Clean It Up
UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Andy Hogarth on September 25, 2011, 09:07:10 am
-
Do any of you guys employ somebody to do oven cleans, i don't fancy doing it myself as I don't have the time really but i have a great guy I could use if I could plausibly make a profit and also use him as a helper for me when needed.
I've posted this in the cleaning section and any help advice from guys that already do this would be great
I'm considering starting a guy up oven cleaning to my existing customers, I have looked in to training and the costs of equipment, dip tank, supplies and small van etc, the guy I am going to use is in my family, an ex engineer and really handy at fixing and repairing anything, he has a part time job at present and could start up working round his job at first. it would also be handy for me to have a technician at hand to help me out.
Where I fall short is on pricing and timing, Obviously I want to cover my start up costs, pay my operative a fair wage and earn an amount myself on top.
How plausable is this, I understand you might not want to discuss prices on the thread so you can email me direct if you want andy@accyork.co.uk
Any advice whatsoever on best start up equipment would be much appreciated, Hopefully I can pick up a set up second hand but what should I be looking for? I want to be able to offer cleaning ovens to commercial customers but for now it would be my domestic contacts, I don't want to have to upgrade a few months down the line.
Also is a small suzuki van (rascal type) or a scudo type van any good
I'm just putting the feelers out on this one so like I said, any advice whatsoever would be great.
Andy
-
I've heard that "Dirt Busters" do a good deal with training and equipment...
Once set up, unlike carpet cleaning, oven cleaning is very cheap to run. I charge £50 for a double Oven or £45 for a single. I allow myself 2 hours per job.
I don't employ anyone as I genuinely don't think anyone would want to do it for a minimum wage, they'd soon realise they'd be better off going it alone.
The thing with oven cleaning is, I have customers who have their oven cleaned every 3 months, some every 6 and I offer a reminder service. I offer my regulars a discount as I can have their oven cleaned in under an hour.
I love the job satisfaction from cleaning an oven, though sometimes I get an oven that looks like a pig's exploded in it, but they really can be brought back to look like new again...
-
Do you charge extra for the tops etc Col, I found these prices http://www.ovencleaningking.co.uk/Price-List.html and they seem to be pretty much the same as the guy I use to do our (franchise company)
I was hoping to pay him around £10 per hour, about what he gets now in his part time job, a few companies I work for also use the franchise guy so I'd pick up a load of end of tannancy work straight off
I love the job satisfaction from cleaning an oven, though sometimes I get an oven that looks like a pig's exploded in it
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Do you get many big commercial ovens col? what equipment have you got, use and reccomend?
Cheers mate
-
did you have the dip tank in the back of your old combi van Col??
-
Andy
My prices are the same as colins I spent 2 days with John from ovenbrite.co.uk in yorkshire and he sorted me out with a tank I have no idea if you could make it work as that was what I was going to try but I don't pick up enough oven work to make it viable but its not a service that I push it does get you a foot in the door for other work.
Jim
-
Andy...
If you drop me an email I'll send you a list of what I use...
All my oven cleaning prices are on my website.
Ovencleaningking (Tim) supplied me with my dip tank and provided me with advice... Top geezer....
Cheers, Col....
-
I did my training with Dirtbusters and also got my kit from them, can really recommend them. I do it as an add on to carpet cleaning and it has really helped me out in my first year. I charge £45 for a single, £55 for double, £65 for small range and £75 for large + extra for hobs and extractors.
I takes me on average 3 - 4 hours, sometimes longer for range ovens, (how do you do them so quick Colin?)
Can't say I love doing it though, its hard work and doesn't pay as well as carpet cleaning, that said i bring a steady £700 to £800 per month on top of my carpet cleaning.
-
How do I do them so quick?
I literally take everything out of the oven, fan, top element, bulb cover, the lot. I CAREFULLY paint the inside of the oven with Vanquish. (Back, sides, bottom then roof) I then take what can be dipped [nothing aluminium] and pop everything in the dip tank... [I turn the dip tank on before I even knock on the customer's door ] Back at the oven I paint the removed door and glass with Vanquish then re-agitate the inside of the oven with a stiff paint brush.
Then I work on cleaning the door, then the dip tank bit and finally I only have the oven to clean.
Using wet microfibre cloths I mop out the oven to get all the emulsified carbon, grease and Vanquish off then I spray with de-greaser then scrub with a copper scourer and a good amount of Astonish paste.
I use a window cleaner's scraper with a fresh blade for the dodgy bits and mop out again.
I always finish the oven off with food grade silicone spray which adds amazing sheen and makes the next clean much easier... ;)
Some ovens take longer, but on average, my first visit is 2 hours and consequent visits about 1 and a half hours. But some single ovens are cleaned in well under an hour, 40 minutes has been my best time but I didn't need to take the top element out and there was no fan to remove.
-
3 - 4 hours for £50 :o
Wouldn't you be better spending your time and resources building up your carpet cleaning business where you can earn £50 per hour and more?
Simon
-
Ive just recieved this (pics atached hopefully) I had it made to my measurements and its an upright tank so as to save space in the van. I believe Ian Rochester has had tanks made off the same guy.
ovencleaner@live.co.uk His names Jeff.
Ive getting ovens down to between 1.5- 2 hrs, its an awfull job and on more than one occasion ive nearly packed up half way through a job but it is satisfying when your finished and everythings gleaming.
I often think would I be better off spending my time building up the carpet cleaning but on the other hand it provides some cash flow and opens doors for carpet cleaning.
-
Carl
How much was the tank? How much you charging for oven cleaning?
-
ive sent you a txt steve regarding the tank, prices im charging £35 for a single £45 double £10 hob
-
Classic example this morning.... 3 bedrooms,HSL and l/room and double oven clean... Arrived at 0900, left at 1130...
The guy gave me a £10 tip too ;)
It's all about forward planning, get to work on the oven first and leave the Vanquish to work it's magic along with the dip tank, then crack on with the carpets.
-
Cheers Col, I appreciate that mate.
So it is plausible that I can turn a profit with somebody else doing this, but not if he's slow lol
At least two of my contracts use one of the franchise guys on a regular basis so I can easily take that work and they charge at the higher end.
-
3 - 4 hours for £50 :o
Wouldn't you be better spending your time and resources building up your carpet cleaning business where you can earn £50 per hour and more?
Simon
Simon
It is not very ofton that I do just a single oven, more ofton than not I do the hob and extractor hence why it takes me a little bit longer. Quite ofton I also get asked to clean the carpets, example last week customer wanted double oven, £55 took me around 3 hours then asked to quote for large house which I have just got back from cleaning the carpets and another £258 better off. Got another carpet clean on Friday for £140 because I did their oven a couple of weeks ago and they were very impressed. I am I believe the only carpet cleaner in my area to offer both carpets and oven cleans and you ofton find the customer books you for one service and then goes on to book for the other service. For e.o.t tenant ofton couldn't be as**ed to look for two different companies and so I get both. I seriously considered packing it in last December and January due to the snow and it being my first year and had a horendous time but oven cleaning got me out of a pickle and has given me a welcome regular income. I am building my carpet cleaning business slowly but surely and when it proves consistent and I have built up a good client database I will close down, sell off or possiblely take on a part-timer to cover the oven cleans for me.
Colin where do you get the Vanquish from? I do pretty much the same as you elsewise except for element as I was not taugtht to remove it, only to drop it if possible or if not clean between with a scaper, are they difficult to remove, know where I can find out more on this as it would make it much easier to clean the top of oven.
-
You need to slide the oven out of it's housing, take the back off and un-bolt the element and take the wires off. [noting their correct positions] It can be a little bit daunting and I practised on my own oven before I started dismantling people's ovens in front of them. It's funny though, because they always say... "Bloomin' hell, you're thorough, aren't you?"
It makes the job so much easier and in nearly all cases, it's the top of the oven that tends to be the filthiest because it never gets properly cleaned.
I love the oven cleaning and did think about packing carpet cleaning in to concentrate on the oven cleaning and taking it that bit further. But someone beat me to training/supplying :(
Never mind, carpet cleaning makes a nice change from scraping away at 8 year old burnt on fat I suppose... ;D
-
You have mail Richard....
-
Till one goes bang and someone gets hurt, where would that leave you ?.
You need to slide the oven out of it's housing, take the back off and un-bolt the element and take the wires off. [noting their correct positions] It can be a little bit daunting and I practised on my own oven before I started dismantling people's ovens in front of them. It's funny though, because they always say... "Bloomin' hell, you're thorough, aren't you?"
It makes the job so much easier and in nearly all cases, it's the top of the oven that tends to be the filthiest because it never gets properly cleaned.
I love the oven cleaning and did think about packing carpet cleaning in to concentrate on the oven cleaning and taking it that bit further. But someone beat me to training/supplying :(
Never mind, carpet cleaning makes a nice change from scraping away at 8 year old burnt on fat I suppose... ;D
-
Till one goes bang and someone gets hurt, where would that leave you ?.
You need to slide the oven out of it's housing, take the back off and un-bolt the element and take the wires off. [noting their correct positions] It can be a little bit daunting and I practised on my own oven before I started dismantling people's ovens in front of them. It's funny though, because they always say... "Bloomin' hell, you're thorough, aren't you?"
It makes the job so much easier and in nearly all cases, it's the top of the oven that tends to be the filthiest because it never gets properly cleaned.
I love the oven cleaning and did think about packing carpet cleaning in to concentrate on the oven cleaning and taking it that bit further. But someone beat me to training/supplying :(
Never mind, carpet cleaning makes a nice change from scraping away at 8 year old burnt on fat I suppose... ;D
I used to take helicopter engines out and put new ones back in fella. Never had a helicopter crash once.
It's really not rocket science, we aren't all as thick as pig sht!
-
;D ;D ;D
-
Just to put your mind at ease, Glynn...
With regards to removal of the element, as long as you stop dismantling an oven if you are in
any doubt whatsoever, you should be fine. I certainly haven't always taken the element out and I
don't take them out if I see there could be any problems. Some ovens have a sensor by the nut that holds the element in place, this activates the cooling fan, I usually don't proceed with an element removal as these are quite delicate.
I am also fully insured and carry out a working/safety check on ALL ovens, before AND after the clean.
It's all part of the service.... ;)
-
Do you remove the grill element at the top Colin??
-
Do you remove the grill element at the top Colin??
Yes, that's the element I was referring to, not the one surrounding the fan....
It's not always possible to remove it though, just good if you can.... :)
-
Hi guys. I'm just thinking of getting into this business. I've given my own oven a good cleaning as a practice. I've also bought a second hand gas hob that I've cleaned up and plan on selling again.
The thing that attracts me is the low cost of entry - mainly the dip tank - and the lack of local competition.
I have one question: What about scraping the hard bits?
Can you use a scraper on vitreous enamel? Doesn't it leave scratches?
What about on the oven door glass? Some of it is special low-e glass. Can that be scrapped?
-
The oven door glass can be carefully scraped and the enamel can take a good scraping too.
I have just ordered some "DirtBusters" paste, dip tank solution and booster. Watch this space for the results, I've heard really good things about their stuff.... :)
-
Cannon
How much was the tank fella?
Colin
Where do you get your food safe silicon stuff? I would be interested to know how you get on with the dirtbuster stuff as was thinking of giving it a punt myself.
Thanks
Dan
-
For 400ml Food Safe Silicone Spray. Ring 0161 643 0260
Cost about £9 a can and one can lasts ages....
-
Cannon
How much was the tank fella?
Colin
Where do you get your food safe silicon stuff? I would be interested to know how you get on with the dirtbuster stuff as was thinking of giving it a punt myself.
Thanks
Dan
Your best off dropping him an email his names jeff ovencleaner@live.co.uk tell him what your after, he uses quality stuff im over the moon with mine, and seen as ive just set the smoke alarm off cooking my tea i best get it installed in the van and clean my own oven.
-
Colin
The dirtbusters paste is good I had a sample to try and was very impressed only used on mingers with strong degreaser fantastic
Jim
-
Cannon, do you just plug yours into the customers leccy supply.
Colin, is yours the gas run type??
-
Mine's gas, yes. Takes about 30 mins to get hot.
-
I have recently completed the Dirtbusters 3 day course and bought a package from them inc a van mounted dip tank .
was very impressed with the course as it was completely 100% practical and was one to one . day 1 in the unit stripping down ovens learning about the dif doors etc and the cleaning process what to do what not to do etc etc . day 2 and 3 were on the road doin actual jobs with one of gavins techs.
this is a bolt on to my carpet cleaning business and so far so good have added it to all my adverts and mail shot my client data base and to be honest i have been blown away by the response .
although i dont really need to do anythin else as i am busy with carpets nearly all the time . i love new challenges . and breaking up my work between ovens and carpets will be a refreshing change.
highly recommend dirtbusters equip as its really is well built. although i have nno basis to compare chems colin will be more qualified to answer questions on that they seem to do the biz so far
regards
Rich
-
what are you charging Rich??
email me if you don't want to broadcast it? andy@accyork.co.uk
what was the reconing for going with a gas Colin? is there much difference??
-
your more than welcome to give me a buzz andy 07595727491
-
I will ring you at some point for a chin wag mate, I'm proper crap at replying to any calls lately!!
-
Just as an update to my earlier times I have done 3 ovens in the last 2 days, 1 range oven 3 hours including 6 burner gas hob and extractor, £110, single oven, hob and extractor £72 in 2 hours and 1 range oven, hob & extractor £75 in 3 hours, not bad for 2 days work and first job include carpet job for an extra £65.
Richard i did the Dirtbusters course and brought the portable dip tank and throughly recommend them, however I do question your motives if you are pretty booked out carpet cleaning as it pays a damm sight better per hour than oven cleaning and in my personal view is a lot harder to do, but in my personal circumstances has helped me to build my business but I would perfer to do carpets, well most of the time. ;)
-
Richard i understand what your saying i intend in the future employing a tech full time but i need to build up volume before i can do so .
I am not going to disagree at all with the fact that you can earn a lot lot more cc per hour but the oven cleaning is proving to be a good gap filler .
-
Oven Cleaning's served me well on hard times. I have thought of training someone up, giving them all my gear and have them work for me, but I seriously think that once they get good and realise they could do it alone, they'd be off like a shot, with all of my regular customers.