Cleaning Business Life

Shannon Miller & Jamie Runco

🎙 Cleaning Business Life  Welcome to Cleaning Business Life, the real-talk podcast for cleaning business owners, solo cleaners, and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, sustainable cleaning companies.  Hosted by Shannon Miller & Jamie Runco, this show dives deep into cleaning industry trends, marketing strategies, client management, hiring and training, systems and automation, and the real stories behind running a cleaning business. Whether you’re in residential cleaning, commercial janitorial, Airbnb turnovers, or move-out cleanings, you’ll find actionable advice, insider tips, and inspiring interviews from cleaning pros who’ve done the work. Each week, we talk about what really happens behind the mop — from growing your client list, to raising prices, handling burnout, and creating freedom through your cleaning business. If you’re ready to learn, grow, and take your cleaning business to the next level — hit play and join the Cleaning Business Life community today. Want to get a hold of us? Please email us at cleaningbusinesslife@gmail.com

  1. 17H AGO

    CBL EP#144 Waffle Stomping: The Dirty Truth Cleaners Need to Know

    This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. 💥 Apply for the FREE Scholarship of the SSPCBA-Structure Scale & Profit Cleaning Business Academy (sponsored by KleanFreaksUniversity.com):  https://forms.gle/JazFuVWUGo7K8sZa7 In this jaw-dropping episode of Cleaning Business Life, Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco tackle one of the most taboo (and surprisingly common) cleaning confessions: waffle stomping. Yep, we said it — and yes, it’s a real thing. From ancient hygiene history to modern internet trends, this episode explores what happens when bathroom boundaries get crossed and why every cleaner should understand the health, safety, and professionalism behind this conversation. You’ll learn why footwear policies matter, how to protect yourself and your crew from unseen biohazards, and the right way to set firm but respectful boundaries with clients. What You’ll Learn: What “waffle stomping” is — and why cleaners should care.Real health risks and how to safeguard your team.OSHA and insurance rules on footwear and gloves.How to talk with clients who request barefoot cleaning.When to document, escalate, or fire a client.Professional pricing and boundary strategies.Cultural hygiene insights that’ll surprise you.If you’ve ever cleaned a shower and thought, “What is that smell?” — this one’s for you. It’s equal parts cringe, comedy, and career-saving education. #CleaningBusinessLife #KleanFreaksUniversity #CleaningBusinessCoach #CleaningIndustryPodcast #MaidBroker #CleaningSafety #ProfessionalCleaners #CleaningBusinessGrowth Here is the link to apply for the scholarship https://forms.gle/c122YU6oNRG7Tic19 It can be crowed when trying to figure out who you are going to learn from Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life, the show where we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a thriving cleaning business without burning out. Every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies you can put to work right away—because you deserve a business that works for you, not the other way around. If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss a new release. And if you got value from this conversation, share it with another cleaning business owner who could use the encouragement and practical advice. Let’s stay connected! You can find me online at: 📌 Facebook: facebook.com/themaidsnetwork 📌 Instagram: instagram.com/kleanfreaksuniversity 📌 YouTube: youtube.com/@kleanfreakstv 📌 Website: kleanfreaksuniversity.com Want to go deeper? Join the Maid to Prosper membership inside Klean Freaks University and get access to my library of 55+ courses, live coaching, and the support you need to build your dream business. Visit kleanfreaksuniversity.com to learn more. Until next time—keep showing up, keep sh...

    34 min
  2. 3D AGO

    CBL EP #143-The Maria Perez Story-A Wrong Address, A Life Lost and What Must Change

    This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. https://forms.gle/c122YU6oNRG7Tic19 for scholarship It can be crowed when trying to figure out who you are going to learn from Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life, the show where we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a thriving cleaning business without burning out. Every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies you can put to work right away—because you deserve a business that works for you, not the other way around. If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss a new release. And if you got value from this conversation, share it with another cleaning business owner who could use the encouragement and practical advice. Let’s stay connected! You can find me online at: 📌 Facebook: facebook.com/themaidsnetwork 📌 Instagram: instagram.com/kleanfreaksuniversity 📌 YouTube: youtube.com/@kleanfreakstv 📌 Website: kleanfreaksuniversity.com Want to go deeper? Join the Maid to Prosper membership inside Klean Freaks University and get access to my library of 55+ courses, live coaching, and the support you need to build your dream business. Visit kleanfreaksuniversity.com to learn more. Until next time—keep showing up, keep sh...

    18 min
  3. NOV 8

    CBL Episode #142 Mop it Like it's Hot: The Ultimate Cleaning Kit Breakdown

    This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. PSA...Don't forget to apply for the scholarship of the SSPCBA, sponsored by Klean Freaks University.com.  Here is the link: https://forms.gle/tFEvbK2iKAJ8ecoR7 🎙️ Episode Title: What’s Really in Your Cleaning Kit? Simplify, Streamline & Stay Safe Episode Summary: Are you carrying too many cleaning products from job to job? In this eye-opening episode, Shannon and Jamie unpack what should—and shouldn’t—be in your professional cleaning kit. From reducing back strain to improving workflow, they reveal how less truly can be more when it comes to professional cleaning efficiency. Episode Highlights: Why overpacking your cleaning kit hurts productivity (and your body!)The three essential solutions that can handle 90% of maintenance cleaning jobsPost-construction and specialty tools every pro should know aboutJamie’s favorite gear—including the Tobar Spin Mop System that’s changing the industryHow to organize your kit to prevent cross-contamination and save timeOSHA compliance 101: Safety Data Sheets, employee training, and how to avoid costly finesReal talk from Shannon: “Having an OSHA audit is awful and very painful—the fines are large.”Action Step: Join the #CleanKitChallenge on social media and show us what’s inside your professional cleaning kit! Perfect For: Cleaning business owners, team leaders, and solo cleaners ready to work smarter—not harder. Links Mentioned: 🧽 Apply for the FREE Scholarship sponsored by KleanFreaksUniversity.com  🔗 Share your photos and insights with #CleanKitChallenge Here is the link to apply for the scholarship https://forms.gle/c122YU6oNRG7Tic19 It can be crowed when trying to figure out who you are going to learn from Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life, the show where we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a thriving cleaning business without burning out. Every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies you can put to work right away—because you deserve a business that works for you, not the other way around. If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss a new release. And if you got value from this conversation, share it with another cleaning business owner who could use the encouragement and practical advice. Let’s stay connected! You can find me online at: 📌 Facebook: facebook.com/themaidsnetwork 📌 Instagram: instagram.com/kleanfreaksuniversity 📌 YouTube: youtube.com/@kleanfreakstv 📌 Website: kleanfreaksuniversity.com Want to go deeper? Join the Maid to Prosper membership inside Klean Freaks University and get access to my library of 55+ courses, live coaching, and the support you need to build your dream business. Visit kleanfreaksuniversity.com to learn more. Until next time—keep showing up, keep sh...

    39 min
  4. NOV 1

    CBL Episode #141 Gaines Tavern, Cleaned and Haunted

    This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. Want to hear what it’s like to clean a 200-year-old house where history lingers—and sometimes taps you on the shoulder? We sit down with Amber Starr to explore Gaines Tavern in Walton, Kentucky, a city-owned landmark built in 1813 that demands gentle hands, careful products, and a steady nerve. Amber walks us through the reality of maintaining original floors, why harsh chemicals are a no-go, and how seasonal shutdowns shape a deep-clean rhythm that respects the building’s age and character. The stories come alive fast: faint footsteps in empty rooms, a flicker at the edge of sight, and a moment when a child’s hand was met by another, unseen and small. We trace the house’s layered past, from the upstairs ballroom stabbing to the orchard tragedy of Lizzie Rice, and connect those memories to the practical choices cleaners must make to protect fragile surfaces. Amber shares why she only cleans in daylight, how lamp-lit rooms complicate evening work, and what it means to be both cleaner and caretaker in a place that holds its own narrative. Along the way, we touch on regional lore—Gaines Crossing’s stagecoach days and nearby Waverly Hills—and consider how stories become part of stewardship. There’s a business blueprint here too. Amber’s contract began with curiosity and community: a ghost walk, a conversation, and a phone call from the mayor’s office. We break d Here is the link to apply for the scholarship https://forms.gle/c122YU6oNRG7Tic19 Erica Paynter is the brains behind My Virtual Bookkeeper, a bookkeeping firm for cleaning companies, and the creator of Clean Co. Cash Flow Academy and the Clean Co. Collective. She’s on a mission to help cleaning business owners make sense of their numbers without boring them to tears! Erica’s all about turning messy books into profit-packed powerhouses.  support@myvbk.com  It can be crowed when trying to figure out who you are going to learn from Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life, the show where we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a thriving cleaning business without burning out. Every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies you can put to work right away—because you deserve a business that works for you, not the other way around. If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss a new release. And if you got value from this conversation, share it with another cleaning business owner who could use the encouragement and practical advice. Let’s stay connected! You can find me online at: 📌 Facebook: facebook.com/themaidsnetwork 📌 Instagram: instagram.com/kleanfreaksuniversity 📌 YouTube: youtube.com/@kleanfreakstv 📌 Website: kleanfreaksuniversity.com Want to go deeper? Join the Maid to Prosper membership inside Klean Freaks University and get access to my library of 55+ courses, live coaching, and the support you need to build your dream business. Visit kleanfreaksuniversity.com to learn more. Until next time—keep showing up, keep sh...

    41 min
  5. OCT 31

    CBL Episode #140 Anya-Spiritual Cleaning: Transform Your Space and Self

    This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. Ever wondered why some spaces feel instantly welcoming while others leave you drained? The answer might lie in the invisible energy surrounding you, according to spiritual healer Anya. Through a chance connection that feels like divine providence, we explore the fascinating intersection of physical cleaning and spiritual energy work. Anya shares her remarkable journey from conventional wellness coach to spiritual healer following a profound awakening triggered by personal crisis. After experiencing divorce, autoimmune challenges, and family tragedy, she discovered her true calling as an energy worker who helps others navigate their spiritual paths. The conversation reveals surprisingly simple practices anyone can implement to transform their home's energy. From opening windows and burning sage to mindful intention-setting while cleaning, these techniques create awareness of what's happening in your space beyond what's visible. "When you do the ritual, you're connecting to whatever is around you," Anya explains, describing how her sage-burning practice helps her identify both physical clutter and emotional tensions needing attention. Particularly compelling is Anya's perspective on autoimmune disorders, which she views not as the body attacking itself but as messages about deeper issues requiring attention. "Your body was divinely made. It doesn't at Here is the link to apply for the scholarship https://forms.gle/c122YU6oNRG7Tic19 Erica Paynter is the brains behind My Virtual Bookkeeper, a bookkeeping firm for cleaning companies, and the creator of Clean Co. Cash Flow Academy and the Clean Co. Collective. She’s on a mission to help cleaning business owners make sense of their numbers without boring them to tears! Erica’s all about turning messy books into profit-packed powerhouses.  support@myvbk.com  It can be crowed when trying to figure out who you are going to learn from Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life, the show where we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a thriving cleaning business without burning out. Every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies you can put to work right away—because you deserve a business that works for you, not the other way around. If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss a new release. And if you got value from this conversation, share it with another cleaning business owner who could use the encouragement and practical advice. Let’s stay connected! You can find me online at: 📌 Facebook: facebook.com/themaidsnetwork 📌 Instagram: instagram.com/kleanfreaksuniversity 📌 YouTube: youtube.com/@kleanfreakstv 📌 Website: kleanfreaksuniversity.com Want to go deeper? Join the Maid to Prosper membership inside Klean Freaks University and get access to my library of 55+ courses, live coaching, and the support you need to build your dream business. Visit kleanfreaksuniversity.com to learn more. Until next time—keep showing up, keep sh...

    52 min
  6. OCT 18

    CBL Episode #139 "Sure, I'll Do That Extra Thing for FREE!" - Words That Could Bankrupt Your Cleaning Business

    This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. Every cleaning business owner has faced that moment: You're in a client's home and they casually ask, "While you're here, could you just quickly do this extra thing?" That simple request might seem harmless, but the financial impact can be staggering.  When we crunched the numbers, we were shocked. If you have just 10 cleaning techs each giving away 15 minutes daily, you're essentially donating $16,250 in labor annually—money that should be going toward growing your business and paying your team fairly. This episode dives deep into why setting clear boundaries around extra services isn't just good business—it's essential for survival. We break down exactly which services you should charge extra for (windows, ovens, porches, garages) and how to price them properly. Using digital tools like Jobber can transform how you communicate with clients about what's included and what costs extra, eliminating awkward conversations and ensuring your team knows exactly what to do when faced with those inevitable requests. The sheet-changing discussion alone is worth a listen! From clients who leave sheets in the dryer to those with 27 decorative pillows on one bed, we share practical solutions that maintain professionalism while protecting your bottom line. We also explore the power of building referral partnerships with complementary service providers for tasks o Here is the link to apply for the scholarship https://forms.gle/c122YU6oNRG7Tic19 Erica Paynter is the brains behind My Virtual Bookkeeper, a bookkeeping firm for cleaning companies, and the creator of Clean Co. Cash Flow Academy and the Clean Co. Collective. She’s on a mission to help cleaning business owners make sense of their numbers without boring them to tears! Erica’s all about turning messy books into profit-packed powerhouses.  support@myvbk.com  It can be crowed when trying to figure out who you are going to learn from Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life, the show where we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a thriving cleaning business without burning out. Every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies you can put to work right away—because you deserve a business that works for you, not the other way around. If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss a new release. And if you got value from this conversation, share it with another cleaning business owner who could use the encouragement and practical advice. Let’s stay connected! You can find me online at: 📌 Facebook: facebook.com/themaidsnetwork 📌 Instagram: instagram.com/kleanfreaksuniversity 📌 YouTube: youtube.com/@kleanfreakstv 📌 Website: kleanfreaksuniversity.com Want to go deeper? Join the Maid to Prosper membership inside Klean Freaks University and get access to my library of 55+ courses, live coaching, and the support you need to build your dream business. Visit kleanfreaksuniversity.com to learn more. Until next time—keep showing up, keep sh...

    41 min
  7. OCT 15

    CBL Episode #139 To Shoe or not to Shoe? The Cleaning Professional's Dilemma

    This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. The unexpected request to remove shoes at a client's doorstep creates an immediate dilemma for cleaning professionals. Do you comply and risk safety issues, or decline and potentially lose the client? Shannon and Jamie tackle this common industry challenge with practical solutions and important safety considerations. Chemical exposure represents one of the most overlooked dangers of barefoot cleaning. Professional cleaners already face heightened sensitivity to cleaning products over time, and direct skin contact only accelerates this process. Even products marketed as "safe for bare feet" contain chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin. This exposure extends beyond the cleaning staff to pets who later walk across these surfaces and ingest residual chemicals during grooming. The safety implications extend further when examining slip-and-fall risks. Booties become dangerously slippery when wet, creating hazardous conditions when moving between bathrooms and other areas. This introduces serious liability concerns, as insurance policies and workers' compensation typically require proper footwear. The hosts share practical alternatives, including maintaining dedicated indoor cleaning shoes for specific clients or implementing a 7-10% surcharge for accommodating barefoot cleaning requests. Cross-contamination presents another challenge that clients often fail to consider. The moisture from cleaning bathroom areas inevitably gets tracked throughout the home when using booties or bare feet, potentially transferring cleaning chemicals or contaminants to carpets and other surfaces.  Businesses with a legitimate reason to revisit these practices with an emphasis on health and safety. Long's Product-https://longsproducts.com/ Check out our new Here is the link to apply for the scholarship https://forms.gle/c122YU6oNRG7Tic19 It can be crowed when trying to figure out who you are going to learn from Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life, the show where we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a thriving cleaning business without burning out. Every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies you can put to work right away—because you deserve a business that works for you, not the other way around. If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss a new release. And if you got value from this conversation, share it with another cleaning business owner who could use the encouragement and practical advice. Let’s stay connected! You can find me online at: 📌 Facebook: facebook.com/themaidsnetwork 📌 Instagram: instagram.com/kleanfreaksuniversity 📌 YouTube: youtube.com/@kleanfreakstv 📌 Website: kleanfreaksuniversity.com Want to go deeper? Join the Maid to Prosper membership inside Klean Freaks University and get access to my library of 55+ courses, live coaching, and the support you need to build your dream business. Visit kleanfreaksuniversity.com to learn more. Until next time—keep showing up, keep sh...

    30 min
  8. OCT 11

    CBL Episode #137 Jeannie Schiess-Wellness Patches: Revolution in Cleaning Industry Health

    This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. What happens when your most valuable business asset—your body—begins to fail? For cleaning business owners, physical health isn't just personal wellness; it's fundamental to business survival. Jeannie Sheese, owner of Epic Cleans in Farmington, New Mexico, knows this reality all too well. After developing debilitating May-Turner syndrome that caused complete blood clot occlusion from her knee to belly button, Jeannie faced a devastating reality: multiple surgeries, constant pain, and the potential collapse of her business when she couldn't physically work. Her journey to recovery took an unexpected turn when she discovered innovative wellness patches that utilize phototherapy to activate dormant stem cells. The science behind these patches offers fascinating insights into how our bodies naturally heal. By age 30, our stem cells—the master cells that can transform into any cell type needed for healing—begin going dormant. The non-transdermal patches work by using the body's own infrared light to stimulate GHKCU copper peptides, reawakening these sleeping stem cells. Within months, Jeannie experienced dramatic improvements: her tennis elbow disappeared, leg swelling reduced significantly, and she regained the ability to work full days. https://www.lifewave.com/jeannieschiess Here is the link to apply for the scholarship https://forms.gle/c122YU6oNRG7Tic19 Erica Paynter is the brains behind My Virtual Bookkeeper, a bookkeeping firm for cleaning companies, and the creator of Clean Co. Cash Flow Academy and the Clean Co. Collective. She’s on a mission to help cleaning business owners make sense of their numbers without boring them to tears! Erica’s all about turning messy books into profit-packed powerhouses.  support@myvbk.com  It can be crowed when trying to figure out who you are going to learn from Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life, the show where we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a thriving cleaning business without burning out. Every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies you can put to work right away—because you deserve a business that works for you, not the other way around. If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss a new release. And if you got value from this conversation, share it with another cleaning business owner who could use the encouragement and practical advice. Let’s stay connected! You can find me online at: 📌 Facebook: facebook.com/themaidsnetwork 📌 Instagram: instagram.com/kleanfreaksuniversity 📌 YouTube: youtube.com/@kleanfreakstv 📌 Website: kleanfreaksuniversity.com Want to go deeper? Join the Maid to Prosper membership inside Klean Freaks University and get access to my library of 55+ courses, live coaching, and the support you need to build your dream business. Visit kleanfreaksuniversity.com to learn more. Until next time—keep showing up, keep sh...

    1h 1m
4.8
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

🎙 Cleaning Business Life  Welcome to Cleaning Business Life, the real-talk podcast for cleaning business owners, solo cleaners, and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, sustainable cleaning companies.  Hosted by Shannon Miller & Jamie Runco, this show dives deep into cleaning industry trends, marketing strategies, client management, hiring and training, systems and automation, and the real stories behind running a cleaning business. Whether you’re in residential cleaning, commercial janitorial, Airbnb turnovers, or move-out cleanings, you’ll find actionable advice, insider tips, and inspiring interviews from cleaning pros who’ve done the work. Each week, we talk about what really happens behind the mop — from growing your client list, to raising prices, handling burnout, and creating freedom through your cleaning business. If you’re ready to learn, grow, and take your cleaning business to the next level — hit play and join the Cleaning Business Life community today. Want to get a hold of us? Please email us at cleaningbusinesslife@gmail.com

You Might Also Like