Introduction to Cleaning

Welcome to my blog! I’m the Jangro Genius and I am here to answer all your cleaning and hygiene questions and queries.

Each week I will focus on a different subject, product range or issue. If there’s anything in particular you would like me to cover just let me know.

Cleaning is key

First things first though, here’s my introduction to cleaning.   

With a value of over £10billion, cleaning over 26,000 units and employing in excess of 850,000 people the UK, cleaning is one of the largest industries in the country and is a vital contributor to the economy.

I believe that cleaning operatives across the UK and indeed, the world, are the backbone to our society.

They are the unsung heroes of British business and work busily in the background creating a pleasant and hygienic environment for people to work and rest in.

Keeping things clean is fundamental to make a good impression, create a safe and healthy environment, boost efficiency and productivity and protect surfaces from the elements.

Dishing the dirt

According to my research, about 80 per cent of dirt in buildings comes on the bottom of shoes. The resulting grit and dust can then damage the surface of the flooring.

It doesn’t stop there though! Any soiling on the floor can create potential slip problems and any airborne debris that comes from the floor can then settle on surrounding surfaces.

Any spillages can add to this issue and activities such as cooking can leave oil and fat residues.

Bacterial, germs and other hazardous materials that can cause illness and decrease productivity also need to be removed.

Getting it right – planning is crucial

A well thought out cleaning schedule should be item one of your agenda.  Conduct a thorough audit and outline what will be cleaned, when, how and by whom.

Look at what precautions you need to take and examine what materials and products would be the most suitable. Finally, assign supervising responsibility to ensure regular checks are made and schedule is being adhered to.

Cleaning considerations

There are a huge amount of elements to be considered during the planning stage. Here are some suggestions.

1.   What does the customer want?

2.    What activities are being carried out in each area?

3.    What is the best time of day to clean?

4.    What materials and finishes are in the building?

5.    What is the level of soiling?

6.    What is the traffic flow like?

7.    How much furniture is there?

8.    What is the layout of the building?

The answers will form part of your overall cleaning schedule and will help you to assess and choose products, equipment and safety measures.

Setting the standard

A major element in the cleaning decision making process when it comes to is the standard to which different business, buildings and specific areas need to cleaned. Here is an overview of setting standards in the cleaning industry:

Running like clockwork

It goes without saying that the higher the standard of cleaning needs to be the more frequently it should be cleaned. The following provides an example of frequencies that can be incorporated into a cleaning schedule to provide consistent standards of cleaning:

Routine – Clean on a daily basis. To be used in areas where hygiene is critical such as toilets and washrooms.

Check Clean – Clean when necessary. Staff can check and judge whether the area needs cleaning. To be used in either in areas that aren’t used very often or those that are used heavily.

Weekly – To be used for areas that are cleaned a specific number of times a week, such as floors.

Ad Hoc – These tasks to be carried out only when necessary and aren’t part of the routine cleaning schedule.

Periodic  – To be carried out on a regular, but not weekly basis. This could include stripping and redressing floors.

In safe hands

So far we have covered staff, standards and schedules, which brings me to the critical element of safety. Here are some golden rules to follow:

• Always use the appropriate personal protective equipment including the right safety clothing and sensible shoes.

• Position warning signs where they can be most effective.

• Follow the colour coding system for your place of work.

• Ensure electrical equipment has been PAT tested and check that it is fit for use before and after work.

• Never ever leave equipment where it may cause a hazard.

• And make sure you know how to safely make up and use cleaning agents at the correct dilution ratio.

So you see, cleaning isn’t just a case of whipping round with a duster and vacuum cleaner. It requires an in depth knowledge, experience, planning and staff that are passionate about what they do.

I hope you have enjoyed my first blog and remember, if you have any questions about this blog, or any other burning cleaning issues just drop me a line.

JangroGenius-3

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