FAQs – Booking & Service
How do I book my cleaning
Booking Instructions for Move-in/Move-out Cleaning: To ensure a smooth move-in/move-out cleaning process, please make sure to select the appropriate move-in/move-out package when booking. Failure to do so may result in incomplete service and the booking may not be confirmed.
Deep Cleaning Requirement for Larger Homes: For homes with more than 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, selecting the deep cleaning option is mandatory. This ensures that our staff members have sufficient time to thoroughly clean these larger homes, as it would be unfair to expect them to complete the task within a shorter timeframe.
Determining the Cleaning Level for Your Home: To determine the appropriate cleaning level for your home, please consider the following guidelines:
- If your home has not received professional cleaning in the past year, please select “Very Dirty.”
- If your home has been professionally cleaned within the last 6 months, please select “Pretty Dirty.”
- If your home has been professionally cleaned within the last 3 months, please select “Slightly Dirty.”
These guidelines help us allocate the necessary time and resources to ensure a satisfactory cleaning experience for your home.
How does the pricing work?
A single cleaning session is priced at $59 per hour, and a minimum of 2 hours is required. However, if you opt for a regular cleaning schedule (weekly, fortnightly) the same service will be available at a discounted rate of $49 per hour.
What is included in a Regular clean
Recommended Cleaning Tasks:
- Kitchen: Thoroughly clean the sink, countertops, upper and lower cabinet faces, and stove top.
- All Rooms: Clean all exterior surfaces in each room.
- Floors: Mop and vacuum all floors.
- Bathroom: Perform a comprehensive cleaning of the toilet, shower, handles, tub, and drain.
- Bedroom: Clean shelving, nightstands, and bed frames, and tidy up the bed.
- Window Sills: Ensure all window sills are cleaned.
Exclusions:
- Additional Services: Please note that any extra services not included in the standard cleaning package must be selected separately and may incur an additional cost.
- Deep Cleaning: The additional time allocated for deep cleaning allows for more detailed work on the tasks mentioned in the “Do’s” section.
These guidelines ensure a thorough and efficient cleaning service while providing clarity on what is included in the standard package and what may require extra attention or additional charges.
What is included in a Deep clean
Recommended Cleaning Tasks:
- Deep Cleaning Tasks: All tasks included in a Deep clean are covered.
- Baseboards: Thoroughly clean the baseboards throughout the space.
- Light Switches & Door Handles: Clean and disinfect light switches and door handles.
- Detailed Dusting: Perform a detailed dusting of surfaces, including furniture, shelves, and decorative items.
- Backsplashes and Faucet Fixtures: Polish and shine backsplashes and faucet fixtures.
- Light Organization: Conduct a light organization of all rooms. For more extensive organization, please select the add-on service.
- Extra Time for High Detail Areas: Allocate an additional hour to focus on high detail areas that require extra attention.
Exclusions:
- Additional Services: Please note that any extra services not included in the standard cleaning package must be selected separately and may incur an additional cost.
By including these additional tasks and clarifying the exclusions, we aim to provide a comprehensive cleaning service that addresses high detail areas while ensuring transparency regarding any extra services that may be needed.
What is included in a Move in/out clean
When scheduling a Move Out or Move In cleaning, you can anticipate a comprehensive and all-inclusive service. This package is designed to provide the highest level of detail and includes four out of the seven additional services we offer, which can be added to any cleaning package. These extras consist of cleaning the inside of the oven, inside of the fridge, inside of cabinets, and cleaning the interior of all windows.
Our Move Out or Move In cleaning is specifically tailored to transform a previously occupied home back to its original state, ensuring it is pristine and prepared for new homeowners.
Do I need to be home for the cleaner
We offer flexible options for access to your home during the cleaning service. It is entirely up to you and your personal preference how you would like to manage access. You can choose from the following options:
1. Letting Us In and Leaving: If you prefer, you can let our cleaning professionals into your home and then leave while the cleaning takes place. This allows you to carry on with your schedule or run errands while we take care of the cleaning tasks.
2. Letting Us In and Staying: If you feel more comfortable being present during the cleaning service, you are welcome to stay in your home while our team carries out the cleaning. This allows you to supervise or provide any specific instructions if needed.
3. Leaving a Key: If you are unable to be present during the cleaning or prefer not to stay, you have the option to leave a key for our team. We will securely hold and use the key to access your home for the scheduled cleaning. This provides convenience for both parties, as our team can start the cleaning efficiently.
We respect your privacy and the security of your home. Whichever option you choose, our cleaning professionals are trained to handle access responsibly and ensure the safety and security of your property.
Please communicate your preferred access arrangement when scheduling your cleaning service, and we will accommodate your request accordingly.
When will my Cleaner arrive
Upon booking our cleaning service, you will receive a specific date and time for your appointment. This initial date and time (or a window of time) will be provided to you during the booking process.
As your scheduled booking approaches, we will confirm the date and time once again to ensure that it aligns with your availability and to reconfirm our cleaning professional’s arrival. We understand the importance of timely communication and strive to keep you informed throughout the process.
By confirming the appointment closer to the booking date, we can address any last-minute changes, make necessary adjustments, and ensure that our cleaning team arrives as scheduled. This helps us provide a reliable and punctual service, respecting your time and schedule.
Rest assured, we are committed to maintaining effective communication and providing you with a confirmed date and time for your cleaning appointment.
First time client, what clean should I book
Spruce & Shimmer highly recommends a deep clean for all first-time cleanings. This specialized service provides our team with additional time to thoroughly address any areas that may have been overlooked during previous regular cleanings. The deep clean ensures that every nook and cranny is meticulously cleaned and refreshed.
Following the initial deep clean, many of our customers choose to transition to our standard 2-hour clean. This regular cleaning service is designed to maintain the cleanliness and tidiness of your space, providing a consistent level of cleanliness moving forward.
By starting with a deep clean and then transitioning to a standard 2-hour clean, SPRUCE aims to deliver exceptional cleaning results while accommodating the specific needs and preferences of our valued customers.
Can I give you my house key
Yes, we offer the option for you to provide us with a key for your property. However, we strongly encourage our clients to consider using a lockbox on their property to securely store the key.
Having a lockbox on your property offers several benefits. Firstly, it helps maintain the privacy and security of your key, as it remains safely stored on your property. Secondly, it allows our cleaning professionals to start their day directly from their own homes, rather than having to collect keys from our office each morning. This streamlined process helps us optimize our operations and keep our rates competitive.
While we take great care in handling your key and ensure the security of your property, using a lockbox provides an added layer of convenience and peace of mind for both parties involved.
Do you use toxic cleaning supplies
In certain situations where tough-to-clean areas are encountered, we may need to utilize specialized cleaning solutions that are considered “harsh” or more powerful than standard cleaning products. These solutions are specifically chosen to effectively address stubborn stains, grime, or buildup in areas such as a glass shower door with calcium buildup.
One example of a cleaning solution we may use for such instances is CLR (Calcium, Lime, and Rust remover). CLR is a specifically formulated product designed to tackle tough mineral deposits like calcium and lime buildup. We prioritize the use of these chemicals only when necessary and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe and effective cleaning.
Rest assured, our cleaning professionals are trained to handle these products responsibly and take necessary precautions to minimize any potential risks. Your safety and the protection of your property are of utmost importance to us.
If you have any concerns or specific preferences regarding the use of certain cleaning products in your home, please communicate them to our team, and we will do our best to accommodate your requests.
Why do I select level of cleanliness
At our cleaning service, we have simplified the process of booking cleaning services by eliminating the need for a standard home walk-through and the inclusion of square footage in our pricing structure. Instead, we offer three distinct options for you to choose from, ensuring that the allocated time will be sufficient to clean your home effectively.
By providing these options, we aim to streamline the booking process, making it more convenient and efficient for our customers. You can select the option that best aligns with your needs and preferences, knowing that the allocated time will be appropriate for cleaning your home thoroughly. Our goal is to provide a seamless and hassle-free experience when booking our cleaning services.
Does the cleaner use my products or theirs
Our cleaning professionals come fully equipped with all the necessary products and equipment needed to perform the cleaning service. We take extra precautions to ensure that our equipment is regularly sanitized to prevent any cross-contamination between jobs.
If you have specific preferences or requirements regarding the cleaning products used in your home, we are more than happy to accommodate your requests. Please let us know in advance, and we will discuss the details to ensure that your preferred products are used during the cleaning service.
At our cleaning service, we value open communication and strive to provide a personalized cleaning experience that meets your needs and preferences. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we are committed to delivering a clean and healthy environment in your home.
Do you clean outside my house
Please note that our insurance coverage exclusively protects our cleaning professionals while they are working inside your home. Our insurance policy does not extend to cover any damages or incidents that occur outside the premises during the service. It is important to ensure that any potential risks or liabilities beyond the scope of our service are appropriately addressed by the property owner or individual responsible. We encourage you to review your own insurance coverage for any additional protection or coverage you may require.
How long does the cleaning take?
The duration of the cleaning service can vary depending on your home’s size and condition, ranging from two to six hours. Our team will provide you with guidelines based on your specific requirements, but ultimately, you have the freedom to choose the duration that suits you best.
For regularly cleaned homes, we typically recommend allocating approximately 30 minutes per room. However, if you only need specific areas cleaned, simply inform us, and the cleaner will focus solely on those designated areas.
If you find that you require more time for additional tasks, your cleaner may be able to accommodate depending on their schedule. Just inform us, and we will make the necessary adjustments to your account based on the agreed-upon extension.
FAQs – What happens when…
What happens if the cleaner decides to leave early?
At Spruce and Shimmer, our goal is to ensure your satisfaction and provide a thorough cleaning experience. Our cleaners are trained to utilize the allocated time to its fullest potential and complete all the tasks within that timeframe. If, by any chance, a cleaner finishes early they will use the alloted time frame to find more tasks.
We value open communication and want to address any concerns promptly. Our customer support team will be ready to assist you and ensure that any unfinished areas are properly taken care of. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we strive to provide the best cleaning service possible.
What happens if something breaks?
While rare, accidents can happen during the cleaning process. We understand that valuable objects may hold sentimental or monetary significance to you. If any such accidents occur, we urge you to contact our office immediately so that we can initiate the necessary steps to resolve the situation.
Our cleaning service is insured, and we will work closely with our insurance provider to address the matter promptly and professionally. We take responsibility for any damage caused by our cleaning professionals and will make every effort to facilitate the replacement or repair of the damaged object.
Your satisfaction and peace of mind are important to us, and we appreciate your cooperation in promptly reporting any incidents. Rest assured, we will do our utmost to rectify the situation and ensure your satisfaction.
What happens if the job was underquoted and needs more time?
When making an online booking, it is crucial to accurately select the current level of cleanliness of your home. This information helps us allocate the appropriate amount of time required to clean your home during the scheduled booking. Selecting the correct level of cleanliness ensures that our cleaning professionals can provide an effective and thorough cleaning service.
If the booking information does not accurately reflect the level of cleanliness, it may result in insufficient time allocated for the cleaning. In such cases, we may need to reschedule the appointment at the full rate to ensure that adequate time is available for the cleaning process.
We kindly request your cooperation in providing accurate information during the booking process to ensure that we can deliver the best possible service. Should you have any questions or need assistance in determining the level of cleanliness for your home, please feel free to reach out to our customer support team for guidance.
What happens if I didn't like the clean?
Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and if you are not entirely satisfied with our service for any reason, we encourage you to contact us immediately. Our customer support team will provide further instructions on how to address your concerns and ensure your satisfaction.
In the event that a re-scheduled clean is required, we kindly request that you arrange it within 2 business days of the original appointment. This allows us to promptly address any issues and provide a resolution to meet your expectations.
Your feedback is valuable to us, and we appreciate the opportunity to rectify any concerns and ensure a positive experience with our cleaning service. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us, and we will work diligently to address and resolve any issues you may have encountered.
What happens if my service isn't completed in time?
In certain cases, an additional booking may be necessary due to the level of cleanliness requiring more time than initially anticipated. We understand that every home is unique and may require varying amounts of time and attention to achieve the desired level of cleanliness.
If, during the initial cleaning, it becomes apparent that additional time is needed to meet your expectations and ensure a thorough cleaning, our team will communicate this with you. In such situations, we will recommend scheduling an additional booking to allocate the necessary time and resources to complete the cleaning to your satisfaction.
Our priority is to provide a comprehensive cleaning service that meets your specific needs and ensures a clean and inviting home environment. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in these cases, as it allows us to deliver the quality service we strive for.
FAQs – Policies
Cancellation and refunds
To ensure smooth scheduling and accommodate the needs of our clients, we kindly request that you provide us with as much notice as possible in the event of a service cancellation. If a cancellation occurs within 1 business day of the scheduled booking, a cancellation fee of 20% will be applicable. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we may waive the cancellation fee in certain cases.
At Spruce and Shimmer, we value open communication and strive to work together with our clients to find solutions that are fair and reasonable. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation regarding our cancellation policy.
Do you work weekends?
Yes, but weekend rates will apply
Am I charged before or after service?
To ensure a smooth and transparent payment process, we have different payment arrangements based on the type of service being provided:
- One-time Clean Customers: Customers who require a one-time cleaning service are requested to pay an upfront invoice before the service is provided.
- Fortnightly Clients: For clients who have scheduled cleanings on a fortnightly basis, payment is requested after the service has been provided. Once the cleaning is completed, we will provide an invoice for the service rendered, and payment can be made accordingly.
- Weekly Clients: Similar to fortnightly clients, customers with weekly cleaning services are also billed after the service has been provided. You will receive an invoice detailing the service and payment can be made accordingly.
- Move In/Out Customers: Customers who require move-in or move-out cleaning services are requested to pay an upfront invoice before the service is provided. This ensures that your appointment is reserved, and our team can adequately prepare for the specialized cleaning required for these transitions.
We have designed these payment arrangements to best accommodate the specific needs and requirements of each type of service. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we aim to provide clear and convenient payment procedures for all our customers.
Is their a reschedule fee?
At our cleaning service, we understand that plans can change, and we strive to be flexible and accommodating. As such, we do not charge any fees for rescheduling your appointment as long as the request is made at least 48 hours prior to your original booking.
We value open communication and want to ensure that our customers have the convenience and freedom to adjust their cleaning appointments when needed. If you have any specific questions or concerns regarding our rescheduling policy or any other related inquiries, we encourage you to refer to our Cancellation & Refund FAQ section, which provides further information and clarification.
Our aim is to provide a seamless and hassle-free experience, and we appreciate your cooperation in adhering to the rescheduling guidelines to best accommodate your needs.
Hours of operation
Our hours of operation are:
Monday – Friday: 7am-6pm
Saturday: 7am-4pm
Sunday: Closed