Archive for August, 2009

Whether you’re providing cleaning services to residential homes or commercial facilities, the amount of profit you’ll make is directly related to how quickly and efficiently you or your employees can clean. The less productive you are, the lower the profits.

Since every location is different, you’ll want to establish a routine for yourself or your employees so the same path is followed each visit. Generally, you’ll work in circular patterns, either clockwise or counter-clockwise.

If possible, carry as much as you can with you so there’s no need to run back and forth to pick up and drop off equipment or supplies. You should be able to carry spray bottles of all-purpose cleaner and glass cleaner, as well as microfiber cloths. To keep things together, buy a portable caddy, which you can carry with you. If working in an office, use a brute (trash can on wheels), and attach an apron or caddy that can carry your supplies. This will enable you to collect trash, dust, clean the breakrooms and restrooms without having to go back to collect different cleaning supplies.

Avoid backtracking and moving about the home or office erratically. This wastes precious time, and increases the chance that one or more tasks will be missed. When each home or office is given a specific route, it’s much easier to get into a flow or rhythm each time it’s cleaned.

When deciding on a routine, think logically. In homes, you may start with the back bedrooms and move forward to the entryway, leaving kitchens and bathrooms for last. For offices, you’ll usually work your way around the office removing trash, dusting, and spot cleaning. Then you’ll clean break rooms, coffee centers and rest rooms, leaving the floors for last.

When routines are established early, you take the guesswork out of cleaning, which means a bigger bottom line for your cleaning business!

Copyright TheJanitorialStore.com. All Rights Reserved.
Steve Hanson helps owners of small cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through his online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com, and sign up for weekly cleaning tips at http://www.thejanitorialstore.com.

When you’re in the cleaning business, chances are your employees will need to use ladders for some of their cleaning tasks. Whether it’s to wash windows or to dust a hard-to-reach ledge, training your employees to use ladders safely is very important if you don’t want them to fall. The following are tips for using ladders safely:

• Use a ladder that is the appropriate size for the task at hand.
• Use ladders that are in good condition. Check rungs to make sure they are secure and check your shoes for grease and grime, and clean if necessary.
• Never use a metal ladder when working with electrical fixtures.
• Stepladders should be opened fully with spreaders locked in place. Never use a stepladder as a straight ladder.
• Use both hands when climbing a ladder. Keep your weight centered between the rails and do not overreach on either side.
• Carry tools and window washing equipment on a tool belt.
• When working at heights exceeding 6 feet, have a second person hold and steady the ladder. Ladders should not be stored where they present a tripping hazard, nor where they can fall on people.
• Ladder angle – one foot out for each four feet of ladder working length.
• Always use a ladder or footstool on a flat, stable floor.
• Never stand on chairs, desks, boxes, books or other objects to reach up high.
• Never lean or reach to one side of the ladder. Instead, get down and move the ladder.
• Use caution cones when working in areas where there are a lot of people.

Copyright TheJanitorialStore.com. All Rights Reserved.
Steve Hanson helps owners of small cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through his online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com, and sign up for weekly cleaning tips at http://www.thejanitorialstore.com