Q. I was amazed after the first application to my 100 year old floors. They had a mirror glaze but you do not slip when you walk on them.

A. I don't know that brand but as a former janitorial service owner and later a janitorial supply dealer, I recomend a janitorial supply. They will have a selection and should be able to advise. The best actual wax I have used on wood floors was Pantaloon. But it was difficult to apply without a good buffer.

Q. Cleaner? I know you'd think that Sears or the Kenmore site would offer me assistance.

A. Local janitorial supply.

Q. I would clean houses and apartments that are controlled by real estate companies. I was also considering providing additional services that would include indoor painting, light repairs and outside yard maintenance to prepare the home for sale or rent. I have an idea what I would need to start my business, but would greatly appreciate anyone that could give me more insight on how to start the business and the supplies I would need to start. Not to mention on how to charge a fair price and keep their business. Also, where would I buy the supplies I need. And how to market my business to get the clients I need. Thank You

A. Pizza lover is right about licensing. However, don't let that discourage you. Cleaning and maintenance are areas that are badly under-served, and you can make as much as you want if you are willing to put in the hours. You can make far more with people working for you, but the concommitant headaches from having additional licenses and insurance may be more than you bargained for. Check out Don Aslett's books on cleaning. Available in Waldenbooks, Borders. He has a lot of great tips. Good luck.

Q. Do any one have any ideas or suggestions on how I can go about getting new contracts for my new Janitorial business? I offer carpet cleaning, residential and commercial cleaning, move in/move out cleaning. Should I do cold calling to different businesses? Flyers? How can I go about putting a proposal for companies to bid on my company to clean for them? Help Me out people.

A. You might as well forget the Internet because it's global - you need to target your efforts locally. This is best done in the newspaper, direct mail, and cold calling. Here's an idea: Call the business and get a price quote from THEM instead of the other way around. You'll find out what price YOU need to charge to get their business that way.

Q. Hey all, my mom & I are starting a small Janitorial Service and want to just focus on small office buildings, but I don't want to approach it saying "We don't do windows" even though a good friend advised to do just that since windows are a whole other animal. If there's a one story with two-story tall windows in a corner area (about 15feet tall no higher with a reception desk covering one partial wall of grid windows) and the other windows seem to be reachable at floor level and there's a desk by one wall of windows, I know you have to see it to know) but can I get an idea as to, what kind of obstacles could I genereally expect and should I even consider saying yes to the window or referring a window washing company. THanks

A. Hello! Starting an office cleaning business, and particularly focusing on small office buildings, is a very smart and profitable thing! That's what I do. But I don't do windows, nor do I have many requests to do them. Generally, if the offices are in a complex, or several in one building, the window cleaning is the responsibility of the property management. That being said, I think adding window cleaning services, at least in the beginning, would be biting off more than you can chew. It could be very beneficial for you and your business to search for an independent window cleaner (make sure you know the quality of his work) to recommend. Develop a relationship with this window cleaner where maybe you can get a referral fee, exchange referrals or something along those lines. If you and your Mom are just starting out and need more resources (for bid forms, contracts, etc), tons of tips and more, check out my Squidoo lens and blog below...

Q. I want to get my carpets cleaned they look really dirty, i don't have a carpet shampooer machine, only a vacuum.how would be a good way to get them cleaned by just a solution and a vacuum?

A. You would just be moving the dirt around. Shaw flooring which is the Worlds Largest Carpet Manufacturer recommends "Hot Water Extraction"... the Rug Doctor machines you can rent at many department stores are hot water extractors and not too bad. Be sure not to skimp on the defoaming solution and not to overuse the cleaning solution. What you want to do is spray the solution, agitate the carpet fibers, then immediately suck up the excess water. Until you can get a hot water extractor I wouldn't introduce any chemicals or moisture to your carpeting. You are just inviting mold and mildew. You can also rent a good hot water extractor and wand at most janitorial supply places.

Q. I've rented carpet cleaners and used the spot remover chemical. The stains keep coming back after the carpet dries. One stain might be bicycle chain lubricant. I've seen special cleaning equipment at the store, priced at approx $150 - any idea if it has a better chance?

A. If it is lubricant you should use a degreaser. I used to clean carpets for a living and most of the stuff you get retail is junk for stains. Try and find a janitorial supply in your area. If you don't want to go to that length, try Dawn dish detergent first. Put it on straight and work it with a good stiff brush over an area about two to three times the size of the stain. This should prevent a "clean" spot appearing after you are done. You will have to rinse and dry it well afterward. The best thing to do is get a "Rug Doctor". You can rent them at a lot of grocery stores for around $30.00(? It's been a while since I've done it) and they do work pretty well. Treat the stain as I described then shampoo the entire rug. Ive used this method many times and most stains will come out unless they have been there too long.

Q. I have been using this to clean for years now, scrubbing the sink and tub, washing counters, cleaning drains. I always figured that the vinegar was acidic enough to eliminate most bacteria. Am I right or wrong, and if I'm wrong is there a better way to clean that is natural? I refuse to buy antibacterial products (although I guess I do use a 10% bleach solution, which by its nature is antibacterial, from time to time, but only when it is absolutely necessary) and most commercially produced cleaners. Does Seventh Generation or any of those other Eco-friendly products work better than the baking soda and vinegar method?

A. Vinegar will remove most films and grimes, but does not dissenfect, nor does it sanitize. You can buy products that have an E.P.A registration number, meaning that the epa has approved of that product to be safe for the enviroment. Hospitals, Barber shops, And hair salons are required to use theese products. They can be purchased at any local resturant or janitorial supply store. If you are still not comfortable with that idea, mabey you can try 70% isopropyl alcohol. It will kill many not all, but many germs on a non-porous surface.