Two-Hour Minimum for House Cleaning

"I have a two-hour minimum for house cleaning. And I'm trying to grow my cleaning company, but a customer is like, 'can you clean my space? I can only afford one hour of cleaning, and that's not worth the money. Should I have a two-hour minimum?
Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru, digs into two-hour minimum policies. Even with speed cleaning, you're not going to make a dent in one hour of cleaning. She gives pro cleaning tips on today's Ask a House Cleaner cleaning channel.
#SavvyCleaner #AskaHouseCleaner #AngelaBrown
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Ask a House Cleaner is a daily show where you get to ask your house cleaning questions, and we provide answers. Learn how to clean. How to start a cleaning business. Marketing and Advertising tips for your cleaning service. How to find top quality house cleaners, housekeepers, and maids. Employee motivation tactics. Strategies to boost your cleaning clientele. Cleaning company expansion help. Time-saving Hacks for DIY cleaners and more. Hosted by Angela Brown, 25-year house cleaning expert and founder of Savvy Cleaner Training for House Cleaners and Maids.
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[@AskAngelaBrown]

Are you a bit lost on where to start when it comes to marketing your house cleaning business? Well look no further as in these marketing videos I will give expert advice on how to promote and sell your cleaning services and how to deliver your service to clients. You'll be glad you took the time to click. kzbin.info/aero/PLh1fKdNH3piQNAw-Iltyj_kUrbRPubygB

[@megabyteme4488]

Most cleaning businesses in my area have a 3 hour minimum or $75 minimum. I have taken on several small cleaning jobs such as waiting rooms in doctors offices that take about half an hour and I charge $25 each visit ($25/hr is the gong hourly rate in my area), I have several, and some are multiple times a week. Granted they are in great locations, like close to my home, or close to other regular customers. So it really comes down to case by case basis. Taking these small jobs has really brought in a good chunk of money and is now about a 3rd of my income that takes way less time than my normal jobs.

[@tamaraharrison4930]

The people who give u a thumbs down don’t appreciate you! Shame on them! Your amazing

[@stevemtc1]

They only want people to come for one hour

[@RobinCuccia]

I have seniors who live in senior apts can be cleaned in just over 1 hr so i clean for others on same visit since they are walking distance apart

[@nikiblossom6646]

That’s awesome

[@ileb9362]

I love the idea of having packages. I think the bathroom package would be a popular one. Thank you for the great ideas 👏

[@crickets856]

Thank you for answering this question. I work for a cleaning company that does Groupon jobs for advertising purposes. I have seen the worst of the worst from these jobs. One in particular that comes to mind is a family of 6 who only payed for an hour through Groupon and was expecting a miracle within an hour. I have to say by the condition that the house was in I wanted to call CPS there was human feces everywhere! And there were 4 kids in the home it was awful! I did the best I could. I made sure all areas that the kids needed... bathrooms, kitchen, eating areas, entertainment areas were sparkling clean. The home owners (parents) were still unimpressed they were more concerned with how the floors looked than the fact I scrubbed year old feces off of the highchair their daughter needed. Thank you for your channel you answer my questions and make me feel better as a cleaning lady!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Oh no, this is a really sad story. I'm so sorry this happened to you.

[@sparkytoday8455]

I charge $120 for 4 hour minimum; maximum 5 hours for $150 as I’m one person, and get too tired to go longer. Also, most of my jobs require 30 - 60 minutes driving each way. If I go a little over 5 hours it’s $15/per half hour. I don’t take breaks, my phone is turned off, and if client is chatty I continue cleaning as I engage, or listen. They are paying me by the hour so they deserve to get their money’s worth.

[@JS-do7ux]

I completely agree with you!!!

[@mr.wiiick2772]

Hello, is your price still $30 per hour? Did you get many people say your price os too high? I’m starting now and thought 30 was a good price. Thanks

[@sparkytoday8455]

@Mr.Wiick, yes, still $30/hr - 4 hour minimum. In my area, some house cleaners charge $35/hr. Clients look for reliability, honesty, and flexibility. I built up my clientele via word-of-mouth, and now I have a waiting list. Good luck!

[@mr.wiiick2772]

@@sparkytoday8455 thank you so much for responding! This is awesome to hear :)

[@s.a.6082]

I have one client who is sooo chatty and likes to lock eyes while talking! Lol she’s so nice but I’m like lady…you’re paying me by the hour and basically paying me to talk.

[@zebfross]

Forget the whole house; I've spent an hour on one shower, lol

[@AskAngelaBrown]

For this reason, if we have what we call an "icky tub" we bill it separately as a special project so it can be done at a different time and not eat into the entire house cleaning time or money. Also, if you are hiring a new hire can focus on the icky tubs while the regular cleaner cleans the rest of the house.

[@kathytukavkin2522]

I spent 6 hours working on one bathroom and it still wasn't clean enough. I'm lucky my client sees the value in my hard work.

[@michelleboutwell-goodman818]

I’m finding that changing from charging by the hour to charging for the job works better for my business. I wonder if other cleaners have had this experience.

[@kanita0958]

Ava Goodman totally agree with You! Who cleans a home in one hour? 😂😂 it's absurd!

[@redheadzrule66]

Michelle Boutwell-Goodman how do u know how to charge then? Do u just guess?

[@mygreekteacher483]

I watch your videos everyday because first you give me the calmness and determination to clean my house (it has always been difficult for me, i have mental issues and it has been an awful game for me) you help me focus on my goal every day and find joy in life. Second, you help me set boundaries in my business, even though i am in a different business, the boundaries are the same. I wish you a great new year Angela, and I hope you get the joy and help you give to me. Honestly, THANK YOU.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

It sounds like you've made incredible progress in the last year. I hope 2022 brings even better things for you. Thank YOU for being on this cleaning journey with me. Reading messages like this one gives me joy. 💛💛

[@mezmez5799]

I do one hour cleanings, but I also see those customers on a weekly basis. The idea is week 1 I sweep, mop, make beds and light bathroom cleaning. Week 2 I dust, clean the kitchen, sweep, and mop. I don't do everything every week, and it's easier to collect an hour's pay than have a person choke on $75-$100. You're still getting $100/month, but it's a bit more mentally "budget friendly". Most can come up with $25 for a general cleaning, but shudder at $75-$100.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

👍

[@the_luminary]

Alot of great tips. I appreciate not only your useful pricing tips but also the real relationship building ideas which is really more long term thinking and critical for a thriving business 👌🏽

[@aqidahblessed5025]

Good video Angela. When I sit down to do a price quote with customers then is when I hand my policies and procedures to the customers. I read out loud to them. I recently had to drop a customer that didn't want to follow rules. She gave me alot of refferals and I hate I had to let her go but I will not tolerate a problematic customer. I did gave her many chances trying to be fair. If you don't stand firm on your rules customer's will being calling shots.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

I’m so sorry that happened. Thank you for watching the show and leaving a comment. 👍

[@karenguzman355]

I love how blunt you are. I really appreciate the information

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thank you for your feedback and thanks for watching, I appreciate it! 🤗

[@Bijou_248]

wow - this is something I never thought about and could utilize it as a small package opportunity. Thanks Angela 🌸🙏✨

[@thezizi19]

I loved the part of offering the job to that cheap person Angela you are hilarious and amazing!

[@jau2552]

For a person that can only budget for one hour - ask if you could clean every other week for two hours. Budgeting for them would be the same, and also, your two hr minimum would be met. Just an idea.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thanks for sharing your idea and for watching the video!

[@amandawilson9555]

Thanks for the idea!

[@sramos821]

Thanks so much for your ideas. I love the way you explain all these situations

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thanks for watching and for taking the time to check in. I appreciate you. :-)

[@daniellecharland-gruhzit7788]

By the way the first video I watched of yours was about cleaning the shower. I've actually done that! Clean the shower after I took a shower. It's easier doing it while you're standing in it than it is bending over standing out of it but I don't really like being clean and then washing a dirty shower with my scrub brush because then I feel like I have to shower all over again so I have learned to have my cleaning lady come on the day that I plan to wash my hair (it's below my waist. I only wash it 2x a week) and take my longer shower so that she can be working on the floors or whatever and then when I get out of the shower she can go in and clean the shower/tub. We use soap and water like you, dish soap usually, but also vinegar because it helps with the soap scum and the build-up of hard water that we get with our well water. I look forward to more of your house keeping tips as I do most of it, my girl comes in a couple of afternoons a week for a couple of hours and does the floors and other tasks that are difficult for me including gardening. I'm blessed. GOD BLESS you! 🙏🌸🌺🌻🌼

[@christinemadrazo6755]

Brava Angela, brava!! Thanks for sharing.

[@arreola891]

One hour? If a customer requested that, that would actually make me suspicious. What can you possibly do in just one hour? Maybe just sweep n mop?

[@cuarajhyrojayju4397]

For only one hrs I would charge $75

[@SaucyMauve27]

I had a customer that only wanted her floors washed. It took about an hour. She was elderly and I think she had a hard time doing it herself so she really appreciated it.

[@yasuleone9856]

I can clean an entire house in 60 minutes. Maybe you’re just slow.

[@catherinemaclean4924]

@@yasuleone9856 if you're cleaning an entire house in one hour it must be a tiny home. Either that or you're not doing a thorough job. I've been cleaning for over 25 years

[@yasuleone9856]

@@catherinemaclean4924 Put away dishes & put dishes put dishes in dishwasher - 10 minutes. Put laundry in washing machine - 5 minutes. Throw away garbage - 10 minutes. Organize - 15 minutes. Clean surfaces - 10 minutes. Vacuum/mop - 10 minutes. 60 minutes. But yes, if it's really dirty, then it will take longer.

[@daniellecharland-gruhzit7788]

Wow! Great advice! I'm not a house cleaner, I came to your site to look for house cleaning tips but I was so glad that I watched a couple extra videos and I will continue and I have subscribed! I do other business and many things you said in this video made so much sense about defining your business and not changing things all the time. I'm good at what I do but I'm not a good administrator and I need to grow my business enough to afford to hire an administrator!😁 It's people like you who are very good at business that give people like me, (and I am an artist and musician so that can give you a little hint that I'm right brained), give people like me a lot of help! THANKS.

[@priscillafrye2951]

Are you familiar with upwork.com? It's a website where businesses hire people virtually for contract, temporary or part-time help. You could hire someone to help you a couple hours a week. My son has used it many times to get admin help & professional services such as audio editing and project management. There are thousands and thousands of people on the site, you might find someone with admin experience with your specific type of business.

[@xavierroman9816]

That was awesome Angela thank you

[@glenn2595]

Thanks Angela. To date I like this video the best, thought provoking and great ideas.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Glenn, I am so glad you like the video. 👍

[@lindabudzik9583]

I find your videos so interesting from a client standpoint. I have a cleaning service that two years ago charged $115 to clean my house and they had three cleaners here for about 90 minutes. During COVID they had a hard time keeping staff and raised their price every few months so that I now pay $180 for house cleaning. Today there were two people here for 65 minutes. I’m starting to feel a little taken advantage of due to both price and time/effort given to my home. Since we have used this service for over 12 years and really like the owners, how can I approach them and ask about what is covered in a standard clean for the amount I am paying. My husband and I are both tidy and clean. We have no children or pets. I just don’t like doing floors and we have a lot of wood and tile floors. For the $4,680 I pay them each year, I think I should feel happier with their service or just start doing it myself.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Hi and thank you for your kind words of encouragement and support. I appreciate you. 🙏 Price increases are common since the pandemic since all the supplies, insurance, labor costs, the price of fuel, etc. have gone up. That said, price increases need to be justified. If the price is going up but the service is not up to par, a conversation with the owner may be the only way to salvage the relationship. Cleaning companies should have a checklist that shows you what you are paying for. Ask for before and after pictures, etc. Every service company has tools these days to verify the work they've done. If not, it's time to find a new cleaning service. I'm sorry you are in this situation. 😞

[@kathytukavkin2522]

I'd be calling the owners out to your home and going through the most important items that need doing. I used to work for people like this who just take it for granted that a long term client will stay. Now I'm on my own, I always ask for feedback from clients and encourage cameras to cover them and me plus I have Angela's check list and always at the top I put down what's most important to the client FIRST then everything else.

[@genxx2724]

I’d just tell them it’s too expensive and they are not doing a good job. Your house is probably the easiest house they clean, yet they are taking advantage. Do it yourself. It’s like cutting the cord on cable TV when they keep raising the rates each year and there’s hardly anything you want to watch.

[@nikiblossom6646]

Thank you for all the wonderful tips I really appreciate you 😊

[@AskAngelaBrown]

You are so welcome! Glad you like them!

[@JS-do7ux]

Thank you so very much for your awesome and helpful videos! ❤

[@AskAngelaBrown]

You are so welcome, glad to know they are helpful! Thank you for your feedback and for watching!

[@waynejohnson2894]

Excellent advice!!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Glad you think so, thanks for watching!

[@LivingFREE307]

I think keeping to rules I've set in place and figuring those rules out is the hardest part of this business.

[@jamic6351]

Best thing to do is write it down. List the things you do, approximate the task time needed. Clearly say, you can do bathrooms or you can do kitchen, you don’t do both on the same visit. A friend said she had a maniac cleaner who clearly said, I don’t pick up. I clean. She had two small boys, if cleaner tried a room and there were toys strewn about, she’d close the door and go on to the next room. Eventually my friend lost an ambitious cleaner because -rules is rules. Everybody is a potential customer, nobody should be mad if you lay out what you do and don’t do. Make email templates, this, this, and this. That way it’s written down and that can be forwarded easily to others, and, you have a dated record of what was said. I say to service people and builders...don’t be afraid of your price. If you show me a picture or a list, and say, this customer was the 125-175 range, I’m more apt to buy because I can see. People like to order from menus. The price of offerings is shown. Let people pick from your list. For my hires, I tell them I want floors primarily. No refrigerator except for the appliance top. No need to clean inside of oven, just exterior surface. I pay five dollars each per duvet cover, it’s freshly laundered, just put it on. I want hard to reach things, that’s why I call. I always tip, but if not a good fit, I won’t call again. Think you would do best by making lists for yourself. Write standards in several named emails, keep in Drafts. As you do that, you’ll be clarifying for yourself. Do you charge for the size of the room or for the number of hours? And here’s a tip....use PayPal. It’s going to get more customers because they can put it on a debit card. Boom, you’re paid and don’t have to go to the bank. As a customer, I’d think -these people are stable workers. Plus, they provide an invoice template that you can customize with your logo. Don’t forget to use a line for Tip. Lots of times I forego a cleaning because I didn’t budget for it. If I could put it on a card...hand me the phone.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

I appreciate you all sharing your thoughts on house cleaning : )

[@Tmlatyoutube]

I charge for cancellations. Crazy not to. We do bill our customers if the cancel. It's in our terms and they pay or they lose their spot.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

It is a great idea to have some form of cancellation plan in place - otherwise customers will cancel every time it's inconvenient to have a cleaner come.

[@Higher-self222]

Just got a client who wanted just the floors done, it took one hour , the floors and home is spotless , she’s the only one living there , and she pays me $50 .

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Right on. :-)

[@kathytukavkin2522]

Nice!!

[@gailbrown2949]

I like your time limit a d package ideas. They are working really well for me. Thanks Ange.

[@nikiblossom6646]

What do you offered in your one hour package just curious? I’m new here. Thanks

[@weleaveitcleancleaningsolu6697]

Just love your videos

[@AskAngelaBrown]

What a lovely thing to say. Thank you so much for joining me here and for your kind words.

[@MTGoddard]

I love your Videos Angela, such a inspiration watch it! Love from Montreal 🇨🇦

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thank you so much for your kind words, I appreciate it! 🤗

[@MTGoddard]

@@AskAngelaBrown Thank you!

[@gammerr82]

Angela good job today video and thanks For some insight

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@rocketmom60]

I guarantee that if someone only wants 1 hour and you have a 2 hour minimum, they will find more for you to do in the second hour.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Great point. If they are paying for the extra hour anyway - they might as well get something for it. Thanks for sharing this.

[@Hajdra]

U are amazing women I love ur videos and u have giveing me a reason to stay and love what I do

[@anniejefferson8136]

1 hour. Lol. People want everything in 1 hour. Not possible. That does not even cover gas and supplies.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinion.

[@AnnA-jd4xm]

The one hour packages are a good idea!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Glad you think so, thanks for watching!

[@mtm00]

5:45 HaHaHa! ... You might come across people who are minimalists, and they want the minimal amount of work, for a minimal price! (at least they're consistent in their ethics!!!)😁

[@nikiblossom6646]

😅

[@melissalovesu15]

Try most work at minimal price😅 ive been struggling with a client like that no matter how many things I've tried😩

[@sandramarques5760]

I clean an entire house in 4 to six hours. No way is a house clean in 2 or 3. I tell my clients I clean their house like I clean mine. And business is very good. No complaints. If I do a quickie clean of my own house from top to bottom it takes me 3. I have tried to do it quickly but sorry I give my clients a quality/good clean. If I had a cleaner come into my.home.and didnt make it shine before they left I wouldnt pay.

[@j.c.3879]

Sandra Marques how much do your charge? Do you charge by the hour or job?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thanks so much for sharing your input on this topic : )

[@ashleysmith7850]

How much do you charge typically thanks

[@caswellkestoe9162]

Hi angela , love your videos and your professional experience. I would like to know , as a new cleaner how do i go about getting customers. and when would be the right time to raise your price from $25 an hour?

[@caswellkestoe9162]

@@AskAngelaBrown Hi ms. Brown , thanks for replying . right now I'm trying to gather up as much information , tips and how to start my cleaning buisness. I like how you explain to people who wants and intrested in building their own cleaning buisnes. I am currently working a pay check to pay check job that is not making enough to take care of my family. I have never done this before as job but for my apartment yes. So i would like to know the right type of tools and products that are best for this kind of work . I'm really planning and looking forward to becoming my own boss. And i would like to know how much it would cost roughly to start out with. I haven't met with anyone as yet, because i would to know that I'm making the right approach and how to sell my business. Thanks for those good advice and useful tips . love watching your videos, many thanks keep up that good energy.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Check out my free book (Kindle version is free) www.amazon.com/dp/1530476046?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzsavvyc03-20&creativeASIN=1530476046&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.3O42ID05YG497&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin

[@kirstieb8025]

i only have a 600 square foot condo. my company comes for 1.5 hours. $170 including tax. 2 people. fairfield county, CT. i ALWAYS clean it beforehand, because i want them doing that deep clean. they also fold laundry. i don’t care if the price is steep if they do a good job. because it’s hard work. last week they left after 1:15 though. not sure i should complain or not.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

The question is did they do a good job? And are you willing to pay the prices? 2 people at 1.25 hours is a total of 2.5 man hours which breaks down to $68 per hour. It sounds a little high for CT. What is the going rate where you live? Is there something super special or expensive about the area you live in that justifies that price?

[@kathytukavkin2522]

If you pay for the time, you should get the time!!! I'm a cleaner and I always do an extra 15 to 30 minutes at the end of each job to make up for drinks of water and small breaks I may need over the course of 4 to 6 hours. There's never enough time for me to get everything done so I make sure I know what's the most important items for that day.

[@lisa-bw9je]

i used to charge a flat fee , but a lot of homes take longer than I thought the first time. most companies do charge by the flat fee

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thanks for watching the show!

[@kathytukavkin2522]

I cannot believe how many cleaners are happy to get paid $25/hour for working 😫 I charge $40/hour and that's a standard price in Australia 🇦🇺. We had a really really bad unit a few weeks back and charged them an extra $35 for additional chemicals used and I'll be adding a $100 fee for extra filthy places. I boiled the kettle 6 times and kept throwing on the kitchen floor even after 2 of us spent 3 hours each, it was still disgusting. Maggots in every cupboard, rubbish thrown against the wall, pee all over the bathroom floor, toothpaste just spat all over the walls, it goes on. As we were leaving we found out a little girl lived there. I've NEVER told on anybody in my life but I came close that day. The state of this home wasn't fit for an animal to live in let alone a little girl.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

I appreciate you sharing this story with us. 👍

[@irisdelrio1486]

I’m just getting a client to clean 2 and a1/2 baths. That’s all minimum time 1 1/2. Is odd for me since is my first time just for that, but I’ll be cleaning another client in the same area the same day.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

You got this! Wishing you lots of success!

[@peachtree136]

“We staring to work since we on the way”

[@suzum.9713]

I tried to dust the trim of my 9 ft celings a while back and popped my knee while climbing onto a chair. My out-of state daughter said I shouldn't be getting on chairs. I said, "Well goodness! How old is too old to be climbing on chairs??" (I was 52) She answered, "50." (!!!!!!!!!! Has it come to that already????) I jokingly said, "Well Deary, would you like to come dust for me?". She said, "Nope". She said, "You should use a Swiffer!" I said, "I WAS!" (But... Fifty is not old, right?) My mom-in-law use to be meticulous. I'd known her for thirty years before I ever saw dust at her house. Now, she's 89 and her eye-sight has faded enough that she just says, "If I can't SEE it, it ain't there!"

[@bethheerten1132]

52 is certainly not old, but any age is too old to climb on a chair. I cringe to think about it. As I have gotten older (71) I have learned not to wear my glasses in certain rooms. They look better without them on.😁

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Yikes! I hope your knee feels better. We’re you using the Swiffer with extendable handle?

[@karenrich9092]

Hi Just asking a question as a customer. What should I have ready when the house cleaner comes? I wouldn't want to make more work for the cleaner(s).

[@AskAngelaBrown]

That is a great question for the cleaning company you hire. Some will tell you they don't do dishes, so having them in the dishwasher is helpful, and some don't pick up toys. It depends on what you are hiring the house cleaner for (some homeowners hire house cleaners so they will do dishes and pick up toys) it just depends on the agreements you have with the person you hire.

[@d.vaders1178]

As an ex-cleaner, I had great customers because “I trained them “. I always had them wash the bath and kitchen towels before I arrived…just start the washer and I will dry them when I arrive and re hang them fresh before I leave. Also, load and run the dishwasher, I will put away when they are done. Pick up your dirty clothing, please tidy your bills/mail (we really do not want to know your personal business), please have your cosmetics put away (a slip of eye shadow cake case on a wet bathroom glove could break it), and work hard at not having clutter all about. If I have to fight your clutter, I may not be able to clean effectively which I really want to do. I also would do bedding changes. If you strip the sheets and have loads primed in the laundry room, I can possibly use those 10 minutes to do an extra somewhere like wipe out the fridge, vacuum all the air returns for the hvac system, dust the ceiling fan or clean a couple windows. Coming home to a showroom house is a luxury, but moreover it can set the stage for quality time with your family or literally clear your body of stress. If you have to come home and still put dishes away or fold sheets that are still in the dryer because their time ran out, you are missing an opportunity to have that ‘feeling’ of clean home bliss. So set them up for success and reap the rewards yourself. Also, there is a psychological effect to crumbs and chunks in the house to your cleaners. Keep up on daily 5 minute tasks in between cleans so when we show up, when we just walk through the door, we don’t feel overwhelmed by chaotic disaster. As a ex-cleaner with a cleaner of my own, I’m extra picky. So to be fair to her, I run my vacuum for 2 minutes a day on the traffic area down the halls, swiffer my wood floors daily, keep my counters and stove free of the heavy kitchen messes and have all clutter eliminated on the day of the clean. I also run all the kitchen “stuff” (microwave platter, splatter cover, range drip pans, spoon rest, kettle, coffee pot and filter basket, drain stoppers, keurig drip tray and mugs from mug tree and any remaining breakfast dishes) through the dishwasher in the morning. She then can get straight to the actual cleaning and replace all that clean stuff when done shining all the kitchen to a sparkle.

[@GM-cm3qc]

Customer decides what they want and how long it takes?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Communication is key between cleaners and clients. 👍

[@whyqu.i.t]

Still Loving it. Just about to launch

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Woot Woot! Keep me posted. I'm here rooting for you. :-)

[@34789199]

Is it a good idea to offer a discount percentage for every referral that client that has a tight budget

[@34789199]

@@AskAngelaBrown what happened was a client I have clean her house multiple times. 1 time told me she was running tight on budget so I told her I'll give you 50% off on every referral she gave me.

[@34789199]

@@AskAngelaBrown wow I wasn't looking at it from that point of view. make sense though thank you

[@lillamb7223]

@@34789199 can you share what tips you got from Angela? :)

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Check out this video on discounts: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqGalWmpf8qrrKM

[@SabrinaSerigne]

My subdivision customers want to know what discount can I provide for the entire street or multiple homes in the block. How can i do this

[@AskAngelaBrown]

You don't. The store doesn't offer a neighborhood discount on bread and milk. You have a price for your service and everybody that wants that service pays the price. It is completely normal that you would service lots of houses on the same street or in a subdivision - that is how your business is set up - it is not something special for which you offer a discount.

[@d.vaders1178]

I do not completely agree with Angela’s input below. There is definitely an upside to not having a 15-30 minute drive to the next customer. Especially if you run a team, you could literally be adding an extra house to your schedule each day, or picking up a “1 hour touch-up” client for the last hour of a day. I would absolutely incentivize your clients to save you the drive time. One way would be to give a $15-$25 bonus credit coupon per referral that can be used towards “extra” tasks in future. Such as, full fridge cleaning, oven cleaning, or organizing linen closet/pantry. This is helpful if you have flat rates for those extras already on your cleaning “menu”. Yes it will result in extra time later, but will not reduce your regular income. Perhaps, you could create the BONUS COUPONS and the EXTRAS MENU at the same time. You could incorporate the coupons on the lower portion of their invoice that you fill out when applicable with the referral clients name. EXTRAS MENU items can be ordered ahead of time, you invoice on the weekly/biweekly bill at the EXTRAS RATE, they remit the coupons to settle those charges. Coupons not applicable to regular cleaning charges. OR…..incentivize the referrals themselves. Any referral resulting in a new client in the ‘hood equals “$X” credit after you are hired. Make it enough that it is appreciated but low enough that you don’t have to eat Mac n cheese all week. I’d say $25 off $100 would be nicely received. Be inventive, know your audience and market directly to them and their needs. I also used to have a really high demand for Friday cleans. If you have one really strong referral producing client, maybe reward them with a coveted Friday slot if they can bring you “just 2 more new clients this month to fill out your schedule”. You can only clean so much if you are solo…10 weekly or 20 bi weekly for your typical suburban homes pretty much taps you out. But if you are teaming or scaling, incentives are a much better bet to keep you fully booked even when you have a client quit or when you need to quit them. Keep your clients apprised of what you need. A line on your invoice could say: Thank you for all your continued support of my business. I am not accepting new clients at this time.” OR…”Thank you for your loyal support of my business. I currently have my Tuesday afternoon time slot available for bi-weekly service. Your referrals are very much appreciated.”

[@maryogie1941]

@@d.vaders1178 you have a really good business mentality. This comment should be looked at by everyone in the housecleaning business.

[@kristasmith3692]

If you charge $25 an hour but decide to offer a one hour package, would you still charge $25 or would you charge a little extra since it’s only 1 hr?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

$25 is pre-pandemic pricing. Since the pandemic the cost of PPE has gone up, cleaning equipment has gone up, the cost of supplies has gone up, labor costs have risen as well as fuel. Please start at least $35 to keep up with standard pricing in the industry.

[@kristasmith3692]

@@AskAngelaBrown thank you so much!!

[@jcastro91235]

Angela thank you so much for mentioning this there is a client that I will be cleaning house for this Sunday it’s going to be a deep clean without blinds and windows after I do his deep clean wants me to continue maintenance two times a month and also clean his office bathroom he said it should take 15 to 20 minutes and I didn’t think that he needs to say how long it will or should take me because I’m the one that’s going to do the job but I’m glad you mentioned that about the two hours my question is do you think it’s OK to go and do a bathroom five minutes away from the house that I do or do you think I should tell him the office Hass to be at least two hours that’s a tricky thing but I don’t want to go and clean an office for 1520 minutes I think an hour to two hours but I think I do want to make that rule two hours or more please give me your feedback

[@AskAngelaBrown]

You have to ask yourself will it benefit you? Will it be cost and time effective? Is he going to pay extra for the office/bathroom cleaning? These are some things to consider.

[@ellaborodkina6222]

Hi Angela I work for a woman’s salon and the maximum hours I can clean is three hours. It’s a ten dollar per hourly rate and I can’t go over the limit. I love deep cleaning and putting elbow grease into my work but it’s not enough time for me to do it in one whole day. I only use natural cleaning products from stores. Is there any tips to clean faster but thoroughly within this hourly range?

[@ellaborodkina6222]

Angela Brown The salon is a small suite size coupled with a lot of shelving and products laid out on display. The major rooms I clean are the client seating area, employee break room, bathroom , and shampoo room. Once a week I go in and use my brand new sponges, bristled brushes and Method cleaning sprays. As for the quality ingredients each specific bottle is formulated to make the job easier.

[@kathytukavkin2522]

I find the only chemicals that work better are things like oven cleaner. But I've got a natural formula for my all in one cleaner that never fails me; 300ml vinegar, 60ml dishwashing liquid, 3 tablespoons washing soda (dissolve in 200ml of boiling water wait to cool) 50ml 100% eucalyptus oil, 500ml water; then put in spray bottles. I'll usually use a whole bottle of the oil for every 5 litres I make. You can do floors, walls, kitchen, bathrooms, toilets, inside, outside, stone, granite, marble, timber, glass etc it disinfects everything, cuts through grease and grime and leaves the home smelling great and what's more it's 100% natural. If the client has timber floors, I'll use a timber floor cleaning solution though. I worked with a lady who swore by vinegar and used half a litre vinegar half bucket water and it wrecked the wooden floors throughout this beautiful 2 story home so don't do that. But less is always more.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thanks for leaving a comment.

[@recardopinnock5670]

Great

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thank you for your feedback and thanks for watching. 🙂

[@salinamontano5147]

If you send 2 cleaners to a job, should you charge "per person"? ie... 1 person $40, 2 people $80?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Yes, everybody gets paid a living wage. If you have two people cleaning, you have to charge twice as much. 4 hours of cleaning at $40 = $160 (This can be 1 person x 4 hours or 2 people x 2 hours)

[@kirstieb8025]

Angela Brown i’m paying $170 including tax for 2 people for ONE HOUR. my place is only 600 square feet (an apartment) and very clean. this is a cleaning company. they do a really good job. i live near nyc but still feel like i’m getting ripped off. thoughts?

[@kathytukavkin2522]

The cleaners are getting paid $80 and the company is pocketing the rest of it.

[@lorrainewilson1275]

Hello Angela I've been cleaning for about 3yrs But and I think I clean very well. And I prices less then most so I can get more business . Like the other day, I cleaned a 2brd 2bath apt kitchen living room And I spent 5 hrs there .and when I left I told the lady there were a few things I did not get to and she was rushing and told me I could do it next time .any way the next night she texted and complained about the same things I told her I could not finish And to make it worse I did all that cleaning for 100 .please help me I want to make this a business it just seems they want so much for so little .

[@auntyuber5127]

You got taken. I have 1 bed 1 bath 720sq foot apt and pay 100 for 2 hours

[@kathytukavkin2522]

Yeah that lady rode you like seabiscuit honey

[@25jjewingsgdt]

🤙🏾very valuable 2¢

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thank you for your feedback and thanks for watching the video. 👍🙂

[@robertabaraszu6972]

What about house cleaning for seniors? 1:04

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thank you for your question. When cleaning for seniors, try to keep the cleaning sessions short with breaks to make it more comfortable for them. Pay attention to their energy levels and schedule the cleaning at a time that suits them best

[@sherryboyd817]

Do you give them a receipt?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Are you using any software that triggers an invoice after cleaning? The invoice usually serves as the receipt. If you are using a checklist you can add the amount to the bottom of the checklist and have that be your invoice. It's easier if you have a credit card on file and bill the client a set amount each cleaning. That way they can budget for the job.

[@noel_is_stupid]

Hi Angela how can I email you for a question?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Here is a link that will take you to the webpage where you can leave me a message : ) askahousecleaner.com/ Looking forward to hearing from you. 🤗

[@morgonaarchuleta2690]

Great eyebrows!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Aww...thanks! 😊

[@astraward1869]

I just saw a very informative video on cleaning an acrylic shower/tub with Comet. I was under the impression that Comet or similar cleaners that are abrasive should not be used on acrylics or fiberglass. Please inform me as to what is correct in this matter.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

We've used Comet for tubs and showers for years without any scratching. It's a mild abrasive and it's a powder, so when used with a wet, non-scratch scrub sponge it's the perfect combination of grit to clean the gunk from the tub or shower walls and floor.

[@billythomason6447]

I am a 46 year old man i own a window cleaning business but i want to start a cleaning business ....does men do ok get into this kind of business if so how do i charge for my service. I dont know how long it will take to charge by the hour thanks

[@cindycox9496]

Hi

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Hi...hope all is well! Thanks for watching!

[@svetamatvey]

I have minimum charge.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

A minimum charge makes it worth your time - and if you can't resell the time slot to someone else, you need to get paid something for it. Great point. :-)

[@lbicleaningconcierge8146]

One hour with Two People is possible? Are you talking about Solo Cleaners?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

The question was from a solo cleaner