Behind the Scenes of Our Cleaning Business: Tips, Tricks, and Hilarious Stories
- Kirsty Campbell Russell
- Nov 15, 2025
- 3 min read
Running a cleaning business means more than just scrubbing floors and dusting shelves. It’s about creating order from chaos, making spaces feel fresh and welcoming, and sometimes, dealing with unexpected surprises that keep the job interesting. In this post, I’ll share practical cleaning and decluttering tips, some funny stories from the field, and updates on what we’ve been up to lately. Whether you’re a fellow cleaner, a homeowner looking for advice, or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this post has something for you.

Smart Cleaning Tips That Save Time and Effort
Cleaning efficiently is all about having a plan and using the right tools. Here are some tips that help us get the job done faster and better:
Work top to bottom
Dust and dirt fall downward, so start cleaning from higher surfaces like shelves and counters, then move to tables and finally the floor. This way, you won’t have to clean the same spot twice.
Use microfiber cloths
These cloths trap dust and dirt better than regular rags and don’t leave streaks. They also dry quickly and can be washed and reused many times.
Keep cleaning supplies in a caddy
Carrying everything in one portable container saves trips back and forth. It also helps you stay organised and ready for any mess.
Use vinegar and baking soda for tough stains
These natural ingredients work wonders on stains and grime without harsh chemicals. For example, sprinkle baking soda on a stained sink, spray vinegar over it, let it fizz for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse.
Set a timer for each room
Giving yourself a time limit keeps you focused and prevents over-cleaning. For example, spend 15 minutes on the bathroom, 20 on the kitchen, and so on.
Decluttering Tricks That Make a Big Difference
Cleaning is easier when clutter is under control. Here are some decluttering strategies we use and recommend:
Sort items into categories
Use boxes or bags labeled “Keep,” “Donate,” “Trash,” and “Unsure.” This helps make decisions easier and speeds up the process.
Follow the one-in, one-out rule
For every new item brought into the home, remove one old item. This keeps clutter from building up again.
Create designated spots for everything
When every item has a home, it’s easier to put things away and keep spaces tidy.
Use vertical space
Shelves, hooks, and wall organisers free up floor and counter space, making rooms feel larger and less cluttered.
Declutter regularly
Set a schedule to declutter small areas weekly or monthly. This prevents overwhelming messes and keeps your space manageable.
Funny Stories From the Cleaning Frontlines
Every cleaning job has its surprises. Here are a few moments that made us laugh and reminded us why we love this work:
The mystery smell
Once, we spent almost an hour trying to find the source of a strange odor in a client’s living room. It turned out to be a forgotten container of expired cheese tucked behind the couch. The client was relieved, and we had a good laugh about our detective work.
Pet hair everywhere
We cleaned a house with three large dogs. No matter how much we vacuumed, pet hair seemed to multiply. At one point, a client joked that the dogs must be shedding in slow motion. We ended up using a rubber glove trick to gather hair more effectively.
Unexpected helpers
Sometimes pets or kids want to “help” clean. One time, a toddler was following me around, so I gave them a damp cloth and told them to wipe any dirt. They happily followed around wiping literally everything, including the dog. It was chaotic but adorable.
What We’ve Been Up To Lately
Our cleaning business has been growing steadily, and we’ve been busy with new projects and improvements:
Expanding our eco-friendly options
We’ve added more green cleaning products to our line-up. Clients appreciate the safer, less toxic alternatives for their homes, workspaces and families.
Training sessions for the team
We recently held our first team meeting, we chatted about efficient cleaning techniques and customer service. This helps us maintain high standards and keep clients happy.
Upgrading equipment
Investing in better vacuums and steam cleaners has made a noticeable difference in our work quality and speed.
Final Thoughts on Running a Cleaning Business
Running a cleaning business means balancing hard work, attention to detail, and a sense of humour. The tips and tricks shared here come from real experience and help us deliver great results while keeping the job enjoyable. Decluttering and cleaning don’t have to be overwhelming when you have a plan and the right mindset.
If you’re thinking about starting your own cleaning business or just want to improve your home cleaning routine, remember that consistency and organisation are key. And don’t forget to laugh at the unexpected moments as they make the work memorable.

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