Southport Magazine

It’s a common saying: “There’s not enough time in the day.” There aren’t enough hours to work, clean, cook, spend time with family, exercise, sort mail, help the kids with homework, and get enough sleep to do it all again the next day.

Thankfully in Brunswick County we have the help of Merry Maids, a cleaning service operated by franchisees Donna and Chuck Parker. We spoke with Donna about the company and its benefits; for further details, visit www.merrymaidswilmington.com or call (910) 212-4928.

Southport Magazine (SM): How did you become a local owner and operator with Merry Maids?
Donna Parker (DP): My brother and his wife introduced us to Merry Maids approximately 13 years ago when they purchased their first Merry Maids franchised territory. We loved the Merry Maids mission statement, “to simplify and improve the quality of our customers’ lives.” We saw first-hand how Merry Maids cleaning service was increasing the quality of life of many people by the service they were providing. Over the years, we were very impressed with the business integrity and service quality of Merry Maids, so when we had an opportunity to purchase the Merry Maids in New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties, we did not hesitate.

SM: What sets Merry Maids apart from other cleaning services?
DP: Merry Maids is a professional home cleaning service that distinguishes itself from other cleaning services in several ways. Our staff of professional cleaners have passed a rigorous job interviewing process that includes a background check, drug screening, and reference checks. Additionally, we protect our customers by carrying liability insurance, and file social security and state and federal taxes so our customers don’t have to.

We have a unique cleaning system that has been used successfully since 1979 throughout the United States, so our customers are assured a detailed and thorough clean every time.

Most importantly, I feel we set ourselves apart from our competition in our commitment to customer service. We believe that if people are going to pay good money for a cleaning service, then they should be more than satisfied with the results. That is why we offer a 24-hour guarantee on our work. We are not perfect, but we are committed to making the cleaning experience a great experience for our customers. I believe that is why our customer retention is so high: We keep our customers happy.

SM: If someone’s never had their home professionally cleaned, how do you suggest they prepare for their first cleaning?
DP: Preparing for that first time in cleaning should not be stressful or overwhelming. We are coming in to help you, so please don’t clean up for us the night before! You do not have to have your house completely organized before the cleaning crew comes in. There are, however, some things that you can do to get the most out of that first detail clean.

We recommend you clear away any places in the home that have a lot of nic-nacs or paperwork, etc., so those surface areas can be thoroughly cleaned. Also, pulling any heavy furniture like sofas or chairs away from the wall will allow the team to wipe down baseboards that would otherwise be blocked. Any special instructions, like fragile or heirloom pieces that do not need to be touched (or a family dog who loves Milk Bones!) are very helpful to the team when they come into your home.

We bring our own equipment and patented Merry Maids products with us, so no need to buy any cleaning products or equipment before we clean. Just a little prep work, and then just sit back, relax, and let us do what we do best—clean your home.

SM: What are some of your customers’ reactions to having more time and not having to worry about cleaning chores?
DP: A professor said, “Changed my life—I feel like I have a new lease on life!” He has been working on a book for several years that needed to be finished. He started bi-weekly service with us and his clean work environment has allowed him to write freely again.

Another customer had us come in for a deep clean for their daughter’s wedding. She said, “It was amazing! I ended up signing up for a year’s cleaning. It was totally worth it—I wish I had thought of this years ago!” Other customer comments include, “Consistently good service. Not only clean, but you make everything shine!” and “Very professional, very well-trained people who always consider the special needs of the customer.”

SM: What other services do you provide that homeowners may not be aware of? Can you do commercial locations as well?
DP: Inside window cleaning, cleaning inside refrigerators and stoves, changing bed linens. We provide cleaning services to smaller commercial businesses.

SM: Favorite food?
DP: Mexican cuisine, sushi

SM: Favorite book?
DP: “Same Kind of Different as Me,” co-written by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

SM: Favorite band?
DP: Casting Crowns

SM: Favorite place to travel?
DP: Southern Caribbean

SM: Favorite thing about Southport?
DP: The quaint atmosphere and the friendly people