FAQ
We think the most important thing to know about us that that we abide by the Golden Rule.
We try to treat others as we like to be treated. We also try to have fun. That’s just who we are.
We try to treat others as we like to be treated. We also try to have fun. That’s just who we are.
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Questions & Answers
What will you clean in my home, and how much does it cost?
Take a peek at our Services and Pricing page, which gives details about our different service levels and prices.
Take a peek at our Services and Pricing page, which gives details about our different service levels and prices.
How often do you clean?
We can visit as often as you wish. We do weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and one-time cleanings. We'll even visit every day, if you wish.
We can visit as often as you wish. We do weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and one-time cleanings. We'll even visit every day, if you wish.
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Yes. We take great pride in being licensed, bonded, and insured--things many other cleaning companies don't bother with--and we'll be happy to show you the paperwork to prove it, anytime you ask.
Yes. We take great pride in being licensed, bonded, and insured--things many other cleaning companies don't bother with--and we'll be happy to show you the paperwork to prove it, anytime you ask.
What if I'm not satisfied?
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you're not happy with the job we've done, contact us within 24 hours and give us a chance to correct the problem. We'll do our best to make it right. If we can't, we'll refund your money. It's as simple as that.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you're not happy with the job we've done, contact us within 24 hours and give us a chance to correct the problem. We'll do our best to make it right. If we can't, we'll refund your money. It's as simple as that.
How does it all work?
It's pretty easy. Simply contact us to book your cleaning, and make a prioritized list of what you want done. We'll show up on schedule, bringing all cleaning supplies and equipment with us. We'll show you our our business license and proof of bonding and insurance. And then we'll get right to work.
We'll start at the top of your list and work toward the bottom as quickly as we can. That way, you'll have the most important tasks done first, and you never pay more than you expect.
When we're finished, we'll leave a copy of The Wonder List, our cleaning checklist, to let you know exactly what we did and how long it took. The Wonder List also serves as your invoice. Most of our clients simply leave payment on the counter, and in that case, our checklist also becomes your receipt. You can pay us by check, cash, credit card, or PayPal.
That's it. It's all very straightforward, reliable, quick, and easy--which is exactly what you need in a cleaning company, right?
It's pretty easy. Simply contact us to book your cleaning, and make a prioritized list of what you want done. We'll show up on schedule, bringing all cleaning supplies and equipment with us. We'll show you our our business license and proof of bonding and insurance. And then we'll get right to work.
We'll start at the top of your list and work toward the bottom as quickly as we can. That way, you'll have the most important tasks done first, and you never pay more than you expect.
When we're finished, we'll leave a copy of The Wonder List, our cleaning checklist, to let you know exactly what we did and how long it took. The Wonder List also serves as your invoice. Most of our clients simply leave payment on the counter, and in that case, our checklist also becomes your receipt. You can pay us by check, cash, credit card, or PayPal.
That's it. It's all very straightforward, reliable, quick, and easy--which is exactly what you need in a cleaning company, right?
Do I have to be home (or do I have to be away from home) when you clean?
We're comfortable either way, but most people like us to clean while they're gone so they can enjoy coming home to a wonderfully clean, fresh-smelling house.
We're comfortable either way, but most people like us to clean while they're gone so they can enjoy coming home to a wonderfully clean, fresh-smelling house.
If I'm not there when you arrive, how do you get inside?
We'll need a key or a key code, plus the code to your alarm system, if you have one. Rest assured that we keep these completely safe. We do not label your keys with your address, so thieves would find them useless. Codes are encrypted. And we lock your home up securely when we leave.
We'll need a key or a key code, plus the code to your alarm system, if you have one. Rest assured that we keep these completely safe. We do not label your keys with your address, so thieves would find them useless. Codes are encrypted. And we lock your home up securely when we leave.
Do you charge by the hour or by the job?
By the hour. See our Services and Pricing page for more information.
By the hour. See our Services and Pricing page for more information.
Am I supposed to tip you?
Tipping is not expected, but if you wish to thank us for exceptional service in this way, we will be humbled and delighted.
Tipping is not expected, but if you wish to thank us for exceptional service in this way, we will be humbled and delighted.
Do you do one-time or as-needed cleanings, or do you only have weekly and bi-weekly clients?
Yes, we do one-time and as-needed cleanings. Please see our Services and Pricing page for more information.
Yes, we do one-time and as-needed cleanings. Please see our Services and Pricing page for more information.
Do you do move-in or move-out cleanings?
Yes, we do. Please see our Services and Pricing page for more information.
Yes, we do. Please see our Services and Pricing page for more information.
Do you do anything special for asthma or allergy sufferers?
Yes, absolutely! We deal with those health challenges, too, so we completely understand!
You can find out more about the cleaning products we use on our "About How We Clean" page.
Yes, absolutely! We deal with those health challenges, too, so we completely understand!
- The most important thing we do is avoid smoke. We don't smoke, and we don't clean the homes of people who do.
- We don't just move dust around; we collect it and remove it. We use strong, true-HEPA filtration systems in our vacuums and expensive, good-quality microfiber to trap a greater percentage of dust, pollen, dirt, and germs.
- We come to work each morning in scrupulously clean clothes and use freshly laundered cleaning cloths.
- We do not use ammonia-based cleaning products. Bleach and detergents are used in a limited fashion and with great care.
- We're mindful of fragrances. We don't wear perfumes. We don't use air fresheners. The cleaning products we use most are Method and Mrs. Meyers brands, which are fragranced with no phthalates. And if you're not happy with the scent we choose, we have several others for you to choose from.
- When we must use something tougher than Method or Mrs. Meyers, we do so in a limited, controlled, and responsible manner with everyone's health in mind.
You can find out more about the cleaning products we use on our "About How We Clean" page.
How long will it take you to clean my home?
The short answer is, "We don't know," though for a lightly soiled home in good condition, a good rule of thumb is that it takes about 1 hour per kitchen or bathroom and a half hour for dusting and vacuuming per 1000 square feet of home.
Here's the long answer:
Some cleaning companies proudly say they give estimates over the phone, but we think that's foolish because it leads to some some customers overpaying, while others underpay. Why? Well, it's simply impossible to say how long it will take to clean your home until we've actually cleaned it. To you, a kitchen cleaning might mean counters, sink, and floors, while to others it might include the inside of the oven and fridge. And homes vary so wildly. A 4 bedroom home can be anywhere from 1200 square feet to over 6000. Even knowing a home's exact square footage isn't really that helpful. After all, a 2000 square foot home filled with antique family heirlooms takes more time to clean than a 2000 square foot bachelor pad furnished with bean bags and cast-offs. And some homes are simply messier than others, and we don't have any intention of asking you how dirty your home is because with Pay-by-the-Hour cleaning, it doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is your priority list and how far down that list we can go in the time you're paying for. What you can be sure of is that an hour of work we do is an hour of work that you don't have to do.
The short answer is, "We don't know," though for a lightly soiled home in good condition, a good rule of thumb is that it takes about 1 hour per kitchen or bathroom and a half hour for dusting and vacuuming per 1000 square feet of home.
Here's the long answer:
Some cleaning companies proudly say they give estimates over the phone, but we think that's foolish because it leads to some some customers overpaying, while others underpay. Why? Well, it's simply impossible to say how long it will take to clean your home until we've actually cleaned it. To you, a kitchen cleaning might mean counters, sink, and floors, while to others it might include the inside of the oven and fridge. And homes vary so wildly. A 4 bedroom home can be anywhere from 1200 square feet to over 6000. Even knowing a home's exact square footage isn't really that helpful. After all, a 2000 square foot home filled with antique family heirlooms takes more time to clean than a 2000 square foot bachelor pad furnished with bean bags and cast-offs. And some homes are simply messier than others, and we don't have any intention of asking you how dirty your home is because with Pay-by-the-Hour cleaning, it doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is your priority list and how far down that list we can go in the time you're paying for. What you can be sure of is that an hour of work we do is an hour of work that you don't have to do.
How do you keep from spreading germs?
We use simple, time-tested disinfectants like isopropyl alcohol and steam to sanitize your home. We use fresh cleaning cloths for each new home, and we color-coordinate, using green for bathrooms and blue for kitchens so that kitchen and bathroom cloths are never used in other parts of the home. Speaking of bathrooms, we have special tools for those areas that are never used elsewhere. And we use other techniques, too, like using true HEPA filtration systems in our vacuums, washing our hands frequently, and using gloves where appropriate to isolate germs. Finally, if one of us is ill, that person doesn't come to your home that day, and we forego cleaning homes where someone has a contagious illness, so that we don't pass it around.
We use simple, time-tested disinfectants like isopropyl alcohol and steam to sanitize your home. We use fresh cleaning cloths for each new home, and we color-coordinate, using green for bathrooms and blue for kitchens so that kitchen and bathroom cloths are never used in other parts of the home. Speaking of bathrooms, we have special tools for those areas that are never used elsewhere. And we use other techniques, too, like using true HEPA filtration systems in our vacuums, washing our hands frequently, and using gloves where appropriate to isolate germs. Finally, if one of us is ill, that person doesn't come to your home that day, and we forego cleaning homes where someone has a contagious illness, so that we don't pass it around.
What if you get sick?
We don't come to your home if we're ill. But because we clean in a team of 3 and we're rarely all sick at the same time, it's an equally rare occurrence when we have to cancel a cleaning. When we must cancel, we will reschedule or skip your cleaning, whichever you prefer.
We don't come to your home if we're ill. But because we clean in a team of 3 and we're rarely all sick at the same time, it's an equally rare occurrence when we have to cancel a cleaning. When we must cancel, we will reschedule or skip your cleaning, whichever you prefer.
What if I get sick?
If you or any of your children come down with a contagious disease (a cold, the flu, etc.), please call or email us as soon as possible to reschedule your cleaning. We do this to avoid spreading germs from house to house.
If you or any of your children come down with a contagious disease (a cold, the flu, etc.), please call or email us as soon as possible to reschedule your cleaning. We do this to avoid spreading germs from house to house.
What about cancellations?
Cancellations given with less than 48 hours' notice may incur a cancellation fee up to the amount of your initial quote. That said, we understand that things happen, so our regular customers' first cancellation each year is usually free, even if we're not given notice. If we arrive at your home to find that there's no one to let us in, that the entry codes have changed, that someone in your home is contagious, that an aggressive dog hasn't been confined, etc., we count it as a cancellation.
Cancellations given with less than 48 hours' notice may incur a cancellation fee up to the amount of your initial quote. That said, we understand that things happen, so our regular customers' first cancellation each year is usually free, even if we're not given notice. If we arrive at your home to find that there's no one to let us in, that the entry codes have changed, that someone in your home is contagious, that an aggressive dog hasn't been confined, etc., we count it as a cancellation.
What happens if you break something while you're in my home?
We are very careful and gentle with your possessions, but If we do break something, we'll tell you. We won't try to hide it. We are licensed, bonded, and insured, and you'll be reimbursed for the item's replacement value. That said, we ask that you secure extremely valuable items before we arrive.
We are very careful and gentle with your possessions, but If we do break something, we'll tell you. We won't try to hide it. We are licensed, bonded, and insured, and you'll be reimbursed for the item's replacement value. That said, we ask that you secure extremely valuable items before we arrive.
Do you screen the people you hire?
We don't hire anyone. The people who clean your home own the company. Rest assured that we're squeaky-clean in more ways than one! We have no criminal backgrounds, we've never used illegal drugs, we've never even tried smoking, and none of us drink alcohol. One of us has gone through FBI and state background checks (including fingerprinting and drug testing) as a part of becoming a certified teacher in the State of Washington. Another of us has undergone background, criminal history, and drug testing checks as a condition of working in a retirement home. A third one is a 4.0 college honor student. The fourth is the sort of person who returns lost dogs and becomes indignant when others throw trash on the ground. But if you're still not convinced, even after meeting us, we welcome you to do your own criminal background check and/or drug test on any of us at any time. We're squeaky-clean in more ways than one.
We don't hire anyone. The people who clean your home own the company. Rest assured that we're squeaky-clean in more ways than one! We have no criminal backgrounds, we've never used illegal drugs, we've never even tried smoking, and none of us drink alcohol. One of us has gone through FBI and state background checks (including fingerprinting and drug testing) as a part of becoming a certified teacher in the State of Washington. Another of us has undergone background, criminal history, and drug testing checks as a condition of working in a retirement home. A third one is a 4.0 college honor student. The fourth is the sort of person who returns lost dogs and becomes indignant when others throw trash on the ground. But if you're still not convinced, even after meeting us, we welcome you to do your own criminal background check and/or drug test on any of us at any time. We're squeaky-clean in more ways than one.
Do you have references?
Yes. References are available upon request.
Yes. References are available upon request.
Will you keep what you see in my home private?
Absolutely. We respect your privacy, and we'll never talk about your home or your habits with anyone. That's a promise.
Absolutely. We respect your privacy, and we'll never talk about your home or your habits with anyone. That's a promise.
When can I have my home cleaned?
We work from 8 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon, M-F. We can also work after hours and weekends, if your need is pressing, for an additional charge. Our schedule is often full, but if you need to have your home cleaned on a certain day of the week, ask, and we'll accommodate you if we can. Please keep in mind that if your home takes, for example, 4 hours for our team to clean, we'll need to start by 2 p.m., since our normal working hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.. If your regular cleaning falls on a holiday, we'll clean on the day before the holiday or the day after, as our schedule permits.
We work from 8 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon, M-F. We can also work after hours and weekends, if your need is pressing, for an additional charge. Our schedule is often full, but if you need to have your home cleaned on a certain day of the week, ask, and we'll accommodate you if we can. Please keep in mind that if your home takes, for example, 4 hours for our team to clean, we'll need to start by 2 p.m., since our normal working hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.. If your regular cleaning falls on a holiday, we'll clean on the day before the holiday or the day after, as our schedule permits.
Do you clean offices or other commercial spaces?
Yes. Please contact us for a quote.
Yes. Please contact us for a quote.
Do you clean windows?
We will gladly clean the insides of your windows, but insurance requirements prevent us from doing exterior windows and interior windows that require us to climb to reach. We can do the outsides of ground-floor doors, and we have long, extendable cleaning poles and can clean fairly high windows with no climbing.
We will gladly clean the insides of your windows, but insurance requirements prevent us from doing exterior windows and interior windows that require us to climb to reach. We can do the outsides of ground-floor doors, and we have long, extendable cleaning poles and can clean fairly high windows with no climbing.
Do you clean carpets?
While we do not have the special equipment or expertise to do whole-house carpet cleaning, we can lightly steam carpets to kill bacteria, and we can also spot-clean carpets. However, we cannot guarantee that we'll be able to remove particular carpet stains, which can be difficult or impossible to remove, especially when left for a long time.
While we do not have the special equipment or expertise to do whole-house carpet cleaning, we can lightly steam carpets to kill bacteria, and we can also spot-clean carpets. However, we cannot guarantee that we'll be able to remove particular carpet stains, which can be difficult or impossible to remove, especially when left for a long time.
Are there other things you don't do?
Yes. We don't put away things that are out-of-place, like toys or dirty laundry and dishes. If an area of your home or is untidy when we arrive, we'll simply skip cleaning that area that day and perhaps spend a little more time on deep-cleaning another area of your home instead. We do not move large furniture to clean under it (though we do move lighter things like dining chairs, bar stools, and small occasional tables, when we can). We don't gather trash, though we'll be happy to empty trash and recycle bins. We don't do exterior cleaning, weeding, or landscaping; clean or dust very expensive collectibles or other items; service plants (watering, cleaning, etc.); or clean animal cages or litter boxes.
Yes. We don't put away things that are out-of-place, like toys or dirty laundry and dishes. If an area of your home or is untidy when we arrive, we'll simply skip cleaning that area that day and perhaps spend a little more time on deep-cleaning another area of your home instead. We do not move large furniture to clean under it (though we do move lighter things like dining chairs, bar stools, and small occasional tables, when we can). We don't gather trash, though we'll be happy to empty trash and recycle bins. We don't do exterior cleaning, weeding, or landscaping; clean or dust very expensive collectibles or other items; service plants (watering, cleaning, etc.); or clean animal cages or litter boxes.
What about animal waste?
Because animal feces can contain a high concentration of bacteria, viruses, and larvae that can cause brain, lung, kidney, liver, heart, mental, and eye disease, we don't clean animal cages or handle animal waste or litter.
Because animal feces can contain a high concentration of bacteria, viruses, and larvae that can cause brain, lung, kidney, liver, heart, mental, and eye disease, we don't clean animal cages or handle animal waste or litter.
Do you clean up after parties?
Yes. We happily do party clean-ups.
Yes. We happily do party clean-ups.
I'm really worried about my ______ (wood floors, stone countertops, leather couch, etc.). How do you protect them from damage?
During our first meeting, we'll talk about your concerns, but rest assured that we are very careful. We know some services clean entire homes with little more than a bottle of blue window cleaner and a roll of paper towels. We use separate products designed specifically for what we use them on. We use them in accordance with their labels. Our equipment and cleaning products are safe for your things. In fact, we use the same products to clean our own home. See our About How We Clean page for more information.
During our first meeting, we'll talk about your concerns, but rest assured that we are very careful. We know some services clean entire homes with little more than a bottle of blue window cleaner and a roll of paper towels. We use separate products designed specifically for what we use them on. We use them in accordance with their labels. Our equipment and cleaning products are safe for your things. In fact, we use the same products to clean our own home. See our About How We Clean page for more information.
Will you use my cleaning products and equipment if I want you to?
Perhaps. We've learned a thing or two about cleaning, and the most important thing is that not all cleaning products are good for you, your pets, or the environment. Please discuss your needs with us. We'll accommodate you when we can. If we don't want to use your products, there's probably a good reason, and we'll let you know what that is.
Perhaps. We've learned a thing or two about cleaning, and the most important thing is that not all cleaning products are good for you, your pets, or the environment. Please discuss your needs with us. We'll accommodate you when we can. If we don't want to use your products, there's probably a good reason, and we'll let you know what that is.
What about pets? Can they hang out in the same room you're cleaning?
We love animals and view pets as members of the family. We welcome their presence, but pets who show excessive wariness and aggressive pets of any kind must be confined to a kennel, cage, or separate room before we arrive.
We love animals and view pets as members of the family. We welcome their presence, but pets who show excessive wariness and aggressive pets of any kind must be confined to a kennel, cage, or separate room before we arrive.
What about kids? Is it okay if they're in the room you're cleaning?
Unfortunately, no. While we love children, for their safety, minors must not enter the areas we're cleaning. In fact, minors cannot be home by themselves while we're there, either.
Unfortunately, no. While we love children, for their safety, minors must not enter the areas we're cleaning. In fact, minors cannot be home by themselves while we're there, either.
I work from home. Can I keep from being disturbed?
We do our best not to disturb you while we're there and to keep distractions to a minimum. Our professional vacuum produces only 65 decibels of noise. We don't play loud music. And because we work in a team, we get in and out pretty quickly. We won't waste your time by chatting with you, either. After all, we have work to do, too!
We do our best not to disturb you while we're there and to keep distractions to a minimum. Our professional vacuum produces only 65 decibels of noise. We don't play loud music. And because we work in a team, we get in and out pretty quickly. We won't waste your time by chatting with you, either. After all, we have work to do, too!
Are you an Earth-friendly company?
Absolutely! Here are some of the things we do to help the environment:
Absolutely! Here are some of the things we do to help the environment:
- We help the land by using concentrated cleaning products in reusable spray bottles instead of one-use bottles that clog landfills.
- We help save trees by using microfiber cloths instead of paper towels.
- We help waterways by using biodegradable cleaning products and high-efficiency washers for our cleaning cloths.
- We help the air by driving an all-electric vehicle that, here in Washington, runs on 39% renewable energy! Our team approach and carpooling saves even more energy.
- We help animals by favoring products that are never tested on our furry friends.
What kind of cleaning chemicals do you use?
We use organic, non-toxic, earth and animal-friendly cleaners wherever possible and minimize the use of harsh cleaners. Because we use the gentlest cleaners we can, we're not afraid to tell you what we use. In fact, our "About How We Clean" page tells you exactly what we use.
We use organic, non-toxic, earth and animal-friendly cleaners wherever possible and minimize the use of harsh cleaners. Because we use the gentlest cleaners we can, we're not afraid to tell you what we use. In fact, our "About How We Clean" page tells you exactly what we use.
How do I pay you?
Like everything else, we make it easy. Most people simply leave a check or cash on the counter, in which case The Wonder List, our cleaning checklist, serves as your invoice and receipt. You can also pay online via credit card or PayPal.
Like everything else, we make it easy. Most people simply leave a check or cash on the counter, in which case The Wonder List, our cleaning checklist, serves as your invoice and receipt. You can also pay online via credit card or PayPal.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept personal checks, cash, credit card, or PayPal payments. Regardless of the source, be aware that we report all of our earnings to the IRS, as we're supposed to do.
We accept personal checks, cash, credit card, or PayPal payments. Regardless of the source, be aware that we report all of our earnings to the IRS, as we're supposed to do.
Do I have to issue you a W-2 or a 1099 or whatever?
No. Since you're not employing us but purchasing a service from us, and we're an independent contractor, there are no tax hassles.
No. Since you're not employing us but purchasing a service from us, and we're an independent contractor, there are no tax hassles.
What if I forget to pay you? Do you charge me a penalty?
We're not that kind of company. We try to be a whole lot more friendly than that! We don't charge late-payment penalties. If you forget to pay us, we'll remind you.
We're not that kind of company. We try to be a whole lot more friendly than that! We don't charge late-payment penalties. If you forget to pay us, we'll remind you.
What do I have to do to get ready for a cleaning?
You don't need to spend hours getting ready for a cleaning. That defeats the purpose, right? We only need you to do 4 things before we arrive:
You don't need to spend hours getting ready for a cleaning. That defeats the purpose, right? We only need you to do 4 things before we arrive:
- Tidy the areas you want us to clean, putting away things like trash, dirty dishes, dirty laundry, toys, and other personal belongings.
- Secure extremely valuable belongings, like diamond rings, priceless art, coin collections, or currency.
- Confine aggressive or excessively anxious animals and leave a note on your door telling us where the animal is.
- If you have any special instructions for that day, write us a note and leave it with your payment on your kitchen counter.
Have more questions? Contact us.
