A New Career in Extreme Cleaning
Charlotte Johnson, a former hairdresser from Leeds, has found a new passion in extreme cleaning. After growing tired of the long hours and low pay in her previous job, she decided to take a different path that has led her to tackle some of the most challenging and unusual cleaning tasks.
The Transition from Hairdressing to Extreme Cleaning
Charlotte worked as a hairdresser for about ten years but took a break when she had her son. She was frustrated with the long hours and the lack of financial reward, which prompted her to seek a change. Her journey into extreme cleaning began after seeing an advertisement for a deep cleaning course on Facebook. After completing the course, she was inspired and quickly transitioned into her new career.
Now, Charlotte runs a successful cleaning business that specializes in handling difficult and unpleasant jobs. She has taken on tasks such as cleaning up after murders, dealing with homes where someone has died, and clearing out hoarders’ homes. While these jobs can be daunting, Charlotte has found her true calling in this field.
Dealing with the Unusual
Charlotte’s work involves bio-hazard cleaning, which requires a specialist touch. She has encountered many situations that would make most people uncomfortable. For example, she once found a Second World War bomb while cleaning out a house. It turned out to be non-live, but the experience was still eventful and highlighted the unpredictable nature of her job.
She described the first time she entered a hoarder’s home or a house where someone had died as being “petrified.” However, with more experience, she has learned to face these challenges head-on. “You just have to put a brave face on and do it,” she said. “Nothing really fazes me much, but you do have to have a strong stomach for what you might see or find.”
Helping Others and Building Relationships
Despite the difficulties, Charlotte finds fulfillment in her work. She helps people with their mental health by working closely with hoarders and their families. Instead of immediately discarding everything, she takes small steps to help them let go of items they are emotionally attached to. This approach not only cleans the home but also creates a safer and more comfortable environment for the residents.
Charlotte works alongside her partner on bio-hazard cleans and leads a team of four who handle domestic cleaning tasks. They receive calls from various sources, including family members and charities, ensuring that no two days are ever the same.
Launching a Cleaning Academy
In addition to her cleaning business, Charlotte is preparing to launch her own cleaning academy for those interested in extreme cleaning. The two-day sessions will cover both theory and practical work, starting on July 22. The academy aims to provide training for individuals who are passionate about taking on challenging cleaning tasks.
Charlotte believes that while this job is not for everyone, she genuinely enjoys what she does. If you are interested in learning more or enrolling in the academy, you can contact her at 0800 002 9086 or email [email protected].
