There is a tendency to believe that business cleaning amounts to little more than janitorial services that anyone can do. While it is true that nearly every office worker can run a vacuum or wipe down a counter, business cleaning entails a lot more than a few basic tasks. To do it safely, efficiently, and effectively, cleaning crews need to know what they are doing. That is where training comes in.
All Pro Cleaning Systems specializes in business, office, and industrial cleaning. We also provide cleaning services to facility management companies managing large portfolios of commercial properties. Regardless of the job, we would never send in cleaners before ensuring they were properly trained. You shouldn’t either.
Different Levels of Clean
One of the things that surprises new cleaners is learning that there are different levels of clean. The first level is surface clean. We define surface clean as being both clean to the touch and the naked eye. If something looks and feels clean, it is surface clean.
The next level is sanitized and disinfected. This level of cleaning goes above and beyond what can be felt and seen to include bacteria, viruses, and a variety of pathogens. Cleaners need to be trained in this particular aspect before they can effectively clean restrooms and other sensitive environments, like food prep areas and laboratories.
Finely, the third level of clean is deeply cleaned. Deep cleaning employs processes, strategies, and cleaning chemicals that attack dirt at its very roots. Shampooing carpets with a commercial carpet cleaner would be an example of deep cleaning. Likewise for stripping and refinishing tile floors.
Cleaning crews need to be trained in each level of cleaning so that they can appropriately apply the principles to different spaces as needed. If you were to say to a janitor, “go clean and sanitize the restrooms”, they would have to know what that means to do it right.
Safety Often Demands It
Another thing to consider is cleaning crew safety. Some types of environments are such that safety demands proper training. For example, imagine having to clean a space using a group of chemicals that could be dangerous if not managed properly. Training ensures that cleaners know how to use the chemical safely and effectively.
A good illustration of this basic principle is the common mistake of mixing ammonia with bleach-based cleaners. Combining ammonia and bleach can be deadly. Without proper training, how would a new cleaner know this?
Tips for Better Training
We have clearly established why cleaning crews need to be trained in their work. So the next question is how to undertake training. Employers can send their cleaners to formal classes or teach them in-house. Here are some tips for better in-house training:
- Pair trainees with experienced cleaners.
- Make heavy use of hands-on training techniques.
- Implement visual aids (pictures, infographics, etc.).
- Assign practice tasks that include practical feedback from trainers.
- Establish standard operating procedures that all trainers can follow.
The proverbial icing on the cake is setting clear training goals and following up with progress tracking. As trainees complete the goals, they progress along a training path that ultimately leads to being fully prepared for the work.
Trust us when we say there is a lot more to office and business cleaning than simple janitorial tasks. Do not assume that just anyone can handle your cleaning tasks in a safe and effective way. Guarantee that your cleaners can by making sure they are properly trained. A trained cleaner is the most qualified person to keep your spaces clean and safe for everyone.
