So today I finally tackled this covid cleaning thing that's been hanging over my head for weeks. My neighbor tested positive last Tuesday, and honestly, it freaked me right out. I started wiping down everything like crazy, but then I remembered that deep cleaning they talk about? Yeah, I needed that. Didn't have a clue where to start. Just sat there staring at my phone feeling overwhelmed.

The Search Begins - Total Confusion

Grabbed my laptop first thing this morning. Typed in "covid cleaning company near me" like everyone does. Bam. Pages and pages of results. Some looked legit, others? Sketchy as heck. A bunch had these huge "PANDEMIC RESPONSE SPECIALIST" banners – seriously? Felt like overkill. Prices ranged wildly. Saw one that wanted $300 for a small apartment! My head was spinning trying to compare what they even covered. Disinfection fogging? Electrostatic spraying? I just wanted my place properly cleaned and safe!

Calling Around - The Reality Check

Enough clicking. Time for phones. Dialed three numbers from the top results.

• First Company: Got voicemail immediately. Message said "due to high demand, calls returned within 48 hours." Forty-eight hours? Nope. Hung up.
• Second Company: Guy answered, sounded rushed. Quoted me $180 flat for my space, said they could come Thursday. When I asked exactly what they'd clean, he got vague. "Standard disinfection protocol, ma'am." Felt shaky. Asked if they used EPA-approved stuff. Silence. Then, "Uh, yes, of course." Didn't feel convincing.
• Third Company: Finally, a decent chat. Nice lady named Lisa. Explained their process step-by-step: focusing on touch points like doorknobs, light switches, counters, using specific disinfectants, needing me to stay out for two hours after. Mentioned a "pandemic surcharge" – nearly groaned, but at least she was upfront. $150 for Thursday afternoon. Solid vibe.

Sat there weighing it. Company Two was cheaper and sooner, but that phone call? Bad vibes. Lisa felt real. Went with her company. Booked it right then.

Cleaning Day - Watching & Waiting

Thursday rolled around. Two guys showed up exactly on time, masked up and in clean uniforms. Good first sign. They wiped down their gear before bringing it in. I pointed out the main areas – kitchen, bathroom, living room. They basically attacked every surface you'd touch: fridge handle, microwave buttons, remote controls, sink faucets, even the toilet flusher. Used some spray and also wiped things down thoroughly. Didn't rush. Took about an hour. Felt way more thorough than my frantic wiping ever was. Paid Lisa's crew the $150. Relief hit hard.

Thinking Back - What Actually Worked

Looking online felt useless at first, like throwing spaghetti at the wall. Calling was key. Hearing their voice, how they answered questions (or didn't!), made all the difference. That "pandemic specialist" jargon online meant zip. Getting someone like Lisa who explained things plain and simple – that built trust. Don't just go for the cheapest or the fastest. Gotta actually talk to a human running the place. Seems obvious now, but in the moment? Total chaos scramble. Place feels genuinely cleaner now, peace of mind included. So yeah, that was my cleaning adventure.