Partners in Grime go chemical free

Image caption:  The Partners in Grime team has grown to 15 staff




Bridget and Aaron Murphy


Innovative Queenstown-based cleaning company Partners in Grime has taken a positive step for the environment and gone chemical free.

Partners in Grime specialises in providing a one-stop-shop service for high-end holiday home management, maintenance and cleaning, and has switched to using the unique Austrian cleaning system ENJO.

The tried and tested ENJO system uses a range of specially designed micro fibrecloths to remove dirt and bacteria – without the use of harmful chemicals.

Owners Aaron and Bridget Murphy said the move was part of their commitment to the highest standards, creating a safe working environment for staff, and delivering a sparkling end result for discerning clients.

“We’re not interested in being mediocre, we want to be the best we possibly can be, and that includes looking after our staff and the environment,” said Bridget.

“Chemicals can trigger allergies and intolerances, not only for our staff but for home owners and their guests. Having worked in the industry for some time ourselves, we understand the negative effects chemicals can have on health, particularly if you’re using them every day.

Before coming to Queenstown and setting up Partners in Grime, Aaron and Bridget spent over ten years managing five star resorts in remote locations across the world.

Their impressive work experience includes being joint general managers for over five years at Australia’s Orpheus Island Resort -- responsible for all aspects of the successful running of a resort including guest services, maintenance and quality control.

Aaron was also assistant resort manager at Queenstown’s five-star Matakauri Lodge while Bridget was general manager at Element Escapes Queenstown, both five-star boutique properties.

Having owned a holiday home in the resort town for many years while working overseas, the couple found they were constantly being hit with high charges for simple maintenance and cleaning jobs.

“We’d receive an invoice for $75 for something as basic as changing a light bulb,” said Bridget.

“We thought there must be a better way. So after starting a family and making the decision to settle down in Queenstown we decided to start a one-stop-shop for home care needs.

“Instead of having to call a cleaner, spa service man, window cleaner, gardener or an electrician for that simple light bulb change, we can do it all.”

In operation for only 18 months, the ethos behind Partners in Grime has struck a chord with holiday home owners and property management specialists. That includes working alongside leading Queenstown based companies such as Touch of Spice Property Management, cleaning the exclusive Touch of Spice Private Villa Collection to impeccable standards.

The team also services a host of high end private and holiday properties, cleans commercial office spaces and is happy to offer full ‘builders’ cleans’.

The company started with just the two of them, but demand is high and the business now employs 15 staff and operates four vehicles.

“Our service is discreet, personalised and meets the highest standards, something we’ve honed after many years at the discerning end of the hospitality industry,” said Bridget.

“Using ENJO is another way we’re exceeding expectations while helping ensure we’re the best we possibly can be.”