It's Just Cleaning

Working within the cleaning industry, I am very aware that many people overlook the significance of cleaning work and can treat cleaners very differently to other professionals. As the owner of a cleaning business, I've heard people say "it's just cleaning". A task that requires only common sense and a basic understanding of hygiene. But having worked as a professional cleaner and housekeeper for years, I can tell you that being a good cleaner requires skills and knowledge. Far from being an easy career option, it is physically demanding and quite simply, not everyone has what it takes to be a professional cleaner. Many people think that they are capable of cleaning professionally because they clean their own home or love cleaning. But there is a huge difference between cleaning your own home and cleaning another person's home to a high professional standard under time constraints. If it was that easy then everybody would be cleaning their own homes and there would be no demand for our services. Professional cleaning is very hard work. It involves hours of scrubbing, lifting, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bending, kneeling and walking. And it is an art form. Good cleaning requires a talent for visual attention to detail in order to do it well.

Anyone can be a cleaner. It is one of the most diverse, inclusive jobs out there and us professional cleaners are representative of so many backgrounds and experiences. But there is a level of skill required to be a good cleaner and to be an exceptional cleaner, there is an even higher level of skill, in-depth training and years of experience. Cleaning a client's home is not like cleaning your own home. There are many more things to consider such as, how long is the clean? How will you portion up the time and use it? Which products will you use on which surfaces? For how long can you the leave products on? Which cloths are you going to use and why? There is also a cleaning system/cycle - working around a home, knowing which bits need doing, when you last did them and what you have on a rotational system. Then you need to adapt all of the above to each individual household as they are all different.

And accidents can happen. I have been in homes where the owners (or a poorly trained cleaner) have inflicted thousands of pounds worth of damage to their fixtures and fittings due to the incorrect use of chemicals. This highlights the importance of paying attention to detail and understanding the correct and safe use of cleaning products. As well as adequate insurance, proper training is essential in this industry. There are different cleaning techniques and methods for different surfaces and materials. Each surface requires a specific cleaning product and technique to avoid damaging the material. Even experienced cleaners need ongoing professional training to keep our knowledge up to date and to ensure we are meeting the high standards we set ourselves. And no, watching cleaning videos on social media to learn what is the 'in thing' does not count.

To be a cleaner, one needs to be adaptable, able to plan and prioritise their workload, be self motivated, physically fit and strong, practice consistently, stay organised, stay updated on cleaning trends and innovations, have good communication skills, a flair for interior presentation, seek training opportunities, learn from experienced cleaners, develop customer service skills, have a keen eye for detail and identify problem areas. Ensuring quality control is also crucial. There are hidden germs and bacteria that can't be seen with the naked eye. These microscopic contaminants can cause illness and spread disease, so it's important to use the proper cleaning products and techniques to kill and remove them. Effective domestic cleaning involves a systematic and thorough approach. This means cleaning all surfaces, including those that are not visibly dirty, in order to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Proper domestic cleaning also involves using the correct tools and equipment.

In short, being a good and effective cleaner requires more than just common sense. It is a skill that requires continuous learning and improvement, effective time management and using the right techniques, products and tools to thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces in a home. Cleaning is crucial to maintaining safe, healthy and productive environments. Cleaners ensure that spaces are sanitary, organised and welcoming. Plus their attention to detail can make a significant difference in how people feel about their home or work environment. So yes, we are more than just cleaners - we are caretakers of the spaces we inhabit. Not everyone has the skills it takes to be more than just cleaners and it's not as easy as we make it look. Cleaning really is a profession in its own right and I see it as my duty to help change the old perceptions that can still sometimes linger around cleaners and the industry.

I'm more than 'just a cleaner' or a 'skivvy'. I am a friend and a supportive shoulder to cry on. I am a listener and someone who can give advice. I am a helper and stress reliever. I help take care of people's homes - their pride and joy and their safe space. I create a beautiful environment for you and your family. I ensure your home is not only beautiful but also clean and germ-free. I give you the gift of time. I build a bond with each and every individual I encounter. And most importantly, I don't judge. One of the main issues we face as cleaners seems to be that cleaning isn't truly seen as 'real' work to a lot of people. Some challenges encountered by us include the non-payment or late payment of wages, unexpected changes and cancellation of work, sexism, sexual harassment, verbal abuse and racism. If cleaning is only considered a 'dead-end job', it will continue to be devalued by society. Instead, cleaning work should be rewarded with fair wages, respected and truly recognised as essential work and service to our communities.

I'd like to raise awareness and change the treatment and narrative around cleaners, humanising them and fostering a greater appreciation and respect for their contributions. One of the missions of my business is to change perceptions and elevate the status of cleaners by demonstrating that cleaning is a skilled profession that requires training, attention to detail and a commitment to excellence. I am dedicated to challenging stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding the cleaning industry and ultimately improving how cleaners are treated, both in respect and pay. By networking with other business owners, I aim to draw attention to key issues facing cleaners and showcase their value, skill, and professionalism and to highlight the important role they play in our communities, by maintaining clean and healthy environments for homes and businesses.

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