Carpet, Upholstery, Mattress & Curtain Cleaning Terms & Conditions
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE BETWEEN THE SERVICE PARTNER AND THE CUSTOMER
Last updated 1 September 2025
PLEASE READ THESE TERMS CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THE SKITTERBLINK SERVICES. YOUR CONTINUED USE OF SKITTERBLINK SERVICES SHALL CONSTITUTE YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
These terms contain provisions (highlighted below) which limit SKITTERBLINK’S AND THE SERVICE PARTNER’S exposure to legal liability. Some of these provisions do have the effect of limiting your rights in law and conferring obligations on you by virtue of your agreement to these terms.
Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or must be understood to unlawfully restrict, limit or avoid any rights or obligations, as the case may be, created in terms of the Consumer Protection Act, 2008, to the extent that such legislation is applicable.
Important clauses, which may limit SKITTERBLINK’S AND/OR THE SERVICE PARTNER’S responsibility or involve some risk for you, are reflected in bold and italics or are highlighted. You agree to pay special attention to these clauses.
SKITTERBLINK MAY AMEND THESE TERMS FROM TIME TO TIME. AMENDMENTS WILL BE EFFECTIVE UPON SKITTERBLINK’S POSTING OF SUCH UPDATED TERMS ON THE SKITTERBLINK WEBSITE. YOUR CONTINUED USE OF THE SKITTERBLINK SERVICES AFTER SUCH POSTING CONSTITUTES YOUR CONSENT TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS, AS AMENDED.
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 “We”, “us” or “our/s” means the Service Partner selected to perform the service to you.
1.2 “You” or “your” means the Customer.
1.3 This contract explains the rights, duties and responsibilities of both the Customer and the Service Partner and is binding on both parties.
1.4 The cleaning of carpets, upholstery, mattresses and curtains may be risky. Please pay special attention to clause 7 and 9. Our liability for loss or damage is limited.
2. THE CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, MATTRESS & CURTAIN CLEANING SERVICES TO BE RENDERED
2.1 We agree to provide specialised cleaning services for carpets, upholstery, mattresses and curtains at the Client’s premises on the agreed date and time, as per the Quotation/Pro-Forma Invoice.
2.2 All services are subject to access being granted and a safe working environment being provided by the Client.
2.3 Special Conditions:
• Persian and wool carpets are cleaned at the Client’s risk. Skitterblink does not accept liability for damage to these items.
• No biohazardous cleaning (blood, urine, faeces, vomit) is included in this service. Such cleaning forms part of Trauma Cleaning services and must be contracted separately.
• Excessive dirt, stains, or spot cleaning may incur additional charges, as determined by the Supervisor.
• No guarantees are given for complete stain removal, especially in cases of old stains, sun damage, or fabric discolouration due to age or wear-and-tear.
3. ESTIMATED QUOTATION / PAYMENT
3.1 100% payment is required upfront before commencement of services. Proof of payment (POP) must be provided to Skitterblink by email or WhatsApp.
3.2 Payment options include EFT, POS card machine, or cash (10% surcharge). Card payments incur a 3.5% surcharge.
3.3 The quotation is valid for 10 days and subject to change if additional services are required.
4. BANKING & PAYMENT DETAILS
4.1 The Skitterblink banking account details will be supplied on the official invoice submitted to you.
4.2 Proof of payment (POP) must be submitted to the Skitterblink office before service.
5. ADDITIONAL ITEMS AND CHARGES
5.1 Waiting time: Teams will wait for 15 minutes for access. Thereafter, the time will be billed as service time.
5.2 Non-access (locked gates, security refusal, etc.) will be regarded as a completed service and billed accordingly.
5.3 Additional services, such as excessive spot cleaning or re-cleaning after contractors, will be charged separately.
5.4 Any unforeseen additional work must be approved by the Client and will be invoiced accordingly.
6. CANCELLATION OR POSTPONEMENT OF THE SERVICES
6.1 No cancellation fee will be charged if the service is postponed or cancelled by the Client at least 24 hours in advance.
6.2 No cancellations or termination notices will be accepted during the months of October, November, or December. Services during these months remain payable in full.
7. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY
7.1 Provide safe and suitable workspace for the team, including clear access to the items to be cleaned.
7.2 Ensure access to water and electricity during the service.
7.3 Remove or secure fragile, valuable, or sentimental items prior to cleaning.
7.4 Ensure that pets and children do not interfere with the service delivery.
7.5 Treat Skitterblink staff with respect and dignity.
8. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SERVICES
8.1 All complaints, requests, or suggestions must be submitted in writing to the Admin Office and/or the Customer Care & Sales Consultant (via email or during official site visits). Verbal complaints will not be accepted.
8.2 Theft or breakage must be reported within 24 hours of discovery in writing. Skitterblink’s official Theft/Breakage Procedures apply.
8.3 Skitterblink, as employer, cannot be held liable for any unlawful act or misconduct by employees.
9. OUR LIABILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE
9.1 We are liable for damages only if caused directly by our negligence, limited to 50% of the invoiced service fee.
9.2 We are not liable for:
• Use of Client-supplied chemicals or equipment.
• Pre-existing wear and tear, building defects, or inherent faults in carpets, upholstery, mattresses, or curtains.
• Sun damage, fading, or discolouration of fabrics due to age or exposure to light.
• Theft, hijacking, or break-ins (except negligence on our part in losing keys).
9.3 In the event of lost keys due to our negligence, we will replace them.
9.4 Force Majeure: Skitterblink shall not be liable for any delay or failure in performance of their obligations under this Agreement if such delay or failure is caused by events beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, pandemics, epidemics, fire, flood, strikes, riots, civil unrest, sabotage, load-shedding, government restrictions, or other causes beyond the reasonable control of the affected party.
9.5 Insurance: Skitterblink maintains employer liability insurance in respect of its employees in terms of COIDA. The Client is responsible for maintaining adequate insurance cover for its property, premises, and assets. Skitterblink shall not be held liable for loss or damage to property that is required to be covered under the Client’s insurance.
10. CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON-DISCLOSURE
10.1 Both parties agree not to disclose confidential information (methods, processes, client details, finances, etc.).
10.2 The Client consents to Skitterblink processing personal data in compliance with the POPI Act and Skitterblink’s Privacy Policy, accessible at www.skitterblink.co.za.
10.3 The Client consents to Skitterblink conducting credit checks and using national credit bureau databases for tracing, bad debt collection, and updates.
10.4 The Client permits Skitterblink to communicate via SMS, WhatsApp, and email (invoices, notices, newsletters, promotions).
10.5 This obligation continues after termination of the agreement.