Tom's Tips

You can ask Tom your own question. Just drop him a line on our Contact Us Page.

Q: Do I need to clean before a cleaning crew arrives. I know that I am not the only one who does this. What do you suggest?

Tom: No cleaning needed but if you can put away things that can be damaged or that you don’t want moved would be the best way to prepare for a cleaning.

Q: What is the recommended time to come clean my home.

Tom: No particular time is better or worse but just a time that works with your schedule. If you don’t mind having us there we can work around you but probably easier for all if you or others can give us most of the house to work in without having to wait for you.

Q: I know you bring your own cleaning supplies. Can you use mine if I prefer?

Tom: We provide top quality, green products but we can use your supplies if you prefer with a few exceptions. We don’t use bleach or strong acids and we need notice at the office of what you would like us to use so we can inform the cleaning team.

Q: What is the best way to clean my hardwood floors?

Tom: Regular dust mopping or vacuuming is good and then a damp mop rinse (not wet) with a neutral cleaner to remove tougher marks.

Q: What happens if something is broken while your crew cleans my home? Will I find unwelcome surprised under beds or tucked away. Hiding mistakes has been a problem with other cleaning people.

Tom: Tri Maids cleaners have very strict instructions to notify the homeowner either in person or by note of any breakage. They then notify our office and our office manager will be in touch with the homeowner to either replace or repair the damaged item. No arguments, just swift action.

Q: What do I do with my pets when a cleaning company comes? I have 2 indoor cats and a dog.

Tom: Pets are fine but we can’t manage them very well. We do go in and out and if they are determined to escape they may do that. If you are worried about them escaping maybe they can be locked in the garage or one bedroom and leave us a note that you have an “inmate” under lockdown.

Q: How can I maintain that my “just cleaned” home as long as possible?

Tom: Common sense about keeping things picked up and try to stop as much dirt at the door and windows is best.

Q: What do you recommend I do with all my clutter?

Tom: We can help organize your clutter if you let us or if that doesn’t work for you if you can just put it in one area & leave us a note so we don’t “fix” it for you.

Q: I am having a party and would love to have your crew clean up after the party. But my guests won’t finish dinner until after 10. Can you I have a crew to clean, do dishes and take out trash that late. I would hate waking up to a messy house after a dinner party.

Tom: We do party clean ups if we can plan in advance to have a crew available.

Q: Do I need to leave lunch for your crew. My private cleaning person required I leave lunch in addition to money for transportation.

Tom: Our cleaners bring their own cleaning supplies and eat lunch they bring. They are always appreciative of a treat if you want to leave it but it is not required or expected.

Q: Do you do laundry, bed linens? Ironing?

Tom: We can do some of that but often we are not at the house long enough to do a complete load of laundry. We can change sheets and make beds if you leave new sheets out for us to change. Ironing is on a case by case basis.

Q: I don’t want a crew to come in to my office because of the computers; can I be sure that they will stay out?

Tom: Just leave a note on the door saying that door is not to be opened and that will take care of that.

Q: I live in a recent fire area. Do you have any tips to help keep the black sooty dust from being tracked all over my home?

Tom: Walk off mats are the best place to start with getting everyone to wipe off their shoes. Regular vacuuming of traffic areas near the door or dust mopping hard floors near the doors will help a lot too. You may want to consider weather stripping and make sure that all doors and windows close snugly. Much the same way weather proofing keeps cold or warm air out, soot will also not find it's way in as easily.