FAQ

1. How long have you been in business?

We were incorporated by the state of Maryland and started operations in 1996. This year marks our 10th anniversary!

2. Are you a franchise?

We are not a franchise. Locally owned and operated, our office is right here in Frederick. Not being a franchise is important because it allows us to conduct our business in the way that we feel is most efficient and beneficial to our customers. For example, we started by sending out teams of 3 maids in company cars. We were imitating the success of some of the large franchises in the area. It wasn't long before we realized that what may work well for them… was not working well for us. We made the decision to switch to a 1-maid system.

3. What is the benefit of having just 1 maid?

We believe that one maid assumes a stronger sense of accountability and responsibility for the quality of work performed in your home. Most of our customers have chosen us because they like the idea of having their own personal maid. They also feel that having 1 person, as opposed to a team, is a more secure situation. The quality of your service … the security of your home … there's just 1 individual to bless or blame.

4. Will I get the same maid each time?

We invest a lot of effort in doing all that we can to send you the same maid. However, there will be times when your maid, or her kids, or her car, is sick. We can reschedule your service to a later date, or send another maid. Unless you have notified us otherwise, we will send out another maid. Whenever one of our professionals arrive in your home for the first time, you can feel confident in the knowledge that she has already proven herself in several other homes. She has a regular schedule of weekly and biweekly customers who are happy with our work.

5. How do you go about hiring new maids?

Good question! Some companies hiring standards are incredibly low. We understand that having a cleaning company in your home requires a great deal of trust. For your protection, we perform extensive pre-employment screening and criminal background checks before any employee is ever allowed in your home. They are under close scrutiny during training. Later, they know that being there (by themselves in your home) puts them solely in the spotlight.

6. Are your maids bonded and insured?

Yes! Whenever you're seeking someone to work inside your home, make sure they are properly bonded for honesty and insured for liability. We always practice safe cleaning. But, it's good to know you're protected for loss and/or breakage that could occur while we are in you home. Also, it's important that they are covered by workman's compensation ... unemployment security is being contributed ... and that proper taxes and social security are being withheld. We handle all of these "trivial details" so you're not held legally responsible.

7. Exactly, what is included in your regular service?

You define that! Because your house cleaning needs are not the same as everyone else's, we tailor your cleaning service to meet your specific requirements. Basically, we do a thorough job of dusting and vacuuming throughout your house. Attention is paid to baseboards, ceiling fixtures, cobwebs, sliding glass doors, windowsills, doorframes, etc. To keep your bill reasonable, we would normally rotate as many chores as possible. Kitchen and bathroom floors are always given special attention. The bathrooms and the kitchen sink and counter area must be sanitized, deodorized and disinfected. Essentially, we do all the things you would do if you had the time.

We do make beds and change linens IF they are left out on the bed. However, many of our customers have told us that they would prefer that we use that time more efficiently to focus more on the cleaning, since they make their own beds every day anyway.

Picture frames that are hung on the wall improperly can often be a breakage waiting to happen. If you want us to dust these, please let us know when setting up service. We will be as careful as possible; but we do not reimburse for broken picture frames.

Additional services include changing linens, watering plants, interior window washing, and interior cleaning of ovens and refrigerators. We do not clean outside furniture etc.

8. How do you charge?

On your first cleaning you are strictly paying for TIME. There is a 3-hour minimum. That dosn't mean we will only stay for 3 hours. If you want or need more time and willing to pay, we will gladly oblige. However, since the first time is not discounted, this may be your most expensive clean. If you like your maid and want to continue service on a weekly or biweekly schedule, we would offer you a firm, fixed, discounted price that is competitive with what other companies are charging in the area. Your neighbor may be paying substantially more or less for our service. That's because each customer has their own unique requirements, demands, concerns, and standards.

9. Do you use my cleaning supplies or do you bring your own?

We bring our own. Our vacuum cleaners are all equipped with HEPA filters which is especially helpful to people hampered with allergy problems. Our cleaning supplies are the same products you'll find on the grocery store shelves. We don't use any acid or toxic cleaning chemicals in your home. Should you prefer, we will be happy to use your vacuum or any of your cleaning supplies. Your paper towels will be used to windex your mirrors. We do not provide wood floor cleaner or wood furniture polish or cleaners. Why? There are many different types of wood, wood finishes, and customer preferences. Many of our customer prefer simply a water-moistend cloth or mop. If you prefer Pledge, Liquid Gold, Endust, etc., you would provide these products. For your hardwood floors, Bruce Hardwood floor cleaner is extremely popular. Also, we recommend you keep a swiffer mop on hand as a nice final touch if you have wood floors.

10. What if I'm not satisfied with your service?

To insure your complete satisfaction on your first clean, we need you to be there. Since you are paying for time, you can prioritize (if you are on a tight budget) to stay within the 3-hour minimum. We will be happy to stay as long as you need and until your standards have been met. Before your maid leaves, please check everything thoroughly and then sign-off when you are 100% satisfied with her work. That way, we have it in black and white; and we know that we won’t have to come back for anything missed!

On future cleans, you are not required to be there; and you have a discounted, fixed, flat rate. We stand behind our name, with your complete satisfaction being critical to our success. If you are not satisfied with our service, we will be happy to return within 24 hours and correct any problems at no additional charge or make an adjustment on your next clean.

11. Do I have to sign a long-term contract?

No. We appreciate your patronage and will work hard to keep you as our customer for a long time. We know that you will be loyal to us as long as we continue to provide quality service.

12. How do I pay for services?

You can leave a personal check on your kitchen counter or give it to your maid if you are home. For your initial (first time) service, we require your credit card number in order to secure your reserved time slot. If we arrive at your home and no one is there, we would charge your card $50. Also, if you continue service and normally pay by check and forget to leave it out, you can avoid a $10 invoicing fee by leaving your credit card number on file.

13. Do I tip my maid?

Tipping is allowed, but not expected. We believe that a tip is a pat on the back, a special thank you for a job done well. Another way to express your appreciation, is to complete your maid's report card in our "feedback" room.

14. Are you hiring now?

We are always interested in talking to people who take pride in a job well done. Our ideal candidates have a relatively stable work history. They must have their own transportation, speak fluent English and be able to read maps and follow driving directions. We perform throrough pre-employment screening and criminal background checks. Our employeess have to be animal lovers and good with people. To attract and retain the best people, we pay excellent wages and provide the best group health and life insurance plan available. We also have paid vacations, retirement plan, dental coverage, and even provide cellular phones.