How much do you charge and what is a typical cleaning?

Our hourly rate is based on one cleaner at $62 per hour + sales tax. We will visit your home or office in-person for an initial estimate meeting. At the meeting, we will walk through your home or office with you and create a customized to do list upon which we will base the estimate. For an ongoing residential client, the average cost per cleaning is $155 + sales tax (1 cleaner for 2.5 hours).

For residential cleanings we have hourly minimums of:

2.5 hours / $155 + sales for weekly cleanings
3 hours / $186 + sales tax for cleaning every other week
3.5 hrs / $217 + sales tax for every cleaning every 4 weeks

WE DO NOT OFFER ONE-TIME SERVICE.

Zip codes that we serve:

55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55405, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55414, 55415, 55417, 55418, 55419, 55422, 55424, 55426, 55426, 55427, 55435, 55436, 55101, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55108, 55116, 55120

If you are in a nearby zip code and don't see yours on the list, please feel free to email and ask.

What products do you use?

We use custom formulated 100% organic essential oil-based cleaners made by Aaron (now labeled and sold as Aaron’s Green Essentials). The all-purpose cleaner is made with certified organic, therapeutic grade essential oils (lemon, clove, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, rosemary and lime), coconut based surfactant (non-toxic biodegradable soap), and water. Certified organic therapeutic grade oils are the highest quality oils available and are safe enough to ingest. Our wood floor, glossy surfaces, dusting cleaner uses water, High Alps French Lavender, and a dash of soap.

For tubs and sinks we use non-abrasive scrubbing powders such as Bon Ami. We use Panasonic commercial upright vacuums that are equipped with potent filters and the highest quality hypo-allergenic bags. The motors are powerful, work great on carpets, and have extensive attachments for fast and effective detailed vacuuming and vacuum dusting. We also use glass cleaner and wood polish purchased from the cleaning products section at the Wedge Co-op in Minneapolis.

What do you do before the first cleaning?

We will first answer any questions you might have by email, then find a time to visit for an estimate meeting. Our initial appointment will give us a chance to meet, as well as allow us to see your home or business first hand. Our process for establishing cost and timing is to visit your home or office for an estimate meeting where we will do a walk through with you, make a to do list customized to your home or office, and provide an estimate based on that to do list. We will email the estimate to you and ask if there is anything you would like to add or remove, and address any other questions or concerns you may have. If you decide to proceed, we will ask about your day or time preferences and get you scheduled for cleaning as soon as possible.

How many cleaners do you have? Who are they? Are they insured?

We currently have 14 employees on staff. Most staff members (including Aaron) come from the arts community of the Twin Cities. All employees at Aaron's Green Cleaning are covered with Workers Compensation Insurance, Unemployment Insurance, General Liability Insurance and are Bonded.

For ongoing cleaning you will be paired with a staffer. This has been our policy since our founding and is very helpful for consistency, easy communication, and feeling comfortable knowing who is working in your home. Our field manager does most first time cleanings with whoever is going to be your ongoing cleaner so that we are fully aware of the subtleties and nuances of your home. If a sub is ever needed or a new cleaner takes over a particular job, our field manager or Aaron will fill in with one of our other cleaners or make sure the sub is well-informed and prepared for the cleaning. This ensures quality and consistency of service.

Who is Aaron?

Aaron Barnell is the founder and owner of Aaron’s Green Cleaning (AGC). Aaron came from a career as a professional percussionist and worked extensively in the music and arts community in the Twin Cities as a musician, and as the Artist Residency coordinator at the Walker Art Center before building Aaron’s Green Cleaning. Aaron has done many odd jobs to support himself over the years, and cleaning was the one he enjoyed the most (he is a self-proclaimed “master” kitchen cleaner). He started with his first regular client in 2001 when a friend who was employed full time as a band member with Prince needed help keeping up with cleaning his home with a new baby on the way. Aaron built the client base slowly while learning the business, and eventually incorporated in 2006. He made his first hire that year and has continued on a steady path of growth ever since. It has worked out great to offer flexible part time work to folks who are (as Aaron was) in need of flexible work to support their artistic endeavors. Aaron has always believed in treating employees as well as possible and offering as much support as he can as an employer, in order to offer a uniquely high quality service. So far so good! AGC has had very little turnover and has had an amazing staff of competent, interesting, great people to compliment an equally great base of clients. AGC currently services hundreds of homes and businesses each month throughout the Twin Cities.

Why Green Cleaning?

Most products sold in the marketplace contain substances that can be harmful to the health of people, animals and the environment. Using eco-friendly products can help safeguard what is most important to you while promoting sustainable living. There is a common misconception that eco-friendly products are not as effective as many of the synthetic, chemical laden products that are sold in today’s market. Fortunately, not only are green products equally as effective, but they protect our fragile planet and leave your home both clean and free of toxic residues.

Why use 100% certified organic essential oils?

Essential oils are produced by plant immune systems and possess strong antimicrobial properties that ward off pests, bacteria and viruses. Conventionally grown plants—those sprayed with pesticides and insecticides—do not develop strong essential oils because the added synthetic chemicals do the protective work for them. 100% organically grown plants produce the most potent oils, providing maximum health and cleaning benefits.