Having your home cleaned by a house cleaning service is very personal. A key part of your satisfaction will be building a relationship with the house cleaning service. Communicate with them openly and honestly about your expectations from their home cleaning services. Call them with feedback regarding your level of satisfaction with the service provided. Listen to the advice that your maid service gives you on how to maintain your home. Also, show your appreciation to your house cleaning service provider by leaving a nice note or even a gratuity. Your thanks will encourage their good performance

House cleaning companies in Santa Cruz County, including the major cities of Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, and Capitola, provide all types of house cleaning services. However, some services are more common than others. The following are the most common requests for local house cleaning companies.

• General Area Cleaning
  • Cleaning services are provided for general areas. These services include dusting everything by lifting items rather than sliding them, dusting woodwork (baseboard and window sills included), vacuuming all carpeted areas, removing trash and dusting/polishing furniture.

• Bathrooms
  • The cleaning services provided for the bathrooms include dusting baseboards and light fixtures, cleaning/disinfecting the sink, tub and shower, cleaning/disinfecting the toilet inside and out, cleaning mirrors, wiping the face of cabinets, shaking out throw rugs, removing trash and dust mopping/wet mopping floors.

• Kitchen/Breakfast Area
  • Typically a house cleaning company will complete a mixture of cleaning services in the kitchen/breakfast area. These services usually include checking for cobwebs, disinfecting table and dust chairs, dusting light fixtures and baseboards, cleaning/disinfecting counters, cleaning canisters and small appliances, scouring the sing and polishing chrome, cleaning the face of the refrigerator and dusting the top, cleaning and polishing the stove top and oven, cleaning the inside and outside of the microwave, spot cleaning cabinet fronts, removing trash, and dust mopping/vacuuming/wet mopping floors.

• Laundry Rooms
  • Laundry rooms are cleaned by the house cleaning team. These services include cleaning and wiping the tops of the washer and dryer (if accessible), removing trash, and dust mopping/wet mopping floors.

• Spring Cleaning/Fall Cleaning
  • Spring Cleaning/Fall Cleaning services are extra services provided that are priced individually or by the hour by most house cleaning companies. These house cleaning services include washing the woodwork (baseboards, trim and doors), cleaning chandeliers, moving and vacuuming under light furniture, vacuuming the edges of walls/corners, cleaning the oven, cleaning the refrigerator, vacuuming drapes, vacuuming lampshades, cleaning light fixtures, cleaning and conditioning leather furniture, polishing showroom furniture, cleaning and polishing the face of kitchen cabinets and cleaning windows

• Carpet Cleaning
  • Carpet cleaning is an additional service often offered by house cleaning companies. Typically this serviced is priced on a per room basis.

• One Time Cleaning
  • One time cleaning is a service provided by most house cleaning companies. This service refers to a home being cleaned a single time rather than on a routine basis.

• Move In/Move Out Cleaning
  • Most house cleaning companies can be hired to clean a house once you have moved out of it. They may also be hired to clean a home before you move into it. These services are typically one-time only services.

• Special Occasion Cleaning
  • The service of cleaning a house in preparation for a special occasion is a service provided by most house cleaning companies. These services are usually priced per individual job or by the hour.

• Window Cleaning
  • Most house cleaning companies will clean windows inside and outside for an additional charge.

Consider the Cleaning Products Used by the Santa Cruz County House Cleaning Company

Many products are on the market for house cleaning. Following is a list of popular house cleaning products that are safe for cleaning your home. Be sure to verify with the house cleaning company of your choice that the products are on the following list or are environmentally safe:

• Clorox Cleaning Products
• Kaboom Cleaning Products
• Lysol House Cleaning Products
• Mr. Clean House Cleaning
• Seventh Generation Green Cleaning Products
• Windex House Cleaning Products
• Simple Green Cleaning Products
• Ecover Natural Cleaning Products
• Pine-Sol House Cleaning Products
• Endust House Cleaner
• Fantastik House Cleanser
• Pledge House Cleaning Products
• Method Natural Cleaning Products
• Comet Household Cleaning Products
• Zep Cleaning Prducts
• Softscrub House Cleaning Products
• Dow Home Cleaning Products
• EcoLab Cleaning Products
• 409 Cleanser
• Lestoil Cleaner

Below are key house cleaning terms and descriptions that will help you navigate your way through your house cleaning services from beginning to end.

apartment cleaning
House cleaning companies provide cleaning services for apartments. These services are the same services that are provided for a house: wiping down countertops, scrubbing bathroom surface areas, vacuuming, dusting, mopping, etc.

Also known as: apartment cleaning service, housecleaning

appliance cleaning
Appliance cleaning refers to cleaning and disinfecting all appliances within the home. This includes any appliances that may be sitting on the kitchen countertops as well as larger appliances such as microwaves and washers and dryers.

Also known as: how to clean stainless steel appliances, appliance cleaning service, clean stainless appliances, house cleaning services

baseboard dusting
Baseboard dusting is a cleaning service provided by house cleaning companies. It refers to dusting the baseboards, or skirting, floor molding, or mopboard, that covers the lowest part of an interior wall.

bathroom cleaning
Bathroom cleaning is an important step to a healthy environment. The bathroom should be cleaned weekly, and even more if it gets heavy use.  Because porcelain surfaces are stain-resistant, dirt and scum aren’t allowed to build up. The tub or shower should be rinsed immediately after each use, using a damp sponge to lather soap around the surface area and then rinse.

Also known as: how to clean the bathroom, bathroom cleaning tips, clean bathroom

carpet cleaning
Carpet cleaning is for the purpose of removing stains, dirt, grit, sand and allergens. This can be achieved by either hot water extraction (often known as steam cleaning). Hot water extraction involves using equipment that sprays heated water, sometimes with added cleaning chemicals, on the carpet while simultaneously vacuuming the sprayed water along with any dirt. This is recognized as the most effective carpet cleaning method. 

commercial cleaning services
Commercial cleaning services refer to cleaning or janitorial services provided for commercial companies or businesses.

Also known as: house cleaning companies, house cleaning services, commercial cleaning supplies, office cleaning service, residential cleaning services, janitorial cleaning services, commercial office cleaning, janitorial cleaning service, corporate cleaning services, professional cleaning services, house cleaning, maid service, elite cleaning services, janitorial service, home cleaning, cleaning company, commercial office

dishwasher loading
Dishwasher loading refers to loading a dishwasher with dirty dishes on the counter or in the kitchen sink.

Also known as: loading dishwasher, loading a dishwasher

domestic housekeeping services
Domestic housekeeping services are cleaning services performed within an employer’s or client’s household. It refers to a variety of cleaning services that may include vacuuming, dusting, scrubbing, mopping, etc.

Also known as: housekeeper services, domestic housekeeper, housekeeping services, domestic staffing agencies, residential cleaning companies

dusting
Dusting is a service provided by most house cleaning companies. It refers to dusting everything such as woodwork, light fixtures, baseboards, and knick knacks.

Also known as: dust remover, dust cleaner, dust cloths

emptying trashcans
Emptying trashcans is a cleaning service provided by house cleaning companies that refers to emptying the trashcans throughout the house and placing the trash in an outside trash dispenser.

floor cleaning
Floor cleaning services include both carpet cleaning and hard surface floor cleaning. For carpets, most service providers will inspect the carpet to determine the best cleaning method. Spots and stains will be pre-treated; residual stains will be post-treated. Hard surface floor cleaning removes minor scratches and offers processes for sanitation needs. Hard surface floor cleaning often offers dust-free burnishing and enhanced slip resistance care.

Also known as: hardwood floor cleaning, wood floor cleaning, floor cleaning companies, wooden floor cleaning, vinyl floor cleaning, wood floor cleaning, laminate floor cleaning, professional floor cleaning, tile floor cleaning, industrial floor cleaning, garage floor cleaning, bona floor cleaning, floor cleaning services, floor cleaning tools, slate floor cleaning, marble floor cleaning

green cleaning services
Green cleaning services evaluate solutions and equipment to ensure they meet certain standards for safety and effectiveness. Green cleaning services use solutions that are certified by Green Seal or another recognized organization to be free from harmful additives that can cause health problems. They use “greener” equipment such as vacuums that are recognized for improving indoor air quality.  Also, green cleaning services use color-coded microfiber cloths to reduce the need for cleaning solutions, thus minimizing landfill waste and preventing cross contamination from room to room within the house.

grout cleaning
Grout cleaning refers to removing the dirty, dingy or stained lines between the tile in the area known as the grout. Grout is porous and, since it’s not common for a grout sealer to be applied, can often become embedded with dirt, cooking oil, grease or detergent residue. Once embedded, it requires professional cleaning to remove.

Also known as: professional grout cleaning, floor grout cleaning, grout and tile cleaning, grout cleaner, tile grout cleaning, grout sealer, grout cleaning services, wall grout cleaning

glass cleaning
Glass cleaning refers to cleaning any glass surface. This most often includes windows, window sills, mirrors or decorative glass.

home sanitizing services
Home sanitizing services are sanitizing services provided by a house cleaning company. It often includes disinfecting specific areas such as the front door handle, chairs, microwave buttons or toilet handles.

Also known as: carpet cleaning companies, upholstery cleaning, upholstery cleaner, furniture cleaning service, mattress cleaning, mattress sanitizing service, furniture cleaning services, sofa cleaning, upholstery cleaning business

kitchen cleaning
Kitchen cleaning is part of cooking. Clean surfaces will keep your family healthier and safer. Easy tips and preventative measures can be learned to keep your kitchen clean and free from clutter. Have a place for everything. Don’t mix ammonia and bleach in order to prevent toxic fumes. Identify places in your kitchen that accumulate clutter and take a few minutes daily to clear these places. A sponge is a great way to spread germs. Try to use paper towels, discarding them after each use.

Also known as: kitchen cabinet cleaning, deep kitchen cleaning, kitchen cleaning tips, how to clean kitchen cabinets, kitchen cleaning services, commercial kitchen cleaning, kitchen hood cleaning

maid service
Maid service is a term that describes a specialized outside service that provides a specific service to individuals, businesses, clubs, associations and homes.

making beds
Making beds is a cleaning service provided by house cleaning companies. Usually this service is done at an additional charge.

microwave cleaning
Microwave cleaning refers to cleaning and disinfecting both the inside and outside of a microwave oven.

Also known as: how to clean a microwave, clean microwave, clean a microwave, cleaning microwave oven, easy microwave cleaning

mirror cleaning
Mirror cleaning is a regular cleaning service provided by house cleaning companies.

Also known as: cleaning mirror, clean mirrors, cleaning old mirrors, window cleaning services

move out cleaning
Move-out cleaning refers to a cleaning service that is provided after an individual or group of individuals has moved out of a residence or building. This service often includes walls being washed and marks removed; holes in walls filled with spackle; cobwebs removed; wall and ceiling vents vacuumed or washed; switch plates cleaned; floors in the kitchen and bath areas or any linoleum cleaned; fireplaces cleaned of all debris; drapes vacuumed; blinds cleaned; lightbulbs replaced where needed; light covers removed and cleaned; shelves cleaned.

Also known as: move out cleaning services, home cleaning service, cleaning move out, professional cleaning service, moving out, move in move out cleaning

oven cleaning
Oven cleaning is a service provided by most house cleaning companies. This is typically a special service that is either priced individually or by the hour.

Also known as: oven cleaning services, professional oven cleaning, cleaning oven racks, commercial oven cleaning

post-remodeling cleaning
Post-remodeling cleaning refers to the cleaning service provided after a remodeling job is completed. Because remodeling is a messy job, dust will be everywhere and carpets will be dirty. Often walls have smudgy handprints. Post-remodeling cleaning provides the major cleaning your house needs to bring it back to its original shine.

Also known as: post construction cleaning, home cleaning services, construction cleaning, post construction cleaning services, post construction clean up

residential cleaning services
Residential cleaning services are services provided for individual homes or residences.

Also known as: house cleaning services, residential cleaning, maid cleaning services, professional cleaning services, cleaning service residential, home cleaning services, house cleaning maid services, residential cleaning companies, house cleaning, maid service, cleaning maid services

shower and bathtub cleaning
Most house cleaning companies clean and disinfect the shower and bathtub during routine cleaning checks.

Also known as: cleaning shower, shower cleaning, shower tile, shower stall, shower tile cleaning, bathroom grout cleaner, clean shower tile, tub and shower doors, bathroom grout cleaner, cleaning bathroom

upholstery cleaning
Upholstery cleaning refers to a cleaning system for furniture. Its purpose is to remove cleaning solution residue along with deep-down dirt, leaving nothing behind but fresh-smelling fabric and furniture.

Also known as: carpet and upholstery cleaning, professional upholstery cleaning

vacuuming
Vacuuming is a cleaning service provided by house cleaning companies that refers to vacuuming all carpeted areas.

window cleaning
Window cleaning services include commercial window cleaning, residential window cleaning, and pressure washing.

Also known as: high rise window cleaning, professional window cleaning, window cleaning services, window cleaning business, window cleaning prices, streak free window cleaning, window cleaning equipment, window cleaning tools, window cleaning products, window cleaning company, residential window cleaning,

weekly cleaning services
Weekly cleaning services are regular services provided by a house cleaning company. These regular services often include wiping down countertops, scrubbing bathroom surface areas, vacuuming, dusting, mopping, etc.

Also known as: house cleaning service, home cleaning service, residential cleaning service, apartment cleaning service, green cleaning

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified house cleaning company?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a house cleaning company with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only house cleaning company rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your service is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified house cleaning company.

Q: How much does a house cleaning service cost?
A: Every house is unique and most house cleaning companies’ fees are individually based. Things that will affect your house cleaning estimate include the size of your home, number of bathrooms, number of residents, number of pets, how you want the maids to clean, etc. Most house cleaning companies have a standardized formula for calculating each individual cleaning estimate in a uniform way.

Q: Will all house cleaning visits cost the same amount?
A: The first house cleaning visit usually costs more than subsequent visits. Generally, it takes additional cleaning tasks for the maids to get the home up to company standards. The first house cleaning visit is often performed on an hourly basis. An estimate for this house cleaning service visit may be expressed as a cost range. If more time is needed in the event your maid services team considers it necessary, the company should contact you for authorization.

Once the initial visit has occurred, your home’s cleanliness can be easily maintained with regular visit cleaning tasks. Regular house cleaning visits are often charged as a flat fee. You should receive an estimate for both the initial cleaning and the regular house cleaning visits up front. Once the initial house cleaning has been completed, your regular house cleaning price should be confirmed.

Q: Do I have to be home when the cleaning service comes?
A: Most house cleaning service companies let this be your option. You may give them a key that will be safely stored, often in a client key safe. Maids are often given the keys for each house cleaning appointment before they leave each day and must return them back to management before they leave the office each evening. The key remains in the key safe until your next house cleaning appointment.

Q: Do you guarantee a day and time for a house cleaning appointment?
A: Most house cleaning service companies guarantee a specific day for your house cleaning but not a specific time. The schedule is often flexible and ever-changeable which makes it difficult to commit to a specific time for the maids to arrive. However, an estimate can usually be given on the day of service. If you need a specific time guarantee, discuss this with your house cleaning company and so that you are able to reach a mutually agreeable solution.

Q: What if I need to reschedule a house cleaning?
A: Check with your house cleaning company to see what their policy is for rescheduling an appointment. Most service offices require a minimum 48 hours notice to reschedule a cleaning appointment; however, this varies from company to company. Oftentimes, if a house cleaning needs to rescheduled without proper notice, there is not enough opportunity to fill the schedule with another client. This decreases the maids’ pay. Without consistent wages, the best maids cannot be retained; thus, respecting the house cleaning company’s procedure for reschedules helps ensure you will get the best house cleaning service possible.

All house cleaning companies have a cancellation policy. Be sure you understand your local company’s procedures as some will charge a cancellation fee. Understanding the policy will help you avoid incurring these fees.

Q: What if I accidentally lock the maids out on my cleaning day?
A: Most clients provide a key or hide one on the premises on house cleaning day. However, if you forget to leave a key on the day you are scheduled to have your house cleaned, many house cleaning companies will charge a lock-out fee. Be sure you understand your local company’s lock-out policies in order to avoid incurring these additional fees.

Q: What should I do about my security/alarm system on house cleaning day?
A: If you have a security system, please make necessary arrangements to give your maid access to your home on your scheduled day. Some clients establish a guest or temporary code for the house cleaning maids.

Q: What should I do with my pets during the house cleaning?
A: Please advise the house cleaning company if you have pets and provide any information regarding your pets that would be helpful for them to know. Though different house cleaning companies have different requirements, many prefer pets to be restricted from the areas that are cleaned so that the maids can clean your home better and more efficiently.

Q: Are my valuables safe while the housekeepers are cleaning my home?
A: If you have any special valuables, heirlooms or irreplaceable items, please put them away or instruct the house cleaning company that you do not want these items touched. A closed door or drawer is often a signal to the maids that you do not want them to clean that area. Check with your house cleaning company to make sure that the maids are covered by all necessary insurances in the event that any damage occurs.

Q: How can I pay for my house cleaning?
A: Most house cleaning companies accept payment by cash, check or credit card. Payment is usually due at the time of service. Most house cleaning service companies prefer that you either leave cash or a check on the kitchen counter the morning of your house cleaning. Most companies will keep your credit card information on file in the local office and charge your card once each house cleaning is completed. Also, most companies will charge a fee for all returned checks.

Q: How do I know I can trust the maids?
A: Check with the house cleaning company you have selected to make sure that they screen their maids carefully, train meticulously, inspect relentlessly and insure adequately in order to have the highest confidence that their maids can be entrusted with the care of your home.

Q: Do I need to provide house cleaning products or equipment?
A: Most house cleaning companies provide all house cleaning products so you never need to worry about replenishing your supply for the maids. If you have special house cleaning products you want the maids to use, be sure to discuss this with your local office owner or manager in advance so that the maids can be properly instructed.

Q: Will my house cleaning company be able to impede the growth of mildew?
A: Most house cleaning service companies will be able to impede the growth of mildew by removing the built up food sources that it lives on such as soap, skin, hair, etc. However, as long as moisture and warmth are present, the spores will germinate immediately and mildew will again be growing on the host area.

In order to stop the growth of mildew, the area must be kept dry or it must be chemically treated to make it a less than desirable environment for the spore to germinate. Chlorine bleach is a good sanitizer to use on an infected area.

It is recommended that chlorine bleach be diluted up to 50% with water to reduce the pungent odor. Apply the solution by lightly spraying, wiping or sponging on. It is not necessary to saturate the area or to treat uninfected areas. Leave the bleach in contact with the surface area for at least an hour. Rinse any area that you will touch in later use. Repeat this application bi-weekly or when mildew reappears.

Due to insurance restrictions, most house cleaning companies are not permitted to use chlorine bleach. Furthermore, chlorine bleach is not a part of a Green Clean Certified program because of its toxic nature. However, you may choose to use bleach independently to help control mildew growth between cleaning service visits. Please do not use bleach for two days preceding a scheduled house cleaning because a chlorine reside could combine with the other cleaning solutions used and cause the formation of a toxic gas. Also, you will want to ventilate the treated area well to clear away harmful vapors quickly.

Mildew is an on-going maintenance challenge. However, by working together with your house cleaning company, it can be controlled.