scuffing appears on the floor. If you witness more scuff marks than usual shortly after a floor has been refinished, it can indicate that the coats of finish applied are too thick. Each coat should be thin with the goal of applying several thin coats of finish. As referenced earlier, four to six coats of finish should provide adequate floor protection and prevent excessive scuffing in a health care facility.

Interim Floor Maintenance

A daily floor care maintenance program starts with installing an effective, high-performance matting system. Some administrators underestimate how important mats can be and why a quality matting system is so important. A high-performance matting system helps to keep soils and moisture from being tracked onto freshly refinished floors.

A high-performance matting system will cost more than conventional or rental mats, but just as with chemicals, they tend to pay for themselves in the long run. Keeping soil from entering the facility helps to reduce the workload of custodial workers and related costs.

A final consideration in a thorough floor maintenance program should be inspecting the floor throughout the course of the year and applying a top coat of finish to heavily trafficked areas or wherever the finish appears to be wearing thin. If possible, additional matting should be employed in these areas as well.

Although cleaning budgets have been cut significantly in recent years, proper floor care does not have to suffer. You should view the purchase of floor care equipment maintenance not as an expense, but as an investment in maintaining their floors’ appearances in the most efficient and environmentally responsible manner possible. As with all types of cleaning, we can help you implement a strategy that helps keep floors looking their best while reducing floor care maintenance costs.
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