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1. 4 Steps to Successful Training For House Cleaning Employees
   Steve Hanson
   As a business owner with employees, the proper training and documentation can make or break your business. From the employee's point . . . keep reading
   
   
2. How To Create a Full-Color Craigslist Ad For Your Residential Cleaning Business
   Jean Hanson
   Many residential cleaning business owners post ads on Craigslist, and many have a lot of success with it. But in order to stand out from the crowd, it helps to have a unique, full-color ad, rather than a plain old text ad. . . . keep reading
   
   
3. Should I Use a Cleaning Apron or Maid Caddy When Cleaning Homes?
   Steve Hanson
   In this article you will find pros and cons for the use of cleaning aprons and maid caddy's. Each has pro's and con's, so think about your needs to see what will work best for you. The most important thing is comfort and productivity. Have everything you need at your fingertips for efficient cleaning. . . . keep reading
   
   
4. Microfiber: More Than Just a Cleaning Cloth
   Jean Hanson
   This article was originally seen in the Cleaning PRO Tips column in Home Cleaner Magazine's June 2009 issue. The column is written by MyHouseCleaningBiz.com founders, Jean and Steve Hanson. Microfiber is no longer a "buzz word" that is taking the cleaning world by storm - it's a basic cleaning tool that most cleaning companies are now using every day. However many cleaning companies simply replace their old cotton rags with microfiber cloths without ever training employees on how to properly use and care for them... . . . keep reading
   
   
5. How To Communicate Policy Changes to Residential Cleaning Clients
   Steve Hanson
   How many times has a customer service issue come up in your business and you weren't sure how to handle it? Many, many times if you are like most of us. You see, most of us learn from the "school of hard knocks". Usually what happens is, a minor crisis arises and we realize that we should probably have a written policy about this kind of situation. The first time it happens we usually pay the price and learn from our mistake. . . . keep reading
   
   
6. How to Use Keywords to Drive Traffic to Your House Cleaning Business Website
   Jean Hanson
   If you want your prospective clients to find your website, then you need to show up on the top 1 or 2 pages. It's not likely that potential customers will find you if you are using generic keywords such as "cleaning company" or "house cleaning service". To get your website on the first page or two, you need to build your page around local keyword phrases. . . . keep reading
   
   
7. Residential Price Estimator
   The Residential Price Estimator is a calculator that you can use to estimate prices for residential cleaning. The price will be based on your hourly rate and average production rates based on the type of cleaning you'll be doing. Please keep in mind that this calculator may or may not reflect pricing in your area and is not a substitute for competitive price checking and developing your own pricing strategy. . . . keep reading
   
   
8. Residential Calculator
   Residential Cleaning Calculator. This calculator is based on the features of the home including frequency, type of home, square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, pets, type of flooring and neatness. . . . keep reading
   
   
9. VIDEO: Residential Cleaning Profitability Calculator Demo
   This is a demonstration of the Residential Cleaning Profitability Calculator. If you own a home cleaning company you need to know if each account is profitable. This calculator helps you do just that! . . . keep reading
   
   
10. Avoid Frequent Tax Mistakes by Keeping Good Records
    Jean Hanson
    It is important for small business owners to keep good records. Complicated tax laws cause many small business owners to make mistakes in bookkeeping and record-keeping. However, business owners can avoid making some of the common mistakes with a little forethought. . . . keep reading
    
    
11. Removing Scratches from Stainless Steel
    Steve Hanson
    In a perfect world, all of our stainless steel sinks, counters, and appliances would remain as pristine as the day we bought them. Unfortunately, the real world of abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, pots and pans, and countless other culprits can leave unsightly scratches on stainless steel. One well-meaning scrubbing of a stainless steel sink with an aggressive scrub pad can leave visible scratches. People brushing up against a stainless steel refrigerator can leave unwanted marks. Normal wear and tear can damage even the most well-cared-for countertop. Normal cleaners will not remove these scratches, so what can you do? . . . keep reading
    
    
12. Episode #29 -- The 5 Most Common Marketing Mistakes Cleaning Business Owners Make
    Steve Hanson
    Many cleaning business owners don't understand why their marketing isn't working. This episode points out the 5 most common marketing mistakes cleaning business owners make and tips for getting on the right track. . . . keep reading
    
    
13. 5 Reasons to Raise Prices in Your House Cleaning Business
    Jean Hanson
    "I know my prices are too low, but I can't raise them because I have too much competition and my prospects and clients will never go for it!" . . . keep reading
    
    
14. How to Create a Name for Your Residential Cleaning Business
    Jean Hanson
    Before you open the doors of your residential cleaning business you not only need equipment and supplies, you need a name for your business.  The name of your company will be the first thing prospective clients see - whether that is in the phone book, on your company car, in an ad, or on a website.  The name symbolizes what your cleaning business represents.  So it is important to spend some time on choosing a name that not only fits your cleaning business, but also presents a positive image to customers, suppliers and employees. . . . keep reading
    
    
15. Cleaning for a Reason
    Fighting cancer is difficult enough, but living with it is even tougher - and that's where the Cleaning for a Reason Foundation steps in. This nonprofit foundation offers free professional housecleaning services to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for cancer. . . . keep reading
    
    
16. How to Identify Wood Floor Finishes
    Steve Hanson
    Identifying the type of finish that is applied to a wood floor is necessary in order to determine the best maintenance procedures. Knowing this will allow you to choose the proper cleaning chemicals and procedures to use, as well as determining a course of action for periodic maintenance of wood floors. Improper techniques can damage wood floors, resulting in astronomical repair bills. Wood's beauty is unparalleled, but comes at the cost of proper maintenance. . . . keep reading
    
    
17. Cleaning Business Customer Service: Delivering the WOW Factor
    Jean Hanson
    When it comes to providing customer service in your cleaning business, you want to stand above your competition by giving them the WOW factor. There is no excuse for poor customer service, and when you go above and beyond their expectations, you are able to cement your relationship with that customer. . . . keep reading
    
    
18. Are You Following the FLSA Guidelines for Employee Uniforms?
    Jean Hanson
    If you own a cleaning business then you most likely have your employees wear some type of uniform. Providing uniforms can be quite an expense for any size cleaning company, so many employers pass that expense along to the employee. But are you following the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) guidelines for employee uniforms? . . . keep reading
    
    
19. Warning Signs of Difficult House Cleaning Clients: Are They Worth The Effort?
    Jean Hanson
    Wouldn't life be wonderful if we could all have a crystal ball and predict the future? In the cleaning business, just to know whether or not you should take on a new client would be good enough! I'm sure we have all had those "clients from heck" who we could only wish we never took on. There are many reasons certain customers are just not worth the effort needed to keep them happy. What signs can you look for to avoid these people? . . . keep reading
    
    
20. Guidelines for Paying Employee Travel Time
    Jean Hanson
    If you have employees that are traveling between cleaning locations you need to have a company policy for paying travel time. Once you decide on your policy, add it to your employee manual, and then go over it with each employee. Don't let your employees tell YOU how they expect to be paid for traveling. . . . keep reading
    
    

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