Green Housekeeping and Carpet Cleaning
In Los Angeles For Home, Office and Events!

What is the 'Green Movement'?
It's a collective term for the individuals and organizations involved in efforts to protect the environment and the population.

Are the products you use really all natural?
Pretty much.  While with current technology it's possible to replace nearly every cleaning agent with a natural supplement,  there are occasions where to get a job done, a chemical may be used (such as a oven cleaning agent). However, whenever possible we use all natural, non-petroleum based products that are non-toxic, hypo-allergenic and safe for your family, animals and the environment.

Why not just use standard cleaners?
Conventional housecleaning can actually be dirtying the environment. Here are some tips on choosing household cleansers that will help keep your home both clean and “green.”

Avoid harmful ingredients. Though they might not bear a warning label, many household cleansers contain ingredients that pose problems for your health and the environment.

• Petroleum: Many conventional detergents (“surfactants”), solvents, and polishes contain paraffin, mineral oil, diethylene glycol, perchloroethylene, or butyl cellosolve—all of which are derived from petroleum. Extraction and refinement of this nonrenewable resource contribute to air and water pollution.
• Phosphates/EDTA: Phosphates, which have traditionally been used in detergents to soften water and increase cleaning power, encourage algae growth in waterways, depriving marine life of oxygen. EDTA, a common substitute for phosphates, degrades slowly in the environment.
•  Phthalates: Manufacturers of many cleaning products use phthalates to prolong their products’ scent. However, these chemicals have been linked to cancer and disease of the reproductive system in laboratory animals.
• Antibacterial agents: The use of cleansers containing antibacterials such as triclosan and benzalkonium chloride could be contributing to an increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, resulting in human illnesses that are more difficult to treat.
• Chlorine bleach: This popular whitener and disinfectant can harm the environment by contributing to the formation of organochlorines (chlorine-carbon compounds) such as the chlorofluorocarbons that damage Earth’s ozone layer.

Choose “greener” alternatives. It’s possible to give your house an adequate cleaning without harmful chemicals. Look for products that contain environmentally friendly ingredients such as:

•  Citrus- and plant-based oils. Natural oils can be used as degreasers (orange, lemon), disinfectants (tea tree, eucalyptus, Hydrogen Peroxide), and polishes (olive, almond). They also freshen the air at the same time.
• Sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, and sodium silicate. These compounds work like phosphates and EDTA to soften water, but without the harmful impact.
•  Enzymes. Natural drain openers use digesting bacteria and enzymes to eat through most clogs.
• Non-chlorine bleach. These products use oxygen to whiten and brighten clothes.

Do the green products you use disinfect?
Alcohol and Hydrogen Peroxide can be use as a less harmful way of disinfecting, but none of the green product manufacturers we use make disinfecting products yet (but some are pending FDA approvals).

Our position with this issue is that antibacterial cleaners can upset the microbial balance by creating "Super bacteria" resistant to killing bacteria that is beneficial to humans.  And most antibacterial ingredients on the market today are toxic with harmful health effects.  Overall, we don't believe that using toxic, anti-microbial agents or disinfectants is consistent with our philosophy of creating a healthy home, and cleaning a surface often is just as effective as using a disinfecting product.

Here’s the thing with disinfectants: according to the Washington Toxics Coalition, in order for them to work effectively, they have to remain on a surface for at least 30 minutes.  And that surface has to be cleaned first.  To us, the idea of soaking your tables in pesticides seems a bit crazy.

Cleaning and killing are two completely different things.  We have more bacteria in our bodies (up to 500 different types) than cells.  Surprisingly enough, this is a good thing, as bacteria helps digestion, makes vitamins in our system and helps fight off various diseases.

There is a serious reason for not wanting to kill bacteria.  The more you use cleaners that kill bacteria, the more the bacteria becomes resistant to those things.  You are basically creating super bacteria that eventually we’ll never be able to clean.  The goal is to instead wash away or simply remove the bacteria and grime that is there.

Who will be cleaning my home?
Why use a large company that sends whomever to your house, where you may get a different service person each time?  We are a family owned business and believe that housekeeping is not just about the actual job, its also about relationships.  We care about our customers.  Ask any of them and they will tell you; They trust us, they recommend us and they love us! In our business, we work with family, friends and other close associates who only have your best interests in mind.

What if something is damaged during the cleaning?
Of course your home will be cared for and respected.  In the unlikely event that something becomes damaged or destroyed as a result of our cleaning, we will make every effort to repair or if necessary, replace the item.  When appropriate, insurance claims will be filed.

Do I need to provide cleaning supplies?
Not unless you want to!  Some of our clients have antique furniture, collectibles or other items that are sensitive to chemicals or require special care.  The good thing about using natural products is that they are not harsh and can be used on almost anything!

Will I have to be home?
Only if you want to be.  Some of our customers prefer not to be home, others like the company. Either way we will leave the decision up to you. Just remember to keep us up to date if your schedule or cleaning needs change. 

Payment for service
A simple check can be left on your kitchen counter if you are not home the day of service. Cash payments are also accepted. If you have a need beyond this send us an email or give us a call so we can accommodate you.

Kitchen

• Clean, dry, and shine all appliance surfaces, range hood, and sink.
• Clean INSIDE your fridge.
  
• Clean stove drip pans, burner grates, and control knobs.
• Clean countertops.
• Damp-wipe cupboard fronts, table, and chairs.
• Clean microwave oven inside and out, including turntable.

Rooms

• Dust baseboards, light fixtures, furniture, sills, shelves, blinds, and décor.
• Remove cobwebs.
• Vacuum/Mop all floors, carpets, rugs and stairs.
• Vacuum cloth furniture including under cushions.
• Clean glass surfaces.
• Make up or change linens (when requested).
• Empty wastebaskets.

Bathrooms

• Clean showers, tubs, and sinks inside and out.
• Scrub toilet, including bowl, seat, lid, tank, and base.
• Clean, dry, and shine all mirrors, chrome, and tile.
• Damp-wipe cabinet fronts.
• Clean all shelves, fixtures, and items on vanity.

In our business, we deal with everyone from busy single mothers in a 2 bedroom apartments to wealthy Entrepreneurs in 6 bedroom, 10 million dollar homes in exclusive communities.  We didn't get our high end clients by damaging their belongings, that's for sure! But they recommend us to their friends, coworkers and neighbors. Why? Because they trust us, wholeheartedly.  

Of course your home will be cared for and respected, along with your privacy.  In the unlikely event that something becomes damaged or destroyed as a result of our cleaning, we will make every effort to repair or if necessary, replace the item.  When appropriate, insurance claims will be filed.

What should I expect with my first visit?
With our first visit to your home, we will be assessing the needs of your home and also align ourselves with your expectations.  Typically the initial cleaning will be 2 Hours longer than a standard cleaning for a total of 2-5 hours (but usually less than 4).  

Also, To help us ensure that we give your home the attention it deserves, please take the following measures:

• Please remove any unwashed flatware and/or dishes from the kitchen sink and countertops. Also,
• Please maintain a limited amount of bathroom toiletries that are on bathroom countertops

What if I'm not happy with my results?
Your satisfaction is our top priority. If anything is not as expected please do not hesitate to call or email us with your concerns.  Your feedback, positive or negative, is valuable to our business!  If you ever feel our visit was unsatisfactory, let us know within 24 hours and we will re-clean these areas at no charge.

What about tipping?
That's up to you, but it's always welcomed and appreciated!