Employees

Star Maids Communication

Estimated Time of Arrival for the Client

Communication is essential for building a relationship with clients. The client should be informed whenever you are ahead of schedule or running late. Send a message to the office via the WhatsApp group and ask them to notify the client.

Locked Door
If you arrive at a house where the door is locked, and you don’t have a code, key, or the instructions on the app aren’t working to gain entry, we’ll do our best to get access to the home so we can complete the scheduled cleaning. Follow these steps if you’re locked outside the house:

Double-check the house address with the address in the app (sometimes GPS can lead you to the wrong house).
Knock on the door and/or ring the doorbell again.
Check the access instructions in the app again, and try again if it's a door code or garage code.
Send a message to the WhatsApp group. The office will confirm if you've followed these steps and then call the client.
Wait for information from the office.

Travel Time and Wrong Route

You'll always use GPS to help find the homes you’ll be cleaning, but sometimes the GPS may fail and not take you to the correct location. Here are some tips in case you can’t find a client’s home:

When you're in a hurry, you're more likely to get frustrated and make mistakes. It’s important to take a deep breath!
Never keep driving lost for more than 10 minutes. Ask for help by sending a message to the office through our WhatsApp group.

If the address, driving directions, or GPS coordinates are incorrect, be sure to inform the office. Send a message through our WhatsApp group so it can be updated.

Broken or Damaged Items

Things sometimes break or get damaged during cleaning. This happens, and you will never have issues over accidental damage as long as you follow the correct steps to report it. In case of damage or breakage, follow these steps:

Take a photo of the broken item and immediately post it in the WhatsApp group, along with the client’s name and a description of how the damage occurred.
Notify the office via WhatsApp if the client is home, so we can contact them to explain what happened.
If the client is not home: Leave the broken item in a visible spot for the client to see.
If the damage was not our fault (for example, if a picture frame falls off the wall with just a touch of the cleaning cloth, or the client’s pet knocks something off a surface): We really don’t want to be responsible for the repair or replacement if it wasn’t our fault. Include in your report on WhatsApp that it wasn’t your fault and explain how the damage occurred.

Home Updates and Notes in the App

It's essential that we keep updated information on every home we clean, as this helps us ensure we’re providing the most consistent cleanings possible for each client. You’ll be entering various homes and reviewing the checklist for each, so it’s your responsibility to make sure the work orders are current. If there’s any missing or useful information to include (such as a room labeled incorrectly, or if the client mentions they prefer things done a certain way) or any changes that need to be noted (such as converting an office to a nursery or if the client has a new pet at home), please send this information in our WhatsApp group. The office will update it in the app before the next cleaning.

Request for Help
We are all part of a team, and it’s important for us to support each other when needed. Sometimes, you’ll need help to finish a house, and other times, you’ll be asked to assist another team. If help is needed, it’s expected that you’ll go to lend a hand.
If you need assistance to finish a house (usually a first-time cleaning at the end of the day), you should request help through our WhatsApp group. The office will then contact another team to assist you.

Star Maids Work Schedule

Work Schedule
Your work schedule will be determined by the houses you will visit each day, and it may vary from day to day. As a general rule, you should be prepared to be available for work Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Your actual hours may include longer or shorter days.

Payment
The payment will be based on the number of houses cleaned and extra work performed during the week. All tips received will be given to the person(s) who performed the service. It is important that you log the check-in and check-out times for each house in the app, so we can properly track the number of houses you cleaned. Payment will be made by check every Tuesday of each week. You must come to the office to pick it up. Payment is always for the previous week's work.

Time Off
To request vacation or time off, whether full or partial, you must submit your request at least 7 days in advance. Time off requests will be reviewed by the office, and notifications will be provided to you.

Star Maids Safety Policies

Safety Policies

You may use the ladder with a maximum of 3 steps provided by Star Maids.
Open-toed shoes are not allowed – Occasionally, glass or other objects may break and cause accidents. It is important to wear closed-toed shoes to avoid cuts and other foot injuries. We strongly recommend wearing slip-resistant shoes to prevent slips.
Shoes must be worn at all times inside the client's house – If a client asks you to remove your shoes, explain that you cannot for safety reasons, but you should wear shoe covers. If they insist on you removing your shoes, call the office and we will explain it to them.
Never allow the vacuum cleaner cord to come into contact with water, and never place the vacuum cleaner on wet floors. Do not vacuum wet or damp surfaces as this poses an electrical shock hazard and may cause the vacuum cleaner to stop working.
Never attempt to climb anything other than our small 3-step ladder.
It is against our company policy to walk on wet floors – wait for the floor to dry before walking on it to avoid slips.
Be alert and report all hazardous conditions to the office via the WhatsApp group (such as icy entrances, damaged sidewalks, etc.).

Working with More Safety and Ease

We do not lift/move objects weighing more than 25 pounds. If something needs to be lifted, always squat with your knees bent to avoid back injuries.
Always closely monitor the work environment to identify problems and potential hazards. For example, inform everyone present, including other technicians and the client, when floors are wet (or when you notice a wet spot) to prevent accidents.
If you are taller, adjust the broom/mop handle to a comfortable height before cleaning to minimize back strain and potential injuries.
To avoid possible injuries, do not bend over to change trash bags. Instead, bend your knees and keep your back straight.
If you're working in a house with another technician and need to make a bed, do it together! This will make the task physically easier and help avoid unnecessary strain on your bodies. When making beds, don’t bend or twist your back – instead, bend your knees and squat briefly while pulling the corner of the sheet over the mattress. Bend your knees instead of your back when lifting the corner of the mattress and adjusting the sheet.
When using an extension pole to clean high places, position yourself at an angle and not directly beneath the area you are cleaning. Standing directly below the area you're cleaning and looking up can cause neck injuries, and dirt may fall into your eyes.
Frequently alternate the hand you are using to clean to avoid muscle fatigue.

Slips and Trips

Both slips and trips result from a disruption in the contact between your feet and the ground. "Good cleaning practices" are the first step in preventing accidents. This includes things like: cleaning up spills immediately, removing obstacles that may cause you to trip, keeping cleaning materials together and out of the way, wearing appropriate footwear, walking carefully while performing tasks, and always staying alert to your surroundings.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you stay safe in the workplace. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available on our Internal Website and at the office.

Star Maids Cleaning Technician Responsibilities

Do Everything with Excellence

The main strategy for establishing a positive relationship with clients is to show joy and be present. This is much more important than simply cleaning their homes. Having strangers in your home while you're not there, handling all your belongings, creates feelings of vulnerability in people. In some cases, the situation can be even more uncomfortable for the client when they are at home during the cleaning process. People often feel uneasy when staying nearby while you're cleaning. Therefore, always maintain a cheerful attitude toward your work and show enthusiasm while cleaning for them. This will help them feel more at ease.

Be Friendly and Helpful

When you arrive, always introduce yourself – there is nothing more uncomfortable than having someone you don’t know cleaning your house. Greet the client whenever you arrive and say goodbye before leaving. People feel very uncomfortable when you simply disappear without saying goodbye. Keep a smile whenever the client is around. Never ask the client to do something you can do for them – for example, don’t ask them to call the office if they ask a question you don’t know the answer to – call the office yourself to get the answer. Always call the office for help with translating client requests. Putting the phone on speakerphone speeds up communication between you, the office, and the client.

Uniform and Appearance

As a technician for Star Maids, you will be the representative of our company to clients and the public on all business days. You are, in fact, our "ambassador," and as such, people often form opinions about the company based on the appearance of our cleaning technicians.
Uniform: You will receive 5 short-sleeve t-shirts and 1 hoodie, and you are expected to keep them in good condition. For pants, choose a pair that is neither see-through nor ripped; they can be jeans, leggings, or khakis. On your feet, wear sneakers or shoes with rubber soles to prevent slipping on wet surfaces, but they must also be clean and well-maintained. Open-toed shoes or sandals are not permitted. Women should avoid excessive makeup or perfume and keep their hair well-groomed. Good personal hygiene habits are essential.

Car

Car, fuel, and other expenses related to transportation are your responsibility.

Vacuum Cleaner

It is the driver's responsibility to purchase and maintain the vacuum cleaner. Star Maids provides the filters and vacuum bags.

Products and Materials

It is your responsibility to check the products and materials and place the order using the "Product Orders" form by Monday at 4pm each week.

Services Provided by Star Maids

Initial Cleaning

The Initial Cleaning is done before starting the recurring service. It usually takes about twice as long as a recurring cleaning. The main difference between a recurring cleaning and an Initial Cleaning is that we do little "dry cleaning" (like baseboards, ceiling fans, etc.) and instead, we "wash" all surfaces with a damp cloth or sponge. Note: For this cleaning, we charge an additional fee.
Here’s everything that should be done:

All areas of the house should be clean and organized if there are residents
Floors (non-carpeted): Vacuum and mop with a damp cloth.
Fans: Wipe with a damp cloth (use a step stool).
Light Fixtures: Wipe with a damp cloth, do not disassemble (use a step stool).
Lampshades: The shade should not get wet, but wipe the other parts with a damp cloth.
Remove spider webs.
Blinds: Wipe with a damp cloth.
Windows: Wipe the wood/plastic parts, frames, locks, and the bottom of the window inside with a damp cloth. Clean the glass only where it is dirty.

Glass doors: Clean inside and outside.
Mirror: Clean with a cloth and water or Windex.
Toilet: Clean inside and outside; dry only the outside. Clean the floor around and behind.
Trash cans: Empty the trash and clean inside and outside; place a new trash bag if the client provides one.
Stairs and handrails: Vacuum and wipe.
Beds: Make and organize. Change the sheets when requested.
Doors: Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge on the doors and locks.
Wall details and moldings: Wipe with a damp cloth or white sponge.
Baseboards: Wipe with a damp cloth or white sponge.
Outlets and light switches: Wipe with a damp cloth.

Move in / Move out Cleaning

The Move-in/Move-out Cleaning is done before or after a client moves. The house must be empty and free of all personal items and furniture so that we can perform a thorough cleaning of the entire house itself.
Below is everything that should be done:

All rooms, including closets and utility room.
Ceiling fans and light fixtures (reachable with a 2-step ladder) – hand washed or cleaned with a damp cloth.
Light fixtures (reachable with a 2-step ladder) – hand washed in place (not removed).
Cobwebs – removed.
Blinds, windowsills, and locks – cleaned with a damp cloth.
Door and window frames – hand washed.
Baseboards – hand washed.
Light bulbs and lampshades – cleaned with a damp cloth.
Refrigerator - clean inside and out (clean the freezer if it has thawed, use a long brush underneath and pull the dirt forward, do not drag the refrigerator)
Appliance exteriors - washed and polished (if stainless steel)
Microwave interior - cleaned and sanitized
Stove, grates, and burners - scrubbed and cleaned
Oven - cleaned inside

Countertops - scrubbed and cleaned
Kitchen cabinet fronts (within reach of a 2-step ladder) - scrubbed and cleaned with a damp cloth
Sinks - scrubbed and cleaned
Window above the sink - cleaned (screens not removed)
Sliding doors - cleaned inside and out
Mirrors - cleaned with a damp cloth or Windex
Bathtub/shower and tiles - scrubbed and washed twice to remove buildup
Bathroom cabinets - cleaned inside and out
All bathroom light fixtures - cleaned with a damp cloth
Trash bins - emptied and cleaned with a damp cloth
Stairs - vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth
Floors - vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth
Light switches - cleaned with a damp cloth
All drawers - vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth
Interior of refrigerator and freezer - washed and cleaned

Recurring Cleaning: Weekly, Biweekly, and Monthly.

Weekly, biweekly, and monthly cleanings are scheduled a few days after the first cleaning (depending on the frequency chosen by the client). At this point, it is extremely important to pay attention to details. The house will be relatively clean since we already did the first cleaning a few weeks earlier, making it easier to keep it clean and shining.
Here’s everything that needs to be done:

All rooms - Tidied up and organized.
Ceiling fans, light fixtures, and lamps - Dust off.
Spider webs - Removed
Blinds and windowsills - Dusted
Wood trim and finishes - Dusted
Baseboards - Dusted, wipe with a damp cloth if necessary
Frames and decorative items - Dusted, wipe with a damp cloth if necessary
Furniture (fronts, sides, and legs) - Dusted, wipe with a damp cloth if necessary
Top of the refrigerator - Wiped with a damp cloth
Exterior of appliances - Washed and polished (if stainless steel)
Interior of microwave - Cleaned and disinfected
Stove, grates, and burners - Cleaned
Countertops and backsplash - Cleaned
Kitchen cabinet fronts (within reach of a 2-step ladder) - Wiped with a damp cloth

Sinks and faucets - Cleaned and disinfected
Window over the sink - Cleaned (screens not removed)
Sliding doors - Cleaned inside and out
Mirrors - Cleaned
Bathtub/shower and tiles - Scrubbed and washed to remove buildup
Bathroom cabinets - Wiped with a damp cloth
All bathroom countertops and accessories - Cleaned and disinfected
Trash cans - Emptied and cleaned
Stairs and handrail - Vacuumed and wiped with a damp cloth
Floor - Vacuumed and wiped with a damp cloth
Beds made; sheets changed (if clean bedding is provided)
Light switches - Wiped with a damp cloth if necessary
Shelves not too cluttered - Dusted and items put back in place

Commercial Cleaning

Commercial cleaning differs slightly from the other types of cleaning we perform. In this type of cleaning, it is essential to pay close attention to the floors and disinfect office accessories and furniture.
Here’s everything that should be done:

Entrance, offices, common areas, kitchenette, and bathroom:
Empty all trash and recycling containers and take them to the appropriate disposal area.
Sanitize frequently touched areas, such as doorknobs, phones, computer keyboards, and light switches.
Vacuum and mop all floors.
Baseboards – Dust them.
Clean inside and outside of glass doors.
Clean all accessories (reach with a 2-step ladder) and office furniture, including cabinets, desks, chairs, counters, display units, picture frames, boards, and window blinds.
Break room: Clean the exterior and interior of the refrigerator, microwave, wipe down countertops, tables, chairs, and trash. Wash the sink.
Complete bathroom cleaning.

What is Cleaning for a Reason?

Cleaning for a Reason is a non-profit organization that provides free residential cleaning for cancer patients in the United States and Canada. Our goal is to relieve the burden of cleaning and allow those who are recovering from surgery, undergoing active treatment, or in palliative care to focus on their health and spend valuable time with their loved ones.

Why are we offering free cleaning?

Our mission is "To Make Lives Better in Everything We Do." We want to help reduce the stress of people facing health challenges. Time is a precious gift that should be dedicated to family and loved ones, not to cleaning.

Why is Star Maids proud to partner with Cleaning For a Reason?

At the heart of our mission, we deeply understand the vital importance of a clean and comforting home during the challenging journey of cancer treatment. Our mission is to extend a helping hand to those who need it most. As part of our commitment, we proudly offer two free residential cleanings for patients undergoing active cancer treatment in our community.
We firmly believe in the profound positive impact that a clean home can have on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of those facing cancer. Our goal is to create a supportive environment that contributes to their overall comfort and healing process.

Cleaning for a Reason

Typically, this cleaning lasts for 2 hours. Although it’s not like an initial cleaning, we make every effort to provide exceptional service to these very special clients, offering them a clean and welcoming home during such a challenging time in their lives. Our priority is to ensure they feel comfortable and well cared for.

Below is everything that should be:

All rooms - Neat and organized.
Ceiling fans, light fixtures, and lamps - Dusting
Cobwebs - Removed
Blinds and windowsills - Dusting
Wooden frames and finishes - Dusting
Baseboards - Dusting, if necessary, wipe with a damp cloth
Frames and decorative items - Dusting, if necessary, damp cloth

Furniture (fronts, sides, and legs) - Dusting, if necessary, damp cloth
Top of the refrigerator - Damp cloth
Exterior of appliances - Washed and polished (if stainless steel)
Microwave interior - Cleaned and disinfected
Stove, grates, and burners - Cleaned
Countertops and wall behind the sink - Cleaned
Kitchen cabinet fronts (reachable with a 2-step ladder) - Damp cloth

Equipment and Materials

Kitchen and bathroom sponge:

Separate a sponge only for bathrooms.

Bathroom Sponge (White): It is recommended for stain removal and light cleaning. It removes stains easily with just water.
*Be careful, this sponge is like a fine sandpaper. It may cause staining.

Microfiber Cloths: We dust, use them for the bathroom, kitchen, practically everything.

Cloth to the Floor

Floor cloth, Bona mop.

Small and large trash bags: Always pick them up at the customer's house.

Paper towels: Normally, customers provide them, but it's good to have a reserve.

Basket for products.

Bag for rags

Toilet brush: It is used to clean the toilet bowl.

Bathroom brush

The sink drain brush: It is used to clean the drain and around the sink, grout, and window track.

Mini Brush: It is used for details (keep it in the apron)

Brush to clean the corners of the sofa and make marks

Small ladder

Large brush

Floor mop

Mop Bona

Vacuum cleaner

Carpet attachment

Floor attachment

Vacuum cleaner bag

Vacuum cleaner filter

Metal and plastic scraper: They are used to scrape dirt that is stuck on the stove, oven, and floor. Note: Always use the plastic scraper first.

Glass squeegee: It is used to clean the glass shower door.

Swiffer (short, medium, and long): The small size is used for dusting furniture, baseboards, and blinds. The medium and long sizes are used for removing cobwebs from the ceiling.

Glass for bathrooms: It is used to wash and rinse the shower and bathtub.

Shoe protector: Place over the shoes as soon as you enter the house.

Bucket: This is left at each customer's house.

Star Maids Cleaning Products

About the products to be used in the cleaning

Fabuloso / Lysol: Used in water to mop bathrooms and floors. Fabuloso is a multipurpose product, and Lysol is a disinfectant. They are also used to freshen the air. Be careful with the amount.

Bona: Used to clean wooden floors. (The product is ready to use, no dilution required).

Windex / Glass Cleaner: The Glass Cleaner is ideal for cleaning windows and mirrors. It comes in foam form, while Windex is a liquid. When using Windex, it's important to be cautious with the amount applied, as excess can cause streaks.

Note: To make sure there are no stains left, always turn off the light or crouch down to look at the mirror. This way, you'll be sure nothing was left behind.

Murphy: We use Murphy to clean the wooden floor. This product is oily, so it is important to apply it in small amounts. The ideal amount is to use 1 capful of Murphy for a bucket of water. Before wiping, it is essential to wring the cloth well. It is worth noting that most of the floors here are made of a sensitive material that swells quickly if exposed to too much water. Therefore, always keep the cloth well wrung out when cleaning.

Vinegar: We use it to remove water stains around faucets and to clean ceramic and linoleum floors.

Degreaser: (desengordurante) - We use it on microwaves, stoves, bathroom showers, and bathtubs.

Very important: Rinse the surface well.

Clorox: (bleach) – Toilet, sink, bathtub, shower floor. I take care because it stains easily.

Detergent: We use it for the kitchen and bathrooms.

Product for stainless steel shine: – Everything that is stainless steel. Example: Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave, and Dishwasher.

Easy-Off - Removes grease stuck in the oven and stove. Spray the product on the inside surface of the oven and wait 20 minutes for the product to work. After that, remove the product thoroughly.

Pledge Polish: (Furniture polish) Removes dust and marks from wooden furniture. Apply the product to the cloth.

Lime-A-Way: Remove stains and dirt from inside the toilet bowl. Apply the product all over the inside of the bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes and scrub.