To help improve quality control for cleaning professionals, I developed the Custodial Snap Shot. This tool can be used by both experienced and inexperienced staff during any site visit that was not necessarily a formal inspection. Each question is scored 1-5 with 1 being Unsatisfied, 2 being Marginal, 3 being Satisfied and 4 is Exceeding Specs.

Here are the next five questions to answer:

Number 05: Office Executive = Is this area well maintained? Trash? Dust? Polish on fine woods? Carpet spots? Vacuuming? Edges? Chairs? Mats? This area usually will require a higher level of attention than other areas due to the status of the occupant and their need to make a great first impression. I know of tenants that require a herring bone pattern in their plush carpet each morning.

Number 06: Office General = Is this area well maintained? Trash? Dust? No finger prints on tables? Carpet spots? Vacuuming? Edges? Chairs? Mats? Although this area may not have the same prestige as the Executive Office area, there should be a minimum appearance level maintained. In spite of higher traffic, meals at desks, etc. the visiting staff should note overall conditions and score accordingly.

Number 07: Conference Room(s)/Lecture Halls/Meeting Areas = Is this area neat and clean? Chairs in place? Table free of smudges? Marker boards clean? The conference room is important due to its potential heavy use as well as impression on guests.

Number 08: Carpet/spots/vacuuming = Is the carpet clean? Free of spots/stains? Tears/Ragged edges/Threads? This is an overall scoring of a carpeted area and should reflect high impact areas. The staff member should note appearance regardless of whether regular carpet maintenance is in the contract. In fact, it might open an opportunity to approach the customer to provide additional services.

Number 09: Hard floor/spots/shine = Are VCT/Terrazzo floors cleaned, buffed and shiny? Are quarry tile (no finish) floors swept and mopped? The staff person should be looking for scuffs, wax build up along walls and soil in corners.

Remember that this is a Snap Shot and the visiting staff member scores the areas as they see them without regard for short staff or other excuses.

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


posted on 1/15/2016