Calm Not Cluttered

05/28/2026

As my business continues to evolve, I am making an important transition in how I structure my pricing.

For many years, I have used an hourly-rate model, with separate rates for residential and move-out cleans. However, after a great deal of reflection, I have realized that hourly pricing no longer accurately reflects the reality — or the quality — of the work being done.

Paying for Skill, Not Time
Over the years, my skills, efficiency, and systems have improved significantly. I am able to work faster while still delivering a higher standard of cleaning.

In many skilled trades, clients pay for expertise and results rather than the amount of time spent. For example, a plumber may charge the same flat rate whether a repair takes 20 minutes or 45. Cleaning is no different. Hourly pricing can unintentionally penalize efficiency, while flat-rate pricing ensures you are paying for a consistently high-quality result — not simply the clock.

Every Home Is Different
No two homes are the same. Some spaces require significantly more physical labor due to normal, everyday life — whether that’s extra pet hair, dust buildup, or heavy soap scum from a busy household.

A flat-rate structure allows me to focus fully on giving your home the deep, thorough care it needs without being restricted by time limits or constantly watching the clock.

Consistency & Sustainability
You may have noticed occasional discounts on past invoices when I finished early, or times where I completed extra tasks to fill the originally booked hours.

Moving to a flat-rate system creates more consistency and predictable budgeting for clients, while also helping prevent burnout and ensuring I can continue providing sustainable, high-quality service at every visit.
What This Means for Existing Clients
For most existing clients, your overall pricing will likely remain very similar to what you currently pay.

The main difference you may notice is that I may not stay for the originally scheduled number of hours if the work is completed sooner. Instead of filling extra time with complimentary add-ons, the focus will simply remain on completing the agreed-upon service to the highest standard possible.

Thank you so much for your continued trust and support. I truly value every client and appreciate being welcomed into your homes.
If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

05/16/2026

Its time to talk about Regular HVAC cleanings (pet owners, listen up! You gotta pay attention to HVAC vents, returns, air filters, and even where litter boxes are placed.

Pet hair, dander, litter dust, and everyday household dust get pulled into your HVAC system and recirculated through your home 5-7 times a day. Over time that means more allergens in the air, more dust settling on surfaces, and more frequent deep cleaning needed.

Recommendation:
1. Change your HVAC filter every 1-3 months. If you have pets, use a MERV 8-13 filter.
2. Vacuum vents and returns monthly. Pop the cover off and run your vacuum hose inside as far as it goes.
3. Brush pets regularly, away from vents. Less hair in the air = less hair in the system.
4. Book a professional duct cleaning every 1-2 years if you have multiple pets or allergies in the home.

*Pro tip:* Avoid placing litter boxes right next to cold air returns or in the same room as your furnace.

When the system runs, it pulls that dust and odor into your ductwork and circulates it through the house.

Note: Professional duct cleaning isn’t a service I provide. This is homeowner maintenance that helps keep your air cleaner and makes regular deep cleaning more effective.

Small steps at home = less dander circulating, less dust to fight, and a healthier home.

05/15/2026

It may seem silly for a cleaning page to be talking about food but food can literally cleans us from the inside out. It helps nourish us, give us fuel for the day and even has the ability to heal.

Like dirt and grime it also has the ability to make a sick if we're not careful.

For many folks trying to be a little less toxic in life this is such a crucial habit to implement.

📚 Reading the ingredient list — not just the marketing on the label jargon.

Because “healthy,” “natural,” and “made with real fruit” can still come with dyes, seed oils, artificial flavours, preservatives, and ingredients we can’t pronounce.

What the front says to SOUND safe:
“Whole grain”
“Sugar free”
“Low fat”
“Natural flavours”

What the back should actually say to BE safe:
Real ingredients. Shorter lists. Things you recognize.
Some ingredients we personally try to avoid:
Artificial dyes
High fructose corn syrup
Artificial sweeteners
“Fragrance” or “flavour”
Hydrogenated oils
Not trying to be perfect. Just more aware than we were before.

05/14/2026

We Don’t Recommend: Chlorine Bleach for Everyday Cleaning*

*1. It’s rough on your home surfaces*
Bleach is corrosive. It pits natural stone counters, strips sealant off hardwood, eats grout, rusts metal fixtures, and discolors laminate. It also leaves a salt residue that attracts dirt — so counters feel “sticky-clean” for 1 day then grimy again. And it destroys rubber seals in dishwashers + fridges.

*2. It’s rough on your air + pipes*
Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or even toilet bowl cleaner — it makes chlorine gas. Even alone, bleach fumes linger. It vents into your HVAC and recirculates. Pour it down drains and it kills good bacteria in septic systems + reacts with other chemicals in city pipes.

*3. And most importantly: the effect on human health*
Bleach is a lung irritant. CDC + EPA flag it for asthma attacks, COPD flare-ups, and chemical pneumonia. Clients report “cleaning headaches,” brain fog, burning eyes, and dizzy spells after mopping with it. Skin contact = burns. And the residue sits on high-chair trays, cutting boards, and toys where kids + pets touch it. If you smell “clean,” you’re breathing it.

*What we use instead — and on what:*
*When bleach _is_ needed*: CDC recommends it only for blood spills, norovirus outbreaks, or raw sewage. 1/3 cup per gallon, ventilated, gloves, never mixed. For daily cleaning? Overkill.

05/13/2026

Skip the "Antibacterial" Hype. Your home isn't a hospital—and your immune system isn't the enemy.

It Breeds Superbugs: Chemicals like "quats" and triclosan leave a pesticide film on surfaces. Overuse makes germs stronger and creates antibiotic-resistant bacteria, as warned by the CDC.

It Trashes Waterways: These chemicals don't break down. They kill the "good" bacteria in septic systems and are now found in 75% of U.S. waterways.

It’s Toxic to You: Linked to asthma, skin rashes, and fertility issues, these irritants are often absorbed through the skin or inhaled. The FDA even banned triclosan in soap because plain soap works better.

The Better Way:

Soap + Water: Cleans and removes germs physically.

Vinegar/Alcohol: Disinfects without the toxic residue.

Bottom line: You don't need "antibacterial" labels to be safe; you need a residue-free home.

05/11/2026

Why We Don’t Recommend Fabric Softener*

*1. It’s rough on your clothes*
Fabric softener works by coating your fabrics in a waxy, oil-based film. That “soft” feeling is actually residue. Over time that buildup:
- *Kills absorbency* — towels stop drying, activewear stops wicking sweat, and your nice linens get musty faster
- *Traps odors* — bacteria + detergent get sealed under the wax, so clothes smell “clean” for 5 min then sour again
- *Breaks down performance fabrics* — it clogs the fibers in yoga pants, technical gear, and moisture-wicking sheets
- *Makes flames spread faster* — it reduces the flame-resistance on kids’ pajamas and sleepwear

*2. It’s rough on your machines*
That same waxy film doesn’t just stay on clothes. It coats the inside of your washer and dryer too:
- *Washer*: Gunk builds up in the drum, hoses, and drain pump. It’s a magnet for mold, mildew, and that sour washer smell. Repair techs call it “fabric softener sludge.”
- *Dryer*: The residue coats the lint screen + moisture sensor. Your dryer thinks clothes are still wet so it runs longer, wastes energy, and overheats. It’s also super flammable — one of the top causes of dryer fires.
- *Voids warranties*: Some manufacturers like Speed Queen + LG will deny repairs if softener buildup caused the issue.

*3. And most importantly: the effect on human health*
Most liquid softeners + dryer sheets are loaded with synthetic fragrances and chemicals that don’t rinse out:
- *Phthalates, quats, petroleum distillates* — linked to skin irritation, eczema flare-ups, and hormone disruption
- *Fragrance VOCs* — vented from your dryer right into your home. Things like limonene + benzyl acetate become formaldehyde + benzene when heated. Not great for air quality.
- *“Brain fog” complaints* — clients with migraines, asthma, chemical sensitivities, or autoimmune issues often react to the airborne VOCs. Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and that fuzzy “can’t think” feeling are common.
- *Pets + kids*: They’re lower to the ground where dryer VOCs settle, and they lick/nuzzle fabrics all day.

*What to use instead:*
- *1/2 cup white vinegar* in the rinse cycle — strips residue, softens naturally, no smell left behind
- *Wool dryer balls* — beat clothes fluffy + cut dry time by 25%. Add 2-3 drops essential oil to the balls if you want scent
- *Proper drying* — don’t over-dry. That’s what makes towels crunchy

Your clothes last longer, your machines stay cleaner, and your home air stays safer. Win-win-win.

05/09/2026

Have you heard? We are hiring! If you or somebody you know truly enjoys cleaning and serving others; we would love to hear from you.

Email us your resumes and let us know why you think you'd be a good fit. CalmNotCluttered (at) Gmail dot com

01/19/2026

Habits we're bringing into the new year! 🚀

1. Close the kitchen at night: start fresh every morning, no chaos!

2. 15-minute daily tidy: keep clutter at bay, easy peasy!

3. Weekly planning: get organized - kids activities, dinner, groceries, and even exercise regiments.

A great day starts with a plan, and getting things sorted for the week can really let you feel at ease.

Less stress, more calm.

06/25/2024

Are the kids bored? Try the chore bored game! So far, so good. This kid loves games and challenges so we set him up with this. The game lasts about one month and you get up to 3 turns a day.

How to play?

We are using a spinner from another game up to 3 spaces.

You can earn 1 spin by completing morning tasks, another spin for evening tasks and gain another spin after completing a chore challenge.

If he lands on a challenge he picks a card for a chore. Complete the task, get a star.
Cleaning the toilet, folding laundry etc.

Land on "inspection" and pass inspection, get a star. Fail inspection, like toilet not flushed or dishes out, go back 2 spaces. Finish the task and move up one.

He reviews the inspection list before he starts playing, to guarantee a star. 😅 when he finishes the game (eventually) he will get his choice of a movie ticket, day with a friend at kid city or a new toy.

So far surprised at how excited he is to play and complete tasks. But hey... it works for us!

Should I sell my game idea? 😅 try it yourself. Customize it for your family. Multiple kids? Make it a team effort!

01/13/2024

Very cool!!! 🥰🥰🥰

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