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Cleaning Tips
Clockwise Cleaning: The Smarter Way to Clean Any Kitchen
by Amy Sardone
on Dec 10 2025
Most people clean a kitchen by instinct: spray here, wipe there, jump to another counter, circle back because they forgot something… and by the end, they’re tired, frustrated, and the job took twice as long as it should.
Professional cleaning is different.There’s a method.A strategy.A reason for every move.
And in the Speed Cleaning system, the kitchen follows one golden rule:
Start at the same point every time — and clean clockwise without backtracking.
This simple shift turns a chaotic, energy-draining chore into a fast, predictable system anyone can follow.
Let’s break down why this works (and how you can start using it today).
Why the Kitchen Has a “Starting Point”
Pros don’t walk into a kitchen and wonder where to begin.There is one official starting point:
Just to the right of the sink.
Why there?
Because this spot gives you:
Immediate access to your carryall tray
A clear view of the entire kitchen
A consistent place to set tools
A launch pad that prevents wandering
A position where you can “reset” and keep moving
Consistency is the magic.When you always start at the same spot, you train your brain to move automatically, without having to think, plan, or guess.
This eliminates decision fatigue — one of the biggest time-wasters in cleaning.
Why Clockwise Is Faster (and Smarter)
Cleaning clockwise (or counterclockwise — as long as it’s consistent) is not random.It’s engineered.
Here’s what happens when you choose a direction and never break it:
✔ You never pass the same surface twice
No circling, jumping back, or re-cleaning areas you forgot.
✔ Your eyes naturally scan high to low
The brain processes visual information better in patterns.
✔ It creates a repeatable route
Perfect for training new techs.
✔ It transforms the kitchen into a predictable loop
Even in unfamiliar houses, the method stays the same.
✔ Your tools stay where they belong
Because your hands know exactly when to reach for Red Juice, Blue Juice, a duster, or the toothbrush.
✔ You become dramatically faster
Clockwise cleaning cuts minutes — sometimes hours — off weekly routes.
This is a system, not a chore.
The Clockwise Strategy in Action
Here’s what the flow looks like in real life:
1. Start where your tray is (right of the sink).
This is your anchor point.
2. Move right and clean everything as you go.
Cupboards → walls → counters → appliances → drawers → backsplash.
3. Work from high to low, back to front.
This prevents re-contaminating clean surfaces.
4. Only handle each item ONCE.
Spray → wipe → replace.No revisits, no bouncing around.
5. When you hit the sink, you’re done.
Your clockwise loop ends exactly where it began.
This creates a closed circuit — a perfect cleaning cycle with no wasted motion.
Why “Pick Up and Replace” Is Part of the Strategy
Every tool lives in your apron for a reason.
When you:
pick up the duster
use it
and return it immediately
…you teach your brain to operate in sequences, not random actions.
The repetition matters.
Your hands learn the flow.Your body learns the route.Your attention stays sharp.
Clockwise cleaning is choreography — and your apron is your toolbox.
Top-to-Bottom: The Physics Behind It
Why do pros always clean high surfaces before low ones?
Because gravity is always working, whether you notice it or not.
Dust falls.Crumbs fall.Grease splatters drop downward.
When you clean top-down:
You avoid doubling your work
You prevent streaks on lower surfaces
You stay aligned with the clockwise flow
It’s simple physics applied to professional cleaning.
Clockwise Cleaning Removes the Single Biggest Productivity Killer: Backtracking
Backtracking happens when you:
forget an area
leave your tools behind
need to return to a corner
re-clean a spot
cross the room multiple times
Every extra step wastes time and drains energy.
Clockwise movement eliminates this by creating a straight-line logic your brain follows without effort.
This is why one cleaner can finish a kitchen in 18 minutes while another takes 45 — the method matters.
Why This Strategy Works for Solo Cleaners AND Teams
Solo Cleaners
Clockwise cleaning keeps you organized and in control, preventing fatigue and saving time.
Teams
Everyone knows:
where the Kitchen Person starts
what direction they’ll go
what has been cleaned
what is left
There’s no overlap, no confusion, no wasted motion.
Clockwise Cleaning Is Also a Training System
When you teach new techs to clean clockwise, you give them:
A predictable route
A clear mental map
Confidence
A repeatable sequence
Faster learning curves
This reduces training time and ensures consistent results across all homes.
Why This Strategy Is Used Worldwide
Because it’s not based on habit — it’s based on:
Movement efficiency
Ergonomics
Visual scanning patterns
Psychology of routine
Physics
Professional workflow
Clockwise cleaning is universal.Anyone can learn it.Anyone can master it.And once you learn it?You never go back.
Final Tip: The Best Cleaners Aren’t Faster — They’re More Systematic
Speed Cleaning is not about rushing.It’s about removing unnecessary steps.
Every clockwise loop is a small victory:
no backtracking
no re-cleaning
no indecision
no wasted motion
Just a predictable, efficient path from start to finish.
Want to See the Full Kitchen Cleaning Breakdown?
Check out our full “Speed Cleaning Kitchen Method” guide here for a complete step-by-step.
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.
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.
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.
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
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