Seattle Green Cleaner’s Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question that isn’t answered on this page? Just email us! We’ll respond within 1 business day – scout’s honor!
Q: What is your mission statement?
A: Seattle Green Cleaner’s mission is to provide top quality environmentally friendly and cruelty-free house cleaning, to be a socially responsible employer, and to positively impact our Seattle community.
Q: What do you mean by “socially responsible employer”?
A: Unlike most cleaning companies, our cleaners are W-2 employees, not independent contractors. They receive the benefits of employment, in addition to top pay and paid time off. Unlike contractors, they do not provide their own cleaning products and supplies or liability insurance – Seattle Green Cleaner provides everything they need to do an excellent job and to be protected.
Q: What is your definition of “green cleaning”?
A: We define “green cleaning” as: Using cleaning products that do not negatively impact the planet with harmful ingredients (non-toxic), products which have no animal derived ingredients and that were not tested on animals. They should come in recyclable packaging, should be biodegradable and should be ordered in bulk. Paper towels and other “disposables” should not be used (even our sponges are compostable). Appointments should be scheduled within proximity of each other and cleaners should carpool to appointments. Additionally, quotes should only be given on-line, reducing carbon emissions. Yes, we are serious about being green!
Q: Don’t you want to see my house before you give me a quote?
A: We have created a formula to calculate how long each cleaning should take. When the quote request is filled out completely and the questions are answered realistically, our cleaning quotes are accurate to within 15 minutes! This also makes our quotes green. When we arrive for your first appointment, we will know right away if it will take significantly more or less time and will immediately let you know. It is rare for our quotes to be off at all, but the most common reason for going over on a quote is when the condition of the home is different than described on the quote request.
Q: What if I want you to clean with my products instead of your own?
A: We provide all cleaning products and cleaning supplies. If you have particular products you would like us to use, just let us know. We will only use green products (green by our definition) that were not tested on animals. If we can’t be sure, we won’t be able to use it. We have tested all of the products we use and have never damaged any surface with these products.
Q: What if we don’t wear shoes in our home?
A: We understand that some customers don’t wear shoes in the home. As a Washington State Employer, we can not have our employees working in an unsafe environment. We are more than happy to wear disposable booties (provided by the customer) over our shoes, as long as they have some traction to prevent slipping or falling.
Q: Do I have to be home when you clean?
A: Not at all. As long as we have clear instructions for entering & locking-up, and payment has been arranged, it isn’t necessary for anyone to be home.
Q: Can I give you a key? How are Keys Protected?
A: Absolutely! Keys are tagged with first names only and are kept in our secure and insured lock box, in the office. Keys for that day’s appointments are given to the cleaners in the morning and returned to Jennifer in the evening.
Q: Why do you charge a 100% cancellation fee for same day cancellations and no-show appointments?
A: Once you are a regularly scheduled customer, you are assured that we will be at every appointment, on time. We request the same from our customers. Since we schedule weeks and often months in advance, when an appointment is canceled at the last minute, we aren’t able to fill that spot. Our cleaners depend on the hours we have scheduled for them, so when we collect the cancellation fee, they are paid as though they cleaned that day.
Q: Do you offer any discounts?
A: Yes! The best way to receive a discount is to refer a friend. Once we’ve cleaned for your friend, you will receive $20 off your next cleaning! We also offer $10 off the first cleaning for new customers who are members of Vegetarians of Washington, members of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, and Biznik members.
Q: Are you insured?
A: Yes! We are licensed, bonded and insured. We will provide a copy of our liability insurance at the customer’s request.
Q: Are you locally owned and operated?
A: Yes! We are a small business located in Seattle, WA. Jennifer is the owner/member and is a self-described, “Passionate, neat-freak, environmentalist, advocate for animals, mom, and wife.”
Q: How long have you been in business?
A: Jennifer started the company in November 2007, after years of being a mortgage funder, when she was looking for a green cleaner for her own house. She spoke with other cleaners who called themselves green, only to find out they couldn’t answer questions like: “Do your products contain phosphates or other harmful ingredients?” and “Are your products tested on animals?” The light bulb came on and she realized, with so many like-minded people in the area, there was a serious demand in the Emerald City.
