Monday, September 29, 2008 Mitebusters:The home cleaners By Luis A. Quibranza III
IF those guys in Discovery Channel are busting age-old myths using the power of science and technology, then Pico Sarmiento, Martine Sarmiento and Raci Franco take such magic — straight from the TV set and into your living room.
And yes, they will eliminate the awful dust mites feasting in your mattresses. All for the good of your health and a comfortable night’s sleep.
Homesmart Cebu is Cebu’s first specialized home cleaning service that helps the Queen City clean up her kingdom — one home at a time.
How did these guys come up with idea?
Pico and his wife Shella moved to Cebu just about a year ago. Shella, who was already availing herself of specialized home cleaning services in Manila for quite some time then, was looking for one here and couldn’t find a company.
The cleaning services available either fell into the “general” or “janitorial” categories.
Put one and one together, equals the birth of Homesmart.They officially began operations just this August. But the company long beforehand was already exposed to in-depth training and research to assure quality service for the Cebuanos.
“We have a very professional cleaning technique and technology,” explains Raci.
Right now, their promotion heavily relies on referrals and word of mouth. But the group agrees that the market here is very receptive. In fact, much more than they actually thought. Before, bookings used to be just days in advance.
Customers now have to set a schedule at least weeks ahead.
“Though we’re primarily focused on home cleaning, some customers very pleased with the results invited us to do their offices as well,” says Martine.
“We even tried out a post-construction job,” adds Pico.
Here’s how it basically works. A customer gets in touch with the company through their office number or their e-mail ad homesmartcebu@gmail.com.
Then after a deal is done, a cleaning team is sent to the house and is usually composed of three people, at a minimum.
They also come equipped with two hydromachines and depending on the job, additional equipment.
Imported straight from the United States, these high-tech hydromachines are scientifically prepped-up vacuum cleaners that make use of water. Martine even assures that the hydromachines they use are the “world’s best cleaning system.”
But for Homesmart, it’s not just all about getting the job done; it’s getting the job done — as quick and healthy as possible.
They say no to using chemicals to avoid damage of expensive upholstery and stand firm on their ideals when it comes to healthy home-cleaning.
“We’re really specific about health. We don’t want to use chemicals because we don’t want the homeowners to be breathing in a whole lot of toxins,” explains Martine.
Plus, the group claims that your housemaids might even learn a trick or two about specialized home cleaning. Take it from the mitebusters.
