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How-To

Hand spraying cleaner on a surface with a clock icon, illustrating dwell time or sit time in professional cleaning

How-To

How Long Should Cleaners Sit? A Pro’s Dwell Time Guide

by Amy Sardone on Nov 21 2025
In professional cleaning, great results don’t come only from technique — they come from timing.Dwell time is the amount of time a cleaner needs to stay wet on a surface so its active ingredients can break down soil, dissolve buildup, or neutralize odors. If a product dries too fast, it stops working.If you spray and wipe right away, you're removing the chemical before it does what you need it to do. For cleaning professionals, understanding dwell time is one of the easiest ways to clean faster, better, and with less product. Different Cleaners, Different Timers Every type of cleaner has its own chemistry — and its own ideal dwell time.Here’s a simple guide to help you know exactly how long to let products sit for maximum performance. 1. Scum Bum — Acid-Based Cleaner (for soap scum, hard water, mineral deposits) Ideal dwell time: 2–5 minutes for light soap scum 15–20 minutes for heavy buildup, hard water stains, or stubborn minerals Why it matters:Scum Bum uses glycolic acid to dissolve minerals and break through buildup.Acid needs time to react — especially on thick limescale or months of soap scum.Short dwell time = only the top layer dissolves.Longer dwell time = full breakdown and effortless scrubbing. Tip for pros:Keep it wet. If it begins to dry, lightly reapply. 2. Enzyme Cleaners — Pet Oops! & Stain Goobler Best for: urine, organic stains, odor removal, carpet treatments, pet messes Ideal dwell time: 5 minutes for everyday organic stains and light odors 15+ minutes for strong odors, pet accidents, and set-in stains Why it matters:Enzymes must stay wet to work. They “digest” organic material — but once they dry, they stop instantly.Give them time, and they do the heavy lifting for you. Pro strategy:Spray → move on to another task  3. Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaners Found in: eco-friendly disinfectants, bathroom sprays, glass-safe cleaners Typical dwell time:1–5 minutes Why it matters:Hydrogen peroxide cleans through oxidation, a reaction that needs a few minutes to break down stains and microorganisms.Short times = reduced cleaning power. Great for:showers, sinks, grout touch-ups, odor neutralization. 4. Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach) Found in: laundry whiteners, mold removers, hospital disinfectants Typical dwell time:1–10 minutes, depending on strength BUT… important note:  Speed Cleaning does not recommend using bleach in residential or professional cleaning. Why? It damages many surfaces It creates toxic fumes It does not remove soil — it only whitens it It is unsafe around cleaners and clients Bleach can look like it “worked,” but most times it just masked the problem. If you need a safer alternative, choose Scum Bum for hard water + soap scum or hydrogen peroxide cleaners for deodorizing and mild disinfection. What Happens If You Don’t Let Products Sit? Skipping dwell time doesn’t save time — it creates more work later. Here’s what actually happens: Germs survive even when surfaces look clean Residue remains, attracting new dirt Buildup hardens again, especially mineral deposits You waste product by having to re-clean Cross-contamination increases when chemicals don’t finish working It’s like pulling food out of the oven halfway through cooking — it may look done, but it isn’t. How to Use Dwell Time Without Slowing Down Professional cleaners don’t stand around waiting — they work smarter. Here’s how to build dwell time into your workflow: Spray one zone → move to the next → return later Use enough product to keep surfaces wet Reapply if it starts drying too soon Let Scum Bum or enzyme cleaners sit while you clean fixtures or floors Work top-to-bottom so chemistry works while you keep moving Efficiency isn’t about rushing — it’s about timing. Why Pros Respect Dwell Time The best cleaners don’t rush the chemistry.They know: A few minutes makes the difference between looking clean and actually being clean Dwell time reduces scrubbing Long-term clients notice the quality difference Surfaces stay cleaner longer when soil and minerals are fully dissolved Dwell time is one of the secrets behind consistent, professional-grade results. What Happens When You Don’t Give Cleaners Time to Work When you don’t give a cleaner enough time to work, you’re not speeding up the job — you’re weakening the results. Wiping too early means the product hasn’t had a chance to break down grime, neutralize odors, or deal with germs. The surface may look clean, but the buildup stays, new dirt sticks faster, and you end up using more product to fix what didn’t get done the first time. It’s the same idea as pulling food out of the oven too soon — the outside looks ready, but the inside isn’t. Let the chemistry do its job, and your cleaning will be easier, faster, and truly effective. The Bottom Line Dwell time isn’t extra work — it’s the moment the product is doing the work for you.The next time you reach for Scum Bum, Pet Oops!, Stain Goobler, or any specialty cleaner, remember: Spray.Wait.Let the chemistry do the hard part. Your results will look better, last longer, and take less effort. Try the Speed Cleaning System — Save Money, Protect Your Health, Clean Smarter Professional cleaners choose Speed Cleaning not just for results, but for real savings and real safety. ✔ Save Money with High-Yield Concentrates Our products are super-concentrated, so each bottle lasts much longer.That means more houses cleaned, less product used, and lower monthly costs for your business. ✔ Zero VOCs — Your Health Will Thank You Our formulas contain no VOCs, no harsh fumes, and no irritating chemicals.You breathe better. Your team breathes better. Your clients feel the difference. ✔ The Most Efficient Cleaning System in the Industry Speed Cleaning isn’t just “products.”It’s a complete method that helps you clean faster, more consistently, and with professional accuracy — every single time. Upgrade your cleaning kit with products that save money, protect your team, and deliver unbeatable results. Happy Cleaning, Amy
Notebook with the word “Strategy” highlighted, surrounded by notes labeled business, idea, and team, with colorful pens and a donut on the desk.

How-To

The Cleaning Business Strategy That Actually Works

by Amy Sardone on Nov 21 2025
Most cleaning businesses struggle not because they lack clients — but because they lack structure.Before thinking about growth, ads, or hiring more cleaners, the real secret is much simpler: Create such a high standard of quality that every client becomes a promoter of your brand. When you build the right foundation, your business becomes strong, stable, and consistent. And the best part?It keeps working even when you’re no longer out in the field cleaning. Here’s how professional, long-lasting cleaning companies are built. 1. Start With Structure — Not Just Clients In the beginning, it’s normal to want more bookings.But building without structure is like cleaning a home without a system — everything becomes harder. A strong cleaning business starts with: ✔ clear steps✔ organized workflows✔ documented procedures✔ consistent customer experience This is what separates a “cleaning hobby” from a “cleaning company.” 2. Create a Level of Quality That Sells Itself Before trying to scale, build a quality standard so strong that: Clients recommend you without being asked Reviews grow naturally Your reputation becomes your best marketing tool When quality becomes your competitive edge, price becomes less of a fight — and trust becomes automatic. 3. Standardize Your Communication With Clients Every message, every response, every explanation should sound the same — clear, professional, and consistent. Standardization helps you: ✔ Reduce misunderstandings✔ Avoid promises you can’t keep✔ Deliver the same experience to every client✔ Save time✔ Train new team members faster Examples of what should be standardized: How you explain your services How you confirm appointments How you handle complaints How you request reviews How you explain what’s included or not included This is the kind of clarity clients love — and remember. 4. Build a Professional Online Presence Even small cleaning companies can look big and trustworthy when their online presence is clean and consistent. Start with: ✔ Google Business Profile✔ Facebook page✔ Instagram with real photos✔ Website or booking page✔ Consistent brand colors and description And most important: ⭐ Collect reviews from day one.Reviews build trust faster than any ad. A company with 15 good reviews looks more reliable than one with zero — even if that company is bigger. 5. Document Rules and Responsibilities This is where most cleaning businesses fail.Your team cannot deliver consistent quality if expectations are not clear. Ask yourself: Are the rules and responsibilities documented? Do your cleaners know exactly: How to enter a home How to communicate with the office What to do if they’re running late What to do if something breaks How to complete a job checklist How to ask for help How to report issues When everything is written and clear, your business stops relying on memory — and becomes reliable. 6. Create a Communication System With Your Team A cleaning business becomes chaotic when everyone communicates differently. You need one system, one channel, one rule: ✔ Voxxer Group✔ Slack✔ Messenger group✔ Google Chat The tool doesn’t matter — the structure does. In this communication group, cleaners can: Report job completion Ask questions Share photos Request guidance Notify issues Clear communication = fewer problems. 7. Build a Business That Works Even When You’re Not There This is the ultimate goal. When you build: ✔ Documented processes✔ Training✔ Communication systems✔ Quality standards✔ Online presence✔ Client communication scripts …you create a company that works without you having to clean every house yourself. A business with structure doesn’t fall apart when: One cleaner leaves You get sick You go on vacation You need to hire fast You want to grow That’s the difference between self-employed and business owner. Ready to Build a Real Cleaning Business? Start With the Speed Cleaning System. The Speed Cleaning System gives you the structure, consistency, and professional standards you need to grow the right way. Clear processes, smart workflows, training your team, and delivering the same high-quality results every time — even when you’re not in the field. Build a business that works with you, not against you.Build a team that knows exactly what to do.Build a reputation clients trust. Grow smarter. Grow stronger. Grow with the Speed Cleaning System. Before trying to grow in numbers, grow in structure.When your processes are clear, your team is aligned, and your reputation is solid, every new client becomes easier to win — and even easier to keep. Build a system that works with you, not against you.Create a business that runs smoothly, consistently, and professionally — even when you’re not in the field. That’s how real cleaning companies are built.That’s how you create something that lasts. Ready to level up your business?Come to the Speed Cleaning Certification and build the structure your company needs to grow the right way.  
Open dishwasher with clean dishes inside and blue cabinets in a modern kitchen.

How-To

How to Clean a Dishwasher Like a Pro in Less Than 15 Minutes

by Amy Sardone on Nov 21 2025
Most people assume the dishwasher cleans itself. But one of its most important parts — the filter — quietly collects grease, food particles, soap residue, and bacteria over time. When a dishwasher filter isn’t cleaned at least once a month, it can cause unpleasant odors, poor wash results, drainage issues, and even shorten the life of the machine. For cleaning business owners, this is more than just maintenance — it’s an opportunity. A dishwasher deep clean is a simple, high-value add-on service that takes less than 15 minutes and delivers noticeable results to your clients. Why Dishwasher Filter Cleaning Matters The filter’s job is to trap food particles and debris so they don’t clog the pump and plumbing. But when it becomes overloaded, it turns into the opposite — a breeding ground for bacteria, grease, and bad smells. Here’s what happens when the filter is neglected: ❌ Bad odors coming from the dishwasher ❌ Dishes that still look cloudy or dirty after a cycle ❌ Grease and biofilm buildup inside the machine ❌ Drainage problems and slow water flow ❌ Overworked motor and reduced appliance lifespan ❌ Potential repair or replacement costs Cleaning this small component regularly protects the appliance — and protects your reputation as a cleaning professional. Step-by-Step: How to Deep Clean a Dishwasher Filter (The Speed Cleaning Way) 1. Make sure the dishwasher is mostly emptyRemove dishes and pull out the bottom rack to access the filter area. 2. Locate and remove the filterMost filters are located at the bottom of the dishwasher. Gently twist and lift to remove it. 3. Rinse the filter in the sinkUse warm water to loosen grease, food particles, and loose debris. 4. Spray with Red JuiceApply Red Juice, a powerful, non-toxic, alkaline all-purpose cleaner that breaks down grease and organic buildup quickly and effectively. 5. Scrub thoroughlyUse a sponge or microfiber cloth for most of the surface area.For tight spots and stubborn buildup, use a detail brush to reach small crevices. A High-Value Add-On for Cleaning Business Owners This is one of the most overlooked areas in a kitchen — and that’s what makes it such a profitable add-on. Most clients don’t even know their dishwasher has a filter, let alone that it needs monthly cleaning. Including it in your service allows you to:  Increase your average service ticket Provide a visible, noticeable result Prevent odors and complaints Educate clients on appliance care Stand out from competing cleaning companies Position yourself as a detail-oriented professional And the best part? It requires minimal extra time and tools — just smart technique. 6. Rinse, dry, and replace the filterRinse away all remaining debris and product. Dry the filter and reinstall it properly. Finish with a Quick Internal Cleaning Cycle After the filter is cleaned and replaced: Place 1 cup of white vinegar in a small container on the top rack Run a normal (empty) cycle The vinegar (mild acid) helps: Break down soap residue Dissolve mineral deposits from hard water Neutralize odors Clean internal surfaces and hoses This final step leaves the dishwasher smelling fresh and running more efficiently. Ready to Turn This Into a Premium Add-On Service? If you want fast, professional results when cleaning dishwasher filters — and every greasy surface in a home — Red Juice is your go-to solution. This high-performance, non-toxic cleaner is made for speed and efficiency, which is exactly what cleaning businesses need. ✔ Breaks down grease fast✔ Cuts through organic buildup✔ Safe, non-toxic formula✔ Ideal for filters, kitchens & heavy-use areas✔ Trusted by professional cleaning teams Stop wasting time on stubborn grease. Let Red Juice do the heavy lifting. Add Red Juice to your cleaning kit today and start turning small details into high-value services for your business.
How to Clean Porous and Non-Porous Surfaces’ on a wooden textured background

How-To

How to Clean Porous and Non-Porous Surfaces

by Amy Sardone on Nov 21 2025
If a surface never looks truly clean, the problem is usually not your effort — it’s the surface type. Some materials absorb dirt and bacteria.Others keep everything on the surface. Knowing the difference is what makes a cleaner professional. 1. Porous vs. Non-Porous — Simple Explanation Porous surfaces Porous surfaces absorb water, dirt, stains and bacteria. If you drop water on them, it soaks in instead of sitting on top. Common porous surfaces: Unfinished wood Natural stone (marble, travertine, limestone) Grout Concrete Fabric and carpet Unsealed tile These materials can hold: Odors Bacteria Stains Moisture That’s why they are harder to keep sanitary. Non-porous surfaces Non-porous surfaces are sealed and smooth. Water beads up and wipes away easily. Common non-porous surfaces: Glass and mirrors Stainless steel Plastic and vinyl Sealed tile Quartz and Corian Properly sealed wood These are the easiest surfaces to clean and disinfect. 2. Why Porous Surfaces Get Dirty Faster Porous materials have tiny openings that trap: • Water• Soap residue• Oils• Dirt• Bacteria Even when the surface looks clean, contaminants can remain deep inside. Random scrubbing makes this worse —it pushes dirt and moisture deeper into the surface. That’s why technique is more important than muscle. 3. Always Clean Following the Grain Some materials — especially wood — have a visible direction called the grain (the natural lines or “risks”). Cleaning against the grain pushes dirt and water into the surface and can cause: Dark stains Dull finish Raised fibers Permanent damage  Always clean following the grain. This also applies to: Stone veining Brushed metal Grout lines Textured tile Never fight the surface. Follow its natural direction. 4. The Most Important Step: Dry First, Always Before applying any cleaner or liquid, remove loose debris first.  Use a dry microfiber cloth Use light, controlled movements Follow the surface direction (grain or pattern) This prevents: Scratches Smearing Spreading bacteria Pushing dirt into porous surfaces If a surface still has dust, hair or crumbs,do not spray it. Always dry wipe first. This habit alone separates amateurs from professionals. 5. How to Clean Porous Surfaces (Simple & Safe) Porous surfaces need gentle, controlled cleaning.  Use a neutral cleaner Use very little water Use microfiber or a soft brush Steps: Remove debris with a dry microfiber cloth Lightly apply cleaner Clean following the grain Wipe dry Ventilate the area ❌ Do not flood the surface❌ Do not scrub aggressively❌ Do not mix products 6. Why This Knowledge Makes You a Professional When you understand surfaces, you: ✔ Clean faster✔ Use less product✔ Protect materials✔ Prevent cross-contamination✔ Deliver better results✔ Build client trust This is not just cleaning… This is professional surface care. No more dangerous mixing and weak results.Switch to Speed Cleaning — powerful, safe, and made for true professionals.
Hands placing vegetables into an air fryer basket

How-To

How to Clean an Air Fryer Like a Pro

by Amy Sardone on Nov 21 2025
Air fryers make cooking faster and healthier, but they also collect grease, crumbs, and cooked-on food very quickly. Over time, that buildup can cause smoke, bad odors, sticky residue, and even affect how well the appliance performs. The good news? With the Speed Cleaning® method and the right products, you can deep clean an air fryer in less than 15 minutes — safely, efficiently, and without harsh chemicals. This method uses: Red Juice (non-toxic, heavy-duty degreaser) Speed Cleaning Professional Toothbrush (for tight spaces) Cleaning cloths (cotton or microfiber) Blue Juice — optional, for extra polish on the exterior Step-by-Step: The Speed Cleaning® Method for Air Fryers 1. Unplug and remove the basket and tray Start by unplugging your air fryer. Always make sure the unit is completely off before cleaning. Carefully remove the basket and the tray and set them aside. 2. Spray the inside with Red Juice Spray the inside of the air fryer with Red Juice, our non-toxic, heavy-duty degreaser that is designed to break down grease and buildup fast. Let the Red Juice sit for a moment. This dwell time makes the process easier and more effective. Then, wipe out the inside using a cleaning cloth (cotton or microfiber). This step alone removes a surprising amount of grease and residue — and it’s incredibly satisfying to see the difference. 3. Clean the basket and tray Separate the basket from the tray. Spray Red Juice on both pieces and let it sit for a moment to start breaking down grease and cooked-on food. Using a cleaning cloth, wipe away: Old food particles Grease Sticky buildup Grime trapped in the tray Be sure to get into all visible areas where food and oil collect. 4. Use the Professional Toothbrush for deep detail For tight spaces, corners, holes, and ridges, grab the Speed Cleaning® Professional Toothbrush. These brushes are perfect for: Cleaning grooves in the tray Removing buildup in corners Reaching small openings in the basket If needed, let the Red Juice sit for an extra minute before scrubbing. This is where you get a true deep clean — pro-level results. 5. Wipe clean and reassemble Once the grease and debris have been removed: Wipe away the Red Juice and remaining residue with a clean cloth Make sure all visible grime is gone Reassemble the basket and tray Place them back into the air fryer 6. Finish with Blue Juice (optional extra polish) For an extra, professional, “showroom” finish, spray a small amount of Blue Juice onto a cloth and wipe the outside of the air fryer — especially metal and glass surfaces. Blue Juice is optional, but perfect if you want to add that final polished touch: ✔ Removes fingerprints✔ Enhances shine on metal and glass✔ Leaves a streak-free finish And… bam!A grease-free, polished air fryer in less than 15 minutes. Why This Method Works  ✔Fast ✔Non-toxic ✔Highly effective on grease ✔Easy to repeat regularly ✔Perfect for homes or professional cleaning services Red Juice does the heavy lifting by breaking down grease and buildup, while the Professional Toothbrush allows you to detail clean areas most people skip. If you add the optional Blue Juice finish, the appliance doesn’t just feel clean — it looks brand new. Pro Tip for Cleaning Business Owners Most people never clean their air fryer properly. That’s exactly why this can be a high-value add-on service for your cleaning business. It’s: ✔ Quick to perform✔ Highly visible✔ Easy to upsell✔ Extremely satisfying for clients All you need is:Red Juice + Professional Toothbrush + Cleaning Cloths(+ Blue Juice if you want to offer an upgraded finish) Small effort. Big impact. Ready to Level Up Your Results? Red Juice is your go-to solution for air fryers, dishwashers, stovetops, and greasy kitchen surfaces. Stop struggling with sticky buildup.Let Red Juice do the work. Add Red Juice to your cleaning kit today and start turning everyday appliance cleaning into a premium, professional service.

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