It's Just Cleaning

In the cleaning industry, I often see how easily people underestimate the importance of cleaning work and treat cleaners differently than other professionals. As the owner of a cleaning business, I've heard comments like, 'it's just cleaning' - a task that's thought to only require common sense and basic hygiene knowledge. But having spent years working as a professional cleaner and housekeeper, I can confidently say that being a skilled cleaner takes far more than that. It's not an easy job - it's physically demanding, and honestly, not everyone has what it takes to be a professional cleaner.

Many believe they can clean professionally simply because they maintain their own home or enjoy cleaning. However, there's a world of difference between tidying up your own space and cleaning someone else's home to a high standard, often under time pressure. If it were that simple, everyone would be doing it, and there wouldn't be a need for our services.

Professional cleaning is hard work - it requires hours of scrubbing, lifting, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bending, kneeling and walking. It's also a form of artistry. Effective cleaning demands a keen eye for detail and a high level of skill to ensure everything is done thoroughly and to the highest standard.

Anyone can become a cleaner - it's one of the most diverse and inclusive professions, and professional cleaners come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. However, there's a certain level of skill required to be a good cleaner, and to become exceptional, it takes even more - in-depth training, years of experience and a deep understanding of the craft.

Cleaning a client's home is not the same as cleaning your own. There are many factors to consider, such as the length of the clean, how to manage time effectively, which products are best suited for specific surfaces and how long to leave cleaning products on each surface. Choosing the right cloths and understanding the reasoning behind each choice is also essential.

There's also a cleaning system or cycle in play - knowing the flow of tasks, which areas require attention, when you last cleaned them and how to incorporate a rotational system to maintain consistency. Additionally, every home is unique, so these methods must be adapted to each household's specific needs and layout. Being a professional cleaner requires not only skill but the ability to tailor your approach to fit the demands of each individual home.

Accidents can happen, and I've seen first-hand the damage that can be caused when either homeowners or poorly trained cleaners misuse cleaning products. I've witnessed thousands of pounds worth of damage to fixtures and fittings due to improper chemical use. This underscores the critical importance of paying close attention to detail and understanding how to use cleaning products safely and correctly.

Proper training, along with adequate insurance, is absolutely essential in this industry. There are various techniques and methods tailored for different surfaces and materials. Each surface demands a specific product and technique to avoid any harm to the material. Even seasoned professionals need ongoing training to stay up-to-date with new products, methods and safety standards.

And just to clarify, watching cleaning videos on social media to learn the latest 'trends' doesn't count as proper training. True expertise comes from comprehensive, hands-on education and experience in the field.

Being a cleaner requires a range of skills and attributes. You need to be adaptable, able to plan and prioritise your tasks effectively, and self-motivated. Physical fitness and strength are essential, as the job can be physically demanding. Consistency in practice, staying organised and keeping up with cleaning trends and innovations are also key to success.

Good communication skills are crucial, as is a sense of flair for interior presentation. A professional cleaner must actively seek training opportunities, learn from experienced colleagues and develop excellent customer service skills. Attention to detail is vital, as is the ability to spot potential problem areas in a home or office. Ensuring quality control is also a big part of the job, as we need to meet high standards consistently.

It's important to remember that cleaning isn't just about making things look tidy. Hidden germs and bacteria can lurk on surfaces, often invisible to the naked eye, but they can spread illness and disease. Using the right cleaning products and techniques to eliminate these contaminants is crucial. Effective domestic cleaning requires a systematic, thorough approach that covers all surfaces - especially those that don't appear dirty but still harbour bacteria. Additionally, using the correct tools and equipment is vital for achieving the best results and maintaining a healthy environment.

In short, being a good and effective cleaner goes far beyond just common sense. It's a skill that requires continuous learning, ongoing improvement and the ability to manage time effectively. Using the right techniques, products and tools to thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces in a home or workplace is key. Cleaning is essential for maintaining safe, healthy and productive environments, and professional cleaners ensure that spaces are not only sanitary but also organised and welcoming.

The attention to detail that cleaners bring can truly impact how people feel about their homes or workplaces. So yes, we are much more than just cleaners - we are caretakers of the spaces we work in. Not everyone possesses the skills to elevate cleaning to this level, and it's certainly not as easy as it may appear. Cleaning is a legitimate profession in its own right, and I believe it's my responsibility to help shift the outdated perceptions that still exist around cleaners and the industry.

I'm more than just a cleaner or a 'skivvy'. I'm a friend, a supportive shoulder to cry on, a listener and sometimes a source of advice. I'm a helper and a stress reliever. I take care of people's homes - places that are their pride and joy, their safe havens. I create beautiful environments for you and your family, ensuring that your home is not only aesthetically pleasing but also clean, safe and free from germs.

But beyond that, I give you the gift of time. I build personal bonds with everyone I meet, and most importantly, I don't judge. One of the biggest challenges we face as cleaners is the fact that our work isn't always seen as 'real' work. Many people overlook the value of cleaning, and it can be incredibly disheartening. We deal with issues like non-payment or delayed wages, sudden changes or cancellations of work, as well as sexism, sexual harassment, verbal abuse and racism.

If cleaning is continually viewed as a 'dead-end job', it will only keep being undervalued in society. Instead, cleaning work should be rewarded with fair wages, recognised for the essential service it provides, and treated with the respect it deserves. We are an important part of the community, and the work we do makes a difference in people's lives every day.

I'm passionate about raising awareness and changing the narrative around cleaners - humanising them and fostering greater appreciation and respect for the vital contributions they make. One of the core missions of my business is to challenge outdated perceptions and elevate the status of cleaners, showing that cleaning is a skilled profession that demands training, attention to detail and a strong commitment to excellence.

I'm dedicated to breaking down the stereotypes and misconceptions that still surround the cleaning industry and improving how cleaners are treated, both in terms of respect and pay. By networking with other business owners and industry professionals, I aim to bring attention to the key issues faced by cleaners, highlighting their value, skill and professionalism. It's crucial that we recognise the important role cleaners play in our communities by maintaining clean and healthy environments for both homes and businesses. Together, we can work towards a future where cleaners are seen and valued for the essential service they provide.

Let's give cleaners the credit and respect they deserve.