Clean Day Housekeeping
Continued Education
Let's start at the beginning..
Moving Cleans/Vacant Property Cleans and One Time Cleans makeup 20% of our business. These Cleanings come with different checklists than our usual Deep Cleans and Standard Cleans. Moving Cleans are more involved and often require a team of well-trained housekeepers. As always, you will have detailed instructions, and a Moving Team Leader to set the guidelines for the job.
The Team Leader
Every cleaning needs to start with a solid plan! In a Moving Clean, this plan will be formulated by the Team Lead. This team leader will be assigned by the Client Manager in charge of the cleaning and will be a housekeeper with experience in complex cleanings and team leadership.
The Team Leader Will:
- Assign designated rooms and responsibilities to each team member, including themselves
- Regularly check on the progress of the team to gauge timing
- Check-in with the Staff Line or CM of the job with progress reports
- Thoroughly check over each completed space to make sure everything has been done to the best of our ability
- Fill out and submit the Cleaning Checklist assigned by the CM to ensure all cleaning tasks were completed
- Inform the CM of any complications or problems that may occur on-site
- Take responsibility if the cleaning is not done correctly and to the highest standard
- Prior to the cleaning: Pick up any additional supplies needed from the supply units such as extra paper towels, magic erasers, rags, or equipment.
(These extra tasks will be compensated with mileage and drivetime payment)
Show Off Your Skills
If you are great at deep cleaning bathrooms, kitchens, refrigerators or you have other skills to put to use, let the Team Lead know!
Showcase your strengths so the home gets the best cleaning possible. Each member of the team will need to work in their designated locations. Not only will this lend to an overall expedited finishing time, but if there are any areas of the home that did not get finished to the client’s liking, it will be much easier to pinpoint who needs to work on their deep cleaning skills. The Team Leader will carefully go over every area of the home so make sure you are thorough and don’t miss any steps of the cleaning process.
Moving Cleaning Intro Video
Vacant Property Cleaning
Even though Moving Cleans can be customized by all clients, most of these cleanings will follow the guidelines below.
Kitchen:
Clean inside and outside of all cabinetry, scour sink, clean stove-top and hood, countertops and back-splash area, clean outside and inside of the oven, outside and inside of the refrigerator, outside of dishwasher and all small appliances, cleaning of window sills and ledges, cleaning of light fixtures and ceiling fans, cleaning in open spaces above upper cabinetry, spot cleaning of walls, doors, light switches, and outlets, vacuuming and washing of floors and baseboards
Living Areas:
Dust all surfaces, spot clean glass, and mirrors, cleaning of all molding and woodwork, cleaning of all built-ins and shelving, dusting and shining of fireplaces and mantels, removing of noticeable dirt and fingerprints from walls, spot cleaning of doors, light switches, and outlets, dust and wipe off vents and/ or radiators, dust/wash baseboards and window sills, cleaning of light fixtures and ceiling fans, vacuum/clean floors
Bathrooms:
Clean shower enclosures, tubs and tile, glass shower doors and glass walls, scour sinks, sanitize countertops and backsplashes, clean light fixtures, clean vents, and fans, cleaning of mirrors, scouring toilets, cleaning the interior of all cabinetry, closets and vanities, spot cleaning of walls, doors, light switches, and outlets, clean/ scrub floors and baseboards
Bedrooms:
Dust all surfaces, spot cleaning of glass and mirrors, remove noticeable dirt and fingerprints from walls, dust/polish fireplaces, mantels, woodwork, and chair rails, dust/wash baseboards and window sills, vents or radiators, cleaning the interior of all cabinetry, closets, and vanities or built-ins, spot cleaning of walls, doors, light switches, and outlets, clean/ scrub floors and baseboards vacuum/clean/wash floors
Stairwells and Hallways:
Spot cleaning of walls, doors, the light switched, railings, chair rails and outlets, clean light fixtures, clean vents, radiators and ceiling fans, clean/ scrub floors and baseboards vacuum/clean or wash floors
All Rooms:
Cobweb removal, cleaning of all light fixtures and ceiling fans, cleaning of all baseboards, removal of noticeable spots on walls, cleaning of entry doors
All windows:
Cleaned both inside and outside (if the windows are hinged and can be cleaned from the inside or without a ladder).
Occupied Property Cleaning
(Realtor Listing Cleaning or Deep Cleaning)
When a property is occupied, the task list is a bit different. Please read the checklist carefully to notice the differences between the two cleans.
Kitchen:
Clean outside of cabinets/cupboard, scour sink, stove-top, countertops and back-splash area, clean outside of the oven, outside of the refrigerator, outside of dishwasher and all small appliances, cleaning of window sills and ledges, cleaning of light fixtures and ceiling fans, spot cleaning of walls, doors, light switches, and outlets, vacuuming and washing of floors and baseboards
Living Areas:
Dust all surfaces, spot clean glass picture frames and mirrors, cleaning of all molding and woodwork, cleaning of all built-ins and shelving, dusting and shining of fireplaces and mantels, removing of noticeable dirt and fingerprints from walls, spot cleaning of doors, light switches and outlets, dust and wipe off vents and/ or radiators, dust/wash baseboards and window sills, cleaning of light fixtures and ceiling fans, vacuum/clean floors
Bathrooms:
Clean shower enclosures, tubs and tile, glass shower doors and glass walls, scour sinks, sanitize countertops and backsplashes, clean light fixtures, clean vents, and fans, cleaning of mirrors, scouring toilets, spot cleaning of walls, doors, light switches, and outlets, clean/ scrub floors and baseboards
Bedrooms:
Dust all surfaces, spot cleaning of glass and mirrors, remove noticeable dirt and fingerprints from walls, dust/polish fireplaces, mantels, woodwork, and chair rails, dust/wash baseboards and window sills, vents or radiators, spot cleaning of walls, doors, light switches, and outlets, clean/ scrub floors and baseboards vacuum/clean/wash floors
Stairwells and Hallways:
Spot cleaning of walls, doors, the light switched, railings, chair rails and outlets, clean light fixtures, clean vents, radiators and ceiling fans, clean/ scrub floors and baseboards vacuum/clean or wash floors
All Rooms:
Cobweb removal, cleaning of all light fixtures and ceiling fans, cleaning of all baseboards, removal of noticeable spots on walls, cleaning of entry doors
All windows:
Cleaned both inside and outside (if the windows are hinged and can be cleaned from the inside or without a ladder).
Additional Services:
Cleaning of unfinished basement areas, garage cleaning, exterior porch or deck cleaning, attic cleaning.
Deep Cleaning a Kitchen
The Kitchen is one of the most important spaces to clean in a Deep Clean or Moving Clean scenario. Not only will it take longer than other spaces, but it will also require a lot of elbow grease and muscle to get it done right! Be prepared to work hard in this space. Just know that the messier the kitchen, the more satisfying the end result! You got this!
Along with following all of the shift notes provided, there are things that need to be done in order to ensure client satisfaction. A few of the things you will do during a
Moving Clean that you may not do during a typical home cleaning are…
- Cleaning on top of the cabinets and appliances
- Scrubbing inside of cabinets
- Cleaning the inside of the refrigerator
- Cleaning the oven vent/hood
- Cleaning inside of the oven (without harsh chemicals)
- Deep cleaning the microwave
- Moving the oven and refrigerator to clean underneath and behind them
- Cleaning Blinds or window coverings
- Cleaning the window lining and sills
- Scrubbing backsplashes and removing spots and stains from the walls
- Scrubbing baseboards
- Scrubbing the floors by hand
- ...other tasks may also be assigned and completed
Reminder...
Allowing enough time to complete the kitchen during a Deep Clean is crucial! Be sure to assess this space along with the rest of the home to know how much time you have to dedicate to each area. Using the 3 Wave system (taught at the end of this training program) is a great way to tackle the space, even with all of the extra tasks. Be thorough, be aggressive, and work hard to get the space clean and ready for the client’s moving day!
Video Segments
The following videos will demonstrate different methods of cleaning a kitchen and illustrate how to move in a fast, efficient manner. Pay close attention and take notes; some of the information shared will be in the review that you will need to complete following the training.
Refrigerator Cleaning
Oven Cleaning ... Without The Chemicals
Microwave Cleaning
Bathroom Deep Cleaning
Along with kitchens, bathrooms are by far one of the hardest rooms to clean during a Deep Clean. Because a bathroom is a space that sees a lot of use, there are many elements in a Bathroom that need to be cleaned well. Showers alone can take hours to clean depending on the soil level, surfaces, size, etc. These are all important factors to keep in mind when first assessing the home so that you allow yourself enough time to complete the job. Bathrooms are spaces where you will be scrubbing hard and breaking a sweat! Just remember, the messier the bathroom, the more satisfying the result!
Along with following all of the shift notes provided, there are cleaning tasks that need to be completed in order to ensure client satisfaction. A few of the tasks you will do during a Moving Clean that you may not do during other cleaning scenarios are…
- Cleaning inside of closets
- Cleaning inside of medicine cabinets
- Cleaning on top of medicine cabinets
- Cleaning under and behind the sink
- Wiping/Cleaning the ceiling
- Cleaning the toilet paper holder and towel racks (this step is often missed in all levels of cleans, so it is important to remember it!)
- Cleaning windows, sills, and window lining
- Removing stains and all marks from shower and tub
- Scrubbing tile and grout by hand
- Removing water stains from glass shower doors
- Washing doors
- Removing all stains and marks from baseboards
- Additional tasks may exist because each property is different!
When you are working on a Bathroom Deep Clean, don’t forget the useful tools in your kit! You not only have the cleaners, rags, and scrub brushes provided by Clean Day Housekeeping, but the clients may also provide additional products as well. When cleaning ovens, tile, and disastrous bathtubs, baking soda and vinegar could be a game-changer. Also, Bar Keepers Friend will be your new bestie! If this can be added to your toolbox for any major Deep Clean or Moving Clean, it will help you bust through stains much faster! Always give your cleaning caddie a once-over before heading out to these more extensive cleans!
Where Do I Start?
Approaching a Bathroom Deep Clean is the same as any other bathroom cleaning. We always follow the “High to Low” and “3 Wave System” in order to get to every nook and cranny. Showers tend to take a long time, but if you start by spraying them down and letting the dirt loosen up, you could cut down on that time significantly. Whichever part of the bathroom you choose at your starting point, be sure to work your way out of the room.
Places that can be easily missed but are so important to give attention to include…
- The crack between the sink and wall
- Behind the toilet
- Inside of the Medicine cabinet
- Showerhead
- Sink faucet and knobs
- Back of the bathroom door
- Picture frames and Knick knacks
- Light Fixtures
- Vents and shower fans
- Underneath the sink
Video Segments
The following videos will demonstrate different methods of deep cleaning a bathroom and illustrate how to move in a fast, efficient manner. Pay close attention and take notes; some of the information shared will be in the review that you will need to complete following the training.
Grimy Shower Cleaning
Removing Hard Water Stains
Clean A Toilet Like A Pro!
Kitchens, Bathrooms, and More
Along with Deep Cleaning Kitchens and Bathrooms, making time for the rest of the home is absolutely essential. If the house is empty, this can be a quick and swift process. It is easy to move quickly and efficiently through an open space. Wall washing and baseboard cleaning can be time-consuming depending on the soil level, but if you are moving at a good speed and being thorough it can be a rather enjoyable and satisfying process.
Let's Talk Walls
Cleaning walls aren’t always on the list, but when they are, it is essential to know cleaning methods and preferred products. Always start by assessing the room. Are there stains, marks, or scribbles on the walls? All of these factors will help you evaluate how long it will take.
Your task list should begin with a thorough dusting and vacuuming of the area. Next, using hot, soapy water, work from top to bottom, and give the walls a good washdown. If ladders or mops for the walls are needed, you will find that information in your shift notes, and the tools will be accessible to you.
After the initial wipe down, you can use a magic eraser to spot clean. Using this tool is usually the fastest way to get rid of tough spots. Always test using the eraser in a hard-to-see corner to make sure it doesn’t hurt the paint! Often, if we are washing the home’s walls, clients intend to paint afterward but it’s better to be safe and test the eraser first. As a general reminder, the level of how thorough you should be when cleaning walls will be outlined in your shift notes.
After the walls are cleaned, it is time to turn your attention to cleaning windows, mantles, light switches, and anything in the middle. You will finish with baseboards and floors!
What about the middle...
Many clients ask for window detailing in a moving clean situation. A reminder that we only clean the inside of windows, unless they easily swing. Your shift notes should reflect if this is something the client is expecting. Never forget to clean the window sills and inner lining of the windows. This will require hot, soapy water and changing your water out several times if the soil level is high!
Hot, soapy water and a rag or magic eraser are the only tools you should need for light switches, knobs, and the small detail work in-between. This process should not take long if your water and rags are clean as you begin.
If the room has a mantle, and depending on how it is made, use soapy water, wood polish, or Murphy’s oil soap.
Once you have made it through the middle level of the room, you can turn your attention to baseboards!
Baseboards
The look of a home’s baseboards can make or break a space! It is essential in a Deep/Moving Clean to make sure the baseboards get the proper amount of attention depending on soil level.
By using your vacuum hose, Swiffer duster, rags and soapy water, and magic erasers, you can achieve shiny baseboards every time. If a home is older, there may be marks and dinks in the baseboards that no cleaning can fix, but it is up to the cleaner onsite to figure that out! A reminder that baseboards and floors are always cleaned after walls have been completed.
When tackling baseboards, always go through the process in the following order:
1-Vacuum/dust
2- Wash/scrub
3- Stain removal
This process will ensure you have done your best to remove any marks and dirt that you can on those stubborn baseboards before moving to the floors.
Let's Talk Tools
Knowing which tools to use is a great way to get through the job in a timely manner. Using the vacuum is always your starting point. Not just on the baseboards, but you can use your hose attachments on the walls, to clear out cobwebs, and of course, for any hard-to-reach spaces. It is always advised to vacuum off the ceiling fans first and make those blades and fan fixtures look great!
Be sure to use the age-old “High to Low” system, as well as the “3 Wave System” while cleaning these areas. These two processes combined will lead to efficient use of your time, no matter the soil level. Using your tools in the correct order is another great trick. Take a look at the tools below that are most commonly used to get the job done right!
The Swiffer Duster
The Vacuum Hose and Attachments
Hot Soapy Water and Rags
Magic Erasers for Spots and Stains
Vacuum for floors from corner to corner (moving furniture whenever needed
Hands, knees, and elbow grease for the floors! If the space is too large, use mops but possibly go over things twice.
The key to every Moving Clean is to be sure you are as thorough as possible, and you know to use extra elbow grease! Muscle power along with your tool kit and a solid game plan will always equal success!
Let's Talk Floors
The final step in any room is the floors. If it is carpeting, the process is easy! Simply vacuum the carpet thoroughly, leaving perfect lines fit for photos! If the floors are tile, wood, laminate, or any other material, it is essential to clean them as deeply as possible in a Moving Clean situation.
This will often require scrubbing on your hands and knees. If the home is too many square feet for this process, going over the edges and corners by hand and centers by mop is also a great method to ensure the cleanest floors.
Choosing which cleaner is best will be based on the flooring material. The client should specify if they have a preference. Otherwise, use the most common tools in your kit listed below:
- Fabuloso– For basic tile or general flooring
- Murphey’s oil soap– For hardwood
- Scrub brush and Soft Scrub– For deeply soiled grout
- Dish Soap– Great for most flooring surfaces! When in doubt, go Dawn!
Becoming a product knowledge pro will help in determining what will work best!
By using the “3 Wave System” you can make sure every corner of the floors has been scrubbed! Start by vacuuming every inch. Using your vacuum hoses in corners and on large debris will help pick up any possible crumbs. Don’t rush! This can be done efficiently in good timing, but if you go too quickly things can be easily missed. After the floors are swept, you can begin scrubbing/mopping. Start in a far corner and work your way out of the room. If you have soapy water, replace your water multiple times! Exchange rags or mop heads as often as needed. The floors are not clean unless your rag comes up clean! If you have to do the floors twice, so be it. If the home is still furnished, you will need to move all furniture to clean underneath! Be thorough! A Deep Clean/Moving Clean leaves no room for mistakes. It will be hard work! You will sweat! But you will be proud of the job you have done if it is done right!
Video Segments
Watch the following videos for extra tips and tricks to help maximize your knowledge in order to be absolutely successful in any Moving Clean/Deep Clean situation!
Wall Cleaning
Opening Double-Hung Windows
Window Cleaning