Seattle Green Cleaner FAQ
Q: Do you have a mission statement?
A: Yes! 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 all 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, products which have no animal bi-products 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. 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 figure out how long each cleaning should take. When the quote request is filled out completely and the questions are answered realistically, our cleaning time 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. This is very rare.
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.
Q: Do you offer any discounts?
A: Yes! The best way to receive a discount is to refer us to a friend. Once we've cleaned for your friend, you will receive $20 off your next cleaning! And for 2009, we give $10 off the first cleaning for Vegetarians of Washington members and for West Seattle Chamber of Commerce members.
Q: Are you insured?
A: Yes! We are licensed, bonded and insured.
Q: Are you locally owned and operated?
A: Yes! We are a small business located in Seattle, WA. Jennifer L Troyer is the owner and self-described "Passionate neat-freak, mom, environmentalist and advocate for animals."
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 simple 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 there was a serious demand in the Emerald City.
