• Selling Contract Cleaning Services 101, by Dick Ollek
• Finding, Training and Keeping GREAT Service Employees 101, by Dick Ollek
• The Dream Manager, by Matthew Kelly
• How To Sell When Nobody's Buying, by Dave Lakhani 
• Get Off Your "But", by Sean Stephenson
• The EMyth Revisited, by Michael Gerber
• Delivering Happiness, by Tony Hsieh
• Little Red Book of Selling, by Jeffrey Gitomer (and all his other books too!)
• Conversations With Millionaires, by Mike Litman and Jason Oman
• Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable, by Seth Godin
• Green Cleaning for Dummies by Stephen Ashkin and David Holly
• Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don't, by Jim Collins

Please share YOUR favorite books by clicking on the Comments link below.

• To remove stuck on food from your pans, put a couple of inches of water in the pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda and simmer for about 15 minutes.
• Wash the filter above your stove in the dishwasher periodically. If there’s a lot of greasy buildup, spray with a laundry prewash such as “Spray’nWash.”
• Be prepared for a casserole boiling over  by placing a piece of aluminum foil (dull side up) on the bottom of the oven. Be careful the foil doesn’t touch the connector unit or you can short it out. Now lay several smaller pieces on top, so you can just whisk off the top piece leaving another ready and waiting.
• Sanitize wooden cutting boards by wiping them with either white vinegar or 3% hydrogen peroxide. No need to rinse.
• Speed up a slow drain by pouring in a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar. Wait a few minutes til it stops foaming, flush down with hottest water from the tap. This works as well if not better than anything I’ve ever used.
• When cleaning counter tops two hands are better than one.
• The lasagna yummy, but now the clean up! Make quick work of it by filling the casserole dish with hottest tap water and add “Cascade” or other dishwasher detergent. Stir until dissolved. Let soak for 15-20 minutes and wipe clean.

Now, it’s your turn. What can you add to the list? Please share!

Filed under: housecleaning tips, housekeeping tips Tagged: sanitize cutting board, slow drain, stove filter, stuck on food

• To remove stuck on food from your pans, put a couple of inches of water in the pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda and simmer for about 15 minutes.
• Wash the filter above your stove in the dishwasher periodically. If there’s a lot of greasy buildup, spray with a laundry prewash such as “Spray’nWash.”
• Be prepared for a casserole boiling over  by placing a piece of aluminum foil (dull side up) on the bottom of the oven. Be careful the foil doesn’t touch the connector unit or you can short it out. Now lay several smaller pieces on top, so you can just whisk off the top piece leaving another ready and waiting.
• Sanitize wooden cutting boards by wiping them with either white vinegar or 3% hydrogen peroxide. No need to rinse.
• Speed up a slow drain by pouring in a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar. Wait a few minutes til it stops foaming, flush down with hottest water from the tap. This works as well if not better than anything I’ve ever used.
• When cleaning counter tops two hands are better than one.
• The lasagna yummy, but now the clean up! Make quick work of it by filling the casserole dish with hottest tap water and add “Cascade” or other dishwasher detergent. Stir until dissolved. Let soak for 15-20 minutes and wipe clean.

Now, it’s your turn. What can you add to the list? Please share!

Filed under: housecleaning tips, housekeeping tips Tagged: sanitize cutting board, slow drain, stove filter, stuck on food

When I was in my mid-20's, after spending most of my life in school, I really had no desire to learn any more – I just wanted to go out and make my mark in the world! So I did what most people do; I went out and found a job and started a new career.

The problem with my new career is that I had to work 60 – 80 hours a week! That didn't leave me much time for anything else but trying to get some sleep and finding time to go out and have some occasional fun. After spending too many years in a career that brought me no joy, I decided to join the world of the self-employed. Wow, how that changed my world!

As soon as I realized that I could start leading my life on my own terms, I started my journey of being a life-long learner. I devoured books and magazine articles on anything business-related and cleaning-industry related. I suddenly became a sponge and couldn't seem to get enough of learning whatever I could about becoming successful as a business owner. Fast-forward several businesses later, and I still spend most of my waking hours devouring material that will help me learn more about the cleaning industry and living the life of a successful entrepreneur.

I know many people just like me. They also get energized and motivated by learning and applying what they've learned. But I also see people who are NOT just like me when it comes to having a voracious appetite for learning. Instead, I see people entering the industry without a clue; little or no experience, expecting people to hand them a magic potion that will instantly make them successful.

Now I'm not saying that you can't be successful with little or no experience. What I AM saying is that no matter what your experience level is (in the cleaning industry or as a business owner), it is YOUR responsibility to take control of your own life and business and do the hard work. Read, read, read, and read some more; attend workshops; join online communities like TheJanitorialStore.com and MyHouseCleaningBiz.com. And by the way, if you DO join a community like this – it only works if you spend time READING and APPLYING what you've learned.

There are dozens of other ways you can learn about the industry and owning a business, but the point is, if you don't consider yourself a life-long learner, your business will probably stagnate and die. Those with a thirst for learning also take ACTION. And as I always say, INACTION may feel safe, but ACTION can move mountains!

Do you agree with me? Share your thoughts by clicking on the Comments link below.

When I was in my mid-20's, after spending most of my life in school, I really had no desire to learn any more – I just wanted to go out and make my mark in the world! So I did what most people do; I went out and found a job and started a new career.

The problem with my new career is that I had to work 60 – 80 hours a week! That didn't leave me much time for anything else but trying to get some sleep and finding time to go out and have some occasional fun. After spending too many years in a career that brought me no joy, I decided to join the world of the self-employed. Wow, how that changed my world!

As soon as I realized that I could start leading my life on my own terms, I started my journey of being a life-long learner. I devoured books and magazine articles on anything business-related and cleaning-industry related. I suddenly became a sponge and couldn't seem to get enough of learning whatever I could about becoming successful as a business owner. Fast-forward several businesses later, and I still spend most of my waking hours devouring material that will help me learn more about the cleaning industry and living the life of a successful entrepreneur.

I know many people just like me. They also get energized and motivated by learning and applying what they've learned. But I also see people who are NOT just like me when it comes to having a voracious appetite for learning. Instead, I see people entering the industry without a clue; little or no experience, expecting people to hand them a magic potion that will instantly make them successful.

Now I'm not saying that you can't be successful with little or no experience. What I AM saying is that no matter what your experience level is (in the cleaning industry or as a business owner), it is YOUR responsibility to take control of your own life and business and do the hard work. Read, read, read, and read some more; attend workshops; join online communities like TheJanitorialStore.com and MyHouseCleaningBiz.com. And by the way, if you DO join a community like this – it only works if you spend time READING and APPLYING what you've learned.

There are dozens of other ways you can learn about the industry and owning a business, but the point is, if you don't consider yourself a life-long learner, your business will probably stagnate and die. Those with a thirst for learning also take ACTION. And as I always say, INACTION may feel safe, but ACTION can move mountains!

Do you agree with me? Share your thoughts by clicking on the Comments link below.

With Plano, TX being a family friendly suburb, many of these families have numerous pets. If you have pets and like to invite your friends and family over, it’s probably a good idea to clean your house in order to eliminate pet dander and pet urine.  Pet urine is not a pleasant smell and you guests will not want to stick around for a long time. Dogs, cats, birds, and other creatures are not always the most cleanliness roommates. Even if your pet is potty trained, it’s very likely that your animal will leave pet hair and dander on your carpet, furniture, upholstery, and other drapery. Pet dander is the loose dermal skin cells which our pets regularly shed.  Although pet hair can be easier to spot, pet dander is virtually invisible. The overexposure in your house to pet dander can in some cases lead to asthma, and other respiratory complications.  The proteins from pet saliva, hair, and urine are what usually trigger a person’s allergic reaction. Research gathered estimates that 15-30% of allergic reactions are from cats, dogs, and other animals.  Common allergic reactions include rashes and eczema, coughing, watery and itchy eyes, congestion or runny sinus. With excessive amounts of pet dander in your home this can start aggravating your allergies even if you usually are not allergic to cats or dogs. Not everyone crates their animals, so when left unattended accidents can happen. Pet urine leaves stains, but can also not be detected with the human eye. Pet urine is comprised of thousands of bacteria organisms found in urea, sodium chloride, urine acid, and other detoxified wastes. It’s also very difficult and time consuming to get rid of the foul odor pet urine and feces leaves behind. The bacteria live off of any moisture or food sources in the particular area.  After you can determine all the pet urine stains, it’s important to remove and replace the soiled carpet padding. Also, when pet urine is left sitting on an area for a prolonged time period, it may soak into the sub floor. In this case the sub floor needs to be treated with the anti-microbial solution or an enzyme. With extreme cases, some sub floors need to be sealed. After replacing and treating the subfloor level, it’s time to proceed with the carpet cleaning. A proven and effective carpet cleaning method is through hot water extraction, it’s advised that you clean the underlying side of the carpet. Various carpet cleaning companies use effective and powerful chemicals solutions mixed in their hot water extractors. After the subfloor has been sealed, the back of the carpet is completely clean, and then the new carpet padding and carpet can be set down. Finally, you’re ready for the surface carpet cleaning using hot water extraction.  When the high pressure cleaning is finished, allow your carpet for a sufficient drying time.  After you’ve had the hot water extraction carpet cleaning the overall result is a cleaner and healthier home! If you reside in the Plano, TX area and have pets, consider getting a hot water extraction carpet clean that will be beneficial to your entire household.

Brent Cone is the owner of Aqualux Carpet Cleaning.
Aqualux Carpet Cleaning
10777 Turbeville Dr, #100
Dallas, TX 75243
214-607-8562

Carpet Cleaning Services in Dallas

When you have upholstered furniture you know it can be difficult to take the step of cleaning your furniture. You might be too frightened to clean it yourself, or the vast decision of choosing a professional carpet cleaning company may be a hard choice as well. It’s imperative that you do your research for the best possible company, and try and find out information on your fabric that needs to be cleaned. Hot water extraction, also referred to as “steam cleaning” is one of the safest methods for cleaning delicate and expensive upholstery.

You can find your upholstery fabric cleaning codes on the reverse side of your cushions.  S means to treat with a solvent cleaner, it’s important to use the cleaner sparingly. X means to vacuum only, if you use any kind of cleaner there’s a big possibility that spotting, stains, and shrinking can affect your upholstery. W means to treat with a water based cleaner. S-W means you can either treat with a solvent cleaner or water based cleaner.

In Plano, TX there are some great quality companies who specialize in upholstery care and maintenance. Power Steam Carpet Cleaning guarantees that they only employ trained steam cleaning technicians. They also offer a 50% off internet discount coupon for furniture cleaning. They claim you can use the coupon for drapery cleaning, cotton print, herculon, microfiber fabric, oriental and area rugs, and white and delicate upholstery. The coupon involves a thorough steam cleaning and an upholstery rinse. Aqualux Carpet Cleaning backs their services with their guaranteed 30-day warranty. Also, Aqualux Carpet Cleaning caters towards the Plano district, as well as the majority of the DFW metropolis. The cleaning solutions that Aqualux uses are safe and non-toxic to pets and people. Aqualux technicians are highly experienced in upholstery cleaning, and they know the precautions to take in order to avoid staining, and damaging your fabrics! Aqualux is also offering a discount if you clean 1 rug, you’ll get the 2^nd 50% off. Another company accommodating Plano, TX is Blackmon Mooring. They’ve been in the business since 1946, and claims that their cleaning crew uses specialized cleaning techniques and professional upholstery chemicals.

It’s important that you research fabric care for all of your upholstery pieces. Leather furniture has to be treated with pure soap products, and not any detergents. Many common fabric upholsteries can safely be cleaned and shampooed at home, but search for a label marked with “Dry clean only”. If it’s possible, it would be beneficial to test a little strip of your fabric before applying the solution on the larger area. To make a solution, mix 1 cup of warm water with ¼ cup of dishwashing liquid. Then apply the solution to the fabric with a soft bristle brush. Extract as much water out of the fabric as you can. Lastly, rinse the fabric upholstery by delicately rubbing the fabric with a clean, moist towel. Chenille fabrics are not supposed to be removed separately when cleaned; for example, if it’s a pillow, do not take the chenille cover off. Chenille fabrics can be spot cleaned with a dry cleaning product or a mild solvent, but to be safe choose a professional steam cleaning company.

You need to maintain your upholstery in the best method in order to keep your furniture lasting as long as it possibly can. If you reside in the Plano, TX area and need an upholstery cleaning, don’t hesitate to call a professional upholstery cleaning company.

Brent Cone is the owner of Aqualux Carpet Cleaning.
Aqualux Carpet Cleaning
10777 Turbeville Dr, #100
Dallas, TX 75243
214-607-8562

Carpet Cleaning Services in Dallas

Pet odor removal is one of the top reasons for people turning to a professional carpet cleaning company. Many people are unaware of just how difficult and tedious the entire process can be, in order to fully remove the stains above and below the surface, and the awful odors that can be entrenched. If you want to completely eliminate the pet odor and stains in your carpet, then steam carpet cleaning is the finest possible method.  While several of the other carpet cleaning methods only work on the carpet surface, steam carpet cleaning penetrates into the bottom carpet layers. Steam cleaning is the only method that is considered a deep cleaning system. Over time, debris becomes lodged towards the base of your carpet (gravity), making surface cleaning techniques not the most effective cleaning method.  If you’re in the market for pet odor removal in Dallas, Texas, there are several reputable companies who work with steam cleaning, or also known as the “hot water extraction” process.

Pet Stains and Odor

Time is of the essence when picking up the messes your pet leaves behind, the quicker the better. The faster you can remove pet urine and stains, the less troublesome it will be in the future. Obviously majority of Americans work during the day, and you can’t always be there to instantly scoop up the mess. Not all pet urine stains are visible to the naked eye, so a black light is beneficial when looking for hidden spots. Pet urine contains urea, uric acids, ammonia, enzymes, hormones, sodium, and other bacteria. After a dog has marked a spot on the carpet, other dogs can smell the dog’s hormones left behind. The leftover dog hormones cause a majority of dog’s to consistently mark that area. Dog feces can contain millions of fecal coliform bacteria, making it a serious health issue for both humans and other animals.  Some of the bacteria can lead to intestinal viruses, diarrhea, and kidney problems in humans. Babies are especially susceptible to picking up bacteria that is left behind in dog wastes. Dog feces can often harbor tapeworms, heartworms, salmonellosis, parvo, corona, cryptosporidiosis, and giardiasis. This is why pet odor removal needs to include a successful and thorough carpet cleaning, in order to get rid of all debris and contaminants.  Steam carpet cleaning companies distinguish that pet odor removal is a common complaint among their customers.

How It Works

Professional carpet cleaning companies that specialize in steam carpet cleaning or hot water extraction can either use a truck mounted vacuum or a portable vacuum.  The portable vacuum tends to be smaller and used for office spaces, but majority of professional cleaners will use a truck mounted vacuum.  The truck mounted vacuum sucks up dirt, humidity, contaminated air, and it doesn’t allow the dirt and debris to recycle back into your home. The truck mounted vacuum is a more powerful, efficient, and deeper cleaning instrument.  Before the professional carpet cleaners arrive, make sure to vacuum over your carpet to pick up surface remains. Allergens, soil, dust, and bacteria are some of the components that your carpet gradually acquires over time. The initial process of pet odor removal begins with a mixture of hot water and cleaning solution that is applied to the carpet. The mist of the pre-spray solution helps dissolve soil particles trapped into the carpet. The carpet cleaning technician will go over the carpet section by section. The water temperature is typically above 130 ̊F and helps get rid of biological contaminants. With a high water pressure disturbance and a powerful vacuum, pollutants and dirt are greatly reduced. When the hot water is being extracted, it’s also vacuuming up all the dirt and fragments. The technician will repeat this process on the carpet in order to make sure all stubborn dirt is removed. Numerous companies have a brush tool on the extractor that can help agitate the carpet fibers.  Some of the better quality extractors can pull up to 70% of the excess water out of the carpet. After the hot water extraction is done, your carpets can take 4 up to 8 hours to dry sufficiently. When your carpet is finally dried, you’re left with beautiful carpets that look refreshingly new. Many of the pre-treating solutions come in fresh scents that leave your carpets smelling great. Today, hot water extraction machines are very powerful and have been proven to cut down on drying time. Also, when pet odor is at its complete worst, the carpet cleaning technician can also replace the carpet pad which is underneath the actual carpet.  To entirely abolish pet odor removal, it’s best to replace the carpet pads. The hot water extraction method is recognized by all major carpet manufacturers as a safe and effective technique. Many qualified carpet cleaning companies in Dallas, Texas specialize in pet odor removal.

Picking the Best Possible Choice

Before you make the decision of picking a carpet cleaning company that specializes in pet odor removal, it’s important that you do your research. It’s beneficial to search company’s evaluations on the Better Business Bureau website; you can also find thousands of other reviews on the internet. It’s a good idea to find out if the company you desire uses green products that are safe for the environment. Also, finding a company that uses a non-toxic solution is best for households with small children and animals. There are several first-class steam carpet cleaning companies serving the Dallas, Texas vicinity. Many of the quality companies focus on pet odor removal, upholstery cleaning, automotive cleaning, tile and grout, water damage, rug cleaning, and carpet protection. It’s usually recommended that everyone gets their carpets professionally cleaned at least twice a year, but if you own pets or your house constantly has high traffic areas, you’ll probably need more sessions.  Also, there is a universal misconception that professional carpet cleaning is costly. Many steam carpet cleaning companies in the Dallas, Texas area offer daily specials, and offer competitive and affordable prices. If you plan on getting multiple rooms professionally cleaned, it’s not complicated to find a company who will offer you a discount on another room. Professional steam carpet cleaning companies will usually cater to their customers, making the entire process easy for them, and always provide a great and effective experience.

Brent Cone is the owner of Aqualux Carpet Cleaning.
Aqualux Carpet Cleaning
10777 Turbeville Dr, #100
Dallas, TX 75243
214-607-8562

Carpet Cleaning Services in Dallas

I asked why he wasn't using software like Team Financial, which makes the process easy and automated. He wasn't familiar with the software, even though the company is using Team Financial's timekeeping module.

This got me thinking about what in the world was going on in this company, which has locations in several states. How could they grow to this large size and not have good systems in place for something as basic as scheduling floor care?

It also made me realize that this is a huge opportunity for smaller cleaning companies who might be competing against this company. Many small cleaning companies are somewhat fearful of going up against a large cleaning company or franchise, especially if they are somewhat inexperienced. But knowing that some of these companies do not have the best systems in place in my opinion, opens the door for a small, well-run cleaning company.

Do YOU ever compete with large cleaning companies? How do you feel about it – are you intimidated or energized by it? Please share your thoughts and experience by clicking on the Comments link below.