How-To

Whether you're cleaning a single-cup brewer or a full drip machine, one thing is certain: a clean coffee maker means better coffee, longer equipment life, and a healthier space. For professional cleaners, knowing how to clean and descale a coffee maker is a value-added service that keeps clients happy — and caffeinated.  Why Coffee Makers Need Regular Cleaning Coffee makers combine moisture, heat, and organic residue — the perfect environment for bacteria, mold, and mineral buildup. Without regular cleaning, machines can develop: Bitter or stale-tasting coffee Slow or uneven brewing Mold and hidden grime in reservoirs and tubes Shortened equipment lifespan  How Often Should You Clean? Weekly: Wipe down outer surfaces and clean removable parts like trays and carafes. Monthly: Perform a deep clean and descale to remove internal buildup. Skip the Vinegar — Clean Like a Pro White vinegar is a classic home remedy for descaling, but it’s not ideal for professional use. It has a strong smell, limited versatility, and lacks the efficiency of pro-grade products. Instead, consider two powerful, eco-friendly alternatives:  Red Juice or Scum Bum — Two Pro-Approved Cleaning Solutions Both Red Juice and Scum Bum are non-toxic, biodegradable, and safe for homes, kitchens, and coffee equipment. They each bring serious cleaning power — the choice between them comes down to your needs and preferences. Situation Best Option Quick exterior wipe-down Red Juice Food-safe surface cleaning Red Juice Heavy mineral deposits/lime scale Scum Bum Visible mold or mildew Scum Bum Deep descaling Scum Bum Versatile all-around cleaner Either one! Red Juice — The All-Purpose Pro Favorite Great For: Coffee splatter, greasy fingerprints, drip trays, machine shells, and counters Food-Safe: Safe to use around coffee equipment and kitchen surfaces No Rinse Needed: Just spray and wipe — quick and convenient Cost-Effective: One bottle of concentrate makes 20 bottles of ready-to-use spray Use Red Juice for fast, exterior cleaning — ideal between client visits or during routine service. Scum Bum — The Deep-Cleaning Powerhouse Great For: Hard water stains, mineral buildup, soap scum, and internal descaling Mold & Mildew Fighter: Dissolves organic residue in damp areas Safe & Versatile: Works on plastic, chrome, porcelain, stainless steel, and more Eco-Conscious: Chemical-free, ammonia-free, septic-safe, and 100% biodegradable Pro Tip:If you’re dealing with visible mold, black slime, or heavy internal scale, Scum Bum is the best choice. Spray directly into reservoirs or internal components, let it sit for about 3 minutes, then scrub or rinse thoroughly.  Monthly Descale & Deep Clean: Step-by-Step Here’s how to clean and descale a coffee maker like a pro: Empty the MachineRemove the carafe and any used filter. Add the Cleaning Solution Use Scum Bum for descaling Start the Brew CycleRun a full brew cycle. Pause midway and let the solution sit for 15–30 minutes to dissolve buildup. Complete the CycleFinish the brewing to flush out loosened minerals. Flush with WaterRun 2 clean water cycles to rinse thoroughly and remove any residue.  Pro Tips for Detail-Oriented Results Use a detailing brush for tight corners and spouts (we’ve got the perfect tool for that — our professional-grade cleaning toothbrush) Unplug machines before cleaning Clean the carafe with a sponge and Red Juice to remove stains Leave behind a client care guide to help them maintain the machine between visits  Red Juice vs. Scum Bum — Which Should You Choose? Both are excellent. Your choice depends on: Many professional cleaners carry both, using Red Juice for speed and surface cleaning — and Scum Bum when a deeper clean is needed.  Final Thoughts: Clean Smarter, Not Harder A clean coffee maker isn’t just about looks — it affects flavor, safety, and machine life. With Red Juice and Scum Bum, you have two non-toxic, eco-friendly tools that work fast and deliver pro-level results. ✨ Make it part of your regular service routine, and your clients will taste — and appreciate — the difference. Happy Cleaning, Amy  

Now it's time to clean around the bathroom. Grab your feather duster and/or microfiber duster plus your whisk broom and tuck them into your back pockets. Estimate the number of cleaning cloths you’ll need; at first, try six to eight cloths. Over time, you’ll know exactly how many to carry. Transfer them from your tray to your apron—you’re ready for the easy part! Managing Your Cloths Carry the drier cloth over your shoulder for quick access. When it gets too damp for streak-free cleaning (mirrors, chrome fixtures, glass shelves), keep it loosely in your apron pocket and sling a new dry one over your shoulder. Place soiled cloths on the floor near your tray—unless there's a risk of floor damage, in which case put them in your tray. Mirrors Start at the right of your tray and clean your way around the room, moving right and working from back to front, high to low. Be sure to close the bathroom door as you pass; there may be a mirror on the inside. For mirrors, use Blue Juice and a dry microfiber cloth. Since you're carrying these in your apron, there's no need to go back to the tray. Spray the mirror lightly and evenly with Blue Juice and wipe with a dry cloth until completely dry. This prevents streaks. Always check if the mirror needs cleaning first—it may not, since it's a vertical surface. Fingerprints The door may have fingerprints. For these, use Red Juice: spray the prints, return the bottle to your apron loop, and wipe dry. Apply Clean Team Rule #4: "If it isn't dirty, don't clean it." Only treat the fingerprints rather than spraying the entire door. Cobwebs Train yourself to look up at the ceiling for cobwebs. Spiders love corners! If you spot one, use your duster, knock it down, return the duster to your pocket, and proceed.  Towel Racks Pay attention to towel racks, especially where they attach to the wall. Use your toothbrush and Red Juice for a quick, effective clean without disturbing the towels. Clean the corners and hardware; after a thorough toothbrush cleaning, a cloth wipe will suffice for future cleanings. Medicine Cabinet Wipe the very top of the cabinet, then clean the mirror. If there’s an outside shelf with bathroom items (e.g., deodorant, toothpaste), move everything to one side. Spray and wipe the cleared area, then clean and relocate each item before spraying and wiping the second half. Return everything to its place. By default, do not open or clean the inside of the cabinet — this is typically outside the scope of Maintenance. However, depending on your company’s policy and the type of cleaning service being performed (e.g., deep clean vs. regular maintenance), evaluate whether the inside of the cabinets should be cleaned. If cabinet interiors are included, especially for wooden cabinets, make sure to use our Furniture Polish for safe and professional results. Sink—Outside Only When you reach the sink, clean the outside only using Red Juice. Avoid liquid or powdered cleansers! Use your toothbrush around the base of the faucets, then a white pad and Red Juice for the rest of the exterior. Finish with a dry cloth to polish the chrome fixtures. Unless instructed otherwise, don’t dry the entire sink—just the chrome. Debris and Details Continue around the bathroom to the right, working top to bottom. Check below the sink and around the cabinet for fingerprints. Dust plants, windowsills, pictures, moldings, and reachable light fixtures. Put loose debris in the plastic-lined pocket of your apron—no need to walk to the trash can. (!) Note: Why the Scraper MattersAlways keep a scraper handy during the bathroom wipe-down. Sometimes, soap scum, dried shampoo, or hard water spots stick firmly to glass surfaces and can’t be removed with spraying and wiping alone. The scraper safely lifts off these stubborn residues without scratching, leaving the glass truly clean and clear. The Toilet – Outside Only At the toilet, start at the top of the tank and work your way down using Red Juice and a cloth.  For the seat and lid, follow this sequence: Now, wipe in reverse order: Start with the small porcelain area and hinges. Use your toothbrush for around the hinges. Wipe the porcelain and hinges dry. Raise the lid and repeat with the seat and rubber bumpers. Tilt the seat and lid halfway, spray the top porcelain rim of the bowl, then wipe clean. Clean down the toilet's exterior to the floor, using your toothbrush on tricky spots like where the toilet meets the floor and around plastic caps. The Floor Around the Toilet While you're down there, clean the floor around the base of the toilet with Red Juice and already-used cloths. If the bathroom is carpeted, use your whisk broom to brush areas the vacuum can’t reach. Shower Doors – Outside Only Before returning to your tray, clean the outside of the shower doors with Blue Juice. Often, only fingerprints around the handle need cleaning. The tub's exterior may also need a quick wipe. The Floor Start at the far corner of the bathroom and spray about a 2-foot square of floor lightly with Red Juice. Wipe using a methodical side-to-side motion (like a flattened "S"). Fold the cloth as you go to trap debris efficiently. When the cloth becomes too dirty, switch to a clean one. As you work your way toward the door, gather your used cloths into a neat “ragamuffin”: lay one cloth flat, stack the others in the center, and tie the opposite corners together. This keeps everything tidy and prevents trailing cloths. Congratulations — you’ve completed the Second Trip! Your bathroom is now spotless, thanks to the efficient and thorough Speed Cleaning Way Speed Cleaning Rule #8: Keep Your Tools in Impeccable Shape Your tools are your professional companions. Keeping them clean, well-maintained, and organized is essential for: Efficiency: Tools that work well help you finish faster. Professionalism: Clean tools reflect your respect for your clients and your craft. Longevity: Proper care extends your tools’ life. Safety: Clean tools prevent cross-contamination and protect surfaces. Before leaving each job site: Wipe down tools and remove debris. Store equipment properly, ready for the next job. Restock any supplies running low. Maintaining your tools impeccably supports the Speed Cleaning philosophy: work smarter, not harder, ensuring every job is done efficiently and with consistent quality. (!)Don't move the trash or the carpet that you previously set outside. They will be taken care of after the carpet is vacuumed and it's time to empty the trash.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️YOU'RE FINISHED!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cleaning a bathroom can feel complicated, but with the right strategy and method, you can do it quickly, clean it thoroughly, and avoid going back and forth. At Speed Cleaning, we recommend a two-pass system for cleaning bathrooms: First Pass: Wet cleaning — like the shower, tub, sink (inside), and toilet (inside). Second Pass: Drying, wiping, spraying, and cleaning outside surfaces. This blog focuses on the First Pass — the wet cleaning part. The Starting Point and Strategy   Walk into the bathroom and face the tub. Place your tray on the floor at the right end of the bathtub — this is your designated starting point.       A simple path plan helps you clean efficiently: you will start from a specific point — marked as “S” (where your cleaning tray is placed) — and proceed clockwise around the bathroom. Once you’ve made a full circle, you’ll return to the same starting point (“S”), ready to begin the Second Pass. This circular movement is an efficiency strategy: you pass through each area once, completing all tasks for the First Pass (wet cleaning) without having to go back or redo any part. Important: returning to the starting point is not considered “backtracking.” You are not redoing or reversing your work — you are simply completing the circuit, so that you can then proceed with the next set of tasks (the Second Pass: drying, wiping, and surface cleaning). This organized flow prevents unnecessary steps, saves time, and ensures a smooth and effective cleaning process. Setting Up Place any trash containers just outside the door (or in the doorway). Lay any throw rugs flat on the floor outside the door — make sure the corners aren’t tucked underneath. Keep it neat and flat, not rumpled. This makes it easier for the person who will vacuum later (which might be you!). Set any items that are around the edge of the tub carefully on the floor. Whenever you move items like this, move them the shortest distance possible and keep them in the same relative position they were in. There are two important reasons for doing this: It saves time. When it's time to put the items back, you’ll know exactly where they belong. Key point: Cleaning clients generally don’t like their cleaning techs rearranging things. Always return items to their original positions in the tub or shower once cleaning is complete. For example, if there’s a bar of soap, place it upside down on a folded cleaning cloth on the floor. This keeps the soft side up, preventing soap residue from spreading. Get Ready: Dress and Organize Your Tools Fasten your apron tightly around your waist. Tighten spray bottle tops before starting to avoid spills. Here’s a list of products for the first pass. We include three options because bathrooms vary: If the bathroom has marble or granite surfaces, do not use Scum Bum. Use Red (Granite) Juice  or Sh-Clean (Marble) instead. If the tile is sealed, you can use Scum Bum. If it’s ceramic tile, Red Juice is a great first choice for everyday cleaning. Pro Scrub can also be used when dealing with heavier buildup or soap scum. First Pass: The Wet Cleaning Part Wet the Shower Walls Use cold water to wet the shower walls. Avoid hot water to prevent steam fogging and slippery surfaces. Stand outside the tub while cleaning to avoid slipping. Begin by wetting the shower walls around the tub, focusing on the areas that get wet during use. If available, use a rinsing cup or a shower wand to wet the surfaces. Start at the drain end, wetting the wall from top to bottom. Then, continue wetting from the drain end, moving along the side walls toward the far end of the tub. Finally, wet the walls from the far end back toward the drain to ensure all surfaces are thoroughly prepared for cleaning. Apply tile cleaner starting with the wall farthest from the drain. Use your tile brush to spread the cleaner evenly in circular motions—no scrubbing yet. Move around the shower, applying and distributing the cleaner uniformly. Important: You have two separate brushes—one for the toilet and another for the tub, shower, and sink. Keep these Tile and Toilet Brushes in your tray, not your apron, and position the tray conveniently at your feet. For safety and efficiency, stand outside the tub. Most people’s arms are long enough to reach inside without stepping in, and the brush further extends your reach. If there are shower doors, slide them back and forth to access all interior surfaces. Avoid applying cleaner to already clean areas; typically, the upper shower walls stay dry and don’t require frequent cleaning. Caution: Tile cleaner (e.g., Scum Bum) makes the tub floor extremely slippery as it dissolves soap scum. Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes—it works mainly through chemical action to loosen soap scum and mineral deposits. (!)NOTE: If the walls and shower doors start to become dry, then you should rinse before finishing the tub Scrub the Surfaces Now, begin scrubbing the shower wall where you first applied the tile cleaner. Use the tile brush — it’s ideal for reaching into grout lines while also cleaning the tile surface. If the walls are smooth with no grout lines, switch to a white pad for better contact and efficiency. Scrub using circular motions, working systematically from top to bottom. When you reach the plumbing fixtures, clean them with the tile brush, and use a toothbrush for any tight or detailed areas. Don’t be concerned about the bubbly residue — it’s simply the tile cleaner reacting with soap scum and mineral deposits as you scrub. Check for Cleanliness You must be able to tell when the surface beneath the bubbles is clean and it’s time to move on. This comes with experience: Learn to recognize how the brush feels as it moves over dirty versus clean surfaces. One tip: scrub a clean tile high up on the wall, then scrub a dirty one. Notice the difference in friction — the dirty surface feels grittier and offers more resistance. You can also feel the surface directly with your fingers.. Wet and Clean the Bathtub Lightly wet the tub surface with your rinsing cup or shower wand. For the bathtub, you have 3 options: Pro Scrub: a physical scrubber that removes grime with abrasiveness. Scum Bum: a chemical cleaner that dissolves soap scum. Red Juice: our all-purpose cleaner. Use the toothbrush for tight corners where tile meets tub. If you’d like to learn more about the difference between physical and chemical cleaning and when to use each, check out our previous blog. Clean the Shower Doors and Runners Use the white pad with Red Juice or Scum Bum on glass doors. Clean runners and tracks with a toothbrush, such as our professional cleaning toothbrush with strong bristles. Avoid excess water pooling in runners. Clean the Bathtub Faucet Wet the faucet lightly. Apply a small amount of cleanser on a cloth or white pad. Scrub gently, including tight spaces with the toothbrush. Rinse and dry to prevent water spots.   Rinse Thoroughly Rinse shower walls, tub, faucet, and doors with cold water. Make sure no cleanser residue remains. Feel surfaces to ensure they are smooth and clean. Clean the Sink (Inside)Use the white pad with remaining cleanser to scrub inside the sink. Rinse thoroughly. Clean the Toilet (Inside) Apply cleanser inside and around the toilet bowl. Dip the toilet brush in the toilet water and add some cleanser to it. Start scrubbing high on the inside rim, moving in circular motions down the bowl. Shake excess water off the brush into the bowl, replace it, and flush. Important: If the bathroom has curtains, don’t clean them by hand — place them in the washing machine. Summary of the First Pass (Wet Cleaning) Start at the tub’s right end, moving clockwise around the bathroom. Wet and clean the shower walls, tub, sink inside, and toilet inside. Use proper tools and products carried in your apron — no backtracking. Focus on rinsing thoroughly and avoiding slippery surfaces. Save wiping, spraying, and outside cleaning for the Second Pass. What’s Next? The Second Pass involves wiping mirrors, fixtures, cleaning the outside of the sink and toilet, and floors — all dry cleaning and spraying for a spotless finish. Stay tuned for that detailed guide! By following this structured first pass, you’ll cut your cleaning time and improve your results significantly. For the best outcomes, use Speed Cleaning products like Scum Bum, Red Juice, and Pro Scrub — trusted for safe, effective, and professional cleaning. Happy cleaning!Amy

Quartz is one of the most beloved countertop materials — and for good reason. It's durable, elegant, and non-porous, meaning it resists stains and doesn’t require sealing like natural stone. But even the most resilient surfaces need the right care to stay looking their best. If you love a sparkling kitchen (and a healthy one too!), you might be wondering: “What’s the safest and most effective way to clean my quartz countertops?” Not All Cleaners Are Quartz-Friendly Although quartz is easy to maintain, it doesn’t mean you can use just anything on it. In fact, many traditional glass or multi-surface cleaners contain harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach, which can: Dull the surface over time Damage the resin that binds quartz materials Leave behind streaks or cloudiness If you've ever cleaned your countertops and noticed they look worse after, that could be why. The Ideal Cleaning Duo: Red Juice ❤️ & Blue Juice 💙 To keep your quartz surfaces clean, shiny, and safe, trust this unbeatable combo: ❤️ Red Juice – Everyday Power, Zero Toxins Red Juice is your go-to non-toxic, pH-balanced cleaner. It lifts grease, food residue, and everyday grime without harming the surface. It's safe for people, pets, and the planet — making it ideal for kitchens and homes that care about health. 💙 Blue Juice – The Shine Finisher Once your surface is clean, use Blue Juice to give it a streak-free, polished finish. It’s gentle, ammonia-free, and leaves your quartz looking brand new — without any buildup or dulling. How to Clean Quartz Countertops Step by Step What you’ll need: Red Juice Blue Juice (optional for shine) Microfiber cloth(s) Steps: Spray Red Juice directly onto the quartz surface. Wipe with a clean microfiber cloth to remove debris and residue. For extra shine, lightly mist Blue Juice and buff gently with a dry microfiber cloth. That's it — no rinsing, no residue, no stress. How Often Should You Clean Quartz? Daily in high-traffic areas (kitchens, bathrooms, etc.) After each use in low-traffic spaces Immediately after spills to prevent buildup or staining Regular cleaning with Red Juice, followed by occasional Blue Juice polishing, will keep your quartz countertops beautiful and long-lasting. What to Avoid 🚫 Abrasive sponges or scouring pads🚫 Cleaners with bleach, ammonia, or acid🚫 Letting moisture air dry — always dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks Clean Smarter, Live Healthier At Speed Cleaning, we believe cleaning should never come at the cost of your health — or your surfaces. That’s why we created Red Juice and Blue Juice, so you can enjoy powerful results without harmful chemicals. Clean with confidence. Shine with ease.Your countertops (and your cleaners) will thank you.

Every April 22nd, people around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day – a reminder that our planet needs care, love, and intentional choices every day of the year. At Speed Cleaning, we believe that sustainability starts with small, powerful habits. One of the simplest changes that makes a massive difference? Switching to concentrated cleaning products.  Why Concentrated Cleaners Are a Smart, Eco-Friendly Choice Most traditional cleaners come in large plastic bottles filled mostly with water. Once used, those bulky bottles are thrown away – adding to the billions of tons of plastic waste that clog our landfills and oceans. Concentrated formulas reduce water use during manufacturing, and the smaller packages cut down on carbon emissions during shipping. With just one small refill bottle, you can make multiple standard-sized cleaning solutions — which means less plastic waste, lower transportation impact, and more room under your sink. The Power of Biodegradable Ingredients Many of our cleaning products, like our popular Red Juice, are biodegradable — but what does that really mean? Biodegradable means that the ingredients break down naturally over time, without leaving harmful residues in the environment. Instead of polluting water systems or harming wildlife, biodegradable products return safely to nature. That’s a big win — not just for the planet, but for your home too. Recycling & Rethinking Everyday Habits While reducing waste is key, recycling remains an essential part of protecting our planet. Unfortunately, the vast majority of plastic ever produced still hasn’t been recycled and continues to pile up in landfills, where it can take centuries to decompose. Did you know that paper makes up over 25% of the waste generated in cities each year? A big portion of that comes from single-use paper towels. One simple switch with a big impact? Trade disposable paper towels for reusable cleaning cloths. Our 100% Cotton cloths are not only more effective at trapping dirt and bacteria — they also help you reduce waste and save money in the long run. Just wash, dry, and reuse! If you're unsure how or where to start with recycling you can reach out to your local recycling program — whether public or private — to learn about options in your community. Everyday Choices Matter It’s not just the big initiatives that make a difference. Incorporating small changes into your daily routine — like choosing concentrated, biodegradable products and reusable cloths instead of paper towels — adds up over time. These simple shifts create a ripple effect toward a cleaner, healthier future. Make the Switch Today Ready to go green with your cleaning routine? 🌍 Try our eco-friendly, biodegradable concentrates🌍 Save water, plastic, and carbon emissions🌍 Swap paper towels for reusable cleaning cloths🌍 Save money with powerful, long-lasting formulas Small actions lead to big changes.Start today with conscious choices that benefit your business, your team, and the planet. Amy,