Why Training Matters In The Cleaning Industry

Would you mind if your cleaner used the wrong solution on your worktops or new kitchen floor? Are you assured that your cleaner knows what material they are even made of, therefore knowing what products are safe to use? I am sometimes asked what is the difference between a cash in hand cleaner and myself. One big difference is knowledge. As a self employed cleaner and housekeeper, I am responsible for my own training, research and development. I regularly invest in courses and training programmes to equip me with the skills and traits needed to perform high level professional cleaning.

As cleaners we really do need to know our stuff and the science behind it. It is so important that I am able to identify the materials and surfaces in client's homes, what chemicals can be safely used on those surfaces (and in what dilution), and have a full understanding of the chemical makeup and pH of the products I am using, for both my own health and safety and that of my clients. It is not good enough to just guess or risk it. I also need to know about correct dwell times as all it takes is one mistake and a surface could be ruined with no chance of it being restored. There are also times when I need to use certain products around pets or family members with allergies. I strongly believe that continued training for all cleaners keeps us up to date with industry standards, best practice and procedures.

I am fully trained to recognise the different materials and finishes I am about to clean across a range of areas, so I can understand what chemicals (cleaning products) can be used on them safely. I gain this knowledge through extensive training in all areas and aspects of cleaning and up to date COSHH courses. COSHH is control of substances hazardous to health and relates to the chemicals (eco or not) that I use when cleaning. Not only does it include the chemicals but the fumes, dust, vapours, mists and gas. So training is twofold. It looks at the health and safety of products but also by understanding the chemical makeup of products and understanding all different types of surfaces within your home, it means I am less likely to get it wrong. I am also a proud member of several trade associations within the cleaning industry, giving me access to exemplary training, product guidance and any recent changes to industry standards and health and safety guidelines. It ensures that I am up to date and knowledgeable when cleaning within your home or business and able to offer the most professional service I can.

This knowledge means I can also advise my clients on maintenance. For example flooring. There are many different types of flooring from hard to soft but then within that range, there are hundreds of different types of materials that all require different cleaning approaches and products (such as hardwood, laminate, tile, LVT, natural stone, carpet, etc). The photograph shows an Amtico floor which requires an annual maintenance clean to strip it and replace its top surface layer, which helps to prevent it getting damaged and increases its lifespan. And would you believe that you are actually advised not to vacuum this type of floor and that there is a specialist cleaning solution to use instead of a regular floor cleaner. All things that you would not know if you could not recognise this type of flooring. Would your cleaner know the difference? They should know so that they can make the right choice when it comes to what can be used on your floors. A vacuum cleaner? Mop? What (if any) chemicals? The wrong choice could lead to an expensive mistake. Not only does this apply to floors, but every aspect of cleaning a home or a commercial property.

The phrase "just a cleaner" should no longer be heard in the industry.