Updates from the Leading Association for the Cleaning Industry Worldwide

The Scope Of Cleaning Science

Cleaning is a science-based environmental management process essential for sustaining the quality of human life. If we are to understand the important role of cleaning and the contributions it makes to human existence and the quality of life, we need to know what cleaning is, how it works, and why it is important. To understand exactly what this involves, one of the first questions we must ask is: What is the scope of cleaning science and what subjects must be properly understood if we are to have a firm grasp on the entire field? To properly define “cleaning,” accent the objectives and reasons for cleaning, and highlight their importance and value, the science of cleaning must, at a minimum, include the following topics:

1. Risk Reduction Benefits of Effective Cleaning. First and foremost, cleaning creates a healthy condition by reducing exposures and risks. It enables sanitation and prevents illness. Cleaning provides living and working space. In addition to human health, cleaning protects valuable materials and equipment and maintains the value of property. Cleaning is a form of insurance that prevents crisis and reduces the full range of costs related to property and real estate.
   
   
2. Cleaning and Special Environments. Cleaning is the organized process of removing or repositioning unwanted matter so human activities can take place in a specific built environment. Different environments require different cleaning processes.
   
   
3. Cleaning Chemistry. Understanding and properly describing how chemicals work, the effect they have on various forms of matter, and their protective or risk-reduction benefits as well as their toxic, unwanted, or unintended effects on humans or the natural environment are all important parts of cleaning science.
   
   
4. Measurements of Cleaning Effectiveness. Studies have shown that effective cleaning, when consistently implemented, is cost-effective and can lead to measurable environmental improvements as measured by reductions in particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and biological pollutants. The assessment of cleaning effectiveness can be accomplished through environmental sampling and measurement of dusts, fungi, bacteria and indoor-air particulate matter.
   
   
5. Cleaning Management. Effective cleaning starts with management competency, professionalism and technical leadership. A well-managed and effective cleaning program includes the following quality-management components: process identification, evaluation and continuous improvement; management by fact and knowledge for improvement; structured problem-solving; effective communication at all levels; valuing human resources; benchmarking and performance measurement; and quality tools and technology. The effectiveness of the cleaning program resides in a well-defined and comprehensive cleaning objective; planned, scheduled, systematic cleaning coverage; the use of cleaning equipment and technology that is tested and evaluated for effectiveness and safety; and, most importantly, the focused and specialized training provided to the cleaners.
   
   
6. Testing of Cleaning Technology. In recent years, there have emerged comprehensive programs for efficacy testing of cleaning products and technologies. Examples of performance testing are the Green Label Vacuuming Testing Program and evaluation of carpet cleaning systems using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurement of soil removal for cleaning efficacy. Without testing and scientific documentation, cleaning products and technologies cannot be assessed in terms of cleaning effectiveness or environmental suitability; but with it, they can.
   
   
7. The Language and Taxonomy of Cleaning Science. For cleaning to truly become a professional, science-based industry recognized by government, health organizations, and other critical constituents, the language of cleaning science must be organized in a systematic manner. This includes cleaning terminology seen in its proper hierarchy; terms agreed upon or, if not, used as bases for debate; and thereafter published and accepted as norms. Antiquated or deprecated cleaning and maintenance terms should be reviewed, assessed, rejuvenated or rejected, and replaced.