Dirt Code Guide for Sales Team
How to Set Proper Expectations, Quote Accurately, and Communicate Clearly with Clients
What Is the Dirt Code?
The Dirt Code is a standardized rating system used to assess how clean or dirty a home is before a cleaning. Clients select their Dirt Code when booking, which helps us provide an accurate quote and allocate the right amount of time and team members.
Where is it located?
Internally its located in the quote, home information area.
On the customer side when booking online, it is also located in the home information area.
Why It Matters
Clients often underestimate the true condition of their home. That’s okay—but our pricing is based on actual conditions, not perception.
If we arrive and the actual Dirt Code is higher than what the client selected, the price will be adjusted on-site before work begins.
REQUIRED SALES SCRIPT
At the time of booking, the sales rep MUST say:
“The price you’re getting today is based on the Dirt Code you select. When our team arrives, if the actual condition is significantly more involved, we’ll adjust the price on-site before we start, and confirm it with you.”
Dirt Code Definitions (Client-Facing Descriptions – Do Not Edit)
- Immaculate – Does someone even live here?!?
- Exceptional – Tidy & cleaned almost daily.
- Good – Home is relatively clean. Dirt build-up is light surface level.
- Marginal – Light buildup. Typically a home between biweekly cleanings.
- Average – Lived in, air filters changed often, light soap scum. Also includes: Marginal – Light buildup.
- Moderate – Lived in with pets/kids, air filters changed often, moderate soap scum.
- Fallen Behind – Build-up in bathrooms and kitchen, air filters changed late.
- Challenging – What are air filters? Dust build-up is heavy on fans, bathrooms with soap scum, kitchen has heavy build-up. My dust has dust!
- Extremely Challenging – You don’t know where to start and you just need help. Chores have fallen behind and a deep scrubbing is needed in 3/4 of the home.
- Maximum Challenge – All areas of the home need intensive detailing. Dust falls right back onto surfaces and floors may need to be cleaned 2–3 times.
- Out of Our Scope – Biohazard, pet waste, infestation, hoarder situations.
🔢 Common Groupings for Quoting & Expectations
| Level Range | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Rare | Almost never applies—only for spotless homes |
| 3–4 | Typical (switching providers) | Common for homes maintained by another cleaning service |
| 5–6 | Average | What most recurring or new customers fall under |
| 7–11 | Fallen Behind | Requires extra time, deep cleaning, or may not be accepted (if Level 11) |
What We Will NOT Clean (Level 11 – Out of Our Scope)
Jobs we refuse on arrival:
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Rodent infestation (fecal evidence)
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Insect infestation (cockroaches, fleas)
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Bodily fluids (not inside toilet)
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Unsafe environments (no stair railings, drug paraphernalia, aggression, etc.)
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Hoarding or extreme neglect situations
Best Practices for Sales
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When in doubt, ask probing questions about the condition of kitchens, bathrooms, clutter, and pets.
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Encourage clients to round up their Dirt Code.
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Reassure them: “We’ll confirm everything when we arrive. No surprises—we’ll always review with you first.”
