Tips on Being an Efficient Client
Or, How to Get the Best Value for Your Money From Maid Connection!
A major cause of misunderstandings that lead to dissatisfaction in any relationship is a lack of communication. Understand that giving honest feedback and having realistic expectations is the key to a successful relationship with Maid Connection.
You work hard for your money, and you deserve to get the most for it. Since you are paying for housecleaning, you expect a good cleaning job. At Maid Connection your expectations and satisfaction are of paramount importance to us and we will work hard to meet those expectations. However, overall value is determined by more that just a clean home on every visit. Maid Connection recognizes that not only each client’s home and needs are different but so too are their budgets. We appreciate that you are willing to give us the opportunity to work with you in finding the right housekeeper for your household working within your budget and considering your individual needs.
Your First Cleaning
We encourage you, if at all possible, to be there to meet your housekeeper for the first visit - at least long enough to show them your home room by room.
We suggest you:
point out where all the equipment and supplies are kept
indicate any items/areas/rooms that you DO NOT wish to have cleaned
emphasize the use of specialty products for specific tasks
introduce your pets (for health & safety we are unable to clean up after pets)
give instructions for securing your home when your housekeeper leaves
leave a phone number where you can easily be contacted with questions
The Priority List:
It is very helpful to have a priority list for your housekeeper to work from even if you are home during the visit. BE SPECIFIC, especially if your budget is limited. A cleaning to prepare for a party can have considerably different priorities to a spring cleaning, or a regular maintenance clean.
You may change your priority list from visit to visit if you wish just be sure to let your housekeeper know it is a new list. Maid Connection does not charge extra for items like cleaning out the refrigerator, doing laundry etc but please remember to allow time for these to be done either by scheduling more time or eliminating other items on your list. Having a list set up for your regular service can also then be used by a substitute in the unfortunate event your regular person is ill, is on vacation.
Supplies and Equipment
Once you have made your priority list please ensure that you have sufficient cleaning supplies and the right equipment on hand for the job. Here is a basic list of suggested items:
Glass Cleaner
Multi-purpose cleaner
Degreaser
Bathroom cleaner – including for those problem areas like mildew and calcium or lime scale
Toilet bowl cleanser and brush
Furniture polish
Floor cleaners – for each different floor surface
Bleach
Dish Soap
Specialty cleaners for Stainless Steel, marble, smooth ceramic stove top etc
Plenty of rags
Paper towels
Scrub sponges
Scrub brushes/old toothbrushes
Bucket
Mops – wet and dry
Broom
Dust pan and brush
Dusting cloths
Step stool
Extendable ceiling fan cleaner if needed
Trash bag
Vacuum cleaner in good working condition with attachments, extra bag and belt.
We know that many of our customers use specific products based on their health needs, environmental impact or just personal preference of brand. Our housekeepers are happy to work with what you provide for them and they are also happy to give suggestions based on their experiences with products if you ask.
Efficiency
Beyond making a list, having the correct supplies and equipment and showing the housekeeper your home there are other simple things a homeowner can do to get the most out of their cleaning service.
Here are some efficiency tips we have learned from both homeowners and housekeepers over the past 30 years:
Picking up your home before the housekeeper arrives simply means she has more time to clean.
Arrangements should be made so that children and pets are not under foot.
Have cleaning products and equipment ready for use.
Having the correct products and equipment that works efficiently.
An uncluttered and organized home is easier and quicker to clean. (We can help with this – just ask!)
Laundry - Pre-sorting articles of clothing into piles ready to wash
Stripping beds ready for laundering the sheets.
Having extra bed sheets so beds can be remade immediately.
Having a load already started prior to the housekeeper arriving
Budget cleaning – if your budget doesn’t allow for you house to be cleaned as often or as thoroughly as you would like or need you might consider having an extra service just once every few months to get caught up on the details. Add a Maid Connection Gift Certificate to your gift wish lists and don’t forget we give you a free hour when you refer a friend.
Cleaning the shower while you are in it on cleaning day to eliminate that from the priority list. Spraying the showers down regularly so that your housekeeper isn’t having a battle with mildew or hard water residue every time she comes is also helpful.
If you have not had a housekeeper in your home for sometime or your home is larger than 2,000 sq.ft you may want to arrange for 5 or more hours of cleaning. Please check out our “Specials and Coupons” page to see what offer we are currently running.
After the initial visit, you can make arrangements regarding access to your home with your housekeeper. Typically customers either hide a key on their property, leave it with a neighbor or give a pass code for the key pad entry to the garage. We discourage you giving the key directly to your housekeeper as they really do not want the responsibility.
Remember the housekeeper’s cleaning time starts when she arrives at your home so please be sure you are ready for her.
Reducing Turnover
Turnover happens in the service industry, it is an undisputed, frustrating fact. At Maid Connection we pride ourselves with having a low turnover rate and having housekeepers remain with us for many years. We work hard to ensure that our working relationship is positive. We understand that consistency provides for a better service experience for our homeowners.
Ways our current clients kindly help reduce our turnover include:
showing housekeepers their appreciation (just a sincere thank you, goes a long way)
setting realistic priority lists
giving plenty of advance notice when canceling or rescheduling services giving us time to find their housekeeper more work.
Notify your housekeeper of any appointments regarding delivery men, home maintenance, etc. She will not let anyone into your home without permission from you.
Payment is due at time of service so please be sure to leave a check. The housekeeper works hard and is counting on this money. It can be disconcerting if there is no payment.
Communication
Please communicate:
with your housekeeper regarding your cleaning priorities.
with Maid Connection regarding scheduling needs
with Maid Connection if you feel uncomfortable for any reason. We can either change the housekeeper or talk to her on your behalf. The housekeeper is there to work for you...DON'T BE SHY. It is your money.
Communication has become an over-used word probably because we all need to improve on this skill. Let us hear from you and we will sincerely work to meet your needs.
If you are happy -- tell a friend!
Remember for each friend you refer you get one free hour of housecleaning.