Thank you for choosing
West Seattle Housekeeping!
This is our New Client Page to answer the most common questions and issues that arise when beginning service with us.
BEFORE YOUR CLEAN DAY:
Pre-Clean
Please clear off all floors and surfaces of any clutter, papers, clothing, dishes, etc. Kitchen sink and counters need to be free of dishes and clutter. The tidier things are when we arrive, the more we are able to actually clean.
Pro-Tip: Decorative baskets are your friend.
Stack of incoming mail? Basket!
Miscellaneous toiletries in the bathroom? Basket!
A tangle of cords beside the television? Basket!
For more ideas, visit: http://tinyurl.com/mozmzuw
THE DAY OF CLEANING:
Payment
Payment should be left on the kitchen counter on the day of service.
Cash is preferable - but we also accept checks made out to West Seattle Housekeeping. Payment is due on the date of service.
Tips
Tips are wonderful - thank you! Please note: tips must be left as cash or as a separate check made out to your housekeeper - 100% of that goes directly to him/her.
Access
On the first visit, you can meet us at the home to let us in, or hide a key somewhere. Long term, you'll either set up a lockbox or give us a copy of your house key.
Cleaning Supplies & Vacuum
We provide everything except vacuum. That said, if you have particular products you like used on certain items, please leave those out on the kitchen counter along with a note that has instructions.
Changing Sheets
If you’d like linens changed, just leave clean sheets out on the bed/s you'd like changed - that's our signal to change them.
Pets
We love pets and want to make sure they feel comfortable. If you have pets, let us know their names and any special instructions about them that you think might be helpful.
Dishes, Laundry, Windows
We don’t do dishes, laundry, or windows. That said, if you have any special cleaning requests, email Rachel to inquire. Time permitting, we are often able to accommodate. You’ll leave a note with instructions for your housekeeper on your kitchen counter, along with any extra tip for her extra time.
AFTER YOUR CLEAN:
Not all clients and all housekeepers are a perfect match. An important part of our cleaning philosophy is that people aren’t robots – no two cleaners clean the same way with the same eye for detail. Similarly, no two clients have the same needs. As a new client, it’s important to keep in touch with Rachel and your housekeeper about any particular things you’d like done or done differently. If for some reason you aren't super happy with the housekeeper assigned to you, don’t worry - it’s likely that we have a housekeeper who is a better fit!
THIS N’ THAT:
Training
Our current Lead Trainer is Anna, although we do a lot of cross-training as well. As such, you may sometimes see your regular housekeeper working with a trainee. Of course, we thoroughly screen and background check all housekeepers before hire. At the end of each clean, the trainer will always thoroughly inspect to ensure that all work is up to par. Training cleans may on occasion take a wee bit longer but your rate will stay the same regardless.
Pet/House Sitting
Once you’ve developed a comfortable relationship with your housekeeper, s/he may be available for private hire to home or pet sit whenever you are away. Feel free to ask!
Extras
If you have some extra tasks you’d like done (oven cleaning, sweeping the porch, etc) email Rachel to inquire. We may be able to add one-time or recurring tasks.
Cancellation Policy
We don't have a formal cancellation policy. We try not to cancel and we hope you'll do the same. That said, it happens from time to time. Please give us as much notice as possible, and we will do the same for you. If someone in your home has a true flu, let us know asap. We will reschedule your clean.
Fragile or Broken Items
Our housekeepers are trained to be careful and respectful with your belongings. Let us know in advance if an item is fragile or already broken so we'll know to use extra caution. Let us know too about any hazards in the home - a loose stair railing, etc. It rarely happens, but if something does break while we are in your home, you'll be notified immediately and we'll work with you to replace the item as needed.