Tag: cleaning services calgary

What to Expect with Regular Home Cleaning Services
This is the year you finally decided to spend more quality time with your family; time that doesn’t involve a mop, broom, or scrub brush. That’s right – this is the year you are taking back this valuable time by hiring a home cleaning service. Someone else can clean so you don’t have to.

Now, the only thing that’s left is to understand how often you want your cleaners to come in and what will be cleaned when they’re there. That’s what we’re here to help with today, providing clarity on what to expect when you work with a professional cleaning company. Let’s dive in!

When you receive regular cleaning services, you typically invest in weekly or biweekly cleaning. If you’re looking for a monthly clean, this is considered a deep clean as it often takes more time to complete. One reason is that with weekly/biweekly cleaning, we’re able to rotate what is cleaned each time, whereby a monthly cleaning requires everything to be cleaned in one fell swoop.

Once we determine which service it is you’re looking for, we schedule our initial cleaning visit. This visit is typically a deep clean as the first clean almost always takes a bit longer for a few reasons:
1. We’re getting used to the overall layout of the house.
2. We’re creating a clean slate so we’re all on the same page as to what “clean” is. Every so often, we walk into a home to learn that the house isn’t quite ready for a simple regular clean.
3. We set up our working relationship, learning your expectations and how we can best meet them.
After the initial deep clean visit, we begin our weekly/biweekly regular services. What follows is a breakdown of what your investment includes.
Bathrooms

As one of the least clean spaces in your home (sorry – it’s true), we always clean the bathroom. This includes scrubbing the toilets, sinks, showers and tubs, along with a wipe down of the baseboards, walls and cabinets.

If weekly, we do a full cleaning of the outsides of the walls and cabinets every second time we are in there (e.g., weeks 1 and 3). For biweekly, this is done each time.

Kitchen

A standard kitchen cleaning involves washing counters and stove tops, and wiping down the outside of the oven, dishwasher, and fridge, along with the inside and outside of the microwave. On the counters, we make sure to lift and clean underneath items (e.g., coffee machine, knife blocks, etc.). Note that the less there is on the counter for us to clean around, the more time we’re able to save, which allows you to save money because we do not have to work around as many objects.

What is not included is doing the dishes – unless specifically requested. If the sink is full of dishes, we are unable to do the work you hired us for. We will most likely put them in the dishwasher but note that this will be added as an additional service.

Every fourth week (or every second time for biweekly cleans), we do a complete wipe down of the cabinets.

If you require us to clean inside things, such as the inside of the fridge, oven, cabinets, or drawers, this does add extra time. Depending on what this special request is will determine how this influences your budget. These extra request cleanings are completed only at your discretion and request.

Dusting

This is where we often have a miscommunication in expectations with clients. While we do a basic dusting each time we’re there, we do not dust everything. This includes high-cleaning items (items above the cabinets, tops of shelves, etc.), door frames, baseboards, and so forth. These are dusted on a rotating schedule, typically done every fourth week for weekly cleaning, and every second time for biweekly.
Floors

Your floors deserve TLC every single time we’re there. This is why we always do a thorough vacuum and mop (in the rooms you ask us to). A few things to note about this:
1. If we’re able to easily reach our vacuums/mops under your furniture, then we’ll be able to clean underneath them.
2. If you would like us to clean underneath your furniture, we ask that you move it as we typically do not move furniture, particularly on floors, to avoid scratching your flooring material. This also requires a bit extra time; therefore, we ask to schedule this in advance of the regular cleaning.
3. We do vacuum fabric furniture (e.g., sofas). However, if it is a huge sectional, this can take 30+ minutes, especially if there is a lot of animal hair involved. If you need us to vacuum this item, we ask that you book extra time.
Common Bits and Pieces

There are three items that we’re often asked about: bedding, garbage, and the “little things”.
1. Changing bedsheets – this is a special request that you must make in advance. We ask that you leave the clean sheets on the bed you’d like us to put them on. However, we do not launder them as there are often personal preferences when it comes to doing the laundry.
2. Taking out the garbage – we collect and take this out each and every time. However, we leave the compost and recycling up to the customer as people have preferences as to how they like to sort these items.
3. “Little things” – we do our best to clean what we can in the amount of time you’ve booked. Sometimes we’re able to squeeze in those little extras (e.g., wiping your dog’s nose art off the inside of your front window). However, all these “little things” quickly add up to a half hour or more. This is why we prefer to work on a rotating schedule when it comes to weekly/biweekly regular cleaning services. All we ask is to remember that while we are always happy to help clean your home, we are still a business, and our cleaners deserve to be paid for their time. Be clear with your expectations and we can ensure we are able to meet them within the right amount of dedicated time.
If you still have questions as to what you should look for beyond, “what’s included in a regular clean,” please read this blog for common questions we hear when scheduling new clients.
One Final Note

Cleaners do not come in to tidy up. We come to clean your home. This is easier when clothes are put away, dishes are in the dishwasher (not in the sink), and toys are tucked away instead of scattered on the floor. This way, we can do what we do best – make your home sparkle and give you more time with the people you want to spend time with.

To inquire about our services or to book an initial quote, connect with us today.
January 19, 2023
House Cleaning Tips for Families on the Go

We’re here again! Back to September after the lazy days of summer and with it, activities galore are restarting all over the place. With new routines, weeknight commitments and homework, and busy weekends away from the house, the one thing that may fall by the wayside is the house cleaning now that everyone is back into their new weekly habits.

Not to fret! There are quick cleaning tips and tricks you and your family can do to keep your home organized, smelling fresh, and looking good. Just follow along with these easy house cleaning hacks in the next few slides ahead.

TOILET TIME

Keep an eye on your toilet. This is the dirtiest place in the house that contains hundreds of germs (blah!). At the bare minimum, do a weekly cleaning of this – even if it’s a swish of the brush with your cleaning product. Once a month, do a deep scrub of the toilet to get rid of any missed germs and grime the weekly brush swishing missed.

SHOWER CURTAIN RENEW

Keep an eye on your toilet. This is the dirtiest place in the house that contains hundreds of germs (blah!). At the bare minimum, do a weekly cleaning of this – even if it’s a swish of the brush with your cleaning product. Once a month, do a deep scrub of the toilet to get rid of any missed germs and grime the weekly brush swishing missed.

ENJOY SHOWER PRESSURE AGAIN

Over time, shower heads become clogged with deposits from hard water minerals, reducing the pressure of the water. To restore this pressure to its former glory, pour a cup of white vinegar into a plastic bag. Tie the bag around the shower head to immerse the head’s holes in the vinegar solution. Secure it with a twist tie. Let it soak for up to an hour, or overnight, then remove and wipe away the loosened deposits.

BRING BACK YOUR BATHROOM’S SPARKLE

To clean grimy grout, mix ¾ cup of household chlorine bleach and 1 tablespoon of powdered Tide with 1 gallon of water. Use a stiff brush to apply the mixture to one small area at a time. Let this sit for several minutes, then scrub and rinse.

Make sure to wear rubber gloves and eye protection, though! This will keep your skin and eyes safe from any bleach backsplash.

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL

Shine up those mirrors by wiping them with a damp microfibre cloth. After this, shine it up with our amazing smart clean cloths, perfect for glasses, mirrors, and windows.

PERFECT YOUR SLEEPING BEAUTY

Freshen up your pillows and blankets and fall asleep with ease. Put your pillows in your washing machine and run them through a regular cycle. Make sure you wash two pillows at a time to balance your washer. If you are comfortable doing so, use a bit of bleach.

Duvets and comforters can either be washed or taken to the dry cleaner, depending on the type of material they’re made of. If the duvet has feathers in it, put it in the dryer on your machine’s hot cycle once a month. The heat will kill off any mites who may be in the cover. If this isn’t possible – remember, our schedules have just been thrown back into busy routines, then once every three months will suffice.

REMOVE SCUFFS WITHOUT ALL THE BUFF

All floors have scuffs at some point. Stay on top of these by mopping with ease. Use a mop that has a Velcro bottom – not the string and squeeze type. Then, attach a clean microfiber cloth to the bottom. From there, mop away using a simple mixture of water and a small bit of dish soap. Once down, remove the microfiber cloth and throw it in the washing machine.

KEEP YOUR DRINKING GLASSES SHINING

No more hazy glasses coming out of the dishwasher. First, put the glasses in the dishwasher. To remove the built-up film from hard-water minerals add 1 cup of white vinegar to your dishwasher and run it through the dishwasher cycle. Promptly remove and touch up your glasses with the smart clean cloth. This removes those lingering water droplets to spiffy up the glass with shine.

NO MORE SMELLY GARBURATORS

Garburators, if not cleaned regularly, are famous for producing terribly unpleasant smells. But do not put your hand in it to scrub it clean. Simply run some citrus peels through it – lemons, limes, or oranges – to remove the smells and leave a fresh scent behind.

A little extra hint: keep the blades sharp by grinding some ice in it.

DEGREASE THOSE CABINETS

Just like your cooking tools, your cupboards can get grimy when you’re making dinner with those pesky splatters and splashes. Add two tablespoons of powdered Tide to a bucket of water and wash the cabinets with a microfibre cloth. Then, rinse with a well-wrung cloth and dry. If you’re wondering whether our amazing cloth shines up your cabinets, the answer is yes!

TACKLE THE MICROWAVE

A family on the go uses their microwave almost every day. Make caked-on grime easier to wipe off by soaking a kitchen sponge in water, adding a dab of dish soap to it, and putting it in the microwave. Then run it on high until the microwave’s window is steamy. Let the sponge sit for 10 minutes before you open the door, and simply wipe the inside clean with the sponge.

GOODBYE MUSTY SMELLS

We’ve all heard that placing an open box of baking soda in the fridge can reduce pungent food smells, but this also works if you place one in your linen closet to prevent your sheets and towels from producing a dank smell. Just remember to change the box every one to two months.

DELIGHT YOUR DISHWASHER

It may be called a dishwasher, but it cleans so much more than just your dishes! You can clean toys, such as Legos, pet dishes, kitchen brushes or even stove accessories like greasy buttons. Your dishwasher will be so happy you’re using it to its full potential.

SHIMMERING STAINLESS STEEL SHINE

Don’t let fingerprints stop you from enjoying the beauty of your stainless steel appliances. Spray them with a dish soap/water concoction and wash them off with a microfibre cloth. Then make them shimmer by using the versatile Clean Club Calgary cloth.

However, if there are too many marks on the stainless steel, use a bit of Bar Keepers Friend on your damp microfibre cloth instead of the dish soap/water mix. Then, rinse off the surface and shine it back up.

ZAP OVER SPILLS

If you don’t own a self-cleaning oven, try using Easy-Off Professional Fume Free Max Oven Cleaner to effectively remove any baked-on gunk. It is one of the best products we use to keep our ovens free of those burnt food bits from piling up.

CLEAN YOUR WALLS

We often forget that our walls need to be wiped down. To make this an easy, quick to-do on your cleaning checklist, mix 1 tablespoon of powdered Tide with warm water in a bucket. If you are comfortable with bleach, add a tablespoon as well. Use a microfibre cloth to wash the walls. To reach those high spots, simply attach the cloth to the mop and “mop” the wall. This mopping cleaner mix is also amazing on baseboards and doors.

KEEP THE PETS…NOT THE ODOURS

We love our furry family members…but they do tend to add some extra unpleasant smells. For those soft, cushy places we often find them resting – such as their dog beds, or fabric-covered couches – we can easily deodorize them with baking soda. Sprinkle the soda on the surface, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up.

Many dog beds can also be thrown into the washing machine post vacuuming for an extra deep clean. Just be sure to read the labels of the bed to make sure the fabric can go in the machine.

NO MORE HAIR/FUR TUMBLEWEEDS

Hair! While it’s a great musical, it is frustrating to have so much of it floating around our homes like lost tumbleweeds. Whether it’s your hair or your pet’s, we’ve got the solution. Use a rubber brush on your furniture, carpet, and area rugs. Then simply vacuum up all the excess pet hair once it’s been pulled out of the material with the brush.

These are some of the most common house cleaning hacks and tricks we use to keep our own homes clean when we’re on the go. You can also find some great cleaning checklist downloads right here to create a schedule for cleaning that follows your household routine.

Of course, if you simply do not have time, but you do have the budget, hiring a cleaning company helps you and your family focus on what matters most – time together in the chaos of new routines. Connect with us for a quote.

September 13, 2022
How Residential Cleaning is as Refreshing as a Brand New Hair Style

Hair – long strands, short whisps, colourful and gray. Every single professional cleaner has had their fair share of hair discoveries while cleaning. From hair tumbleweeds to flying hairballs, hair is everywhere in a cleaner’s world…including on our heads (well…most of us anyway 😉).

So, it’s no surprise that customized cleaning is exactly like getting the perfect haircut. After all, hair from one’s head always ends up in our vacuum!

Even more, hair has a huge place in my heart because of the entrepreneurial family I grew up with in Hungary. When we immigrated to Canada, this entrepreneurial spirit came with us. In fact, it’s what made us grow, connect, and build our lives here. To this day, my mom still owns and runs her own barber and hair styling business (30+ years after we moved here). To say that her entrepreneurial spirit, business knowledge, and hair talent influenced me is an understatement.

It’s her business knowledge (and love of cleaning too) that guides so many lessons at Clean Club Calgary. There are so many parallels between receiving a fresh haircut and walking into a room that has been freshly cleaned.

Even more – I firmly believe that one of the most important relationships in our lives is that with our hairdresser. They have the power to make us feel like a completely new version of ourselves, lifting our spirits and literally cutting away old pieces of ourselves that we’ve outgrown.

That’s what a quality cleaning company does as well – clear away old pieces of the home (AKA: dust, dirt, grime, hairballs, and fur) that no longer belong. Once removed, a whole new home appears.

Let’s see what other fun parallels there are!

There’s a Hairstyle for Everyone

No two haircuts are the same, just as no two homes are the same. Therefore, no two cleanings are the same.

A breakdown of the different types of cleanings aligns beautifully with the types of haircuts I’ve not only watched my mom create, but I have had!

The regular touch-up session: For short hair that needs ongoing maintenance, a touch-up every few weeks does wonders to keep flyaways in place and the shape to frame the face. Similarly, for homes that need an easy-to-maintain, no-fuss household, a short two – three hour cleaning every week/bi-weekly does the trick to keep dust at bay and grime away.

The intense, deep impact session: A full transformation hairstyle – including a cut and colour, or even *gasp* the addition of bangs – a longer session must be booked as there are different stages and products required. This type of transformation I liken to either a deep clean – such as spring or fall cleaning – or a post renovation clean.

Custom style session: Like any client-centric hairdresser, modifying services is also key. For instance, one may want a blowout with a small fringe trim, just as a residential cleaning client may only want to have their bathroom and kitchen cleaned (leaving the rest of the cleaning to their own vices…AKA: their teenagers). Other’s request unique once-a-month cleanings with different requirements each time, much like the individual who wants a different haircut each time.

Relationships are All Important for Growth

My mom never did any marketing. She grew her business the old-fashioned way – through relationships, word of mouth, and high-quality service.

To this day, this is how she continues to keep her repeat (happy) customers, along with gaining new clientele. She doesn’t need fancy Tik Tok posts or special marketing frenzies to attract clients. She merely provides service that is top-notch and leaves her customers feeling relaxed and ready to take on the world.

While Clean Club Calgary is online to share information about how we work and who we are, I look to the type of quality service my mom offers to inform how we attract and retain our clients. It’s all about the quality experience we offer. From clear communication with our clients to supporting our own team members, our customer service is built on personal relationships. This will always be core to this business.

Further, knowing who our clients are – what and who are important to them and why – is crucial for us to provide the quality they deserve. This helps inform who we send to clean and focuses on building a long-lasting relationship with each client.

Professionals All Need Training

Cutting, colouring, and styling someone’s hair requires training. There are details involved that, if not performed correctly, produce an end result that can be disastrous (we all know someone who had severe chunky highlights that did not come out the way they imagined). A colourist MUST understand how to properly colour someone’s hair, otherwise, they run the risk of damaging the individual’s natural hair and scalp.

Just as a hairstylist must understand their craft (types of scissors, hair textures, colouring techniques and chemicals used), professional cleaners must also understand their craft. If someone accidentally uses the wrong chemical on a surface, damage is done. This is why it’s so important that we take the time to properly train our team, not just with processes, but with the science of cleaning as well.

Knowing the right type of training required allows us to pair the right individual with the service requested.

Every Miracle Only Lasts Three Days

Last, but certainly not least, all services are being provided by human beings. Humans who are not perfect. We’ve all had our fair share of bad haircuts along the way – even the most talented of hairdressers have an “oopsie” slip with their scissors. Professional cleaners are no different and sometimes mistakes happen.

When they do, I remind myself of this Hungarian saying – every miracle only lasts three days. Just as our amazing hair days come and go, so do our bad hair days. While we always strive to complete our cleans without any issues, sometimes things happen. What matters is not that it happened, but that we understand why and make sure that we know how to not have it happen again. THIS is how we continue to grow, provide excellent service and experiences, and leave our clients with the freshest of homes that they deserve.

Plus…the hair will always grow again. This is how we are able to step out of the stress of an “oopsie” moment and move forward together.

While Clean Club Calgary can’t help with your own hairstyle, we can absolutely support you removing the hair from your home, in the style of your choosing!

Connect for a quote on your own custom style of cleaning today! It could be the very thing you need to feel refreshed again in your home.

November 20, 2021
The 3 Types of Clean: Cleaned, Sanitized and Disinfected

Cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting – since COVID, these terms have flooded our lives, newsfeeds filling with articles using these words interchangeably and scaring the bejeebus out of readers, including me at times…and I’m a cleaning business owner!

Customers have been asking more and more exactly what the difference is and should people even care. My simple answer is yes. Absolutely, you should care. A properly cleaned home provides a healthy environment. So, for this month’s blog, I wanted to take a moment to break down what each of these terms means and how your residential cleaner uses them to provide you with a higher quality of life.

CLEANING WITH CLARITY

To clean is to remove dirt, debris, dust and other unwanted materials from surfaces. It may or may not involve tidying up (e.g. organizing and putting things in their place) and can include simple cleaning agents, such as soap or detergent. Regular cleaning keeps your place looking and smelling nice while also reducing the germs living on the surface. However, cleaning on its own will not have the same benefits or peace of mind as sanitizing and disinfecting.

To clean, think “simple wiping.”

SANITIZING MADE SIMPLE

Sanitizing is a step up from cleaning. Similar to cleaning with the removal of debris, sanitizing further reduces the germs living on a surface. This act focuses on eliminating these pathogens and microorganisms that can transfer germs, such as COVID or the flu. Sanitizing typically uses a chemical agent of sorts (e.g. bleach or even steam), reducing the germs that come in contact with the agent. Specific touchpoints that require regular sanitization include handles, doorknobs, TV controllers, keyboards, kitchen utensils, and other high touch shared surfaces in your home.

To sanitize, think “wiping with a cleaning agent.”

DISINFECTING DEFINED

Disinfecting is the highest form of germ and debris removal. While sanitizing does an excellent job of reducing pathogens, it is typically done in a quick fashion and does not always kill them. The goal of disinfecting is to kill all microorganisms, leaving a sterile environment behind. This is particularly crucial in hospitals and special care facilities. To disinfect, one must let the cleaning agent sit for a specific amount of time, allowing the agent itself to work. When ready, the cleaner removes the agent, reducing the risk for germ and other pathogen transfer.

To disinfect, think “apply cleaning agent, let it sit and work.”

WHY YOU SHOULD UNDERSTAND AND DO ALL THREE FOR YOUR HEALTH

Knowing these differences will help to keep you and your family safe. Understanding these terms guides the type of cleaning products you buy, how you use them, and why you use them. Unfortunately, post-COVID, we are going to be faced with heavy gaslighting from advertisers for cleaning products that are focusing on selling the fear of COVID and not real cleaning solutions. By understanding whether you want a cleaned, sanitized, or disinfected environment, you’ll be able to make smarter choices when it comes to buying cleaning products and when scheduling your professional cleaning services.

I understand that this can be stressful with so many “facts” out there, but it is important to know what your specific risk is and what you can do to protect your own health (e.g. a quick wipe down or full disinfectant cleaning day). Armed with the above definitions, I encourage you to connect with your home cleaning service provider. Ask what cleaning agents they use, along with the Safety Data Sheets for the products they are using. This will give more insight, and hopefully more sleep-filled nights, as you relax knowing how safe your home really is.

Curious as to how you can improve the quality of your life through cleaning sanitizing, or disinfecting?
Connect today and share why dirt is keeping you up at night!

July 16, 2020
The Future of Cleaning Services in a Post-COVID World
How life was lived prior to March 2020 will never be the same. Nor should it.

COVID-19, the changing economy, and our new way of life is not something that people should look to survive, but understand how to embrace to continue to grow beyond it.

In this new era, there are a lot of good and positive things that are going to come from this. Personally, I hope a bit more human compassion and empathy will spread. Of course, I am also on a mission to show why professional cleaning services are considered an essential service and this is only going to continue.

I’m excited about the changes the industry will see, raising the standard of professionalism as a whole. Cleaning is a very honourable career and I believe that the fall-out of COVID will be a bright future for the cleaning industry.

Commercial Cleaning Services and the Business Community

Unsurprisingly, Clean Club Calgary has had an increase in the frequency of commercial cleaning service requests since COVID-19 broke. Businesses are starting to view cleaning as an investment in both their business and the health of their employees and clients.

That said, surprisingly, a number of our commercial clients changed how they previously viewed their services. For instance, one of our corporate clients increased their cleaning package with key sanitation procedures specifically to mitigate risk for their staff. Another client, previously cost-concerned with cleaning as an expense, has now increased the frequency of cleaning from weekly to two times per week, recognizing that they are investing in the health of their people, not only cleaning and sanitizing a space.

From show homes to studios, offices and cafes full of entrepreneurs, the business community is changing their relationship with cleaning, beginning to invest in it as they do their employee benefits programs.

Residential Cleaning Services and Improved Processes

First thing’s first — residential cleaners are ALSO considered essential workers! Why? Cleaning is as much about one’s overall health as it is about removing debris and dust from their home.

To ensure both families and cleaning teams remain safe, many companies have enhanced their processes for everyone’s safety. Clean Club Calgary has developed boundaries for social distancing, invested in quality face masks for our staff, and trained on additional sanitization techniques, among other steps to limit health risks. In addition, to reduce the time that we’re in a client’s home, we’ve developed firm processes so we can proactively clean and properly disinfect. While residential clients have always expected clean in their services (as they should), they are now growing to expect quality deep cleans every single time. It’s important that we further develop processes and procedures that provide greater relaxation and peace of mind for people in their homes, while meeting their expectations of clean and sanitized.
Cleaning Regulations Implemented Industry-Wide

I have always been committed to raising the standards of the cleaning industry. In fact, I am an active member of the ISSA Canada Residential Council. As part of this counsel, we are looking to develop regulations that all professional cleaning companies must follow. I believe that this is what all cleaning business owners should be doing as we have now entered an era where simple wipe downs do not bring the peace of mind EXPECTED by our clients.

Here, we continue to:
- Educate: There are key pieces of knowledge and support that come with being a professional cleaning company, such as having properly trained staff; proper coverage in terms of insurance, WCB, and staff; and what cleaning actually does in terms of transforming a space AND an individual’s physical and mental health.
  
  It’s also important that we educate on the types of products being used in the industry, particularly those laying claim to being “natural.” I am often approached by companies selling their “natural” cleaning product that has not (yet) been approved by Health Canada, does not have a DIN attached to it, nor does it have a safety data sheet. Natural may be a worthwhile trend to follow in cleaning products, however, if there is no safety data attached, then there is no guarantee that it is actually cleaning.
  
  Finally, while many products clean, they do not SANITIZE. In our post-COVID era, sanitization is crucial for businesses to ensure the safety of their people and clients. Professional cleaners must know the difference.
- Train: Did you know that there are eight ways you can fold a cloth to re-use it WITHOUT cross-contaminating? Not many untrained cleaners — including retail employees tasked with cleaning — know this either.
  
  This is just one tiny example of how easily and innocently cross-contamination happens. This is why cleaners who invest in their training are so valuable. They understand these tiny details that are about HEALTH.
  
  I personally invested in training and received certification as an House Cleaner Technician. All of our cleaners must go through similar onboarding training that we’ve developed to ensure that they are properly cleaning. By investing in proper training, both of our leaders AND of our cleaning team, our clients receive a true quality clean that supports their lifestyle.
- Improve systems: Systems and processes are crucial to properly regulating the industry. Our customers work with us because of the processes we have developed (not to mention our fun service). Our training involves going through our systems for how to properly clean, communicate with clients, work with special client requests, communicate with team members, and so forth.
  
  For the industry to raise its standards as a whole, showing the honour and pride that comes with this career, companies must implement processes and systems that support their clients and their cleaners. Having these systems in place, such as how to cover an employee who is sick, ensures the client work still gets done. These systems provide options for both the cleaning company AND the client themselves. The professionalism behind these systems raises the reputation of a company as better service is the long-term result.
Personally, I am excited to see people and businesses changing how they view cleaning services and professionals. Cleaning is no longer a nicety, but an investment that benefits people’s overall well-being. The future of the cleaning industry is going to sparkle and shine bright as more and more people expect higher standards for their new definition of clean.

Have you started to view cleaning in a new light since COVID? How has this impacted you/your business/your home life? I would love to hear how you’re using cleaning in your post-COVID world! Contact me today!
May 21, 2020
3 Cleaning Truths Successful Companies Don’t Want You to Know About
Your business may not be in cleaning, but cleaning is still part of your business. It represents your brand, your goals, an overall experience for your clients and employees alike. Knowing this, is your business unintentionally leaving some dirt on your brand’s reputation by not utilizing a proper cleaning service?

Perhaps your office or studio is absolutely spotless, thanks to you and your team staying late and scrubbing down the toilets, wiping down desks, and chasing the dust bunnies away. But, did you truly start your own business so you could scrub it at night? As a Calgary small business owner myself, I understand the urge to do your own cleaning in order to save a few pennies here and there, and that often starts with cleaning. Yet, if “cleaning” is being spoken in hushed tones over the water cooler, it may be time to think about professional services. Imagine what could happen to your business, your reputation, your team’s happiness if you invested in an economical professional cleaning service?

Let’s explore a few truths as to how commercial cleaning can advance your company.

TRUTH ONE: CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO CLIENT HAPPINESS

Yes, when a client comes into your office, a patient into your practice, or a yogi into your studio, they are absolutely judging the space they’re in. By welcoming them with a truly clean space – dust free, smell free, stain free, junk free – you’re creating an environment people want to be in. Even better, you’re creating a business that people want to come back to, while sharing their positive experiences with their friends.

Other benefits from cleanliness show up in your team’s performance by through improved focused, increased engaged, and overall happy attitude when working in a clean environment.

TRUTH TWO: CLEAN IS IN THE EYE OF THE CLIENT

What you may believe is clean may not actually be clean to your clients or customers. Make sure that you think of who is using your space, why they’re there and what the space is used for to understand what clean truly is. From there, it’s a matter of utilizing a cleaning service that supports the type of quality clean your business requires.

For example, we have a chiropractor practice as a client who happens to specialize in babies. As such, they have babies crawling on the floor of their practice all the time. It is absolutely crucial that their floors be immaculate so the parents bringing their babies in can rest easy knowing that they are letting their child crawl on a clean floor. We all know that there is nothing quite like the eagle eye of a parent. Ensuring this practice is clean at all times is essential in supporting our client’s reputation with their key clientele.
TRUTH THREE: CLEAN MAKES HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE TEAMS

More and more, we’re learning how hygienic workplaces contribute to your overall employee health, satisfaction, and productivity. Ensuring your business is clean, truly clean, helps improve employee productivity as it limits the spread of airborne illnesses, such as the nasty flu. While it is obvious why building a culture of “cleanliness” is important to keeping employees healthy (e.g. hand washing programs, work remotely if contagious, “no touch” doors, etc.) in order to limit the number of sick days taken, we’re also learning more about how a clean workplace can enhance the overall mindset of your team. By reducing clutter in the office, kicking out those dust bunny “employees,” and even wiping the fingerprints off the glass doors that welcome clients, your team will begin associating quality and positivity with your environment. As such, you’ll have happier, healthier, and a much more productive team focused on the role you hired them for in the first place.

By using a professional cleaning service, you’re also going to help improve the indoor air quality. Reason being is that we have the proper tools to remove the type of dust that sticks to walls, windows, and mirrors – those particles that get in the vents and send who knows what throughout the air and into our lungs. We have also invested in the right supplies to ensure we’re taking the dirt with us, such as high-powered vacuum cleaners, leaving your studio space with a real clean, not a surface one. With cleaner air comes easier breathing. This ultimately leads to a team with clearer thinking abilities, allowing them to be more creative and engaged.

ULTIMATELY, CLEANING AND BUSINESS GO HAND IN HAND

Cleaning doesn’t have to be done every single day in order for your business to benefit from professional services. What’s important is understanding what clean is to you, your employees, and your customers. When working with a cleaning company, such as Clean Club Calgary, you have a dedicated team member whose sole purpose is to make your office spectacular and represent your brand in a positive light. This means gaining a clear understanding of what “clean” is, how often your cleaning should be done, and how cleaning can support your overall business goals.

If you’re not sure whether your business could benefit from a professional cleaning service, take a moment to answer the following (be honest…we won’t tell):
- Toilet Time: Does someone want to sit on the toilet or are you making your customers squat more than they need to?
- Garbage Smells: What’s the garbage can smell like? Not the actual garbage bag…but the can itself? (yep – these too need to be washed)
- Fridge Critters: Is there something crawling in your team fridge? If yes…your employee satisfaction is most likely not that high…or at least falls every time the fridge is opened.
- Look Way Up: When was the last time you cleaned the high areas in your office, removing the dust that impacts air quality?
- Smiles Abound? Observe the overall mental health of your employees. While there may be a number of items that contribute to a person’s mental health stressors, make sure the cleanliness of your environment isn’t one of them.
If your answers to these sent some shivers down your spine, you could very well need support in seeing how cleaning can support your business growth. A commercial cleaning company will be able to walk you through each of these questions (and then some) to understand what your primary concerns are and how to start addressing them.

The ultimate truth here is that you’ve worked hard to build a business you can be proud of. Take it even further by investing in cleaning services that focus on you, your productivity, and your client satisfaction. Connect with Clean Club Calgary to see how you can relax with commercial cleaning services.
November 14, 2019
5 Ways to Keep it Clean While Building A Team
It’s true; a team really is only as good as its weakest link. As I’m sure you know from running your own business, the “weak link” is often impacted by how a company cares for its people. While I take many cleaning industry employer horror stories with a grain of salt, there are small truths in a number of these tales. What we aim to do at Clean Club Calgary is build our team of individuals, providing them with a career to take pride in and clients who respect and appreciate their work. Ultimately, we care for our people, which, in turn, provides our clients with cleaners who care about their quality of work.
So, how can we support our team to ensure that:
- They have all the proper tools, mindset, and proactive attitude, and
- Our clients feel cared for while having their cleaning expectations met?
The simple answer is we EMPOWER our staff. This ensures clients receive more than a cleaning, but an overall higher quality of life. It all starts with how we work with our cleaning teams.

TRUST IS OUR ESSENTIAL CLEANING TOOL

Trusting my team is easy as I truly believe that people put in 100% effort. I trust that my team is cleaning to the best of their abilities, with the right tools to do so. That said, I also know that we are all humans and have hiccups happen from time to time. What’s important is that we all remain committed to doing our best, implement processes if this trust is broken, and continually empower each other to be accountable for our work.

As my team has grown, I’ve been able to further empower them in their roles by taking ownership of how they provide a higher client quality of life. This builds my trust in them even more while encouraging them to further improve the quality for our clients. Sending a cleaning team to you with my trust is the most essential tool I can provide.
PROVIDE INSTANT FEEDBACK

This is one of the kindest things an employer or client can do. If there is an issue, it does not do well to let it fester. Feedback must be instant as it allows us to go back to a client and fix things right away. Whether the feedback comes from you – the client – or a senior cleaning member, instant, proactive feedback goes a long way. Internally, we have a systemized approach for providing effective feedback ensuring:
- The team member understands the hiccup in order to not make it again,
- The issue is dealt with and proactively managed as soon as possible,
- There is a clear path forward to correcting the hiccup, and
- Clients are kept in the loop on all feedback communication and how issues are solved.
OUR TEAM ARE ALSO OUR CUSTOMERS

“Treat your employees as your customers” – sure, we hear this a lot, but is it being put into practice? For some companies, their employees are as replaceable as the cleaning cloths they use. However, our people know that they are irreplaceable and respected as a Clean Club Calgary cleaning team member. Our staff are long-term, loyal people, here to build real relationships with each other and our clients. It’s important that we take care of them.
This starts by making sure vacation requests are approved in a timely manner, a great benefits package and Group matching RRSP are offered, and a few other personalized bonuses and perks. We also have a solid cancellation policy in place with our clients to ensure that our team, who is eager to provide a quality clean, can work.

APPRECIATION GOES A LONG WAY

Cleaning is not a glamorous job. We all know this. There truly is nothing wonderful about scrubbing a toilet. However, knowing that we are making a difference in the lives of our customers is a huge motivator for us to show up ready, willing, and able to work.

Sharing positive feedback and acknowledging the effort our team puts into their cleaning is so important. And not just with the specific individual who received the praise. It’s important that when members of our team receive feedback the whole Clean Club Calgary team is made aware. We do this through Facebook’s corporate communication tool, Workplace. Our team shares files, pictures, group conversations of support; are able to ask and answer each other’s questions; often offer new cleaning tips and techniques; and so much more. This has helped to cultivate a deep fellowship feeling, supporting our team in communicating and connecting further. The trust between team members has grown since we’ve started using this system as it also allows them to provide their own shout-outs to their cleaning teammates. Ultimately, this support and appreciation shows up in the quality clean our clients receive.

REPEATING ONESELF ISN’T A BAD THING

As a leader, I believe that I have a full-time career in learning. While I’ve learned so many lessons, the biggest one is that repetition is the God of Learning. Everyone learns differently and expecting all members of my team to learn the same is wishful thinking. Rather, repetition has become my biggest asset in supporting my team. I’ve learned that I must repeat myself, in different ways, to ensure everyone understands our clients’ expectations. Particularly with my multi-nationality team, I have become quite savvy at navigating the cultural differences in how things are said so there is clarity for all.

While we have full customer profiles on file that outline all cleaning requirements, details, and preferences, there are still questions from team members that come back simply because each person learns differently. It is my job to make sure that your cleaning team understands what your definition of clean and quality of life are. Repeating myself ensures that you receive the service you expect.

Being able to build a team of individuals is one of the greatest things about running a business. It is something I am committed to working on as a company centred on “TEAM” for being essential to our – and your – success. It’s how we’ll continue to provide you the quality of clean you deserve, whether in your home, small office, or commercial studio.

The bonus of knowing your cleaners care? You’ll spot it in the details! Contact us today to connect with a cleaning team who cleans with care.
October 17, 2019
How to Hire and Enjoy Working with a Cleaning Company
It’s time. You know it, your family knows it, even the family dog knows it – you are finally ready to let go of cleaning your home and hire a professional cleaning company to support your quality of life.

Yet, you’ve never worked with one before. Where do you even begin to start to connect with a company you can trust in your home, fits within your budget, and provides great service for the type of clean you need. Ask yourself the following questions to start your journey to hire a professional cleaning company.

Prefer to watch video? Check out this blog on YouTube !

QUESTION 1: WHO DO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS USE?

Look to the people you already know and trust for their recommendations. Ask them:
- Are they happy with their service? Why/why not?
- What type of cleaning service do they use (e.g. weekly, deep clean, office, etc.)?
- Would they recommend them?
Your friends and family can provide good suggestions and advice as they already have experience in finding, interviewing, and working with a cleaning company. This way, you’ll have a fairly good idea about what you’re going into.

QUESTION 2: WHAT ARE MY EXPECTATIONS WHEN IT COMES TO CLEANING?

Clean to one person is dirty to another – clean is simply different for everyone. Some of our clients prefer a basic clean each week, while others require a deep clean once every few months and maintain on their own in between. What’s important is that you are clear on what you consider clean.

Your potential cleaner should come out to quote you and ensure that your expectations are understood and will be met. You’ll be on the same page when it comes to cleaning your home and you can go about enjoying your quality of life…not wondering if your home is “your clean.”

QUESTION 3: AM I COMFORTABLE WITH SOMEONE ELSE WORKING IN MY HOME?

At Clean Club Calgary, trust is an absolute must for our clients. If we don’t earn their trust, the comfort won’t be there.

Having a cleaning company in your home may take a bit of time to build this trust, however a few questions to ask them to make sure that your safety and security are covered include:
- Is the cleaning company covered with WCB?
- Do they have company liability insurance?
- Do they run background checks on their employees?
- Is there high staff turnover or do you have the same cleaning team each time?
Trust will absolutely grow over time as you get to know who is in your home, but it can start with the basics of coverage.

QUESTION 4: HOW WOULD I REACT TO ACCIDENTAL DAMAGES?

No cleaner intends to damage a client’s property, but sometimes accidents happen. As amazing as cleaners are, we are only human in the end.

What’s important is how the cleaning company responds to the damage. At Clean Club Calgary, we take accidents seriously, even the tiniest of scratches. Should an accident happen, our team will take a picture, fill out a damage form for you and our records, and a supervisor will follow up with you to address how we’ll fix the situation.

As accidents are often the number one concern of potential customers, it’s crucial that a cleaning company have a clear process in place to rectify any mistakes. For you, understand that accidents are never intended, but make sure you know what the company will do should any situation need to be addressed.
QUESTION 5: HOW DETAILED OF A CLEANING DO YOU EXPECT?

There are a variety of different cleaning options, so it falls to you to determine how detailed a cleaning you would like.

A professional cleaning company should be able to complete a regular cleaning checklist or customize one to your specific needs. For instance, you may receive weekly cleaning, but find you don’t require your guest room cleaned each week. Rather, you only need it cleaned once a month. This would be built into your cleaning schedule. What’s important is that your cleaning is customized to your needs, lifestyle, and what you require in the moment.

QUESTION SIX: IS AN EDUCATED CLEANER IMPORTANT TO YOU?

In this industry, it is difficult to get a traditional education, so professional cleaners must seek this training out. At Clean Club Calgary, we have joined associations to ensure that we invest in courses for ourselves to ensure we are always aligned – if not leading – industry standards in both our service and our techniques. Specific associations we’re members of include ISSA and the Association of Residential Cleaning Services.

Through these organizations, we’re able to take courses and achieve certification. I myself acquired the House Cleaning Technician certificate through the IICRC, increasing both my knowledge as a cleaning professional, as well as how to run an effective business. Knowing that this type of education exists, we recommend that you work with someone who is involved with these types of organizations so you can trust that you’re receiving the best quality clean and service out there.

QUESTION 7: WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF ONLINE REVIEWS?

This question focuses more on the type of communication and relationship you want with your cleaner.

First, are you willing to give feedback to the cleaning company? If you’re not comfortable giving online reviews, but still want to communicate feedback to help the company improve their service, let the company know either with an email, phone call, or even written letter.

On the other side, note if the cleaning company you’re looking at is open to accepting your review and feedback. At Clean Club Calgary, we value the opinion and feedback from all clients as this is how we continue to improve. This is why we encourage feedback of all sorts (of course we love the rave reviews, but we are always looking to you for how we can improve to support your quality of life.)

If a company isn’t open to your feedback, ask why? This could be a red flag or obstacle to building a cleaning service that suits your lifestyle.

QUESTION 8: WHAT TYPE OF CLEANING PRODUCTS ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU?

Do you have particular cleaning products that you prefer used or are you happy with whatever products the company uses?

While the cleaning company should come prepared to do the job (at Clean Club Calgary, we bring all our own materials including mop, vacuum, cleaning products, and specialty glass cloths that ensure a gentle, yet deep clean), however some families have their own product preferences, such as hypoallergenic cleaners or specialty floor cleaners. If this is your preference, always let the cleaning team know what they are, where they’re located in the house, and what they are to be used on.

QUESTION 9: WHAT FREQUENCY OF CLEANING DO YOU NEED AND WHAT IS YOUR FLEXIBILITY?

Everyone has different preferences in their cleaning frequency. From weekly, biweekly, occasional deep cleans, to finding the day of the week that works for you, it’s important to know what frequency and cleaning flexibility you have for pricing purposes and for your own schedule.

Clean Club Calgary is very flexible in working around your schedule, including if you need to reschedule your cleaning time. What’s important here is that your cleaning company has an agreement with you, but also their team in providing a quality of life in terms of their career.

While flexibility in your cleaning partner is important, the more advanced notice you can provide should you need to reschedule, the more likely:
- You’ll get your preferred rescheduled time, and
- Your cleaners are able to schedule other appointments.
QUESTION 10: WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET?
The burning question on everyone’s mind. Understand that a cleaning lady and a cleaning company are two very different types of services. A cleaning company has a good, honest, and reliable system in place to clean your home. While a cleaning lady may have similar, there are no guarantees. We recommend that you budget between $100 and $300 per clean, depending on the size of the home, type of cleaning, frequency, and so on. Cleaning is not, and should not be, a cheap service. Generally speaking, if it is, then the work will not be good.

Now that you have a clear understanding of what is your type of clean, the frequency, type of client service, and how much you can expect to pay, you can go to the next step in exploring your cleaning journey.

Still have questions or are interested in learning more about working with a professional cleaning company? Connect with us today and ask away!
July 18, 2019