In order to maintain a healthy living or work environment, cleaning is one of those important tasks that must be undertaken regularly. In a residential property, the homeowner or tenant will usually take care of all cleaning, but when it comes to business cleaning, commercial cleaning companies are often hired. The folk at All Pro Cleaning Systems say that regardless of the type of cleaning, whether domestic or commercial, the process can be broken down into seven separate stages. Each stage plays a vital role in ensuring that cleaning is completed efficiently and correctly. To that end, below are the seven stages of cleaning and what they involve:
- Planning: As with many other tasks, planning is the first stage of cleaning. This is when the individual will identify the job that needs to be done. It involves determining what type of cleaning is needed and choosing the most appropriate cleaning supplies and equipment. Although often skipped, this is an important stage because it ensures that the cleaning process is carried out in the most efficient way and that the right supplies are available to ensure the task is completed.
- Preparation: Preparation comes next, and it is at this stage that any objects or dirt that could interfere with the cleaning job are removed. This part of the process also involves getting any cleaning solutions ready for use. The importance of this stage cannot be understated because it is when the cleaner makes sure that all aspects of the cleaning process is safe.
- Cleansing: Cleansing involves the actual process of cleaning objects, surfaces, and whatever areas need attention. This is often physically demanding but can be made easier with the right cleaning supplies and equipment.
- Rinsing: After cleansing is the rinsing stage where surfaces and areas that have been cleaned are rinsed to remove any chemical residue. Failure to rinse after cleansing could leave ugly streaks and marks on the item that has been cleaned. It is especially important when it comes to cleaning surfaces in restaurants or medical facilities, where cross contamination is a health hazard.
- Drying: The drying stage is designed to ensure that no moisture that could contribute to the growth of mold or mildew remains after the cleansing and rinsing stages. There are different ways to ensure that surfaces and areas are completely dry. It could be the use of a dry cloth or allowing areas to air-dry naturally.
- Polishing: Polishing is the sixth stage of cleaning and involves shining areas, objects, and surfaces after they have been cleansed, rinsed, and dried. Not all surfaces require polishing but those that do will look much better if they are buffed to a sparkling shine.
- Inspecting: The final stage of cleaning is inspecting. During inspection, the surfaces, areas, or objects that have been cleaned will be examined to ensure they are completely clean, free from streaks and marks and that they are fully dry and polished. This part of the process is especially important because it is the stage that confirms the job has been done properly and to the highest standards. In terms of commercial cleaning, the inspection stage verifies that objects, areas, and surfaces are now ready for use.
Conclusion
Breaking a cleaning task down into stages can help to ensure that each part of the process is done properly and that the job is completed to a high standard. The seven tasks of cleaning are planning, preparation, cleansing, rinsing, drying, polishing, and inspecting and applies to both domestic and commercial cleaning. Each stage should be given time and attention as all are important.