Mia Cameron, MC Cleaning
Mia Cameron, Owner of MC Cleaning
Why did you start the business?
I used to do admin work for a holiday home company in the town and we struggled to find good local cleaners, so three years ago I thought ‘why don’t I start a cleaning business?’ It’s a small team - just me in the winter and four or five people work for me in high season.
Do you have to advertise?
No, I think that’s the way of it with this industry. When you get a good name for yourself, holiday home businesses ask if they can put you on their books, not the other way round.
Is it stressful?
It can be, especially if 15 changeovers are due over two days. But I love cleaning, I really do! I find it very therapeutic. It’s a full-on physical job and I think, a rewarding one as you can instantly see the results of your work. I always tell my team “imagine you are cleaning this property for a family who have saved for years so their children can come and see the sea.” We have to make it spotless for them.
What’s the most annoying thing holidaymakers leave for you to clean up?
My real bugbear is when ladies use the white towels to get their make up off. It can take three washes to get them brilliant white again. I find the nicer the property the more likely people are to take care of it. In the really posh ones you often find everything is swept and the crockery and cutlery has been through the dishwasher and put away by the time I get there.
Are you one of these people who inspects the mattress and tops of wardrobes when you go away?
(Laughs) Oh yes! I always have my cleaning kit in the boot. If it’s not quite up to my standards I rush to the car and discreetly bring it in and get scrubbing! I am a bit of a compulsive cleaner - if I’m sitting on the ferry and my car window looks a bit dirty I will go to my boot and get out a cloth and polish!
Are you always looking for new cleaning products on the supermarket shelves?
I have my favourites and pretty much stick to those. Sometimes just simple water and vinegar will do the job ten times better than these new ‘super cleaners’. I do enjoy trying out steamers and new gadgets that my clients have in their broom cupboards.
What would be your ideal place to clean?
I do like a project, and would love to get my hands on the Naval College! I really enjoy sorting so would like to get in there and re-arrange all the cadet’s dorms.
Do you have any pets?
Four cats. They are my babies and the cleanest cats around! They have gleaming food and water bowls. One, Yoda, is a real house cat so I have to take him out on a lead, he loves it and walks in front of me like a dog.
Have you always lived here?
I come from Geneva and moved to Britain ten years ago. I definitely think of Dartmouth as my home though.
Do you miss Switzerland?
I miss the landscape. I used to do quite a lot of paragliding over there, amongst the mountains. I‘ve tried it in Devon, on beaches and up on Dartmoor, but it’s not the same.
Do you have a dream job?
To pilot my own small plane and take people on sightseeing tours round Britain and beyond.
First published By The Dart magazine May 2016