About Carpe Diem Cleaning

Carpe Diem’s mission is to “Seize the day, one clean house at a time.”  

We are a woman-owned and operated residential cleaning company proudly serving Durham and the Triangle area since 1994. Over the years, we’ve grown to become the largest locally based cleaning provider in central North Carolina—thanks to the trust of our clients and the hard work of our incredible team.

We’re reliable, we’re responsible, and we do things right. Carpe Diem Cleaning offers hassle-free, professional house cleaning services you can count on.

Our highly trained teams deliver consistent, top-quality results with great care and attention to detail. With over 30 years of experience cleaning homes in Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, and the surrounding area, we know how to keep your home looking and feeling its best.

We believe that a clean home is just the beginning—it’s about giving families more time to enjoy life.

As a locally owned and operated business, Carpe Diem Cleaning is committed to supporting other small businesses and giving back to the Triangle community. From uplifting enrichment programs to sponsoring local initiatives—like our recent wildflower sponsorship with the NCDOT Wildflower Program—we strive to make our corner of North Carolina brighter, cleaner, and more connected.

Why Choose Carpe Diem?

Locally Owned & Operated

Carpe Diem Cleaning was founded in 1994 in Durham, NC. As a local business, you’ll always speak with a real person from our team, whether you're requesting a quote, rescheduling a cleaning, or simply asking a question. We’re here, and we care.

We Do Things Right

Our mission is to “Seize the day, one clean house at a time.” Our team is here to support you in seizing a stress-free day. We are dedicated to providing a high-quality, cost-effective service which meets the needs of both our clients and our employees.

We're Reliable

You can count on us to show up, get the job done right, and leave your home spotless. With over 30 years of experience and a team of hard-working, detail-focused professionals, we provide dependable cleaning with hassle-free scheduling that sets us apart.

Wendy Clark Photo

Our Story

Durham housecleaning history was made in 1994. That’s when a young entrepreneur Wendy Clark opened her own cleaning business. 

With $100,  three clients, and a dream to impact her community, she opened Carpe Diem Cleaning. 

Today, Carpe Diem is proud to be the largest locally based residential cleaning service in Durham, NC, and Central North Carolina. For over 30 years, we’ve helped homeowners reclaim their time, enjoy their space, and focus on what matters most. At the same time, we’ve created meaningful opportunities for hard-working women to grow, learn, and support their families in a supportive, empowering work environment.

Our Staff

Employee Profile

Madeline Bailey

General manager

With a sharp mind for problem solving and a clear communication style appreciated by our clients and team members alike, Madeline keeps the day-to-day operations running smoothly.

After managing restaurants for 10 years (starting in the bakery department and working up to GM!), Madeline brings a keen ability to adapt to circumstances and understand people, which makes her team love working with her through the exciting challenges of each day!

Outside of the office, you can find Madeline hanging out with her husband Braxton and her energetic daughters Violet and Rose. Madeline is a working mom who knows and appreciates the value of having time to do the important things with the people and pets that you love. Madeline loves going out and can be found hiking at Umstead Park or riding the merry-go-round at Pullen Park, walking her dog, or going to the zoo. 

Employee Profile

Jennifer Holmes

Sales Manager

Jennifer has been part of the Carpe Diem Cleaning family since September 2019, when she started as a cleaning helper and worked her way up to Sales Manager. Her firsthand experience with the cleaning team gives her a unique understanding of the services Carpe Diem provides and the importance of delivering a great customer experience.

As Sales Manager, Jennifer helps new clients find the right cleaning services for their needs while building lasting relationships with existing customers. From providing estimates and answering questions to addressing concerns and ensuring customer satisfaction, she takes pride in making every client feel valued and cared for.

Before joining Carpe Diem, Jennifer worked in childcare, where she developed the patience, compassion, and communication skills she brings to her role today. Her favorite part of the job is getting to know clients, earning their trust, and working alongside a supportive team that shares her commitment to helping Carpe Diem grow.

Outside of work, Jennifer loves being a grandma to her precious granddaughter, relaxing by the lake or beach, and spending quality time with family and loved ones.

Sandy Johnson

Operations Manager

Sandy joined the Carpe Diem Cleaning family in October 2023 and brings over 10 years of experience in the cleaning and janitorial services industry. Having worked her way up from hands-on cleaning to project management, she understands what it takes to keep a cleaning business running smoothly and deliver excellent results for clients.

As Operations Manager, Sandy supports the cleaning teams, helps with training, improves processes, and ensures Carpe Diem’s high-quality standards are consistently met. She’s a natural problem-solver who loves staying busy and isn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves. Whether she’s fixing a vacuum, helping with vehicle maintenance, or finding ways to make daily operations more efficient, Sandy is always ready to lend a hand. She takes pride in being someone her team can count on and helping employees grow and succeed.

Outside of work, Sandy enjoys spending time with family, traveling, playing soccer, and tackling creative projects. Originally from Mexico, she loves returning to explore new places and experience more of her home country. She’s also a cat lover who dreams of someday having a farm where she can rescue cats!

One of Sandy’s favorite sayings is “Donde comen dos, comen tres,” which means “Where two people can eat, three can eat too.” It’s a reflection of her generous spirit and belief in kindness, loyalty, and always making room to help others.