Inhaven sat down with Sean Kemper, the owner of ETI Solutions, for a detailed conversation about the science of cleaning, during which he shared insights from his professional journey. He began his career in the chemical industry with Ecolab, joining the Kay Chemical division in New Orleans. He handled private-labeling cleaning products for major fast-food brands like McDonald’s and Burger King across Louisiana, Mississippi, South Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle. His primary role was to educate and train restaurant managers and maintenance staff on cleaning processes and equipment, often collaborating with directors of operations and corporate teams to ensure thorough training.

After five years, Sean advanced to district manager in Chicago. He later joined his father’s company, initially named CCI Industries, which was rebranded as  Kemper Industries five to ten years after he came on board. Through these experiences, he gained valuable industry knowledge that eventually led him to establish and lead ETI Solutions.

Sean Kemper, owner of ETI Solutions, reflected on the nonstop pace his work took during the pandemic, especially in his role on the  VRHP (Vacation Rental Housekeeping Professionals) board. He and other board members met regularly to develop safety protocols and ensure that housekeeping procedures kept properties clean and virus-free. Sean’s industry expertise became especially valuable as new, unverified products flooded the market, many making claims without proper EPA approval. He prioritized educating vacation rental professionals, ensuring they used only certified, effective cleaning solutions and protective equipment.

Beyond guiding safety practices, Sean sourced essentials like masks, gloves, and disinfectants, utilizing his electrostatic sprayers to keep businesses safe. Reflecting on that period, which he likened to the “Wild West,” he expressed pride in supporting and educating his industry.

Sean also shared the evolution of his company: founded in 2017 as Kemper Solutions, he later rebranded it as ETI Solutions to avoid confusion with Kemper Industries. “ETI” embodies the company’s mission—Educate, Train, Innovate—a focus he doubled down on during the pandemic by implementing new technologies like UV lights and other innovative solutions to combat the virus.

The Drop-N-Go Product Line

In response to an industry need for efficiency and environmental consciousness, Sean Kemper introduced the “ Drop and Go” program. This system uses EPA-registered, Safer Choice chemicals that are environmentally friendly and easy to use. Sean takes pride in simplifying cleaning processes; his approach often reduces the overwhelming variety of products that many companies accumulate. For instance, in a recent consultation, he helped a client streamline from twenty different products to a few multifunctional ones, saving money and space.

Sean explained that improper dilution is common with bulk products like Fabuloso, where cleaners might use a stronger mix than recommended, believing it will enhance the scent. However, over time, the overuse of surfactants—chemical agents in soaps— leaves an invisible residue that attracts more dirt, cooking oils, and lotions. The “Drop and Go” system avoids these issues, offering accurate dilution with each use, which keeps surfaces cleaner and prevents the buildup of residues that trap grime. This method aligns well with the industry's needs, simplifying the process while ensuring effective cleaning results.

The Kitchen

Sean Kemper emphasizes a structured, efficient approach to cleaning vacation rental properties, starting with the kitchen. As the kitchen typically requires the most effort, he advises beginning there to get appliances like the dishwasher running early, allowing for the full cleaning cycle. Inspecting high-use items, such as the microwave and oven, for any tough stains or burnt residue is also essential to keep the process smooth.

In Sean’s recommended approach, cleaning is often done in teams to save time—one person can focus on the kitchen while another handles tasks like stripping beds. In alignment with VRHP (Vacation Rental Housekeeping Professionals) guidelines, he suggests the “paint the wall” technique: systematically working through a room by moving from one side to the other, tackling dusting, straightening, and cleaning under furniture as you go. This method ensures thoroughness and efficiency, fully cleaning each area before moving to the next.

Sean underscores the importance of using high-quality, safe cleaning products, especially in the kitchen, which often needs the most attention. His company’s degreaser is versatile enough to handle most kitchen surfaces, from stovetops to ovens. He recommends a heavy-duty cleaner for tougher, burnt-on residues, like a commercial-grade oven and grill cleaner. Preparing for these cleaning challenges is key, as the kitchen is typically the busiest, messiest area in a rental property, where families gather to eat, play games, and spend time together.

Sean explains that cleaning needs can vary based on regional factors like water hardness. For instance, calcium and lime buildup in areas with hard water may require an acidic cleaner—but a safer, non-corrosive acid to protect stainless steel surfaces. Generally, he recommends starting with a versatile degreaser that is effective on various surfaces, including granite, marble, and other natural stones. For properties with high-end finishes, he advises finishing touches like stainless steel or specialty polishes to bring out a pristine, polished look, ensuring each property is left looking its best.

Sean emphasizes the importance of understanding surface types and using appropriate cleaning methods in vacation rentals. Like wood floors with a urethane finish, sealed surfaces can generally handle regular mopping. However, he recommends a low-moisture approach for raw wood, such as cabin interiors, to avoid damaging the material. A light mist with a microfiber system is ideal for such surfaces.

Regarding tile and grout, routine cleaning typically involves mopping with a neutral cleaner rather than deep scrubbing. Sean warns against using high-pH cleaners, as too much surfactant can lead to a “Blackfoot” effect—where greasy residues remain, causing floors to attract more dirt. He recounts assisting a company in Florida experiencing this issue: by mopping with hot water for a week, they removed excess soap and grease, providing a temporary fix. Once the buildup was gone, he guided them to the right neutral or mildly acidic cleaner, which helped maintain clean floors. Sean’s approach highlights the importance of education and proper product selection to avoid recurring issues and preserve floor quality.

The Bathroom

Sean Kemper advises starting bathroom cleaning with the shower, focusing on surfaces like glass doors or curtains. Applying a mist of bathroom cleaner allows time for the cleaner to cut through soap scum and mineral buildup. He notes that the pink residue often mistaken for mold or mildew in bathrooms is bacteria, stemming from soap scum buildup due to incomplete cleaning.

Sean explains that bleach, while popular for its instant whitening effect, only bleaches mold rather than eliminating it. Hence, regulations from OSHA and EPA discourage bleach for mold removal in areas prone to moisture, like hurricane-prone South Alabama. Inhaven offers  several products to tackle more persistent mold and mildew issues.

To comply with these standards, Sean suggests a two-step process: first, use a safe mold cleaner like Spore-Go to clean the surface thoroughly, and then follow with an EPA-registered disinfectant. For additional protection, applying a sealer to treated surfaces can help prevent future mold and mildew growth, a common practice among restoration professionals.

Sean recommends using a polishing cleanser for cooktop stoves and glass shower doors. He shares an example of visiting a property where new management assumed the haze on the shower glass was part of its design. However, Sean identified the haze as a buildup and demonstrated the effectiveness of the polishing cleanser. He easily removed a section of the haze by applying it with a scrub sponge or microfiber cloth, revealing a perfectly clear glass surface underneath. This cleanser, he notes, is particularly effective at restoring clarity to glass shower doors, leaving them looking clean and polished.

The Bedroom

Sean Kemper stresses the unique cleaning needs of vacation rental carpets, especially in high-traffic areas like bedrooms, where carpets can trap sand, dirt, and oils. He recommends a professional-grade multi-surface cleaning machine for its dual counter-rotating brushes that dig deep into carpets, tile, and grout without suction, pulling out grime embedded within the fibers and between tiles. Sean recalls a case where a professional machine lifted nearly 20 pounds of sand from a carpet, even after it had been vacuumed, underscoring the difference between standard and commercial-grade equipment.

ETI also provides specialized cleaning solutions for vacation rentals, including pre-spray chemicals that break down buildup in heavily trafficked spots, such as doorways and pathways between bathrooms and bedrooms. Sean’s team educates housekeeping staff on using this equipment to achieve professional results efficiently, allowing them to effectively tackle grout and carpet buildup.

For carpets specifically, Sean explains that improper cleaning—especially with degreaser-heavy products—can lead to surfactant buildup, trapping dirt and oils that cause carpets to quickly re-soil. Many rental carpets benefit from a neutralizing acid rinse, which helps remove excess surfactants, keeping floors cleaner longer and reducing residue buildup. This chemistry-based approach ensures that rental carpets and other surfaces maintain a fresh, polished look, providing a higher-quality experience for guests.

Sean emphasizes the importance of effective linen care for vacation rentals to maintain high-quality bedding and towels. Bleach remains a go-to solution for its affordability and whitening power, though it requires careful handling due to its fiber-damaging effects on materials like microfiber. He suggests using a balanced mix of chemicals and working closely with a trusted vendor for more durable fabrics. Regular titration tests are essential to monitor bleach and pH levels. Too much bleach can gray linens and weaken fibers, especially in hard water areas where minerals like iron may cause red or brown stains. Ensuring vendors maintain these levels properly can prevent issues and preserve linen quality over time.

Sean recommends pre-sorting linens on-site to save time and minimize cross-contamination, especially when handling stains like blood or wine. Soaking stained items in bacteria-based solutions overnight can pre-treat organic matter and make stains easier to clean, extending linen life and reducing bleach use. Unlike bleach, bacteria-based cleaners effectively break down stains without harming fibers and can be reused for up to 28 days before needing replacement. This method aligns with Sean's commitment to both efficiency and fabric preservation, ensuring vacation rentals consistently offer fresh, high-quality linens.

Maintaining a clean and inviting vacation rental requires expertise, the right products, and a clear plan. Sean Kemper’s insights provide property managers with practical, science-backed solutions to meet the high standards of today’s guests. For more expert advice on vacation rental management, cleaning innovations, and industry trends, explore the Inhaven blog, “In The Know,” where you’ll find more articles to help you stay ahead.