Contact Us Today!
Sharon Scott
(206) 718-9414
grnqueen@comcast.net
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Frequently Asked Questions
"I realize a home isn't truly 'clean' until it's been dry steamed with your special vacuums and steamer. It's great knowing you've zapped the unseen
bacteria and microorganisms from my kitchen and bathroom."
Cynthia Chomos, Homeowner & Feng Shui Consultant
Why are our cleaning services different?
We use the latest in technology to clean without using chemicals, scrubbing, or other harsh means that damage surfaces. Our tools
provide the most thorough, but gentle cleaning available. In fact, we can take most surfaces back to their original look and feel and make them seem new again.
How do you clean?
We mainly use high end vacuums with Hepa filters and a vapor cleaning tool called a Ladybug (by VaporJet Technologies). Ladybug uses hot, dry vapor, pressure, and nano-crystals
from tap water to penetrate dirt and kill microorganisms without hurting surfaces. This tool is fast and easy to use. We leave surfaces feeling and looking like new again. Moreover, it provides the deepest clean
possible while sanitizing surfaces!
How does the Ladybug work?
Our Ladybug includes a Thermal Accelerated Nano Crystal Sanitization (TANCS), a device that turns the minerals in tap water into nano-crystals.
These crystals, when heated from 210°F to 220°F, are energized to provide micro-abrasion to break through dirt and bio-film layers on surfaces. The system acts as a poultice; as the heat expands and then
dissipates, it pulls out dirt, oils, etc from surfaces onto our cotton towels. Within seconds, this system can deliver a deeper, cleaner, and sanitized surface. It makes surfaces look new again!
How does the Ladybug sanitize?
Inside the Ladybug, the TANCS system uses nano crystals, activated by the vapor heat (210°F to 220°F), to provide abrasion. These crystals can break through the protective
coating of microorganisms within seconds, unlike bleach, which takes minutes to hours. In fact, TANCS has a higher kill rate than any traditional chemical-cleaning method. Ladybug provides the ultimate
disinfection system. On some surfaces, regular use can approach sterilization. In fact, hospitals are the leading Ladybug consumers.
How was Ladybug licensed by the EPA and why is this important?
Ladybug is licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make the claim of sanitization. Not all products can claim this level of cleaning. Even Clorox bleach
products are not licensed by the EPA to make this claim.
How do they determine licensing?
The EPA conducts multiple experiments to test the microorganism kill rate by any product that claims disinfection. The Ladybug’s TANC system proved higher kill rates than
other chemical means, such as bleach and ammonia products. And the Ladybug worked within 7 seconds, as opposed to minutes or hours for other products. This surpassed EPA standards. But because the EPA typically
deals with chemical products, they had no category for the physical-based sanitization provided by the TANCS system. They created a new category specifically for the Ladybug.
What tools do you use?
We have invested thousands of dollars to acquire state-of-the-art tools, including:
Ladybug VaporJets
This vapor system is no larger than a vacuum cleaner, but it uses only a little water, a little heat, and a little electricity to sanitize, clean, and deodorize virtually any
surface. Although the system was created in Italy and is based on the same technology used for espresso machines, it is not a “steam” machine as might be assumed. The system produces a high temperature, low
moisture, “dry” vapor with only 5-6% water, which is much less dense than the air we breathe, and more safe and effective. The system creates temperatures hot enough to kill bacteria and germs, emulsify
grease and oil, and remove other surface contaminates.
Ladybug uses an internal device called a Thermal Accelerated Nano Crystal Sanitation Vapor Systems (TANCS). This device uses a small
amount of tap water, which contains naturally occurring minerals, that the machine transforms into nano-crystals. Super-heating the water accelerates the crystals so they act as natural abrasive agents that
destroy micro-organisms. In fact, TANCS is thousands of times more effective at fighting micro-organisms than most chemicals. According to Advanced Vapor Technologies, with regular applications over time,
TANCS can create a “disinfection baseline that approaches sterilization.”
Hypo-allergenic vacuums
We use Dyson and Miele, two of the best vacuums on the market that offer strong, consistent suction and Hepa filtration systems. This means we reduce the pollutants and
allergens which improves the health of your environment.
Why are these high-tech tools any different?
Our tools can dramatically improve the quality of indoor air, use no chemicals, and leave no residues. This is important to the health of our consultants and to your family.
In fact, many hospitals, food services, and government institutions use these tools.
What’s your cleaning process?
We glide the Ladybug nozzle over a surface. Occasionally we scrub the area using one or our specialized attachments, but the machine does the bulk of the work. The heat liquefies the
dirt and oils, the nano-crystals break apart microorganisms, and the steam pulls them from the surface. We then wipe away the residue with a cotton towel. We use our own towels and clean them offsite using the
most friendly environmental products and methods. We leave behind only a fresh water smell and cleaner surfaces that look practically new again.
Why haven't I heard of the Ladybug?
Many of our tools are high-end, new technologies, or, due to their expense, are not typically advertised to the general public. Our Ladybug vapor system has been used in
Europe for years and finally entered the U.S. after awaiting safety approvals and being re-engineering to fit U.S. electrical power supplies. The largest consumers of the Ladybug include the health care
industry (hospitals and nursing homes), government agencies that are mandated to go green, and the food service industry.
What attachments do you use for different surfaces?
We adjust which tool we use to fit and protect the surface. Some of our instruments also have special attachments that help us clean better or access hard-to-reach surfaces.
Again, we only use what’s appropriate for the surface.
Brushes include:
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Nylon: for most surfaces, especially soft or delicate surfaces
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Copper: for ovens and baked on residues
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Steel: for fireplaces, barbeques, and hard surfaces
We mostly use the broad spray attachment, which looks like a vacuum head, with a towel cover to clean large surfaces. Some attachments have nylon scrub heads, for use on tough
surfaces, such as bathtubs. We use smaller scrubbing or spraying attachments to reach fine crevices or difficult to reach areas, such as around the inside toilet rim, grout between tiles, window tracks and corners, and
under sink handles.
Why do you avoid scrubbing?
We avoid scrubbing as much as possible. Scrubbing has many negatives:
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Takes longer and requires more physical effort.
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Degrades surfaces more and more over time.
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Creates fine scratches that attract and hold onto dirt.
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Doesn’t remove all surface dirt or oils.
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Doesn’t necessarily disinfect or kill microorganisms.
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Moves the dirt, chemicals, and microorganisms around.
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Creates superficial clean at best.
Within seconds, our tools liquefy and remove dirt, oils, and chemical residues without degrading the surface. The Ladybug acts as a poultice to pull out substances. It also
sanitizes surfaces that are impossible to treat or reach with scrubbing or chemicals.
How much pressure and heat does it produce?
The Ladybug produces only low pressures, usually in the range of 50 to 60 PSI. The low pressure is safe and easy to use. Low pressures are essential for getting the job done
without making a mess or damaging surfaces. The work is mostly done by the heat (210°F to 220°F) and nano-crystals concentrated at the work surface. The heat dissipates quickly once the vapor expands into
the atmosphere.
Will you leave things wet?
Our vapor system uses “dry” vapor, so carpets and floors are dry within minutes. This reduces the time and effort required for many tasks and leaves your space dry, so you
don’t slip on wet floors.
Where do the soap and chemicals go?
We don’t use chemicals and soaps! In fact, we remove the residues left from former cleaning products. Our Ladybug uses tap water. If we use one of our plant-based,
environmentally friendly solutions, we follow-up with the Ladybug to remove any residuals which we wipe away with our soft cotton towels. The towels leave with us so we can safely wash and sanitize them for
future use.
Where does the dirt go?
Depending on the tool used and the application, the dirt loosened is simultaneously absorbed in a terry cloth bonnet, or rinsed or wiped away using an absorbent cloth. The
grime, dirt, and residues leave with us on our towels that we then wash and sanitize.
Does your cleaning take longer?
Typically the Ladybug works faster and deeper than any other cleaning method. It provides a deep clean each and every time. How long this takes depends on the amount of cleaning needed. Our tools and techniques are highly specialized
and targeted, so it can take more focus and time on the first visit to remove years of residue and take a surface back to its original surface. But once there, maintenance is easier and cleaning times are
dramatically reduced.
Do you sanitize surfaces?
With our tools, we can sanitize most surfaces within seconds and to a higher degree than any traditional method. However, not all surfaces can be sanitized – not by bleach,
scrubbing, or heat. Sealed and smooth surfaces are easiest to sanitize, while porous surfaces are more difficult.
Doesn’t bleach work better to disinfect?
NO! Most chemicals, including bleach, require a “dwell time” to work properly. This means the product has to sit in a pool on the surface for a period of time (from minutes to
an hour) to slowly break down the micro-organisms. But they still don’t always kill everything, let alone clean. Bleach has been proven to leave behind viruses and bacteria.
Within seconds, the Ladybug can kill the most micro organisms of any cleaning method, while leaving surfaces looking like new again. In fact, in EPA tests, the Ladybug
achieved higher kill rates of microorganisms within seconds, not minutes. You can’t get a cleaner, more gentle method from chemical products.
If there are no suds, how do I know it’s clean?
Soap suds created by detergents are not an indication of clean. They are, however, and indication that a chemical is probably being used, and these don’t completely break down
in our water supplies or landfills. Those suds take lots of water to rinse, and they likely will leave residues to which dirt and oils stick. These residues build into oily film or soap scum. Also, residue
can get onto your skin and into your body, adversely affecting your health. Don’t be fooled; suds don’t deliver clean. We provide a more thorough, disinfecting clean without the residues or waste.
Why don't you use detergents or chemical cleaners?
We protect your surfaces, your health, and the environment by using safe tools and techniques that leave your home cleaner and more sanitized. Our tools remove dirt, residues,
and oils quickly and easily without the need for harsh chemicals, wipes, or scrubbing. Chemicals are bad for you, bad for the environment, and they just don’t work as well, if at all. Chemicals:
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Take longer to act (need long “dwell times” on surface).
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Require scrubbing, which damages surfaces.
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Don’t reach all nooks and crannies.
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Create a superficial clean, not a pure clean.
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Leave chemical residue, which dulls the surfaces and attracts dirt.
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Expose your skin and lungs to harsh, toxic chemicals.
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Can mix with other chemicals and become dangerous
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Contaminate water and landfill.
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Create super-viruses, which adapt to the pesticides.
How are your products an alternative to Tilex?
We can clean faster and better than Tilex without harming the surface or your health. Tilex takes minutes to hours to be effective. We take seconds, the result will last
longer. And we won’t leave any trace behind, unlike chemicals, which leave residue that get on your skin, in your lungs, and go directly to your blood stream. Our tools remove soap scum, bacteria, mold, and
mildew, whiten grout, and sanitize surfaces.
How are your products an alternative to Green Clean?
While Green Cleaning techniques and products may be better for the environment than traditional chemical methods, they often still use detergents and scrubbing. We can clean
faster, better, and deeper, while sanitizing surfaces.
What types of waste do you create?
Very little! We use small amounts of water and electricity. Thanks to our Ladybug, the microorganisms are killed, so what we wipe away with our cotton towels is already
sanitized. We wash the towels in environmentally friendly solutions.
Shouldn’t I just use vinegar to clean windows?
Using vinegar and water is time consuming and doesn’t work as well. You have to mix the product, scrub the surface, and push it into corners, seals, and small crevices, if you
can reach them. The solution leaves a residue which attracts dirt and builds film. And vinegar smells.
Our method is faster, more thorough, and leaves no odors or residues. We can make a window feel like a clean, new sheet of glass. And we clean screens super fast without
having to take them down!
Do I need to use special green products after your clean?
No, but we like to recommend less toxic products and cleaners to protect your health, the environment, and your surfaces. We want to help you find the healthiest and safest
way to maintain your space!
Which surfaces can you clean?
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Glass
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Sealed wood
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Sealed marble
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Vinyl
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Quality latex paint surfaces
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Metal
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Brick
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Cement
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Tile
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Upholstery
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Some rubber
Which surfaces can you NOT treat?
We can treat most surfaces, but we avoid or are very careful with silks, antiques, unsealed woods/surfaces, very thin plastics, delicate upholstery, latex walls, cheap
enamels, some wallpaper. We have to see the location to correctly assess the cleaning possibilities. Please call us for a consultation.
Will it damage or strip surfaces, such as wood floors?
No. The Ladybug enables us to clean surfaces without a lot of surface contact. We are trained to use the device properly, gently, and safely. By adjusting the distance from
the nozzle to the surface, we can adjust the pressure and intensity of cleaning. We won’t overwork surfaces. In fact, we will not use our tools on any surface that is not sealed and protected. We insist on
maintaining the integrity and safety of your home.
Can you clean upholstery or rugs?
Yes! We use the Ladybug to dissolve dirt and oils and to pull them from the fabric into our towels. This process also kills ticks, fleas, and animal dander while removing the
static electricity from animal hair so that it can be vacuumed afterward. The fabrics are typically brighter and softer to touch. However, this type of carpet cleaning is best for spot removal and differs from
traditional carpet steam cleaning.
Can you clean glass?
We use the Ladybug to gently clean glass better than any traditional method. Within seconds, we can remove dirt, oils, mold, film, as well as residue from past cleaners. And
we can clean corners and seals that scrubbing can’t reach.
Can you remove wax?
Yes. We can safely remove or extract wax from most surfaces, including fabrics. The Ladybug liquefies and pulls the wax from the crevices into our towels.
Can you get rid of soap scum?
Most cleaning services can’t tackle soap scum, but we can! We use citrus-based solutions to cut through soap scum, then follow-up with steam and wipe with a towel to remove
any residue. Once the soap scum is removed, the surface often looks new again and is easier to keep clean.
Can you get rid of the smell of animal/human urine?
We have great successes with removing odors. If we can access all of the area where the original spill occurred, we can remove most of the leftover stains, fluids, or smells.
We use heat, steam, and odor-eating enzymes to tackle certain odor-causing agents. But we have to see the location to correctly assess the possibilities. Please call so one of our experts can consult with you.
Can you get rid of stains?
We have great successes with removing stains caused by pets, food, grease. However, juice, wine, and felt pen stains are not too responsive to our heat and enzyme treatment,
and may require a detergent. The Green Queen is happy to provide environmentally friendly referrals where known. In most cases, if we can penetrate the same area where the original spill occurred, we can most likely remove the stain. But we have to see the
location to correctly assess the possibilities. Please call us so one of our experts can consult with you.
Can you get rid of smoke on walls?
Depending on the surface, we can typically remove smoke stains. Enamel paint and sealed surfaces are easiest. Cheap paints, latex, and delicate surfaces are more difficult and
sometimes impossible. One client had a dying furnace that was belching smoke and oil. We easily removed it from the walls with our Ladybug. We have to see the location to correctly assess the cleaning
possibilities. Please call us for a consultation.
Can you get rid of grease?
We have great successes with removing grease! Accessing the area is key. We have special attachments that help us reach small crevices and target
grease. We have to see the location to correctly assess the cleaning possibilities. Please call us for a consultation.
I have allergies and/or chemical sensitivities, how can this help me?
Because we use water, we are not introducing any chemicals, perfumes, or odors into your space. Our tools actually remove chemical residuals left behind from previous cleaning
procedures as well as reduce odors, pollutants, pollens, and dust mites. We improve the air quality as well as the surface quality of your environment. In addition, we sanitize most surfaces, such as in the
kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, so you won’t be as exposed to harmful microorganisms.
How can your system improve my health?
Our Ladybug not only has a higher kill rate of microorganisms than most chemicals, but repeated use helps lessen the colonies that naturally exist in most homes and offices.
Chemicals create super-bugs because over time the viruses and other microorganisms adapt and become resilient to the pesticides. But they can’t adapt to being physically abraded and scalded.
How often do you recommend cleaning?
How often we provide services is up to you, the client. We can consult and recommend a regular time period, whether every 2 weeks or every 2 months. Every client situation is
different, and we tailor our services and frequency to your space needs.
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