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Cleaning Tips

Thanksgiving Rush: Prepare Your Cleaning Business

Cleaning Tips

Thanksgiving Rush: Prepare Your Cleaning Business

by Amy Sardone on Nov 24 2025
The Thanksgiving season is not just about turkey and family gatherings—it’s also one of the busiest times of the year for cleaning businesses. With families hosting dinners, welcoming out-of-town guests, and preparing their homes for the holidays, the demand for professional cleaning skyrockets. If you run a cleaning business, this rush can be an opportunity to maximize revenue, attract long-term clients, and showcase the professionalism of your team. Here’s how to get fully prepared: 1. Anticipate the Spike in Demand Thanksgiving means more deep cleans, kitchen preps, and last-minute bookings. Review last year’s numbers or track your bookings this month to anticipate workload. Set clear capacity limits to avoid overbooking and disappointing clients. Pro Tip: Offer priority scheduling to recurring clients—this shows loyalty and keeps your best customers happy. 2. Build Holiday Cleaning Packages Stand out by offering Thanksgiving-specific cleaning services, such as: Kitchen deep clean (appliances, counters, and ovens ready for turkey duty). Guest-room refresh (bedding, dusting, bathroom sanitizing). Dining area sparkle (tables, windows, and floors for the big meal). Bundled packages not only boost ticket size but also simplify client decisions. 3. Optimize Staffing and Scheduling Your team will be under pressure—Thanksgiving cleaning often means tight deadlines. Create smart schedules with time buffers for last-minute calls. Make sure every cleaner is properly trained in consistent methods (like Speed Cleaning). If needed, bring in temporary staff or floaters to absorb peak demand. 4. Stock Up and Control Supplies Running out of Red Juice or microfiber cloths in the middle of the rush can cost you clients. Audit your inventory now, restock essentials, and prep each cleaning kit in advance.  But don’t just stock up—control your materials carefully. This prevents waste, saves money, and ensures your team uses resources efficiently. Compare the number of cleanings from last year with your forecast for this season to create an accurate and assertive action plan. Efficiency hack: Pre-label bottles and refill sprayers in bulk before the busy week. 5. Leverage Marketing to Capture the Rush Don’t wait for clients to call—get in front of them: Send emails with “Thanksgiving Prep Packages.” Post before-and-after visuals on social media. Offer a “Book by November 15 and save 10%” promotion. 6. Upsell and Retain Clients After the Holiday Thanksgiving is the hook, but retention is the goal. After the service, upsell a recurring plan to keep the client through Christmas and New Year.  Example: “We kept your home holiday-ready—let’s schedule regular bi-weekly cleans so you can relax through December.” 7. Train Your Team for High-Stress Jobs Thanksgiving cleans can be intense. Quick turnovers, picky clients, and holiday stress are common. Ensure your cleaners are: Trained in fast and consistent methods (like Speed Cleaning). Equipped with clear communication skills. Ready to handle last-minute requests with professionalism. Final Word Thanksgiving rush is more than just a busy season—it’s a chance to prove your cleaning business’s reliability and earn loyal clients. With preparation, smart scheduling, efficient supply control, and the right marketing, you can turn the holiday chaos into your most profitable season of the year. At Speed Cleaning, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our concentrated products deliver maximum performance while saving you money, and our 16oz refill bottles make product usage easy to track and control. Don’t forget to join our Free Wholesale Account, where cleaning business owners get exclusive discounts and resources to scale smarter. This Thanksgiving, be grateful for the trust of your clients, invest in the right tools, and let Speed Cleaning help you shine brighter than ever.
Title graphic that reads ‘How to Safely Clean Stone Floors and Counters’ on a textured stone background

Cleaning Tips

How to Clean Natural Stone Floors and Counters Without Damage

by Amy Sardone on Nov 21 2025
Stone surfaces add beauty and value to any home — but they also require the right cleaner. Using the wrong product can dull floors, etch soft stones, or weaken sealers. That’s why cleaning pros need a simple system to know exactly what goes where. Sh-Clean — The Safe Choice for ALL STONE FLOORS Sh-Clean is our pH-neutral cleaner made for daily floor care, especially when you’re working on softer, more delicate stones. Floors are more vulnerable because they cover large areas, get a lot of traffic, and often include naturally porous materials. Use Sh-Clean on stone FLOORS made of: Marble Travertine Limestone Terrazzo Flagstone Sealed wood & lacquered floors (non-stone but still delicate) And more  Why Sh-Clean is the right choice for floors pH-neutral → won’t etch or dull the stone Safe for ALL floor types Gentle but effective for everyday soil No VOCs → better for your health while mopping large areas Highly economical If it’s a stone floor, the answer is simple: Sh-Clean is your product. Red Juice — For COUNTERS, BACKSPLASHES & SHOWERS (Silica-Based Only) When it comes to kitchen counters, bathroom counters, backsplashes, and showers, the main question is: Is the stone silica-based? If the surface is silica-based (harder and more durable), you can confidently use Red Juice for a deeper clean. Use Red Juice on: Granite Quartz Quartzite Slate Sandstone Perfect for: Kitchen counters: grease, fingerprints, cooking oils Bathroom counters: toothpaste, makeup, daily grime Showers: body oils, mild soap residue Backsplashes: cooking splatter, oils, and grime Important rule: If the counter or backsplash is marble, travertine, or limestone, DO NOT use Red Juice.Use Sh-Clean instead. Fast Rule for Training Your Cleaning Techs You can teach your team this simple script: Floors? → Sh-Clean. Always. Stone floors are delicate → pH neutral only. Counters, showers & backsplashes? If it’s granite, quartz, quartzite, slate, sandstone → Red Juice If it’s marble, travertine, limestone → Sh-Clean This removes guesswork and protects sensitive surfaces every time. How to Clean Stone Surfaces — Step-by-Step 1. Stone Floors (Using Sh-Clean) Dilute Sh-Clean (40:1 for daily cleaning). Sweep or vacuum thoroughly to remove grit. Mop lightly with a Sh-Mop — avoid oversaturating the floor. Work in sections for an even clean. Let it air dry. No rinsing needed. 2. Silica-Based Counters, Showers & Backsplashes (Using Red Juice) (Granite, quartz, quartzite, slate, sandstone) Spray Red Juice directly onto the surface. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes to break down oils and residue. Lightly scrub with a non-scratch pad or microfiber if needed. Wipe clean with a microfiber towel. Buff dry for a streak-free finish. Why This Combo Works ✔ Sh-Clean protects delicate floors and soft stone✔ Red Juice gives power-cleaning for hard stone counters and showers✔ Both are VOC-free and safe for daily use✔ Easy system for your cleaning techs to follow✔ Professional results your clients can see Final Takeaway Stone surfaces are an investment — and choosing the right cleaner is what keeps that investment protected for years to come. The wrong product can dull floors, etch soft stones, or weaken sealers, which is why cleaning pros need a clear, reliable system that removes all the guesswork. And the best part?You only need two highly economical, professional-grade products to do it right: Sh-Clean for all stone floors and delicate surfaces, and Red Juice for silica-based counters, backsplashes, and showers.Simple, effective, and built to deliver long-lasting results — the Speed Cleaning way.
Cartoon of a person mixing cleaning products, creating dangerous fumes

Cleaning Tips

Do Not Mix These Cleaning Products

by Amy Sardone on Nov 21 2025
The Dangerous Reactions That Can Harm You, Ruin Surfaces, and Destroy Your Results Many people believe that mixing cleaning products will make them stronger. In reality, the opposite is true. Mixing products can create toxic gases, dangerous chemical reactions, permanent surface damage, and even serious health risks. In other cases, it simply neutralizes the products, making them completely ineffective. For professional cleaners, knowing what not to mix is not optional.It is a safety rule. At Speed Cleaning®, we do not guess.We follow a system. The Chemical Combinations You Must NEVER Mix These are the most dangerous combinations found in homes and commercial environments: 1. Bleach + Vinegar (Acid) This creates chlorine gas, which can cause: Burning eyes and throat Coughing and chest tightness Shortness of breath Dizziness and nausea Serious lung damage in heavy exposure This is one of the most common mistakes in bathrooms — and one of the most dangerous. 2. Bleach + Ammonia This combination forms chloramines, highly toxic fumes that can cause: Severe breathing problems Chest pain Eye and skin irritation Nausea and disorientation Potential loss of consciousness Even small amounts in a closed space can be extremely dangerous. 3. Bleach + Alcohol (Ethanol or Isopropyl) Mixing bleach with alcohol can produce chloroform and hydrochloric acid, both highly toxic substances. These chemicals can: Damage the respiratory system Irritate eyes and skin Cause dizziness and confusion Lead to severe health complications in high concentrations 4. Hydrogen Peroxide + Vinegar (When Combined) Individually, these products are often considered safe. When mixed together, they form peracetic acid, a highly corrosive and irritating compound that can damage: Skin Eyes Lungs Countertops Grout and seals They should never be mixed in the same container or applied on a wet surface one over the other.  Acid + Alkaline: Why Cleaning Power Gets Cancelled This part is crucial — and yes, you are absolutely correct: When an acidic product (like vinegar or Scum Bum) is mixed with an alkaline product (like degreasers or Red Juice), the two chemicals neutralize each other. That means: • The acid loses its power to break down minerals• The alkaline loses its power to break down grease• The cleaning action is cancelled• You waste time• You waste product• You get poor results Even when there is no visible reaction, the chemistry is happening quietly — and your cleaning power is gone. Acid + Alkaline = Neutralized = Ineffective This is why Speed Cleaning® never mixes products. We use them in sequence, not in combination.  Why Bathrooms Are the Most Dangerous Area Bathrooms often have multiple products used in a short time: Toilet bowl cleaners (acid-based) Bleach sprays Mold & mildew removers Multi-purpose cleaners Degreasers When these overlap — on the same surface, sponge, cloth, or in the air — they can create:  Toxic gas Etched surfaces Blue stains on toilet seats Respiratory irritation This is why professional systems and training matter. We don’t mix. We manage.  Why This Knowledge Sets Professionals Apart Understanding chemical safety: ✔ Protects your lungs and skin✔ Protects your client’s home✔ Prevents legal issues✔ Creates consistent results✔ Builds professional authority✔ Supports eco-conscious cleaning This isn’t just about cleaning. It’s about standards, safety, and professionalism. No more dangerous mixing and weak results.Switch to Speed Cleaning® — powerful, safe, and made for true professionals.
Computer screen showing a menu with the word ‘System’ highlighted and a cursor pointing to it

Cleaning Tips

How McDonald’s Inspired the Speed Cleaning System

by Amy Sardone on Nov 20 2025
When McDonald’s changed the restaurant industry in the 1950s, it wasn’t because of better burgers — it was because of a better system.Their Speedee Service System standardized every step of the process, turning chaos into coordination and efficiency into profit. Decades later,  Jeff Campbell took that same philosophy — and brought it to the world of professional cleaning. The result?A revolutionary method that changed how cleaning businesses train, perform, and grow: the Speed Cleaning System. The Original Inspiration: McDonald’s Speedee System Before McDonald’s, every diner cooked meals differently. Orders took longer, consistency was impossible, and profits were unpredictable.The Speedee Service System changed that forever. It introduced: Standardized tasks (each worker had a defined role) Clear sequence (every step followed the same order, every time) Efficiency-driven tools and layout Predictable results, every single day This wasn’t about food — it was about process.McDonald’s proved that a repeatable system beats individual effort every time.  The Cleaning Industry Before Speed Cleaning Sound familiar? Before the Speed Cleaning System, cleaning businesses faced the same challenges McDonald’s once did: Every cleaner had their own way of doing things No standardized order of tasks Inconsistent results from house to house Lost time, lost profit, and frustrated clients The cleaning world needed its own Speedee Service System.And that’s where Jeff Campbell Sardone stepped in. The Birth of the Speed Cleaning System Inspired by McDonald’s operational genius, Jeff built a method where: Every motion has a purpose Every tool has its place Every cleaner follows a proven route through each room Time is tracked, measured, and optimized What McDonald’s did for fast food, Jeff did for professional cleaning — he turned a task into a system. And just like McDonald’s, the results were transformative: Faster cleanings * Consistent quality* Happier clients*Higher profits   The Philosophy: Systems Create Freedom The beauty of the Speed Cleaning System isn’t in cleaning faster — it’s in thinking smarter. A true system frees you from micromanaging.It gives your team a blueprint for excellence — so every job looks the same, feels the same, and delights the customer every time. When everyone cleans the same way, training is faster.When tools are standardized, supply costs drop.When efficiency rises, profits follow. That’s the Speed Cleaning way — and it all started with one simple question: “What if cleaning could be as predictable and profitable as a McDonald’s kitchen?” The Modern Impact Today, the Speed Cleaning System continues to inspire cleaning business owners around the world to: Standardize their operations Scale their teams confidently Maintain brand consistency Build freedom through efficiency Just as Ray Kroc turned one burger stand into a global empire, Jeff Campbell transformed one cleaning method into an industry standard — empowering professionals to clean smarter, grow faster, and lead stronger. The Evolution of the Speed Cleaning System The Speed Cleaning System was originally created by Jeff Campbell in 1979. As the founder of the original Speed Cleaning™ company and author of the iconic Speed Cleaning book, Jeff revolutionized the way everyday people approached house cleaning — with structure, efficiency, and consistency. Years later, Debbie Sardone, a cleaning industry expert and business strategist, adapted and refined the system specifically for professional cleaners. Under her leadership, Speed Cleaning became not only a method, but a complete ecosystem — combining professional products, training, and business education for cleaning professionals worldwide. Today, the Speed Cleaning System continues to evolve through the work of Dr. Amy Sardone, who integrates modern science, behavioral insights, and sustainability principles — ensuring that Jeff Campbell’s original philosophy of “cleaning smarter, not harder” lives on. Final Takeaway Efficiency isn’t about cutting corners — it’s about designing systems that eliminate waste, maximize quality, and protect your time. That’s the legacy of the Speed Cleaning System — inspired by the Speedee System, built for a new generation of business owners. Because in both business and cleaning: Speed without system is chaos — but system creates success. Speed Cleaning Pro Tip: Don’t just clean — systematize.Because efficiency isn’t luck… it’s design. Happy Cleaning, Amy  
Black Friday sale tag on a dark background.

Cleaning Tips

How to Prepare Your Cleaning Business for Black Friday Like a Pro

by Amy Sardone on Oct 31 2025
Black Friday isn’t just for retail — it’s a golden opportunity for cleaning businesses to attract new clients, boost recurring sales, and finish the year stronger than ever. But here’s the catch: success doesn’t happen by accident. The most profitable cleaning companies plan months ahead — aligning marketing, operations, and customer experience like a well-oiled machine. Whether you’re a solo cleaner or run a full-service team, this guide will show you exactly how to prepare your cleaning business for the Black Friday rush — and how to turn it into your most profitable season yet. Step 1: Build a Smart Black Friday Marketing Plan  Start Early — Way Early Don’t wait for November. Begin teasing your promotions at least 4–6 weeks before Black Friday.Create a content calendar with: Email and social media posts Early-bird announcements Behind-the-scenes photos of your team “getting ready for the holidays” 💡 Pro Tip: The earlier you build excitement, the more visibility your business gains in Google searches and social media algorithms.  Email Marketing That Converts Your email list is your secret weapon.Send personalized messages that highlight your biggest deals — and create urgency with short-term phrases like: “Limited slots available — book before midnight Friday!”“Your home deserves a Black Friday clean-up too!” Segment your audience (new clients, recurring customers, commercial accounts) so each message feels personal and relevant.  Social Media with Strategy Turn your platforms into hype machines: Post countdowns (“3 days to our biggest clean of the year!”) Share before & after photos of your work Upload short teaser videos showing your team prepping supplies Run live sessions or stories with quick cleaning tips And most importantly, create a dedicated Black Friday landing page on your website — optimized for mobile and connected to your booking system.  Offer the Right Kind of Discounts Avoid generic “10% off” messages. Instead, focus on value-driven packages: Black Friday Deep Clean Special: perfect for clients prepping for guests 2-for-1 Bundle: new customers get a second cleaning at 50% off Exclusive Home Refresh Package: targeted to busy families post-shopping Pro insight: The best promotions increase recurring bookings — not one-time sales. Offer deals that bring people back.  Hourly or Flash Deals Keep customers engaged all day long with hourly flash promotions: 8 AM: 15% off kitchen deep cleans 11 AM: Free floor detailing with any full-home clean 2 PM: Bonus sanitizing service for the next 3 bookings These quick bursts of opportunity drive clicks and urgency — especially when promoted on stories or reels. Step 2: Prepare Your Operations for High Demand  Check Your Supplies — Twice Black Friday week is not the time to run out of Red Juice or Scum Bum.Take inventory early and restock your core products: Red Juice (for heavy degreasing jobs) Sh-Clean (for neutral maintenance cleans) Scum Bum (for bathrooms and hard-water stains) Cotton Cloths & Microfiber Cloths A fully stocked van = no interruptions when business peaks.  Train and Empower Your Team Hold a Black Friday prep meeting to review: The promotions and pricing Special cleaning packages Customer communication standards Safety and Speed Cleaning Techniques Schedule extra staff or floaters to handle last-minute bookings. 💬 Remember: A well-trained cleaner doesn’t just clean faster — they deliver a consistent experience that keeps clients coming back after the sale ends.  Build a Battle-Ready Schedule Plan your team’s routes, hours, and shifts for maximum efficiency.Use software (like Jobber or Google Calendar) to block off service times and prevent overlap.Consider offering extended hours for two or three days only — it signals exclusivity and boosts conversions.  Have a Rapid-Response Plan Black Friday can be chaotic. Spilled drinks, heavy foot traffic, or urgent commercial calls can happen anytime.Keep an emergency cleaning kit in each vehicle: Quick response = instant reputation boost. Step 3: Don’t Miss the “Post-Black Friday Cleanup” Opportunity When the shopping dust settles, many customers are left with a real mess — boxes, packaging, floor scuffs, and clutter. Offer a “Post-Black Friday Home Reset” service: Deep vacuuming + floor cleaning Bathroom refresh Kitchen sanitizing Trash and packaging removal This turns a seasonal event into a recurring cleaning opportunity — right before the holidays. 🧡 Pro tip: Market this service on Cyber Monday. Most homeowners are still unpacking their purchases and ready for a reset. The Takeaway: Clean Strategically, Market Intelligently Black Friday is your moment to shine — but not just with discounts.It’s about building a system that connects marketing, operations, and professionalism into one smooth, profitable machine. With smart planning, trained teams, and the right products (like Scum Bum, Red Juice, and Sh-Clean), your cleaning business can own the holiday season. Clean smarter. Market better. Grow faster. Amy Sardone

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