Frequently and Not So Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are you licensed?
A. Yes. Duval County requires a Business Tax License. Ask to see a copy of ours or look us up on line.
Q. Are you insured?
A. Yes, again. We have a 300,000 General Liability Policy with an A++ company as rated by A.M. Best and ranking in the top Fortune 500 Companies.
Q. Are you trustworthy?
A. You bet. What we see, hear or otherwise learn in your home stays in your home. We will sign a confidentiality agreement to back it up. The confidentiality clause is in the Service Agreement and Policies. See the link below, in the next paragraph. Background checks are updated about every six months for your peace of mind.
Q. Is there a contract?
A. No. There are no contracts committing you to a specified time period or number of cleanings. We usually both sign an agreement that lays out exactly what services you want from us, with what anticipated frequency and the agreed upon price. But you can cancel the service at any time if you choose. Here is a copy of The Service Agreement and Policies.
Q. What areas do you service?
A. Currently we serve customers in the Downtown area, Historic Springfield, Avondale, Riverside, Ortega, Arlington, Ft. Caroline, Southside, Mandarin, Murray Hill and St. Nicholas.
Q. How do I pay you?
A. You can pay by check, cash, Venmo, Paypal or by credit card here on the website. Payment is due at the time of cleaning. Most clients leave a check for us on the kitchen counter of the day of the clean. That way we we know you expected us and if you have any special requests for the day, if you leave the note by the check we are sure to see it.
Q. Who supplies the cleaning products?
A. We do. In fact, we prefer to use our own products because we are familiar with how much to use, and on what surfaces. If you have a product you want, we will be happy to bring it, no extra charge. We are required by OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) to have Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS Sheets) on all the products we use. If you want us to use something different, please ask in advance. We are happy to accommodate you.
Q. Do you make mistakes?
A. Since you asked--yes! We've made a few. Nothing too dramatic but I have learned that it's good to check if sinks have an over flow valve! But this is why we have insurance. And since the inception of the business we've had no claims. We are trained and experienced in cleaning a multitude of surfaces and we keep our product reference guide handy in case we are unsure about something. If we accidentally break something, that is covered too. BUT--if you have extremely sentimental items or very pricey items like the Ming Vase, it is best to remove those on the day of the cleaning or ask us specifically not to touch it. The more often we clean your space, the more we learn what we can or maybe shouldn't touch. Which mirrors or clocks are hanging by a thread and which are more sturdy.
Q. What happens if you break your leg or other body parts while cleaning my home?
A. We'd probably cry and pitch a fit but then we'd call the insurance company. Our policy covers us for bodily injury and property damage while we are in your home. Whew..isn't that a relief?
Q. Is your cleaning service tax deductible?
A. If you have a home office, you can deduct a portion of the house cleaning expense from your taxes. Otherwise, house cleaning is considered a personal service and therefore, not usually deductible.
Q. Does hiring a Licensed Housekeeper have other benefits?
A. Yes. The real benefits are that by being licensed and insured, you can expect that we follow all laws and regulations like other businesses. We are not ducking taxes and by being insured, you know that we won't file a claim against you if we get injured while at your house. You know your property is protected and we can't sue for unemployment benefits if you let us go. Unlicensed housekeepers can file for un-employement benefits because they are considered "household employees." This is our business, not a hobby.
Q. What about my pets?
A. We love them! That's what! But seriously, while we clean, it is nice and usually safer if you restrain your frisky dogs. Some dogs have eaten our dusters right out of our cleaning bags! Cats seem to be smart enough to clear out. Snakes--well, please put a lid on the cage and let us know where they are located. If you have an animal that is likely to bolt when we open the door, tell us in advance so we can be ready. Otherwise, they really aren't a problem. But cleaning litter boxes is an Add On Service. If interested, just inquire.
Q. Which pets will you care for if needed?
A. The truth is, we can be persuaded to care for any pet or farm animal. While we most prefer furry or feathery creatures as opposed to scaly ones, we will manage whatever you have.
Q. Will you make up the bed or change the sheets?
A. Sure. We will make up beds and change sheets on up to 3 beds per home. But, we do NOT change sheets on, or make up bunk beds. Keep reading for more information on this.
Q. Why won't you change sheets or make up bunk beds?
A. Because it's haaaaaard!! Really! It is or you wouldn't be asking us to do it now would you?? Actually, the reason we don't make up bunk beds is that bunk beds are not designed to support the weight of adults and our insurance policy specifically does not cover us for bunk beds or the ladders. However, we will teach your child how to make the bed if you want!
Q. Why can't you get the grout sparkling white in my 10 year old bathroom?
A. As professional cleaners say--We clean--not restore! Let's be honest, we do pride ourselves on being great cleaners, but we are not magicians! If your home has gone for 3 years with no regular shower scrubbing then we probably can't turn back time and get the grout sparkling white again. If your grout was not sealed properly the first time, then any stain in the grout will likely remain no matter what you or I do. Bleach will erode sealant over time and it's corrosive to other surfaces and metals, not to mention what it will do to carpet, drapes or clothing. If you insist I will use it but I will try to talk to you into using another alternative!
Q. Will your products kill germs?
A. Yes. We use a hospital grade cleaner that will kill about 99.5% of germs and bacteria on contact. It is has no odor so there is no competing scent with other cleaners and products. Recently there are concerns about MRSA--Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This is a bacterium that causes infections in different parts of the body. It's tougher to treat than most strains of staphylococcus aureus -- or staph -- because it's resistant to some commonly used antibiotics. Our hospital grade cleaner will kill MRSA as well as HIV. Our hospital grade disinfectant will also kill Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E.
Q. What is The Promise and The Follow Through?
A. The Promise is that if you are unhappy or dissatisfied with our services and bring it our attention within 24 hours of your cleaning, then we will Follow Through immediately and return to make it better. Business works better for all of us if you are a happy customer and we work hard to keep our promise to provide an extraordinary cleaning experience. There are days where we have cleaning misses or overlooked a detail that is important to you. We try hard to give a great service but if we miss, we are more than willing to come back to fix the problem. We are only human after all and hope that you recognize that and are willing to work with us.
Q. How do I apply for employment with your company?
A. Click here to get the application and either fill it out online and email it back to info@awellkepthome.com, or you may print it out and mail it to us at 454 W. 63rd. St., Jacksonville, FL 32208.