Importance Of Organizing Your Cleaning Schedule

A reader writes: "I have a few janitorial accounts and seem to forget things since I am not very organized. Any suggestions would be appreciated."

Some of us are more organized than others so you have plenty of company. I highly recommend you write out your tasks on a Job Card that is customized for each contract each day. You need to think of the tasks that are necessary each day you visit the contract since you may only perform certain functions less often than others. Following is a suggested list but please understand that not all of these tasks may apply:

1. Focus on doing the work right the first time without having to go back to the janitor closet or van.

2. Set up the cart so that you have everything you need to service the area you enter. Examples include glass cleaner, all purpose cleaner, disinfectant, polish, cloths and liners, to name a few.

3. Empty wastebaskets and change liners that are soiled or as per schedule making note of spills, trash, debris near basket.

4. Dust, spot wipe all flat surfaces that you are supposed to service. Do not move paperwork or other items unless directed to do so.

5. Spot wipe light switches, door handles, picture frames, window ledges and other flat surfaces from top to bottom.

6. On a regular basis (weekly or less often) dust blinds, partitions and ledges from top to bottom.

7. Damp mop hard floors, buff/burnish if in specifications to achieve desired appearance.

8. Vacuum carpeted areas/rugs/entrance mats making note of spills and heavy soiling.

9. Sweep/dust mop/vacuum hard floors making note of spills and scuffs that may need attention.

10. Other tasks?

Recognizing that you need to get organized is the first step towards your goals.

Your comments and questions are important. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean...

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678-314-2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.