By Rose Galera, C.E.H.

Trends, technology and new rules of cleaning directly impact the professional cleaning industry. Cleaning for health, safety and protecting the built environment is an ongoing topic of discussion. Environmental stewardship principles and sustainability are uppermost in this discussion. What is happening today is a conscientious movement towards implementing best practices in professional cleaning.

What is a “Best Practice”?

• Documented strategies and tactics utilized by companies for “best results.”
• Implemented and honed to provide for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Data is gathered from a variety of sources based on interviews, testing, surveys and other mechanisms of primary research.
• Cutting edge information not available in the public sector.

A best practice is a technique or methodology that, through experience and research, has proven to lead reliably to a desired result. It is about using approaches that not only deliver superior results but also consider sustainability and ongoing development of the approach. A best practice is a method or technique that has consistently shown results superior to those achieved with other means and is used as a benchmark. In addition, a best practice can evolve to become better as improvements are discovered.

Goals for Best Practices:

• Deliver a healthy and safe work environment.
• Deliver high standards of cleaning services.
• Deliver environmentally sound standards.
• Provide training to perform cleaning processes.
• Consistently provide best cleaning results.

How to Develop a Best Practice:

1. Comply with regulatory requirements.
2. Follow current industry standards in techniques and technologies.
3. Establish effective and efficient cleaning methods.
4. Identify appropriate cleaning agents, tools and equipment.
5. Identify potential contaminants and unsafe sources.
6. Develop meaningful performance monitoring programs for cleaning procedures.
7. Review to determine when revalidation is necessary and appropriate.
8. Develop and maintain adequate documentation systems.

Recommended Best Practices (Technology):

• Team cleaning
• Microfiber cleaning cloths charging technology
• Microfiber flat mop charging technology
• Backpack vacuuming system
• Steam vapor cleaning system
• Easy hard floor cleaning
• Dual cleaning cart systems
• Cleaning aprons
• Bed making process

Recommended Best Practices (Management):

• Creative scheduling
• Training – cross / clone
• Standardizing equipment and supply purchasing
• Inventory system
• Chemical management
• Green cleaning
• Housekeeping of systems controls

A commitment to using the best practices in professional cleaning is a commitment to using all industry knowledge and technology to ensure success. Organizations that implement a comprehensive program for capturing and sharing best cleaning practices can expect to increase operating efficiency, improve performance and gain competitive advantage for their housekeeping or cleaning operations.