Why do I attend every year?  Well first of all, the homes are gorgeous, well maintained, and historic. We learn the history of each home and those who attend pick up some dynamite decorating ideas. My office is located in Hyattsville and I just love the quaint, established town (though I live in Cheverly). I have several clients in Hyattsville and feel a connection to the town and to the lovely community there.

Hopefully I’ll see you there this year!

Details, GO HERE

I recently ran a move in, move out cleaning special on another website and was pleasantly surprised by the number of people who took advantage of the offer. Beyond that, I was struck by how many people are moving into new homes.  So often we think of the negative—such as the economy.  However, in the midst of this challenging economy is something I will call “newness”.  And I’ve noticed that many are choosing newness over the financial fears that go along with purchasing a new home.

I love the newness that exists in nature as it recycles itself.  Today is March 15th.  It was almost 80 degrees today as Mother Nature readies herself to usher in the newness of spring.  I love the newness of plants and flowers that come up around this time of the year to brighten our lives, enhance our environment and beautify our earth.

Another thing I love is the newness of big changes.  Anyone who has ever moved into a home (not necessary a brand new home, but new in terms of ownership), knows how exciting it is to be able to start anew.  What impresses me about the Maryland, DC, and VA clients who have been contacting me is the fact that many of them are moving out of apartments into larger homes as they prepare for the newness of a growing family or life change in general.

Are you planning a move?  We at UpperCrust Maids would love to help you celebrate newness!  Our move in, move out cleanings are generally rather costly.  They generally range from $70 – $90 per hour depending on a number of factors.  During the spring season we are running a special.

a.  Homes must be 2,000 square feet or less and can be single family, duplex or townhome

b.  Home must be completely empty

For $230 flat rate, 2 of our cleaning techs will clean the entire home, including inside of cabinets, fridge and oven.  This spring special will last throughout spring and may or may not extend into summer.  Considering that most move in and move out cleanings with us averages $300+, snatch this one up right away!

PRESS HERE to purchase deal.

Disclaimer: Carpet shampooing is not included in this special. We only vacuum during this special.  If you would like your carpet professionally shampooed, email us and we can set up an estimate for you, unrelated to this special.

Call us at 301-322-7112

As a small business owner myself, I love to see other businesses prosper.  Such is the case with Georgetown Cupcakes.  Following a dream—their love of cupcakes, they  started off in a very expensive area, Georgetown.  That’s what I call starting at the top.  They expanded into Bethesda Row, another sought after area.  And now, they are taking on the Soho area of  New York.  And in spring, Boston!

Keep in mind that they also have a reality show highlighting their shop and life.

Good for them!  They prove that with high hopes and dreams, backed up by a plan, anything is possible!

Two thumbs up to Georgetown Cupcake. They show that having enthusiasm about one’s business is step #1 to creating excitement and interest in the general public.

Speaking of enthusiasm, are you enthusiastic about getting an early start on a spring cleaning? Give us a call so that we may get you on the books! 301-322-7112

I sometimes read online social media reports because doing so keeps me abreast of what is happening in the maid service industry.

I have noticed a disturbing pattern recently. People are going to social media to share the following type of facts:

• The coupon that they purchased to get their cheap cleaning is not being honored by the “company” that sold it.
• They were forced to pay a gratuity prior to booking services.
• There is no contact person with whom to share complaints or concerns.
• Phone calls go to voice mail 100% of the time with no call backs.
• “Cleaning Techs” are showing up at houses without any cleaning products or equipment!

The long and short of it is, people are hiring companies—-usually via “coupons” without any type of prior knowledge of such companies.  They have no idea who owns the company.  They have no history of the company. The website of the company is vague and/or misleading.  There is no real contact information leading to any semblance of a real company.

I have also seen reviews that reveal that there are some pseudo-cleaning companies out here that are hiring illegal day workers to fulfill coupons.  And they are sending those strangers into homes.  It boggles my mind how people are so willing to allow anything in their homes in the name of getting a “deal”.  People are allowing thieves and possibly rapists or murderers from off the street into their homes in a quest to save a few bucks.

Check out this review, written regarding an apparent pseudo DC company that is headquartered in New York:

This was the worst cleaning service I ever had in my home.
I get my house cleaned every month and thought I would try a new service- BIG MISTAKE USING THIS COMPANY!

The woman was an hour late and left an hour early, sprayed terrible smelling chemicals everywhere, and did not actually CLEAN a single thing.  She took clorox wipes and wiped them on my mirrors making them unclear and dirty, and she swiffered a little, putting my swifter back in the closet WITH THE DIRTY WET WIPE STILL ON IT! What a terrible service! I used a living social coupon for this and they refunded me- thank god!  But I had already paid an online tip for the company and I have written them many emails and not only have they not refunded me or apologized, they have not even responded.   I have never been so unhappy with a company, and I never ever have had such a bad experience with a maid service.

She didn’t bring any cleaning supplies with her.  I offered her to use the vacuum at least 3 times (hinting to actually clean something!) and she still didn’t do it.
I am not sure what happened in my house- I never heard any water running to clean a sink or shower, and everything looked worse and more dirty than when she started.  The house smelled terrible, like toxic chemicals and yet nothing seemed to be treated with them.

I am so incredibly unhappy with my service that I am writing a review! I do not want anyone else to have this horrible chemical sprayed in their home, or lose their money to this terrible service.  This company should be sued for fraud and should be ashamed to even be in business- that is how upset I am with my wasted time and money.

The woman above is dealing with an alleged pseudo company that operates out of New York. They have set up an office in DC and are continuing what appears to be a money grabbing scam. Sadly, coupon companies—in their desperation to keep “deals” running, are interacting with these fake cleaning companies and people are falling for the dangerous game out of trust for the coupon companies. My fear is that it will come to a head with someone getting seriously hurt by an “employee” in one of these pseudo/scam companies.

Below is a review about the same company, but this person wrote about the New York division (both DC and NY divisions have “F” ratings):

The company should be avoided at all costs, unless you want breakage to be at your expense. Note they state all their cleaning people are “independent contractors” and are liable for breakage. Nice! The woman broke a large piece of glass at my apartment, acknowledged the breakage and then disappeared. Try getting any restitution from the company or the “independent contractor.” Any company such as this one, that does not take responsibility for its services, by independent contractors or employees should, in my opinion, be avoided. Unless you like aggravation and more damage than cleaning, avoid this one.

All this leads me back to my original question. Do you have a clue as to who owns the cleaning company that’s sending workers into your home? If not, it would be to your advantage—-and your family’s safety to find out. If you cannot find out, don’t use them.

UpperCrust Maids is owned by Greg and Cathy Green. Check us out on the “About Us” page. We are real people running a real company. Call us at 301-322-7112. If a receptionist does not answer, leave a message and I guarantee you that you will receive a call back within 24 hours! Do we charge more than the pseudo companies? Of course we do. But we are a real company and we charge real fees.

Cleaning on the cheap

It is not unusual for me to receive emails and phone calls from people looking to have their residences cleaned for $50 or $60.  And every time I receive such calls, I manage to keep a straight face but it boggles the mind.  Would someone expect to pay an electrician $50?  Would someone expect to pay a plumber or gutter cleaning company $60 for service?

There is just something about house cleaning that causes some people to think that they need not pay a decent fee…yet they want their home cleaned from top to bottom, thoroughly.  What is it, I wonder?  Do people not view house cleaning as a serious, noble, or professional business type?   IF that is the case, I wonder why such people won’t just drive or walk over to their nearest 7-Eleven store and hire a day worker to clean their home?  Or why won’t they clean it themselves?

I cannot help but wonder why someone would think that a company that is bonded and insured—-a company that has hired and trained professional cleaning techs, would not have expenses.  If a company charges $60 to clean, how on earth is that company going to stay in business?  $60 is what one would pay to a teenager or some stranger from Craig’s List.

Cheap vs. real cleaning company

People tend to forget that there are many factors involved in pricing a cleaning.  Overhead is one factor.  Products and equipment cost money.  Office space costs money.  Some cleaning companies have cars, which cost money.  Uniforms cost money.  Payroll and insurance costs money.  I could go on and on and on.

Any company that can afford to charge $60 to clean a home is doing so because either they are not carrying insurance or they are paying their people a dirt cheap wage.  And if they are paying their people on the cheap, I guarantee you that the cleaning techs are going to do a horrible job.  What sane person is going to exert the amount of energy it takes to clean a home well for minimum wage or less?

That question leads me to my next point.  House cleaning is a very taxing career choice, which is why turnover is so high.  It is a back-breaking job when done well.  No cleaning tech is going to put out a lot of energy if s/he is not being paid well.  And I would not blame the person.

My advice to people who are in search of a dirt cheap cleaning is for them to look elsewhere. Our people are paid above minimum wage and that’s why they are willing to work hard and to clean well.

Finding the cheap cleaning

There are several places one can go to find the dirt cheap cleaning:

(1)  Coupon companies – I have run coupons in the past. I’d never do so again for reasons described by pressing HERE.

Now, if a person decides to buy their cleaning from a coupon company, expect to get a sub par job. Simple as that.  You get what you pay for.  Don’t believe me?  Go to any variety of social media sites and read the horror stories that both consumers and businesses tell regarding coupons. They are not appropriate for cleaning services.

(2)  Hire someone from off the street – Hiring a day worker will get you a cheap cleaning but you may also end up getting robbed or worse.  There is no end to what a stranger may do to you, your loved ones or your home.

(3)  Find a cleaning company willing to clean your home on the cheap.  You will find a company but you won’t be happy.  Their employees will not do a good job because they are not being paid well.  So you’ll waste your money, still have a dirty house and you will end up searching for another company within a month or two.

The best thing a person can do if they don’t want to clean their own home is to budget for a real cleaning company to clean.  Yes, it will cost more.  But some things are worth the expense when it comes to a home.  Professional cleaning is worth the expense.

Photo Credit HERE

From time to time my company has encountered hoarders. These are not poor people. The hoarders we have encountered have been upper middle class to wealthy and at least one of them was on medication.

We cannot treat the emotional or psychological aspects of hoarding. We can give hoarders referrals to professionals to treat that. What we can do is get the home cleaned after enough things have been thrown out that we can get to the home. We are in contact with an outstanding mover who can get rid of much of the debris.

Do you know a hoarder? Are you a hoarder? Call us before it gets to the point below:

301-322-7112

“Reaching for Peace” Shabbat Ruach, in honor of the life’s work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Choir and band performances join together to share in the Jewish Shabbat celebration. Open to all. 7:30 p.m., Temple Shalom, 8401 Grubb Rd., Chevy Chase. Admission, free. Contact Susan Zemsky at 301-587-2273 orhttp://www.templeshalom.net/.

Saturday, Jan. 14

King Day of Service, make your own “I Have a Dream” catcher and participate in the “Valentines for Veterans” service project in recognition of Dr. King’s commitment to service. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, National Children’s Museum Launch Zone, 112 Waterfront St., National Harbor. Admission, free. 301-686-0225.

MLK Days, help create a peace wheel. Artists Brynda Ambush Harrison and Slim Harrison also play peace songs from around the world on a variety of instruments. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Monday, Annmarie Garden, 13480 Dowell Rd., Solomons. Adults $3, seniors $2, students free. 410-326-4640.

African American “Read-In,” meet authors and enjoy family reading time in celebration of MLK Day. 12:30 p.m., Oxon Hill Library, 6200 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill. Free. 301-839-2400.

MLK Community Discussion, a lively discussion based on one of Dr. King’s quotes. 1 p.m., Hyattsville Library, 6532 Adelphi Rd., Hyattsville. Free. 301-985-4690.

Musical Salute to Dr. Martin Luther King, by the Reston Community Orchestra, the Heritage Signature Chorale and song stylist Beverly Cosham, featuring works by African American composers. 6 p.m., Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Rd. Free, donations are appreciated. 571-449-7095 or www.restoncommunityorchestra.org.

Sunday, Jan. 15

9th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, Ed Jackson, executive architect of the new Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial, speaks about the events leading up to the dedication of the memorial. Also includes performances by the Richmond Boys Choir and Taritibu, an African dance group. 3 p.m., McLean Community Center, Alden Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. $5, $3 for age 10 and younger. 703-790-0123 or www.mcleancenter.org/special-events.asp.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Wilmer Leon, Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir, dance by Urban Artistry, storytelling. 7-9 p.m., Washington-Lee High School, 1301 N. Stafford St., Arlington. Bring non-perishable items for Arlington Food Assistance Center. 703-228-3329 or www.arlingtonva.us/mlk.

Monday, Jan. 16

St. Mary’s MLK Prayer Breakfast, celebrate the life and works of Dr. King with breakfast, performances from local choirs and keynote address by Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esquire, national chair of the National Congress of Black Women. Breakfast service opens at 6 a.m.; event begins at 8 a.m. St. Mary’s College, Campus Center Great Room, off Route 5, St. Mary’s City. Breakfast: $8.50; Program is free. 240-895-4388 or wlhoward@smcm.edu, www.smcm.e

To that end, for the second year, UpperCrust Maids is lending its support to the Mautner Project. This worthy cause raises money to assist specifically lesbian women who are stricken with and battling cancer. Like last year, we are donating three cleanings to be auctioned off.

Cleaning #1 is a deep cleaning
Cleaning #2 is a maintenance cleaning
Cleaning #3 is a maintenance cleaning

Please consider attending the event and bidding during the silent auction. Details HERE.

Date of event: March 17, 2012

Image credit HERE

Fast forward!  These days people treat their pets more like children (thank goodness!).  My dog actually got Christmas gifts, as did most of the dogs in my neighborhood.  He only goes outside when we are walking him.  And that brings me to the point of this article.  Dogs are sweet. Dogs are loving and affectionate. But dogs do not smell like humans.  And that’s a good thing. A dog should smell like a dog.

My dog does not carry a bad odor. Most dogs don’t.  However, there are times when the house can end up with an odor. For example, if you are away at work and the dog needs to use the pee pad.  Entering the house, there likely will be an odor. Same holds true for cats. Litter carries an odor.

Most of my clients own either a dog or a cat. What do we as a company advise regarding pet odors?  Obviously you can air out the house by opening the windows for a few minutes. And of course you can give the pet a bath. But there are some other things you can do:

a.  A great product is Odoban.  My company has been using Odoban products for years and we love it. It’s natural and it is a product that specializes in getting rid of odors.  You can buy it from Home Depot.  We do not use it in all homes.  Each home is customized.  However, if we find that a particular home has pet odors, we will bring in some Odoban.

Disclaimer:  There is a cat breeder out there who warns against Odoban if you have an animal you desire to breed.  I have no way of verifying this but will share the link anyway.  Press HERE

None of my clients have animals that they are breeding so we have not had any issues.

b.  Another useful tip is to use aromatherapy. Diffusers are great for making the house smell absolutely terrific.

c.  Finally, we use vacuum scents. Below is a picture of one of the scents we use:

Whatever you do, just be certain to do something.  If you live with your pet, that’s great.  But keep in mind that pet odors can sneak up on us and it’s great to stay ahead of the game!

This lovely home is located in Chevy Chase. Picture credit HERE

I love stepping into a freshly cleaned home.  When cleaned well, it smells great, looks great and is a pleasure to reside in or visit. Every spring I go on house tours. Every home, of course is perfectly clean with fresh flowers. And it’s often interesting to hear comments from people who say that they doubt the home owner keeps the home so tidy during the regular year.

As the owner of a house cleaning company, I beg to differ.  I ask, why?  Why is it difficult to believe that a family can and does live in an organized, clean home all year round? There is something about a crisp, hygienic home. The home is our sanctuary. It’s not some dorm room or frat house. Home is truly castle and it’s where the heart is.

The condition of a home truly does affect one’s mood and state of mind.  A chaotic home, a musty home, a messy home is not—and should not be, the goal of the average person.  The goal should be a home that looks appealing and smells terrific.

It’s a new world. We are living in an age where people—men and women, have to work and most do not have the energy or desire to spend their spare time cleaning toilets and scrubbing floors. On top of that, who wants to come home from a hard day at work only to end up walking into an unpleasant abode with dust bunnies all over the place?

Some luxuries are worth the investment. House cleaning is one such luxury. It’s worth the investment to the mood, the mind, the energy.

Give UpperCrust Maids a call and allow our cleaning techs to transform your home and free up your time! PRESS HERE to get started