Firm tackles specialty cleaning projects in the home
By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury—Joe Marinelli uses the word “refresh” a lot. He applies it not only to the way carpets, furniture or tile and grout look when his cleaning company finishes its work, but also to the way that work makes customers feel.
“Clean is a state of being. People feel refreshed when they snuggle their toes into a clean carpet,” said Marinelli, who started the company, JoeCleans, with his wife, Robin, over 35 years ago.
JoeCleans specializes in major cleaning projects that need doing periodically; the company does not offer routine housekeeping service.
“We have the equipment needed for every job, and our team is well-trained,” he said. “Our van is one big power plant, and when we pull into the driveway, we can handle the job.”
JoeCleans serves customers primarily within a 15-mile radius around Shrewsbury.
Marinelli himself still goes out on many calls. “The best part of the business for us is getting to know our customers, and they get to know our crew over time. I enjoy the customer interaction, and customers enjoy how things look when we finish.”
When JoeCleans tackles carpet cleaning, the crew moves all the furniture to get the work done. The firm is experienced in dealing with stains caused by pets. It also cleans area rugs, either in the customer’s home or in the shop with free pickup and delivery. “We love Oriental rugs,” he added.
A thorough tile and grout cleaning “is something most people can’t do easily because they don’t have our equipment,” he said.
Drapes, curtains and installed cornices over windows can be cleaned where they hang. First they are vacuumed, then cleaned with a dry cleaning process that works without leaving the fabric wet.
JoeCleans will clean both upholstered and leather furniture.
“When we do upholstered furniture, we start by vacuuming, then the type of fabric determines how we can wash it. We are very successful in restoring a new fresh look to upholstered furniture. And many people do not even realize that leather furniture can be cleaned.”
The frequency with which such projects should be undertaken depends on the customer’s situation, he noted. A family with children and pets might need carpets cleaned three or four times a year, while empty-nesters may just need once a year. “Carpet manufacturers generally recommend cleaning about every 10 months.”
JoeCleans also provides similar specialty cleaning services to area businesses. In addition, nightly janitorial service is available to businesses. Marinelli also works with subcontractors to provide services such as window washing and duct cleaning to commercial customers.
Marinelli believes in giving back to the community that has kept his business going. Last Earth Day, the crew participated in a litter patrol and collected 50 bags of trash from area roadways.
At Christmas time, he offers gift cards to customers that they can use as discounts on future purchases or give as a gift.
A new project, Clean It 4ward, will begin in early summer.
“We are going to launch a campaign in which people can nominate someone who has made significant contributions to the community for a free cleaning. It might be a coach or a neighbor or anyone who donates their time to the community,” Marinelli said. A panel of community leaders will be recruited to screen the nominees. When the program begins, information on requirements and a nominating form will be available on the company’s website, www.joecleans.com.
For more information on the services JoeCleans provides and for cleaning tips, visit the website, www.joecleans.com, or call 508-845-0229.