Cleaning Tips

Running a cleaning business means constantly balancing client expectations, team efficiency, and the need to stand out in a competitive market. While most companies focus heavily on spring cleaning, the savviest business owners know that fall cleaning is just as critical — and often even more profitable. Think about it: shorter days, colder weather, and the upcoming holidays change the way clients use their homes. They close windows, host gatherings, and spend more time indoors. That’s when dust, allergens, clutter, and overlooked details become problems clients can’t ignore. This is where you come in. By positioning fall cleaning as a seasonal essential, you’re not just offering another service — you’re stepping into the role of a trusted advisor who anticipates client needs before they even ask. And that builds something far more powerful than a one-time sale: long-term loyalty and authority in your market. Fall and Window Cleaning Window cleaning might not be the first thing clients think about in fall, but it makes a huge difference. As days get shorter, clean glass maximizes natural light, making homes feel brighter and more welcoming. Throughout summer, windows collect dust, pollen, and rain streaks. By addressing them in the fall, your team ensures homes look polished and also helps improve energy efficiency — clean windows allow more sunlight to warm indoor spaces during cooler months. For business owners, this is a great detail to highlight in your marketing. Clients preparing for the holidays want their homes to shine, and spotless windows create a powerful first impression. (!) Communicating the importance of window cleaning in fall positions your company as detail-oriented and proactive — qualities that build client trust and loyalty. Holiday Readiness For most families, fall is the countdown to the busiest season of the year: Thanksgiving dinners, holiday parties, and family gatherings. Clients aren’t just looking for a tidy home — they want to feel confident that every space is fresh, organized, and welcoming when guests walk through the door. A well-timed fall cleaning reduces stress for homeowners by tackling the big tasks before the holiday rush begins. Instead of scrambling the day before an event, clients can focus on cooking, decorating, or simply enjoying time with loved ones, knowing their home is already in top shape. For cleaning business owners, this is more than a service — it’s a selling point. Holiday readiness is where you can emphasize the value of preparation: Kitchen focus: Deep cleaning ovens, stovetops, and pantries before the cooking marathon begins. Guest spaces: Refreshing living rooms, bathrooms, and guest bedrooms so visitors feel comfortable. Details that impress: Spotless windows, polished floors, and clutter-free surfaces that instantly elevate a home’s atmosphere. (!) Position your fall cleaning services as a holiday stress solution. Clients aren’t just buying cleaning — they’re buying peace of mind, confidence, and the ability to host without worry. Prevention mindset Seasonal cleaning highlights issues clients might not think about — from high-traffic floors to carpets full of allergens. Even topics like gutter maintenance matter, because clogged gutters can cause water damage and mold. (!) While gutter cleaning is not typically part of a housecleaning company’s job, mentioning it in your blogs, newsletters, or client emails shows you care about the bigger picture of home care. Clients will appreciate the guidance, even if they need to call another professional for that specific task. Authority and trustBy educating clients about seasonal needs — whether you perform them or not — your business stands out as proactive, reliable, and invested in their wellbeing. What Fall Cleaning Should Focus On Kitchen reset: Deep clean ovens, stovetops, cabinets, and pantries before the cooking rush. Carpet & upholstery care: Trap allergens and refresh fabrics for healthier air. Windows & floors: Brighten short days with streak-free glass and protect floors from mud and salt. Closets & storage: Help clients transition from summer clutter to winter order. Laundry refresh: Fall is allergy season, making it the perfect time to wash and sanitize bedding, curtains, throw blankets, and seasonal clothing. A thorough laundry reset helps remove dust mites, pet dander, and pollen trapped in fabrics, creating a healthier environment before homes are sealed tight for winte Why This Matters for Business Owners Fall cleaning isn’t about pushing add-ons. It’s about: Anticipating needs: Showing clients you understand seasonal challenges before they mention them. Strengthening relationships: Sharing tips (like reminding about gutters) through blogs and emails keeps you top of mind. Positioning your brand: You’re not just a cleaner — you’re a partner in maintaining a healthy, organized home. Clutter Controlled! Fall is the perfect season to reassess belongings and reduce clutter before the busy holiday months. For cleaning business owners, this is a powerful talking point with clients: a clutter-free home is easier to maintain, feels more welcoming, and sets the stage for efficient cleaning. One proven approach is the Clutter Control Method, which helps create a more organized living space by systematically sorting and reducing unnecessary items. Encourage clients to focus on one area at a time, such as closets or drawers, and apply the Five-Box Method:   This simple system helps clients make quick decisions and ensures every item is addressed. (!) Pro tip for owners: Even if your team doesn’t provide full organizing services, including clutter control in your fall cleaning conversations (blogs, emails, or checklists) positions your business as thoughtful and proactive. A decluttered home not only looks better — it also makes your cleaning faster, smoother, and more impactful.  The Power of Communication The real advantage of fall cleaning goes beyond the service itself. It’s about how you communicate it. Every blog, email, or seasonal checklist is an opportunity to position your business as the expert who anticipates needs, educates clients, and makes their lives easier. When clients feel informed and supported, they don’t just see you as another cleaning provider — they see you as a partner in home care. And that’s what builds long-term loyalty and sustainable growth.  Bottom Line  Fall cleaning is not just about dusting and scrubbing. For cleaning business owners, it’s about seizing a seasonal advantage: Preparing homes for the holidays. Helping clients declutter and reset. Highlighting overlooked tasks like window cleaning. Communicating proactively about issues like gutter care. When you integrate fall cleaning into your client communication, you’re doing more than cleaning houses — you’re building relationships, trust, and a stronger business foundation Happy Cleaning, Amy

When you run a cleaning business, clients expect not just a sparkling clean home — they want safe, efficient, and eco-friendly solutions that keep their families, pets, and property protected. Patio furniture is one of those areas that gets dirty fast, but with the right approach, it can also be one of the easiest upsells for your services. The secret? Red Juice. This professional-grade cleaner is powerful enough to cut through outdoor grime, but safe enough to use around kids, pets, and your cleaning team. Why Patio Furniture Cleaning Matters for Your Business Outdoor spaces are a growing focus for homeowners. Families want patios that are ready for barbecues, playdates, or simply relaxing. But outdoor furniture is exposed to: Grease and food stains from cookouts Pollen, dust, and dirt buildup Sunscreen and body oils that cling to cushions and frames A quick refresh with Red Juice makes your service stand out — you’re not just cleaning indoors, you’re making the entire property shine. Why Cleaning Professionals Choose Red Juice ✅ Powerful on outdoor grime – Cuts through grease, dirt, and oils without endless scrubbing.✅ Safe for kids and pets – Non-toxic and biodegradable, so families can enjoy their patio right after you finish.✅ Safer for your team – No harsh fumes, no skin-irritating chemicals. A healthier choice for everyday use.✅ Surface versatility – Works on resin, aluminum, plastic, coated wood, and even outdoor fabrics.✅ Cost-effective for your business – A single 32 oz bottle of Red Juice concentrate makes up to 20 ready-to-use bottles (16 oz). A 1-gallon size stretches even further, delivering professional results at just pennies per use. With Red Juice, you’re lowering your supply costs while adding more value for clients — a win-win for your bottom line. Step-by-Step: How Pros Clean Patio Furniture with Red Juice Prep the spaceRemove cushions, shake out debris, and give surfaces a quick rinse if dusty. Apply Red JuiceSpray directly on frames, tables, and cushions. For fabrics, apply evenly without soaking. Agitate lightlyUse a microfiber cloth on smooth surfaces or a medium scrub pad for textured frames. For cushions, work gently with a soft brush. Wipe Hard surfaces: wipe down with a damp microfiber. Fabrics: blot and let air-dry. Leave it guest-readyNo sticky residues, no waiting period — just clean, safe, and fresh furniture. Pro Business Tip Every dollar counts when you’re running a cleaning business. Red Juice isn’t just effective — it’s a long-term money saver. By cutting product waste and reducing re-cleaning time, it helps you deliver professional results faster and at lower cost. Clients notice when their patios are spotless, and they’ll gladly book you again for outdoor cleanings. Final Word for Cleaning Professionals Your clients trust you to use products that protect their families, pets, and property. With Red Juice, you can deliver spotless patio furniture safely, affordably, and efficiently — while also protecting your own team from harsh chemicals.  Add patio furniture cleaning to your service checklist this season. With Red Juice in your apron, you’ll set your business apart as the professional who thinks of everything.

Scrapers: The Hidden Heroes of Professional Cleaning When it comes to professional cleaning, there’s one tool category that often goes unnoticed until you desperately need it: scrapers. Whether it’s removing stubborn grime, baked-on food, or sticky residues, a high-quality scraper saves time and delivers spotless results. At Speed Cleaning, we’ve designed a line of scrapers that outperform the traditional razor blade holder—making them safer, more versatile, and essential for every cleaner’s kit. 1. Remove Soap Scum from Shower Doors and Tile Forget endless scrubbing. With the Metal Scraper, you can cut through soap scum, hard water spots, and mineral deposits on glass and tile. But remember—this tool requires skill, patience, and careful use to avoid scratches or damage, especially on more delicate surfaces. 2. Get Rid of Dried Paint on Windows Accidentally brushed paint on glass? The Double-Sided Scraper has you covered. Use the plastic blade for delicate surfaces, or switch to the metal blade for tough dried paint removal. One tool, double the power. 3. Tackle Baked-On Food in Ovens Oven doors and stovetops collect some of the toughest messes. That’s where the Metal Scraper shines—ideal for baked-on grease, carbon buildup, and burnt food stuck to glass or metal surfaces. 4. Remove Old Caulk with Precision Need to remove old caulk or epoxy? A Double-Sided Scraper lets you cut through and lift away material cleanly, ensuring a smooth surface ready for reapplication. 5. Peel Off Stickers and Adhesive Residue From windows to appliances, stickers and decals can be a nightmare. Use the Plastic Scraper to peel them away gently, or the Metal Scraper when adhesive is stubborn. For delicate surfaces, dull the blade slightly and round the corners with sandpaper. 6. Restore Grills and BBQs Scrapers are a must-have for cleaning greasy grills and barbecue surfaces. Use them to lift off burnt-on residue, charred food, and stubborn grease from grates and metal plates. When paired with a degreaser, a scraper saves time and delivers a deep clean that keeps outdoor cooking areas safe and spotless. 7. Scrape Away Grime from Floor Edges and Corners Wax buildup and sticky grime often collect where mops and vacuums can’t reach—along baseboards, corners, and floor edges. A scraper makes quick work of these stubborn deposits, leaving a crisp, clean finish without damaging the flooring.  Use the Best Angle — 45 Degrees Hold your scraper at a 45-degree angle for the most effective results. This angle applies just enough pressure to lift off tape, paint, or sticky residue while protecting the surface from scratches. Too steep and you risk gouging the material; too flat and the blade won’t bite into the buildup. Keep Rule #7 in Mind Each scraper has its purpose—plastic blades are best for delicate surfaces, while metal blades tackle tougher buildup. And remember Speed Cleaning’s Rule #7: if what you’re using isn’t working, switch to a stronger cleaner or a more effective tool. Matching the right tool to the job saves time and ensures safer, better results. Always Work with Moisture for Safety and Efficiency Always dampen the area with water or the appropriate cleaning solution before using your scraper. Moisture softens sticky residues like tape, soap scum, or food buildup, making them easier to lift while reducing friction between the blade and the surface. This simple step not only speeds up the process but also minimizes the risk of scratches, especially on delicate surfaces like glass, polished stone, or laminate. Remember: scrapers should always be used with caution and skill to avoid damaging the material you are working on. Why Choose Speed Cleaning Scrapers? Plastic Scraper – Safe for delicate surfaces like glass, marble, plastic, painted surfaces, and wood. Double-Sided Scraper – Two blades in one: plastic blade for delicate areas, metal blade for tough residues. Metal Scraper – Ideal for baked-on messes, oven residue, paint on windows, and heavy buildup. All scrapers are built for professionals—durable, ergonomic, and designed to protect surfaces while maximizing cleaning power. Final Takeaway Scrapers are the hidden heroes of cleaning. With the right tool in your apron, you’ll save time, protect surfaces, and impress clients with flawless results. Add the Speed Cleaning Scrapers to your kit today—and see why every professional cleaner swears by them. Happy Cleaning 

Most people think cleaning companies only sell cleaning. But as a cleaning business owner, you know the truth: your service goes far beyond dusting and mopping. What you really deliver is life-changing value — and it’s time the world recognized it. Here are the seven things cleaning businesses really sell, beyond cleaning itself: 1. You Sell Time Families get back hours to spend together. Parents can focus on their kids instead of chores. Professionals can concentrate on growth instead of scrubbing. Time is priceless — and you give it back. 2. You Sell Peace of Mind A clean home reduces stress and anxiety. Organized spaces improve focus and productivity. Clients feel calm and in control when their environment is fresh. You don’t just clean — you restore mental clarity. 3. You Sell Trust and Security Clients open their doors and lives to you. You build relationships rooted in reliability and respect. Every visit deepens your reputation as a trusted partner. Trust is rare — and you earn it every day. 4. You Support Families Every employee paycheck supports a household. Training sessions build skills that last a lifetime. Your business creates dignity and stability for your team. You don’t just build a company — you elevate families. 5. You Sell Joy Clients walk into a spotless home and instantly feel relief. That sigh, that smile, that sense of “ahh”… that’s joy. You create pride and dignity in every living space. Happiness is invisible in your work — but your clients feel it. 6. You Strengthen Communities You provide local jobs and opportunities. You support sustainability with eco-friendly products. You build networks and partnerships that help communities thrive. You’re not just serving clients — you’re serving your community. 7. You Sell Freedom Freedom from chores. Freedom from guilt over unfinished cleaning. Freedom is the ultimate result of your work. The Bigger Picture The next time someone hints that running a cleaning business is small, remember—you’re changing lives in ways that go far beyond cleaning. Remember: You sell time. You sell peace of mind. You sell trust and dignity. You support families and communities. You bring joy and freedom. Cleaning is only the service.What you really sell is a better life. At Speed Cleaning, We Celebrate Your Impact At Speed Cleaning, we believe cleaning professionals are heroes. Every time you provide exceptional service, you’re changing lives — and we’re proud to stand beside you. We’re happy to be part of your journey by offering tools, methods, and products that help you deliver not only clean spaces, but time, peace, joy, and dignity. Together, we’re proving that cleaning businesses don’t just remove dirt — we make the world brighter.

Stop Wasting Hours on What Doesn’t Matter If you’ve ever felt like your team is working harder than ever but profits and customer satisfaction aren’t improving, you’re not alone. Many cleaning business owners pour energy into areas that don’t really move the needle. The result? Time wasted, teams stretched thin, and clients who aren’t impressed. The solution lies in a principle that has guided some of the world’s most efficient companies: the Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule. A Brief History of the Pareto Principle The idea comes from Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian economist born in 1848. He observed that roughly 20% of the population owned 80% of the land in Italy. Later, management pioneer Joseph M. Juran realized the same imbalance applied to business performance: a small share of causes leads to the majority of results. Since then, companies like Microsoft, Toyota, and many Fortune 500 firms have used the 80/20 rule to improve efficiency, cut waste, and focus resources on what matters most. The principle is now considered a cornerstone of modern management. How to Apply the 80/20 Rule in a Cleaning Business The 80/20 principle isn’t just theory. Here’s how cleaning business owners can put it into practice: 1. Analyze Your Clients A small percentage of your clients likely generate most of your revenue. Identify your top 20% and make sure they feel valued with reliable service, loyalty perks, or priority scheduling. 2. Review Your Services Some services (like move-in/move-out cleans) may take more effort but deliver much higher profits. Use the 80/20 lens to highlight which services truly move the needle and give them more visibility in your marketing. 3. Evaluate Your Team You’ll often see that a small group of employees drive the majority of positive results. Recognize and reward them, while coaching others to raise the standard. 4. Standardize Your Process While the Pareto Principle helps you focus at the business level, your cleaning process should remain standardized. Every client deserves the same consistent, professional service. That’s why systems are essential to keep quality predictable. Where This Fits in the Speed Cleaning Certification In the Training Business Owners module of the Speed Cleaning Certification, we highlight the Pareto Principle as a key management concept. Owners learn that not all clients, services, or actions have equal impact — and that focusing on the most important few is essential for long-term growth. Combined with standardized cleaning systems, this creates a strong balance between strategic focus and operational consistency. Going One Step Further: RFM Analysis While the certification introduces the Pareto Principle, another tool you can explore on your own is RFM analysis (Recency, Frequency, Monetary). It gives you a structured way to evaluate your client base: Recency (R): How recently has a client booked a service? Recent = engaged and easier to rebook. Long gaps = at risk of churn. Frequency (F): How often does the client book? Frequent bookings = reliable revenue. Rare bookings = less predictable. Monetary (M): How much does the client spend? High spenders = your most valuable clients. Low spenders = less impactful unless they have potential to grow. How to Put RFM Into Practice List Your ClientsInclude their last booking date, total number of bookings, and total amount spent. Score Each CategoryGive each client a score from 1–5 for Recency, Frequency, and Monetary. Example: a weekly client who booked last week and spends the most each month would score 5-5-5. Identify Your Top SegmentsHigh RFM scores = your “VIP clients,” likely the 20% that drive 80% of your results. Take Action High RFM clients → nurture with loyalty perks, thank-you notes, or priority scheduling. Medium RFM clients → upsell add-ons or try to convert them into recurring contracts. Low RFM clients → decide if they’re worth pursuing or if your resources are better spent elsewhere. Review RegularlyUpdate RFM scores monthly or quarterly. This helps you spot at-risk clients early and double down on your most valuable relationships. Final Thoughts The Pareto Principle has been shaping business and management for over a century, and it remains a powerful tool for cleaning business owners today. It helps you see where your results truly come from, so you can focus your energy where it matters most. Pairing this mindset with practical tools like RFM analysis makes the 80/20 rule even more actionable — giving you a clear framework to grow profitably, reduce wasted effort, and strengthen client relationships.  Have you noticed that a small part of your client base or services delivers the majority of your results? That’s the 80/20 rule at work.