Impact of Implementing High Performance Cleaning

Impact of Implementing High Performance Cleaning

It is hard to believe there are still FSP’s (Facility Service Providers) who disparage high performance cleaning in today’s world.  They will argue that green cleaning, microfiber, double buckets and other aspects of high performance cleaning is a passing fad with no real impact on health or cleanliness.  I beg to differ.

I recently consulted with a medical facility that failed an annual inspection, in part, due to “dust bunnies” that were everywhere.  The FSP was utilizing antiquated systems that they perceived to be cheaper than converting to back pack vacuum systems, microfiber and double bucket mopping.  We were able to introduce microfiber cloths and lamb’s wool dusters with disposable sleeves.  We also introduced a schedule for dumping the paper liners in the back pack vacuum cleaners as well as washing the filters weekly.  After a thorough cleaning, a schedule was created that monitored task frequencies.  Problem solved.  Not only did the dust bunnies go away, but the tenants in the building commented about how much fresher the office smelled.

A few months later my phone rang and the customer complained that the dust bunnies had returned in force.  Upon arrival at the site, I went straight to the janitor closet and noted that the microfiber cloths were being rinsed out, not laundered.  I also noted the lambs wool dusters were coated in dirt and not been washed out weekly as directed.  I checked the dump/clean chart for the back pack vacuum cleaner and noted that it was already filled out for the entire month!!!!  When I confronted the supervisor, he was aghast and claimed that using the system was too complicated and took too much time away from cleaning.  

The FSP promptly hired a new supervisor who understood the importance of high performance cleaning.  Problem solved.

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.