Domestic Cleaning - Buyers Guide

Domestic Cleaning Terminology

Domestic cleaning is a growing niche market. With so many providers crowding the market sometimes knowing the right terminology will help you when it comes to deciding on the right supplier. We have put together a glossary of commonly used terms in the domestic cleaning industry.

Attic: The space at the very top of a house. Generally used for storage. Oftentimes converted into extra rooms.

Baking Soda: Natural white powder used for disinfecting and cleaning surfaces.

Basement: The lowest level of the home. Although in the past, the basement was commonly unfinished and used as either a cellar or cold room, today most houses have finished basements and they are often included in the areas that need to be cleaned.

Bathroom/washroom/toilette: The space(s) in the house containing the toilet bowl, bathtub and vanities.

Bedroom: A sleeping chamber.

Bleach: A very strong cleanser that is useful in removing tough stains and odours.

Breakfast Area: Commonly adjacent to the kitchen. It is an informal eating space meant exclusively for family use.

Carpet Cleaner: A foam, liquid or powder used to clean and disinfect carpets.

Dining Room: Generally refers to the formal area for eating the in house. In traditional homes the dining room is a separate space, sometimes connected to the kitchen by a butler’s pantry. In modern layouts the dining room and living room are often combined, open spaces.

Ensuite: A bathroom attached to a bedroom for the exclusive use of the occupant of that room.

Family Room: The more casual lounging area where the family will get together. Not generally used for entertaining, unless in very informal situations.

Foyer/Entrance Hall/Lobby: The area immediately entered upon opening the door. Sometimes a smaller entrance way will then lead to a larger foyer from which the rest of the home is accessed.

Kitchen: The most used room in the house. Where all of the cooking is done.

Living Room: The formal entertaining area of the home.

Master Bedroom/Suite: The largest bedroom in the house. Normally includes an ensuite.

Mud Room: The room that connects the garage to the main part of the house.

Nursery: Room used by a baby.

Play Room: The room reserved for children’s play things.

Recreation Room: Generally located in the basement, it is where the media equipment is placed and where any games are placed.

Sanitize: To remove the bacteria and germs from a surface either by sterilizing it or using the proper cleaners for it.

Solarium/Sunroom: The sunniest spot in any house. Mainly composed of windows and commonly used as a greenhouse or breakfast area.

Vinegar: A natural cleanser used to make eco-friendly cleaners for the home.

The above is a basic list of the more commonly used terms in the domestic cleaning services industry. If you are looking to hire a domestic cleaner then knowing what you want done and what to ask for are the basics. Once you have an idea, then finding the right domestic cleaning supplier is simply a question of calling a few providers, getting quotes, doing a reference check and then making your final choice. At every step of the way, OneEntry.com can help.

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The form was easy to fill out and took only a few minutes. It was easy for me to find the service I needed, and I quickly heard from a couple of helpful companies.

Angelica, Buyer
Milan, Italy