Housekeeping services often charge more when pets are present for several valid reasons, and many people consider this extra charge to be fair, but some pet owners may consider this rather unfair.

Housekeeping surcharge on hourly rates is more expensive when pets are present for these reasons:

Increased Hair and Dander: Pets, especially dogs and cats, shed a significant amount of hair and dander. This gets everywhere – on carpets, upholstery, furniture, and even in the air. Removing pet hair requires more intensive vacuuming, dusting, and specialized tools (like lint rollers or pet hair removers) and takes more time and effort than a standard clean.
Odour Elimination: Pets can leave behind noticeable odors, even if they are generally clean. These odors can embed themselves in carpets, fabrics, and even walls. Housekeepers may need to use specific odor-eliminating products, air purifiers, or even perform deeper cleaning techniques like steam cleaning to neutralize these smells.
Stains and Accidents: Accidents happen, and pets can leave behind urine, feces, vomit, or slobber stains. These require immediate and often specialized cleaning to prevent permanent damage and lingering odors. Enzymatic cleaners are often necessary to break down pet waste effectively.
More Intensive Cleaning of Pet-Specific Items: Pet beds, toys, and food/water bowls can harbor dirt, bacteria, and allergens. Housekeepers may need to wash or disinfect these items, adding to the overall workload.
Allergen Control: Pet dander is a common allergen. For the benefit of future occupants or even the cleaning staff themselves, a more thorough cleaning focused on allergen removal (e.g., using HEPA filter vacuums, wiping down all surfaces) may be necessary.
Additional Wear and Tear: Pets can cause more wear and tear on a home's surfaces, from scratches on floors or furniture to general dirt accumulation from paws. While this isn't always directly addressed by a "pet fee," it contributes to the overall need for more frequent or intensive cleaning.
Time and Labor: All of the above factors translate directly into more time and labor for the housekeepers. If they are paid hourly, more time means a higher cost. If they charge a flat rate, they need to account for the increased effort.

Is it fair to charge more?

Generally, yes, it is considered fair to charge more for housekeeping services when pets are present. Here’s why:

Cost of resources: The additional cleaning supplies, specialized equipment (like heavy-duty vacuums designed for pet hair), and sometimes even cleaning solutions for stains and odors, cost more.
Time is money: As mentioned, the extra time and effort required to clean a pet-occupied home directly impacts the cleaner's income. They have a finite amount of time in a day, and if one job takes longer, it reduces the number of other jobs they can take on.
Specialized skill/knowledge: Dealing with pet messes and odors can require specific techniques and knowledge to ensure a truly clean and fresh environment.
Risk of damage: While not always factored into a standard pet cleaning surcharge, pets can cause damage (scratches, chewing, etc.) that may require professional repair or replacement, adding to the overall cost of maintaining a property.
Transparency: Reputable cleaning services will typically be upfront about their pet surcharges, explaining the reasons behind them. This allows clients to make an informed decision.

In essence, the extra charge for housekeeping with pets is a reflection of the increased workload, specialized tools, and potential issues that come with maintaining a clean environment alongside furry companions.

The decision to use green cleaning products versus general-purpose cleaning products depends on your priorities regarding health, environmental impact, efficacy, and cost. We carry both types of products and the type we use depends on your preference.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

1. Health Impacts: General Purpose Cleaning Products: Often contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, chlorine, phthalates, parabens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These can cause headaches, eye, nose, and throat irritation, skin allergies, and respiratory issues, especially for those with asthma. Regular exposure can potentially lead to more severe long-term health problems, including increased risk of asthma and lung damage (some studies suggest it can be as harmful as smoking). Children and pets are particularly vulnerable due to their smaller size and proximity to cleaned surfaces.

Green Cleaning Products: Generally made with natural, plant-derived, non-toxic, and biodegradable ingredients. They are less likely to release harmful VOCs, improving indoor air quality and reducing the risk of allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and skin irritation. “Fragrance-free” green products emit even fewer VOCs.

2. Environmental Impacts: General Purpose Cleaning Products:
   Water Pollution: Many chemicals are not biodegradable and can accumulate in soil and waterways, harming aquatic life and ecosystems.

Air Pollution: VOCs contribute to outdoor air pollution and can damage the ozone layer. Manufacturing processes often involve burning fossil fuels, leading to significant carbon emissions.

Waste: Often come in non-recyclable packaging, contributing to landfills.
Resource Depletion: May use ingredients from non-renewable sources.

Green Cleaning Products:

Biodegradable: Break down into harmless substances, reducing their impact on ecosystems and water pollution.

Reduced Emissions: Manufacturing processes often involve renewable resources and generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable Packaging: Often packaged in recyclable or biodegradable materials.
Water Conservation: Some green cleaning methods and concentrated formulas can reduce water consumption.

3. Efficacy: General Purpose Cleaning Products: Are often very effective at cleaning and disinfecting due to their strong chemical formulations. For deeply ingrained stains or industrial-level grime, they might have an edge.
   Green Cleaning Products: Advances in green chemistry have led to eco-friendly products that are often just as effective as conventional ones for most household dirt, grime, and bacteria. Natural ingredients like vinegar, citric acid, and essential oils have proven cleaning and antimicrobial properties. However, for specific disinfection needs, especially in healthcare settings, it’s crucial to ensure the green product has validated efficacy against bacteria, viruses, or fungi (look for EPA or DIN registered disinfectants, which may or not be “green” certified for other attributes).
4. Cost: General Purpose Cleaning Products: Often have a lower upfront cost.
   Green Cleaning Products: While some green cleaning products might appear more expensive per bottle, they are often concentrated, meaning a smaller amount is needed for the same job, leading to long-term savings. They can also lead to fewer health-related costs (medical expenses, sick days) due to reduced exposure to harmful chemicals, and can extend the life of surfaces and carpets by being gentler.

Conclusion:

For most everyday cleaning needs in a home or office, green cleaning products are generally the recommended choice. They offer significant benefits for human health, indoor air quality, and the environment without sacrificing efficacy for typical cleaning tasks. While the initial cost might sometimes be slightly higher, the long-term benefits for your well-being and the planet often outweigh this difference.

If you have specific, heavy-duty cleaning or disinfection requirements (e.g., healthcare settings), it’s important to ensure that any cleaning product, green or conventional, meets the necessary efficacy standards. The choice is yours, just let us know if you prefer the one over the other.

Ah, Mom’s wisdom. It’s a wellspring of practical advice, often delivered with a twinkle in her eye and a “back in my day” preamble. And when it comes to cleaning, her insights are nothing short of legendary. Forget the latest gadgets and chemical concoctions; Mom’s cleaning philosophy is rooted in common sense, consistency, and a surprising amount of psychology.

One of her most enduring lessons? “A place for everything, and everything in its place.” This seemingly simple adage is the bedrock of a tidy home. It’s not about obsessive neatness, but about creating systems. If every item has a designated “home,” putting things away becomes a reflex, not a chore. This proactive approach prevents clutter from accumulating, making those deeper cleans less daunting.

Then there’s the power of “little and often.” My mom wasn’t a fan of the all-day Saturday cleaning marathon. Instead, she advocated for daily tidying. Wiping down the kitchen counter after every meal, a quick sweep of the floor, making the bed each morning – these small, consistent efforts prevent dirt and disarray from becoming overwhelming. It’s the cleaning equivalent of compound interest; small investments yield significant returns over time.

And let’s not forget the wisdom of “elbow grease.” While she appreciated a good cleaning product, Mom always emphasized the importance of good old-fashioned effort. A bit of scrubbing, a thorough wipe, really getting into those corners – she knew that sometimes, the best solution wasn’t in a bottle, but in a bit of genuine hard work. She also instilled the belief that a clean home was a sign of respect, for yourself and for your living space.

But perhaps the most profound piece of Mom’s cleaning wisdom was more about attitude than action: “Cleanliness is next to godliness, but a little mess never hurt anyone.” This was her gentle reminder that perfection is an illusion. While a clean home is wonderful, life happens. There will be spills, toys on the floor, and moments of glorious chaos. Her wisdom wasn’t about achieving an unattainable ideal, but about creating a comfortable, functional, and cared-for environment where life could truly flourish.

So, the next time you’re faced with a cleaning challenge, remember Mom’s timeless advice. It’s not just about spotless surfaces; it’s about establishing good habits, embracing consistent effort, and understanding that a truly clean home is one that feels lived-in, loved, and allows you to simply be.

House vacuuming and cleaning frequency depends on a variety of factors, including household size, presence of pets and children, and individual tolerance for mess. While there’s no universal “right” answer, here’s a general guide to help you establish a cleaning routine that works for you.

Daily Tasks (5-15 minutes): These are quick, impactful tasks that prevent dirt and clutter from accumulating.

Make your bed: A simple act that makes the room look tidier.

Wipe down kitchen counters and sink: Prevents food buildup and keeps the area hygienic.
Spot clean bathroom surfaces: A quick wipe of the sink and toilet seat can go a long way.
Tidy up clutter: Put away items that are out of place.
Sweep or vacuum high-traffic areas: Especially important if you have pets or kids.

Weekly Tasks (1-3 hours, depending on house size): These are more thorough cleanings of specific areas.

Dust all surfaces: Including furniture, shelves, and electronics.

Vacuum or mop all floors: Pay attention to corners and under furniture.
Clean bathrooms thoroughly: Toilets, showers, sinks, and floors.
Clean kitchen thoroughly: Counters, sink, stovetop, and microwave.
Empty all trash cans.
Change bed linens.

Monthly Tasks (Focused on deeper cleaning of specific items/areas):

Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans.

Clean mirrors and windows.
Wipe down baseboards and doors.
Clean inside of microwave and refrigerator.
Vacuum or spot clean upholstery.

Quarterly/Seasonal Tasks (Less frequent but important for maintenance):

Wash curtains or blinds.

Clean carpets and rugs (professionally or with a machine).

Deep clean oven.
Clean out pantry and cupboards.
Wash walls (if needed).
Clean gutters (exterior task, but important for home maintenance).

Factors to Consider for Adjusting Frequency:

Pets: Expect to vacuum and dust more often.

Children: More spills, more toys, more dirt tracked in. Daily tidying and weekly cleaning will be crucial.
Allergies: If anyone in the household suffers from allergies, more frequent dusting and vacuuming (with a HEPA filter) is recommended.
Work-from-home: If you're home more, your house might get messier faster, requiring more frequent touch-ups.
Personal Preference: Some people are more comfortable with a bit of mess, while others prefer a spotless home. Adjust your routine to your comfort level.

Ultimately, the best cleaning schedule is one that you can realistically maintain and that keeps your home feeling comfortable and healthy. Don’t be afraid to adjust as your needs and circumstances change. Breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks can also make the entire process feel less daunting.