Ask A House Cleaner | Angela Brown | Savvy Cleaner | House Cleaning Tips

Chores - How to get kids to do chores? Parenting skills 101 says parents should teach kids about chores to get them ready for jobs. So how do you determine your kid's ability to do the chores? Or how many times should you ask for help around the house? Is a job chart effective? And can you just say "clean my space" or do you need an inspection with consequences? Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at easy chores for kids and ways to teach kids pride in housework. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru gives cleaning advice on parenting. Make it easy on yourself. Quick house cleaning tutorials will get your house clean and the rewards benefit the whole family. THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at https://askahousecleaner.com/chores RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Weekly Chore Chart Children Behavior Parent Kid - http://amzn.to/2xD9rdU NEATLINGS Chore Chart System | Reward & Responsibility | Customize for 1-3 kids |

Food expiration dates - what do they mean? We see terms like "guaranteed fresh", "sell by". "Expires by", "packed on", "packed dates", "best if used by", and "born date". Are these food expiration dates mandatory? Today on Ask a House Cleaner we learn about food expiration dates. Both those voluntary and those required by law. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru shares best ways to rotate food. Plus tips for cleaning out the fridge, the garage, the pantry and the freezer. No more spoiled food means a savvy cleaner and a savvy saver. THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at http://askahousecleaner.com/food-expiration-dates/  RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Fridgely App - https://fridgelyapp.com/  Keep Food Fresh Longer Stanley Adventure Vacuum Insulated Food Jar - http://amzn.to/2wcvOHB  EBlife Set of 4 Silicone Seal Bowl Covers and Food Stretch Lids Reusable Keep Food Fresh Plastic Wrap for Environmental Kitchen Tools - h

Spider web vs. cobweb - what's the difference? How do you clean a spider web vs. cobweb? Is cleaning a spider web vs. cobweb different for a professional house cleaner than a DIY cleaner? Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at you guessed it, spiderwebs and cobwebs. Tips from the World Spider Catalog about spider species, how spiders spin a web of silk to catch their prey. How they live on bugs and water and how cobwebs made of protein came to be. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru weighs in on maids clearing out cobwebs. Bonus: best extension pole tips. THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at http://askahousecleaner.com/spider-web-vs-cobweb/  RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/ask-smithsonian-how-do-spiders-make-webs-180957426/  World Spider Catalog - http://www.wsc.nmbe.ch/  High Reach Cleaning Kit with 10-Foot Extension Pole- Cleaning Kit for High Ceilings, Windows

The law of attraction is a business secret that will lead a savvy cleaner to success. Once you articulate your goals and identify what you want you can stake your claim. Today on Ask a House Cleaner we cover tips on The Law of Attraction and how it applies to house cleaners. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru affirms the self-help craze of the 80's vision boards. The Law of Attraction is like the suggestions of a Google search. Use strategy to recognize success when it arrives and measure results. What are you attracting? THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at https://askahousecleaner.com/the-law-of-attraction/ RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: The Law of Attraction: The Basics of the Teachings of Abraham - http://amzn.to/2g6rQMG Manifest Your Desires: 365 Ways to Make Your Dream a Reality - http://amzn.to/2ircH9D The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent: Living the Art of Allowing - http://amzn.to/2g70mGV Money, and the L

Photo release? Can't I just take before and after photos of the houses I've cleaned? Or do I need a photo release? Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at legal ways to market your cleaning business on social media. Before and after pictures need permission, a photo release and/or a creative commons license. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru gives tips on dirty vs. clean, slime vs. shine, and messy vs. organized photos. What you need to know before you take that shot. THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at https://askahousecleaner.com/photo-release/  RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Rocket Lawyer - https://www.rocketlawyer.com/search.rl?query=photo+release  Use of Likeness Photo Release for Photographers - https://www.rocketlawyer.com/article/when-you-need-a-photo-release.rl  Creative Commons License - https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/licensing-types-examples/  How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck: Advice t

Lazy employee can ruin your cleaning business. Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at complacency. Are your maids or house cleaners stuck in a rut? Are they skipping stuff or do they zone out while cleaning? A lazy employee is a bad example of leadership. If you have a lazy employee, it's time to redo the employee contract. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru says: "Counsel your house cleaners to be responsible. Set new rules, and don't allow sloppy work. A savvy cleaner will offer house cleaner training. Employees follow you. It's time to create a new routine and lead by example. THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at http://askahousecleaner.com/lazy-employee/ RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Practical Ways To Stop Procrastination: 30 Proven Strategies To Motivate Yourself And Stop Being Lazy - http://amzn.to/2vTOEVG  Extreme Focus: The 11 Keys to Laser Focus, Intense Concentration, and Titanic Productivity - http://am

Credit Cards. Should I take credit cards if I'm only one-person cleaning houses? Today we Ask a House Cleaner do I need a merchant account to grow my cleaning business? Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru agrees it's easier for people to pay with credit cards. And you can get your money through PayPal or Square. Keep a credit card on file if your customers trust you. With an app on your smartphone, every day you clean is payday. Lots of clients only pay with credit cards. And accepting them is a great way to market your cleaning business. THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at http://askahousecleaner.com/credit-cards/ RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Small Time Operator: How to Start Your Own Business, Keep Your Books, Pay Your Taxes, and Stay Out of Trouble - http://amzn.to/2vQds0s Starting a Business All-In-One For Dummies - http://amzn.to/2vQxBDL Billing and Collections Best Practices - http://amzn.to/2fXdVZn Accounti

Junk in junk out is a business philosophy. Junk in junk out refers to your early days as a house cleaner. If you are too busy to exercise, too busy to eat right. Or too busy to sleep at night, you can't be a savvy cleaner. Junk in junk out is about results. You reap what you sow. Today on Ask a House Cleaner, Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru, has an answer. "Things get better when you get better." And it comes from taking care of yourself first. You love the things you care for if you have insomnia you need a tune-up. Today's tips remind us You are more important than any car you will ever drive. THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at http://askahousecleaner.com/junk-in-junk-out/ RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: You Reap What You Sow: The Ancient Secret to Universal Success - http://amzn.to/2vTuTf0  The Art of Influence: Persuading Others Begins With You - http://amzn.to/2vTRx7e  My Philosophy for Successful Living

Stack the deck is an American idiom encouraging you to get the most of your house cleaner. When you stack the deck in your favor it means doing everyday routine tasks. Today on Ask a House Cleaner - you're the savvy cleaner when you stack the deck before your maid arrives. Expect problems, take necessary precautions and help them help you. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru says you can stack the deck when you clarify expectations. Pick up the house, find out how much cleaning will cost, and be prepared. THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at http://askahousecleaner.com/stack-the-deck/  RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: The Practical Preppers Complete Guide to Disaster Preparedness - http://amzn.to/2fTvGbQ  Daily Routines: Simple Solutions for Health and Longevity - http://amzn.to/2wawhfW  How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind: Dealing with Your House's Dirty Little Secrets - http://amzn.to/2waprqN  Living On

Close out is an end of day cleaning biz term that means you close out your accounts for the day and get paid for today. Ask a House Cleaner if a close out includes the inventory of cleaning supplies. And do you have a clean uniform for tomorrow? Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru says closing out your day covers everything. Close out today. Empty your vacuum. Check your equipment. Make sure your car has gas for tomorrow's cleaning. Make sure you have properly inflated tires. If you have business organization, you can keep your cleaning operation running smoothly. THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at http://askahousecleaner.com/close-out/  RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: How to Start, Run and Grow a Successful Residential & Commercial Cleaning Business - http://amzn.to/2fPH8oR  Clean and Grow Rich: How To Start and Operate Your Own Profitable Cleaning Business - http://amzn.to/2w6xwNh  How to Start Your Own House

Broken vacuum. "Nooooo." What should I do? This question comes from house cleaners with a broken vacuum and half a house left to clean. Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at options for a broken vacuum. It could be a suction problem, the vacuum is not picking up anything. You have an empty vacuum and you've checked the hose attachment - it's got to go to the shop. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru says it happens to every maid and every house cleaner. So ask to borrow the customer's vacuum or have a backup vacuum in your car. Every day check your equipment and have a vacuum repair shop on speed dial. THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification.  COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at http://askahousecleaner.com/broken-vacuum/ RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Best $50 Vacuum Cleaner Bissel Upright Powerforce Pet Hair Bagless Allergy - http://amzn.to/2vIB0Th Bissell 1831 Cleanview Upright Bagless Vacuum - http://amzn.to/2uKqZrx Dirt Devil Extreme Power 14.4 Volt

Depression. You know somebody whose house is a mess. They're filled with anxiety, gloom, sadness, misery, worry, and sorrow. The trouble with depression is you want to help, but you can't change someone else. Today on Ask a House Cleaner we dig into compassion and helping vs. enabling. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru covers mild depression to severe depression. "Get clear about your reasons for helping." Yes, you can volunteer, but you're still dealing with mental health and neglect. It's a classic case of desperation meets good Samaritan. They have to want to change and they may not want your help or maybe they just don't care. THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at http://askahousecleaner.com/depression/ RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Intervention: How to Help Someone Who Doesn't Want Help - http://amzn.to/2wO22J1 The Depression Cure: The 6-Step Program to Beat Depression without Drugs - http://amzn.to/2i3N6DC Th

Prejudice and bias towards house cleaners? If you are a cleaning service provider you're feeling the pinch from homeowner prejudice. Stuck in an old-fashioned mindset of chauvinism, racism, and bigotry. Maids and housekeepers with tattoos and facial piercings are feeling unwelcome. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru does a deep dive into open mindedness with a plea to home owners. "Hold off on the judgment, prejudice and pious attitude. Permission of acceptance the new norm. Get rid of your animosity, ageism, and sexism. A savvy cleaner knows that appearance and first impressions matter. But homeowners need to realize that narrow-mindedness and house cleaning don't mix. THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at http://askahousecleaner.com/prejudice/ RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: The Violence of Hate: Understanding Harmful Forms of Bias and Bigotry - http://amzn.to/2w5kRdS  "What I'm not confused about is the world..." q

Lock out! You can't get in to clean and the customer is not responding when you call or text. And you don't have an alarm code or a hidden key. What do you do? Can you prevent the lock out? As a maid service, a lock out means you're wasting time you could be earning money. Today on Ask a House Cleaner we cover tips you'll find in your maid service training and house cleaner training. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru gives tutorials on giving the homeowner a reminder of your cleaning. Charge a lock out fee, have them hide a key. And market your cleaning business in a way that prevents lockouts from happening. THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at http://askahousecleaner.com/lock-out/  RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: RamPro Hide-a-Spare-Key Fake Rock - Looks & Feels like Real Stone – Safe for Outdoor Garden or Yard, Geocaching - http://amzn.to/2hWrvNm  Kidde AccessPoint 001795 Combination TouchPoint Entry Key Lock

Part time expert or hack? A guy owns a business designing websites and moonlights as a house cleaner on the side. Can he bill himself as a part time expert or must he disclose to clients he's got two jobs? Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at entrepreneurs who wear lots of hats. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru says "Yes, be a part time expert. Clients hire you for solutions for a clean home. They don't want to know that you have another job." Divulging too much dilutes your authority and reduces your expertise. Be a Savvy Cleaner and be the expert of that window of your life. THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at http://askahousecleaner.com/part-time-expert/ RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Novelty COMPARTMENTALIZE 6" wide MAGNET of street sign design - http://amzn.to/2fAQ6Go  Feedback that Sticks: The Art of Effectively Communicating Neuropsychological Assessment Results - http://amzn.to/2vwXNBE  Impossible to I

Pet hair removal is a constant struggle for homeowners as they leave the house covered in dog hair and cat fur. So how do you get rid of pet hair on furniture, clothing, and carpets? Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at pet hair removal tips from cleaning professionals. Want to know what pet hair gadgets they've got in their cleaning caddy? Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru shares 7 of the best ways to remove pet hair. Hint: some of the items you already have. (Think fabric softener, pumice stone, squeegee and vacuum with hose attachment.) THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at http://askahousecleaner.com/pet-hair-removal/  RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: ChomChom Roller - Dog Hair, Cat Hair, Pet Hair Remover - http://amzn.to/2fvaIjF  Chemical Guys ACC_S06 Professional Rubber Pet Hair Removal Brush - http://amzn.to/2wwHG78  Nitrile Exam Gloves - Medical Grade, Powder Free, Latex Rubber Free, Disposable, Non-Sterile

In the moment is different from zoning out. The most important thing you can do when cleaning a house is to be in the moment. Today on Ask a House Cleaner we cover awareness vs. routine. Sequence vs. mental checklist. Being present and asking permission to shift gears when needed. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru says being in the moment gives you choices. Be alert, pay attention, be flexible, and be a savvy cleaner. THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at http://askahousecleaner.com/in-the-moment/ RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: In This Moment: Five Steps to Transcending Stress Using Mindfulness and Neuroscience - http://amzn.to/2vo7KCJ  The Nurture Effect: How the Science of Human Behavior Can Improve Our Lives and Our World - http://amzn.to/2voqW3e  The 7 Intuitive Laws of Employee Loyalty: Fascinating Truths About What It Takes to Create Truly Loyal and Engaged Employees - http://amzn.to/2hPoQoz  Intuitive Leaders

Clean countertops - is it even possible? And what is clean? Can you have clean countertops when you have a countertop microwave or a bread box? And what should you keep in your pantry rather than on your countertops? Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at cleaning advice from The House Cleaning Guru, Angela Brown. She says you can have clean countertops even if you have a dish drainer, or a countertop coffee maker. Some items are best out of sight out of mind. And of course, get rid of stuff that does not need to be there. You can be a savvy cleaner by following these tips to keep your kitchen clean. THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at http://askahousecleaner.com/clean-countertops/  RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: 2-Tier Standing Rack EZOWare Kitchen Bathroom Countertop 2-Tier Storage Organizer Spice Jars Bottle Shelf Holder Rack - Chrome - http://amzn.to/2vGJXin  Adjustable Natural Wood Desktop Storage Organizer Disp

Odor eliminator request. How do you stop the stink? Whether your odor is a lingering cigarette smell, kitty litter or pet urine, you've got a stinky problem. Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at non-toxic, natural, chemical-free ways for odor removal in your home. Angela Brown, The House Cleaning Guru talks allergens, bacteria, pollutants, and airborne contaminants. This goes beyond house cleaning training. Today's advice includes tips every homeowner can use. End the nasty smell in your house and say no to the stench. THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at http://askahousecleaner.com/odor-eliminator/ RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Odor Neutralizers ____________________  Bamboo Activated Charcoal Air Freshener, Deodorizer, and Purifier Bags - 100% Natural & Chemical Free - http://amzn.to/2vhZVwO  Hamilton Beach True Air Plug-Mount Odor Eliminator - http://amzn.to/2ulxJw4  DampRid FG69LV Odor Genie, Lavender Vanil

Blog, research, and writing. What does a blog have to do with house cleaning? Do I need a blog? Today on Ask a House Cleaner we look at ways to market your cleaning business that boost your authority. Writing a blog can grow your maid service through your expertise and tips you share through blogging. Write tutorials, create a blog and guest post on other authority websites. Being a savvy cleaner is more than knowing how to clean. It's about long term marketing that keeps you in business for the long haul. THIS SHOW WAS SPONSORED BY SAVVY CLEANER - House Cleaner Training and Certification. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES for this episode found at https://askahousecleaner.com/show  RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Blogging For Dummies - http://amzn.to/2vyRtvU  Blog, Inc.: Blogging for Passion, Profit, and to Create Community - http://amzn.to/2vyEhal  How to Write Great Blog Posts that Engage Readers - http://amzn.to/2vfAZGq  Starting a Successful Blog when you have NO CLUE!: 7 Steps to WordPress Bliss.... - http://amzn.to/2fn