07/12/2026
I genuinely hope every new cleaning company—and every person entering this industry—takes the time to educate themselves on cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, proper use, and what each product is actually designed to do. 🙏
Because cleaning is more than making something look good on TikTok.
After 30+ years in this industry, I will always stand behind the importance of proper disinfection. Bleach remains one of the most powerful disinfectants available when used correctly, at the proper dilution, and on appropriate surfaces. There is a reason it has long been used in high-risk environments against some extremely serious pathogens. IE: Ebola.
And yes—chemical safety matters. That's why we educate ourselves, follow product labels, use proper PPE, ensure ventilation, and never mix chemicals.
But here's something I don't think is talked about enough: dwell time.
Many disinfectants require a surface to remain visibly wet for a specific amount of time in order to achieve the disinfection claims listed on the label. Are cleaners who are rushing through two or three houses a day always following those dwell times?
Some absolutely are.
But let's be honest—many aren't.
You cannot spray a disinfectant and immediately wipe it away, then assume the surface has been properly disinfected. Read the label. Know your product. Understand contact time.
Bathrooms, kitchens, and high-touch areas should receive proper attention and appropriate disinfection. Even in residential cleaning, our job is to reset a space back to a clean, sanitary condition.
Cleaning removes soil and debris.
Disinfection targets microorganisms.
And in many situations, you clean first and then disinfect—unless you're using an approved cleaner-disinfectant product designed to do both, which is often my preference for residential maintenance cleaning.
I also understand the reality of house cleaning. The margins and pricing structure are very different from commercial cleaning. To make good money, many residential cleaners need to complete multiple homes in a day.
But speed should never replace education.
Know your chemicals.
Know what they kill.
Know what they don't.
Know the dilution.
Know the dwell time.
Know when PPE is required.
A pretty spray bottle and a TikTok account don't make someone a professional cleaner. Bleach IS the best disinfectant and when you have a bleach/cleaner in one ...that's my second favorite!
Education, experience, and knowing the science behind what you're using does. 🧽🧤
— The OG Cleaning Queen 👑
