Author: Lisa Morantz

What to Charge for Window Blind Cleaning?

100 dollars_smIf you’re curious to see what other companies charge for their Window Blind Cleaning Services, take a look at windowcleaningresource.com where someone recently asked, “I’m thinking about adding blind cleaning to my list of services. Can anyone help on standard pricing for horizontal blinds?”

Our answer is that while cleaning blinds with Ultrasonics only takes about 30 seconds with an Ultrasonic Cleaner, our clients typically charge anywhere from $15 to $150 per blind. While this pricing depends on the type of blind being cleaned, with Ultrasonics you can clean any type of window blind including fabric, wood, aluminum, plastic, vinyl, etc. Click on the following links to learn more about Window Blind Cleaning and Making Money with Ultrasonics.

Here’s what others had to say:

  • “Faux wood blind the size of a regular window I’ll charge $18-20”
    Larry Kreusel, San Antonio, TX.
  • “I don’t do them but the guy I sub out to charges $15-$25 and he has an ultrasonic machine.”
    Phil Hinkle, Nampa, ID.
  • “On the Island you can pretty much set the price at whatever you want.”
    Chris Cartwright, North NJ.
  • “I’m at $10. Only takes about 5 minutes.”
    Brennon Williams, New Albany, OH.
  • “I kid you not, we charge $30-$50 per BLIND (real wood that can’t go in water) for slat cleaning & wipe down. We also clean the head rails, strings, tassles, wands, foot rails, etc… in our ultrasonic  cleaner.  Clients are super impressed; it bills out amazingly and referrals are out of this world.”
    Joshua Shelburne, Denver, CO.
  • “$30 to $40 bucks a blind! Man, if I can get that kind of money cleaning blind Im going to change my name to Simply Blinds!!”
    DeJay Brock, Louisville, KY.

To learn more, or if you have any questions about pricing, please call us at 215.969.0266, or submit the form to the right.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Morantz Ultrasonics Goes West to Portland, OR for Servpro’s Annual Meeting

Thanks to all at Servpro of Oregon, Northern California and Western Nevada for the warm reception we received from your group. It was great attending your Annual Meeting and Banquet.  A special thanks to Kay Harley of Servpro of Salem West, OR  for purchasing our Z-56 tank and to Tim and Nikole Clark of Servpro of Douglas County, OR for ordering a new Morantz Ultrasonics SM-200 Super System for their new facility.

Neal Wiser, Morantz Representative in Portland
Neal Wiser, Morantz Representative and Marketing Strategic Partner in Portland, OR.

 

And Now, A Word From a Super Successful Morantz Client…

TheJanitorialStore

MyHouseCleaningBizI am fortunate to be in a business where I have the opportunity to watch our clients’ businesses grow. Sometimes its their Ultrasonic business that takes off, and sometimes Ultrasonics is a launching pad to propel them in another direction.

The latter is true of Steve Hanson who I reconnected with at a recent tradeshow. When we first met Steve (and when he purchased our equipment), he was the owner/operator of  a janitorial company in Boise, Idaho. Now Steve operates The Janitorial Store.com and MyHouseCleaningBiz.com, both of which are on-line stores with a personal touch. For those with questions about running a successful cleaning business, Steve can provide the answers. Much like how Morantz provides training for the Ultrasonic business, Steve will train members in developing systems, reviewing bidding and estimating, discussing hiring employees, advice on sales and marketing (and more) for the Janitorial and House Cleaning businesses.

Steve recently told me that his Morantz Ultrasonics equipment was a huge asset to his janitorial company and believes it would be an asset for his clients as well. He then asked to interview me so that his members could learn more about the technology and the potential profits. I was happy for the opportunity, and if you are a member of the Janitorial Store, you can find this interview at: http://www.thejanitorialstore.com/members/AUDIO-Ultrasonic-Cleaning-Machines.cfm.

Steve has also written the following article about Ultrasonic Cleaning to share with his members:

Ultrasonic Cleaning: High-Tech Cleaning Services
By Steve Hanson

Are you looking for innovative ways to increase your services and your profit margins? Ultrasonic cleaning services can be a way for your cleaning business to add another income stream that can be highly lucrative.

How does ultrasonic cleaning work?

Cleaning a monitorThe item being cleaned is immersed in an ultrasonic tank filled with water and a small amount of cleaning agent, and then agitated with high frequency sound for a brief time. The item is then rinsed in another tank filled with water and a small amount of rinse-agent, and then dried.

The underlying process is the creation of microscopic bubbles in the liquid. Agitation causes these bubbles to collapse with great force. This force produces shock waves up to 20,000 pounds per square inch. These waves then loosen and displace soil from the item being cleaned – this is called cavitation. Some of the advantages of ultrasonic cleaning include:

  • Use of state of the art technology.
  • Surfaces and cavities are cleaned without scratching, brushing or scraping.
  • Oddly shaped and complex objects with tiny crevices and holes can be completely cleaned.
  • It takes very short time for cleaning, normally just a few seconds to clean objects such as mini-blinds.
  • The process is simple and uses fewer chemicals than in conventional cleaning.
  • Cleaning is automated making it more efficient than the traditional tedious form of manual cleaning.

The types of items that can be cleaned with ultrasonic technology are almost limitless:

  • Window blinds
  • Fire restoration, mold restoration and disaster recovery contents
  • Electronics
  • Plastic and silk plants
  • Patio furniture
  • Light Diffusers

Cleaning electronic equipment has always been time-consuming and cumbersome. When using ultrasonics to clean electronics, the process becomes efficient and can be very profitable for your cleaning business. However, there is a lot of confusion about how the process affects electronic equipment.

Many people believe that electronic equipment cannot be placed in water. While it’s true that you should never place electronic devices into water that are still plugged in, use of the proper solution to clean and proper drying techniques allows items to be cleaned and restored using ultrasonics. With the proper equipment and training, there is no damage to electronics being submerged in water (Click here to learn more).

Many people also believe that ultrasonics will loosen solder joints and the item will not work properly. This thought is based on the theory that ultrasonics shakes off debris with vibrations. The cleaning process is called cavitation, which forms and collapses tiny bubbles – a safe and effective cleaning method.

Some people don’t believe the ultrasonic cleaning process works. This is usually due to a lack of understanding of how the process. Plus many people have never experienced the results firsthand. If you invest in the proper equipment and perform the process correctly, ultrasonic cleaning is not only effective, but actually reduces cleaning time and save tons on labor costs.

Ultrasonics is not just for cleaning small items such as jewelry. Ultrasonics can clean and restore items such as window blinds, light diffusers, small electric appliances, silk plants, and much more. Just think of all the homes and office buildings with mini-blinds and silk plants. The possibilities are endless for your cleaning business.

Adding ultrasonic cleaning services to your cleaning business should not be entered into lightly, as there is a large investment in equipment and training. However with proper training and an effective marketing plan, ultrasonic cleaning can not only be another service you provide to your clients, but a great added income stream for your cleaning business.

Copyright TheJanitorialStore.com. All Rights Reserved.
About the Author:
Steve Hanson helps owners of small cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through his online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com, and sign up for weekly cleaning tips at http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com.

Stan Morantz: He Brought Ultrasonic Cleaning to the Masses

Originally Posted by Patrick Kiger (via @AARP), Posted: 11/19/2012
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If you’re a golfer, you know how important it is to keep your clubs clean since dirt, grass, and other debris that accumulates on a clubhead can dramatically affect how it interacts with a golf ball at the moment of impact. And you also know what a pain it is to have to scrub golf clubs by hand with a toothbrush. That’s why you should be thankful for the ingenuity of Stan Morantz.

Back in 1991, Morantz patented a process for cleaning golf clubs with a machine that uses ultrasound — that is, sound at a frequency higher than the human ear can perceive. Morantz’s device made it possible to clean a club simply by inserting the grip and the head into tanks filled with cleaning fluid and connected to an acoustic wave generator.

While Morantz’s machine wasn’t the very first ultrasound golf club cleaner, it improved on an earlier design by filling the tanks and cleaning the clubs automatically. That made it possible for golf clubhouses to install token-operated self-serve machines that golfers could use at their convenience. Morantz, who died on Nov. 10 at age 69 in the Philadelphia area, actually got into golf-club cleaning as a sideline. He grew up working in his father’s drapery business in Philadelphia, and with his father invented a machine, the Morantz pleater gauge, that revolutionized the process of pleating draperies.

Morantz went on to patent 52 other devices for the drapery trade, many of which are still used by companies around the world. But when Morantz noticed that sales of draperies were declining, he got the idea of expanding into selling window blinds. And when his customers came back to him for advice on how to clean their new acquisitions, Morantz created the Baby Blind cleaning machine, the first device to use ultrasound and water to remove dirt and other contaminants.

From there, Morantz branched out. Today, the family business, Morantz Ultrasonics, sells machines that clean wheelchairs, computers, and auto parts, in addition to blinds and golf clubs.

Used Ultrasonic Machines – Is It Worth It?

Ultrasonic Cleaning for the Restoration and Window Blind Cleaning Industry has been an established process since my father, Stan Morantz, put the first ultrasonic blind cleaning machine on the market over 30 years ago. Since then, thousands of companies and individuals have purchased our equipment. However, as competitors have come into the market selling their versions of our machines, it’s not uncommon to see an ultrasonic machine or two for sale online by private owners. This situation begs the question…

Should we purchase a new or used Machine?

It seems that I explore this question every week with potential customers who, like all of us, want to get the most “bang” for their buck. While the expectation is that a used machine would be cheaper than purchasing a new one, the reality is that buyers of used machines ultimately spend a lot more money in the long run. This is due to the following factors:

  • Used Machines are Often Missing Critical PartsThis is the most common complaint I hear; people who thought they were getting a great deal purchasing a used machine only to discover that various critical parts (not just accessories) are missing. For example, I once received a call from a used machine purchaser whose machine turned out to only have one immersible pack when it’s supposed to have two. When the used buyer found out the cost to replace the missing immersible, they realized that their expected saving went right out the window.
  • Used Machines Often Don’t Work ProperlyThis situation just breaks my heart. Often, such as in the example above, the machine may actually function, but due to missing or damaged parts, or parts that haven’t been maintained properly, the machine simply does not perform. In such situations, the machine may not clean well (or at all) or take an unreasonable amount of time to complete a cleaning job. Not only does this situation often eat into the profits for a job, it can cause a job to go over budget or damage the owner’s reputation.To illustrate the impact of this situation, we were once contacted by a restoration company who bought a seventeen year old machine that wasn’t working properly. In this particular instance we offered to look at the machine which the owner then sent to us at great cost. Unfortunately, the component that failed was one that we stopped manufacturing over a decade earlier. In the end, that owner paid many thousands of dollars for something that simply didn’t work.Please Note: While all of our new machines come with generous warranties, for a systems that old, component failures can happen.
  • Used Machines May Not be Appropriate for the Work You Need to PerformObviously, a window blind is not an electronic appliance and an appliance is not an industrial part. Each requires a different cleaning process and different equipment. Differences in power, ultrasonic frequencies and machine size can dramatically impact the job you are trying to perform. Be sure you have the proper tool for the job at hand. The consequences can result in projects taking much longer to complete than what the customer was told or even damaging a customer’s property.
  • Used Machines Sellers Do Not Offer Proper TrainingWhile cleaning with Ultrasonics is fairly easy when compared to other cleaning methods, it is critical that the right cleaning processes be used for the right job. As mentioned above regarding having the right tools, proper training is indeed part of the toolset you need to successfully complete your job in a timely manner.Additionally, after purchasing a used machine, the buyer is then on their own. Not only should the buyer not expect the seller to train them on cleaning techniques specific to their needs and the proper operation and maintenance of the machine, but the seller more often than not does not have the proper certifications, experience or interest to effectively train the  buyer. At Morantz, we not only thoroughly train our customers on cleaning techniques, proper operation and maintenance (which is usually free), our trainers are both certified and highly experienced.
  • Used Machines Sellers Don’t Offer Ongoing SupportIn addition to our comprehensive training programs, we offer full support for the lifetime of the machine (do used machine sellers do that?).
  • Used Machine Sellers Don’t Provide Advertising or Marketing AssistanceAt Morantz, we’ve been providing our customers with proven marketing products and services for thirty years. These products are proven to help our customers get work. Additionally, we have recently established a strategic partnership with Neal Wiser of Neal Wiser Consulting to offer our clients marketing guidance, training and services from website development to full, multichannel marketing campaign management (web, video, social media, etc.). Neal has over 15 years experience in online marketing and has serviced clients from small family businesses (such as ourselves) to Fortune 500 companies and even NASA.
  • Used Machine Sellers Don’t Offer Training SeminarsAt Morantz, we have a long history of organizing training seminars for our customers. These seminars have covered both specific (such as Fire Restoration) and general cleaning and business topics. We’re also preparing online seminars and coursework to further support our clients. Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly newsletter so you can receive notifications of upcoming events (please use the form on the right of the page).

In addition to the above issues, Used Machines Sellers will often tell you the following…

False Promises

These are things that you are almost guaranteed to hear from every used seller:

  • The machine has only been run for a few hours.
  • The machine has been safely in storage since the last time it was used.
  • I will train you on how to operate the machine.

Only Morantz Offers Certified, Pre-Owned Machines

You might be interested to know that Morantz Ultrasonics does sell our own used equipment. Why is this different than buying from a 3rd party?

  1. We make sure everything is in proper working condition prior to the sale. This means repair or replacement as needed.
  2. We offer a limited warranty on our used equipment.
  3. You get the same support from our company as buying new. This means all the benefits of training, on-going support, etc.

Check our website for pre-owned Ultrasonic equipment that we may have available, or call 215-969-0266.

If you are a previous Morantz client and are looking to sell your equipment, you can call us at 215-969-0266 and we can discuss your options. We do require clear photographs of all equipment and components prior to any discussion, so please have these available.

Hope this information is helpful.  If you have any questions about what you are purchasing, I encourage you to call us prior to buying. This way you may know better if you really did find “THE DEAL” or if you have better options.

Unusual Things We’ve Cleaned

Deer HeadI am fortunate to work with many companies throughout the restoration, medical and cleaning industries. Each company has its own unique cleaning challenges. Some, however, are downright strange…but true. From time to time I like to post these items that make you go, “Really?”

I was recently training a restoration group in Wisconsin and the first item they brought out for test cleaning was a stuffed and mounted deer head. They asked “Can we clean it with Ultrasonics?”  “Of course”, I replied and here’s a photo of it on the M-115 “Mighty One.”

The soot that was removed was considerable; you could really see a difference in both the body and the antlers. After it was cleaned, it was then dried with a Heated Blow Dry Gun and returned to a happy owner.