Loving Hands brings care to cleaning

SEELEY LAKE – "The only thing I won't pick up [and clean around] is a dead mouse," said Darlene Muex reeling at the thought of it.

Muex is the sole proprietor for Loving Hands cleaning and in-home care service in Seeley Lake. She hopes to work with as many clients as her schedule allows, "and make them happy and provide for any needs they have [except rodent removal]."

Muex grew up in Detroit, Mich. Her mother Helen Hester, a professional cleaner for nearly 40 years, took her on cleaning jobs ever since she can remember.

"The houses we went into were so beautiful," said Muex. "I watched her and learned how to clean house."

On the weekends, Muex and her siblings would help clean their own home.

"It was something we had to do right. I loved the way it looked," said Muex. "After I grew up I decided I always wanted to keep my house this way."

Muex offered in-home care in Spokane, Wash. and California for the last 35 years, cleaning part-time on her days off. She also ran a janitorial service for five years for commercial businesses in Klamath Falls, Ore.

Three years ago while working in Spokane, Muex met a friend of a friend who asked if she could come to Seeley Lake to help her organize things she had in storage for a garage sale. Instead of selling many of the treasured items, Muex helped move belongings into her home and put things in place. She also started cleaning for her "and she loved it."

Muex worked for her client in Seeley Lake for several months. She started Helping Hands, offering in-home care and cleaning services, to assist others who may be in need of her services. Once her client no longer needed her, she returned to Spokane.

A year ago her Seeley Lake client broke her shoulder. Muex returned to Seeley Lake permanently to help her.

When she tried to resume her business Helping Hands, the name was already registered. She changed the name of her business to Loving Hands, after Loving Hearts, a place she frequents.

"I thought 'Loving' and 'Hands' sounded good together," said Muex.

Muex currently has no employees. She offers commercial and resident cleaning services. Indoor cleaning options include: interior walls, cabinets, toilets, beds, the oven, ice box, floors, bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchen, "really anything they have in the household I will clean. I am a very thorough cleaner."

Muex said she will also clean outdoor windows, back porches, sidewalks, pick up pet droppings in the lawn and clean lawn furniture.

"Whatever you need cleaned, I will clean it," said Muex. "I'm picky, I'm very picky."

Muex offers estimates or charges by the hour, depending on the client. She provides all the cleaning supplies needed to do the job.

Muex is also listed on the Seeley Swan Homecare Resources List with Missoula Aging Services as a care provider. She offers in-home care including: cooking, bathing, transportation, laundry, medication and cleaning. She offers 24 hour service but prefers night care.

"I want to keep my customers happy. I enjoy people and doing things for people and making their lives better," said Muex. "If they want their house cleaned, really nice, I'm there to make it look nice. That makes me feel good."

To find out how Loving Hands can help you call Muex at 406-677-2537.