Tips For Using Cleaning Checklists Effectively

A reader writes: “We have a customized checklist for each building/area that we clean. Why isn’t it working?”

A well thought out checklist is for the lead worker to notate what work was performed with the time and date for the QC/Trainer to verify on a random basis. This requires a trained worker who understands and accurately fills out the form in a timely manner. A well thought out product should also have a place to note exceptions such as door ajar, lights out, etc. making it of greater value as a communication tool with the customer. This format can be a manual system or electronic with WiFi capabilities where appropriate.

Although your idea of having a checklist is commendable, it is not working because you are not working it correctly. Simply giving workers a checklist and expecting them to consistently fill it out is unwise. This is not a “set and forget” task where workers embrace the idea of having to do more work. You may need to ask the WIIFM question: “What’s In It For Me?” (for the workers responsible for this task).

My suggestion is that you work a little harder at selling this concept one-on-one and also enforcing it one-on-one until you have better compliance. Of course, your leads and supervisors must buy into the idea, as well. In fact, they should be the ones creating and updating these checklists as more information becomes available.

While observing workers with the checklist, I noted that they were filling it out at the end of their shift and did not seem to reference it during their work. The onsite leads and supervisors never seemed to ask about it and did not seem to have a good grasp of the list details.

I suggest you start small and work out the kinks with a few workers; then expand it once you have found a successful implementation process.

Your comments and feedback are always appreciated. 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.