Bredon Hill Cleaning | Bredon Hill Cleaning Services

Blog Cleaning
February 16, 2020
Bredon Hill Cleaning, Cleaning, Cleaning services, Conderton Cleaning, Dumbleton Cleaning, Pamington Cleaning Services, Walton Cardiff Cleaning Services

What is DCBN and why did we create it

In October 2019, a few other business owners from the cleaning industry and I launched a new support network for domestic cleaners - DCBN. Domestic Cleaning Business Network was born out of the desire to share our knowledge, experience and expertise with others to help them grow. But let me explain what exactly DCBN is why it is so important to have such a network in the cleaning industry.

DCBN is a non profit trade association set up to represent the domestic cleaning industry, raise the profile and industry standards and to celebrate and support those running businesses and working in domestic cleaning throughout the UK.

All the years we’ve spent in the industry showed us that a body like that is clearly needed in our line of work. There’s so much potential we see in so many cleaning start-ups and it’s often overshadowed by lack of direction and knowledge. We want to change that. We want people to respect everyone who works in the cleaning industry and we want the workers to do their job with pride and smile on their face.

At DCBN, we work with an array of specialists in marketing, business development, accounting and other important areas for growth. We run frequent training and networking events where our primary aim is to connect cleaning businesses and stimulate them to work together rather than being sore competitors.

The platform has three types of membership - for self-employed cleaners, for cleaning companies and for affiliate members. Each membership has its own benefits which are specifically designed to answer the needs of everyone who joins the network. Members also have access to private professional forums where they could receive advice and support in real time.

The existence of a professional body like DCBN is beneficial not only for people working in the industry, but for the consumers too. We make sure that the businesses and solo cleaners who register with us are legitimate providers and they have access to specific training session, which impacts the quality of their work. For you as a potential client, hiring someone who is a member of a professional organisation like DCBN, would bring a peace of mind and reassurance that you leave your home in capable and reliable hands.

The first training and networking event DCBN hosts will be on Sunday, 12th January at Oxford. For more details and registration, check Eventbrite.

Plamen

Is a Solo Cleaner Really the Better Option

As a company we have been in the cleaning industry for a decade now, but I, personally, have been working as a cleaner for much longer than that. I know the ins and outs of the job from all different angles. And it concerns me that more households choose to hire a solo cleaner for their home rather than trust a professional company. And the reason I feel this way is certainly not loss of business. Luckily, we have plenty of loyal clients. But I fear that many families who think having a self-employed cleaners is the better option because it seems cheaper on the surface, are simply misinformed.

What’s behind the price per hour?

Some solo cleaners can go as low as £9-10 per hour. I’ve even seen £8 in some areas! At a glance, it sounds great for the average consumer, who would like to save some money. But this is seriously hurting the professional cleaning industry.

There are so many costs for us and benefits to you that you don’t see in the regular cleaning prices cleaning companies charge you. Let’s have a breakdown.

A cleaning company will have to pay salaries to their workers, as well as NI contributions, pensions and holiday and sick pay. Most of the time we would supply cleaning products and equipment when needed, cover the travel costs of cleaners and have an insurance. Time spent in administrative duties, marketing and planning is also part of the equation.

Now, a self-employed cleaner will have almost none of these expenses, but even at that, they lose out more working on their own and charging £10 p/h than working as an employee at a cleaning company. Why? They end up getting paid work for just about 30 hours per week, because they will have to do the admin duties themselves. They will need to subtract the travel cost, which would be around £50. At the end of the day, after calculating all expenses, solo cleaners end up earning less than the national living wage. On top of that, if they are sick or for some reason unable to work, they will lose much more money, because as self-employed they are not entitled to holiday or sick pay.

Now imagine how companies, who need to cover so many other costs would cope with £12, £13, £14 per hour charges. They can’t. It will be nowhere near enough to ensure excellent, reliable, high quality service.

What’s the Extra when you hire a cleaning company?

The main benefit you will have as a consumer when you choose to hire a cleaning company as opposed to a solo cleaner is security and piece of mind.

Companies are required by law to have insurance, which can cover any damage to your property as a result of the provided service. Self-employed cleaners don’t need to cover that requirement and most of them are not insured.

Cleaning companies also vet their staff before they employ them. At Bredon Hill Cleaning Services, for example, we ask all of our candidates to present a DBS check certificate or if they don’t have one we check them upon employment. We train them in-house to make sure they always deliver the service up to our high standards. Many solo cleaners do not have clearance to work, however, they do it because their clients don’t require any background checks.

If your cleaner is sick or unable to come for the day, your house remains unclean, which could be a significant inconvenience for some households. However, when incidents like that happen and you’ve chosen a cleaning company, the majority of times, you will be sent a replacement and the job still gets done.

All of us, who have build a cleaning business and boost the economy by creating working spaces are often questioned when we charge the appropriate price for our services. No, we are not trying to live a luxurious life, travel abroad on holidays all the time and stack money in our bank accounts. We are simply trying to provide you the quality service, reliability and professionalism you deserve.

Yes, it won’t be £10 per hour, but it will be worth every penny!

Plamen

Spring Cleaning in the Autumn | Bredon Hill Cleaning Services

Spring cleaning is traditionally done in March or April of every year and that's where it gets its name from. However, this is actually deep cleaning and as professionals, we recommend having it at least 2 times a year. In some cases, even more often. Furthermore, there are some specific benefits of doing spring cleaning in the autumn.

Keeps you in a good mood

With the summer waving goodbye and all of us returning to work, it's easy to feel a little bit down and maybe even sad. Autumn often sees a rise in cases of depression. Having spring cleaning at your home or even doing it yourself can lift up your mood and bring you satisfaction. Your living area will look fresh and tidy, which stimulates positive feelings and brain activity.

Keeps you healthy

Autumn is the season of flu and all sorts of viruses and bacteria. You can germ-proof your home with deep cleaning. A professional cleaner will perform a really thorough clean, moving small furniture, disinfecting the bathroom and kitchen working areas and washing the windows from the inside. It's a lot more work than a regular domestic cleaning service but it is totally worth, especially from a health protecting point of view.

Keeps the spiders away

Early autumn is the mating period for spiders, so that's why you see them crawling everywhere. One of the best ways to get rid of them is deep cleaning your home. They love hiding in corners or behind furniture in dark and safe places. Vacuuming behind the sofa or other heavy bits you wouldn't normally move, should be effective. Also, spend some time cleaning the skirting boards and windows!

Keeps the clutter out

Spring cleaning is often associated with decluttering. It is a brilliant idea to declutter your home right before the cold weather settles in. Arrange your home in a cosy and inviting manner, use warm colours to decorate. Re-organise your kitchen and make sure the tea and hot chocolate take the front row in the pantry. Finally, make space for the fluffy winter sweaters and cardigans, putting the light summer clothing at the back of the closet.

Not sure you can cope with deep cleaning on your own? We get it, after all you are busy and all you want after a long day at work is to put your feet up in a nice and calming homely atmosphere. That's why you have us and we are just a phone call or an email away. Let us do the cleaning, you enjoy the results.

Plamen

Bredon Hill Cleaning, Cleaning, Cleaning services

Blog Cleaning
May 18, 2019
Bredon Hill Cleaning, Cleaning, Cleaning services

What Makes a Good Cleaner?

I have worked in the cleaning industry for almost 20 years. First, I started cleaning homes in my local area and I truly loved it. I added more and more addresses to my schedule to a point when I had to hire a few other girls to help me cover all client homes. That was the birth of Bredon Hill Cleaning Services and the beginning of a journey I cherish. Many years passed and I met hundreds of other people who work in the industry or have cleaning businesses. Some of them were doing great and others not so much. Then I began to wonder, what actually makes a good cleaner?

Honestly, I don't think the answer to this question is a simple one. But from my experience so far, I can name at least 7 important qualities that make a good cleaner.

1. Consistency

Our business stands and grows mainly because of the consistent quality we provide our clients with. We rely heavily on recommendations from existing customers to find new ones. I can comfortably say that Bredon Hill Cleaning Services is one of the leaders on our local market, but that comes with a great deal of responsibility. My team works flawlessly at the clients' premises and my job is to ensure that this level of quality is kept consistent over a long period of time. I've seen cases where after a while some cleaners become a little bit too relaxed at work and start cutting corners but the client still wants the same service he or she is used to. Only a really good cleaner can live up to these expectations.

2. Attentiveness

You can't be successful in the cleaning business if you lack attention to detail. This is hugely important because there is indeed a big difference between something that looks clean and something that is really clean. A good cleaner is able to spot tiny things others don't and will sort out the areas and items that the client didn't even know needed cleaning!

3. Honesty

It is hard for many people to hire a domestic cleaner because they don't trust them. Usually, this is a result of bad experience or stories about dishonest maids. For me and my business honesty and transparency are top priorities. My team knows that even if something goes wrong during the session at the client's home, they need to let me and the client know. Accidents happen and even the greatest and most experienced cleaner make mistakes.

4. Confidence

I stand against this common misconception and belief that cleaners must always display humility and obedience. While these are great qualities for every person to have, a great cleaner should also show confidence in her or his skills and position. It teaches the client to treat them with respect and in many cases promotes brilliant business relationships.

5. Discretion

You've probably heard that hairdressers know all secrets. I beg to differ. We, the cleaners, know much more. But as a professional and self-respecting workers, we don't tell or discuss what we see and discover. Unless, of course, it is a crime or someone's life is in danger. As a cleaner you'll often be left alone in the client's home or business. A good cleaner does not snoop around and respects their client's privacy.

6. Timekeeping

This goes both directions. Turning up for appointments on time is just one side of good timekeeping. Yes, sometimes the traffic is really bad, or there was an accident and the cleaner couldn't get to the client's address on time. But these should be one-off, extremely rare occasions.

The second part of timekeeping is finishing the job on time and for the time the client has paid. What do I mean by this? There are cleaners who take it slow and don't complete the task they are supposed to for the booking slot the client has reserved. This could inconvenience the people living in the house or working in the commercial setting. Another scenario is when a client has booked a slot of 3 hours and the cleaner gets the job for an hour and a half in order to spend the rest of the time relaxing in the client's home. First, this is unprofessional and second the quality of work would definitely suffer. A good cleaner has impeccable timekeeping.

7. Endurance

Cleaning can be exhausting work! You could burn hundreds of calories an hour when working and it'll come as no surprise when you work up a sweat! However, the client your serve last on the day will expect the same standard as the client you served first. Your energy levels must be up and get you through that last address. It isn't easy, but truly great cleaners develop amazing endurance. Well, one of the perks of being a busy cleaner is that you can easily keep in shape without setting a foot in the gym. Well, unless you are cleaning it.

I am very proud that my team of professional cleaning ladies and guys check all the boxes we discussed above. Bredon Hill Cleaning Services is a leader because our staff makes us what we are.

Plamen

Blog Cleaning
March 30, 2019
Bredon Hill Cleaning, Cleaning company, Perfect Cleaning Schedule for Your Home

The Perfect Cleaning Schedule for Your Home

Your home needs regular care and maintenance, but how often should you be performing every cleaning task? Certainly, some activities like dusting, mopping and vacuuming have to be done more frequently than others in order to maintain a healthy and safe living environment. As professionals, we know that housework can be extremely overwhelming, especially if you haven’t built a routine or you don’t know how to prioritise your cleaning tasks. That’s why we prepared the perfect cleaning schedule for your home. You just need to follow it.

Daily Tasks

Just like your body needs food and sleep every day to function well, your home needs certain cleaning activities to be performed on daily basis. Not that something terrible will happen if you miss a day or two, but you will increase your workload and the effort you need to put where you get around to do what you’ve skipped. Besides, once you put everything into a routine, you will notice that life becomes somehow easier and flows better. Here’s what you should try to do every day:

Make your bed
Wash the dishes
Wipe the working surface in the kitchen
Pick up toys and other lay-around stuff
Put away dirty clothes
Vacuum (if you have little children or pets)

Weekly Tasks

The majority of cleaning tasks should be performed weekly. It’s much easier if you split all the activities in every day of the week, instead of wasting your whole weekend cleaning, for example. So, perhaps you can do the laundry on Monday and Thursday, clean the bathroom on Tuesday, dust the furniture and appliances on Wednesday and so on. Here’s a list of what should be done weekly.

Clean the kitchen - sink, counters, floor, appliances, cabinet walls and doors.
Living room - organise, vacuum, clean under the sofa, dust and polish, wipe the windows from the inside
Bedrooms - vacuum, sweep/mop, dust furniture and mirror, change the bed linen
Bathroom - Clean shower/bathtub, sink and toilet, mop the floor, scrub counters and mirror, disinfect
Hallway and entrance - declutter, sweep/mop
Clean the fridge
Throw out the bin
Do the laundry and ironing

Monthly Tasks

There are other things that are considered more a deep clean that should be done regularly, but not so frequently. These activities can be performed monthly and the benefits of doing so are many for the health and wellbeing of your family.

Clean the microwave and oven inside and out
Clean and clear the cupboards
Scrub the tile grout
Vacuum the heating / cooling vents
Wash and disinfect the rubbish bins
Wash the windows inside and out

Twice-a-Year Tasks

And here we go with the most energy-sucking household tasks. Thank goodness, you don’t have to do these too often - just twice a year. This falls under the category spring cleaning, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be during the spring.

Check and clear the pantry of expired goods
Air out rooms and drapes
Wash pillows, blankets and duvets
Give out to charity all unused clothes and dispose of the ones that can no longer be worn
Re-organise your closet
Clean the fireplace and behind the furniture and appliances

We hope this list gives you some guidance and structure on how you should organise your cleaning tasks. If, afterall, this looks like too much work just for you, there’s always an easy and reliable solution - Bredon Hill Cleaning Services. Our domestic cleaners can take care of all of your weekly chores and if you need a thorough job, then ask for our spring/deep cleaning service. That’s a perfect way to enjoy a cosy and healthy home with zero efforts and no stress at all.

Plamen

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