The Chronicle’s Business of the Month: Local cleaning business gives others a fresh start

By Busta Brown 

When life seemed to turn its back on her, Amanda Douthit refused to give up. Instead, adversity ignited a passion to succeed, laying the foundation for a cleaning service that wasn’t just about business—it was about giving back to the community. 

“I wanted to make a direct impact in my local community, so I began by partnering with organizations like homeless shelters and battered women’s shelters, including Samaritan and Bethesda. My goal is to provide opportunities for those who are often overlooked, helping them rebuild their lives with meaningful work and support,” said Amanda Douthit, owner of Cleaning Matters. 

While others turned a blind eye to the women at the shelters, Douthit embraced the opportunity to make a real difference. By offering her cleaning services for free, she sought to give those in need not just a clean space but also a sense of dignity and hope. 

In 2022, Douthit started Cleaning Matters. The Winston-Salem native said, “Prioritizing cleanliness is essential for maintaining a healthy and pleasant environment. With years of hands-on experience in the cleaning industry, I’ve had the opportunity to work across various sectors, from residential cleaning to commercial and post-construction projects. This journey has allowed me to refine my skills and truly understand the ins and outs of the industry, helping me discover the specific areas that I excel in and truly enjoy.” 

One of the key milestones in Douthit’s career came when she identified a rapidly growing niche in the cleaning industry—vacation rentals. 

“Prior to the rise in vacation rentals and Airbnb listings, there was limited demand for this service in our area. However, as the popularity of vacation rentals surged, I was quick to adapt. I was one of the first to join a platform directly connected to Airbnb, where hosts could find trusted cleaners. This early move allowed me to build a reputation in the local market, and within a short period, I was managing more than 60 units across the Triad area with a dedicated team of 15 cleaners,” she said. 

The 15 cleaners are women from homeless and battered women’s shelters. Where the single mother was once surrounded by the echoes of trauma and resilience, she transformed those echoes—once reminders of challenges—into a burning passion. That passion fueled the creation of her own successful cleaning company, turning her dreams into reality. Through dedication, grit and a deep drive to succeed, she built something truly remarkable from what could have been just noise. 

Douthit is incredibly mindful of the trauma some of the women have experienced. She approaches every situation with patience and kindness, always leading with a soft, supportive hand. Her gentle nature creates a safe and comforting space for those around her. 

“I typically use them for my post-construction projects because my supervisor and I are always on-site, since it’s a construction project. On top of that, I have a strong relationship with the social worker, so I trust they’ll only send people who are reliable and fit for the task.” 

At every step, her goal has been to deliver exceptional, detail-oriented service tailored to the specific needs of each client. 

“From floor care to specialized services for vacation rentals, I understand that each job requires a unique approach, and I’m here to ensure your space is not only clean but also welcoming and ready for guests,” she said. 

She added: “Whether you’re a homeowner, a business or a vacation rental host, I offer reliable and professional cleaning services that meet the highest standards. We help you maintain a spotless, inviting space every time. Sometimes, I get myself up at 4 in the morning, making sure the building is clean. I always have other cleaners in place, but ultimately, it falls on me, and it’s my responsibility to make sure that the buildings are clean. The bottom line is, as the business owner, it’s my responsibility to ensure that the building meets the standards I’ve promised.” 

Today, Cleaning Matters has grown into much more than just a business. It is a reflection of her mission to support those who’ve been overlooked and forgotten. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the profound impact one person can have when they choose to rise above their circumstances and serve others. 

Douthit didn’t allow her past to define her; instead, she channeled her pain into purpose. 

“I got pregnant at 16 and had my baby soon after. Everyone told me I should drop out of school and just take care of my child, but I pushed through and stayed in school. I eventually went to college but didn’t finish and ended up coming back home. For a long time, I was in a tough spot because my mom had put me out, so I was bouncing from place to place and sometimes sleeping on couches. 

“Despite my situation, there were people who saw potential in me and gave me a chance. They didn’t judge me based on my circumstances, and that really meant a lot. 

“That’s why it’s so important for me to look beyond someone’s current situation and try to help them. It’s why I got involved with homeless shelters, volunteered to clean up and made sure people were OK. Giving back and helping others is something I truly believe in.” 

As she spoke, her deep love and passion for helping others were evident. Her big, bright smile never faded, and her spirit remained warm and inspiring throughout the interview. 

“People counted me out because of my situation, but like you said, my situation doesn’t define my future. Statistics might tell a different story—living in the projects, relying on assistance and having my daughter have a baby while living in the same projects next door to me. But that’s not my reality. I’m an entrepreneur now.” 

The mother of three is not only a successful entrepreneur who spreads joy throughout the community, but she’s also an amazing mom. 

“I have three beautiful kids. My daughter is in the military, doing amazing things. I’ve come a long way. I’m not where I was, and I’m not where I’m going to be.” 

The Chronicle’s Business of the Month is Cleaning Matters. To contact Cleaning Matters, call (336) 328-7116, email cleanmattersnc@outlook.com or visit cleaningmattersnc.com. 

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