This article follows several requests to clarify what constitutes a quality residential cleaning service. While not a specialist, I have worked with several housekeepers throughout my career. This article therefore draws on both my personal experience and my experience as a consultant and trainer in building hygiene and sanitation. We will discuss quality, cleaning estimates, periodic maintenance, optional services, professional practices, and finally, professional ethics.
First, start with the client's needs
I've always believed that to be valued as a contractor, you have to understand and meet the client's needs, not your own. Of course, a contractor might have a standard cleaning quote template to guide you through the tasks and frequencies offered. However, I suggest that anyone about to meet with a new contractor carefully define their own needs.
Here is an example of a residential cleaning quote that is popular with clients.
Some techniques that a cleaning contractor should know and follow
Dusting is not cleaning
Dusting should be reserved for high areas, such as door frames, moldings, picture frames, ceiling lights, and ventilation grilles. Indeed, Dusting only removes dust, but does not clean...
Conversely, cleaning removes ingrained dirt, fingerprints, and germs. In short, you can't «clean» by dusting.
You can't clean with dirty things. !
- Opt for microfiber cloths, as they pick up dirt better and clean more effectively.
- Change the cloth as soon as you've used all 8 sides. After all, you can't clean with dirty clothes!
- Avoid re-soaking the cloths in the bucket water, otherwise you will contaminate the wash water.
- Similarly, take clean linens for each house. [picture]
- Also clean the washing equipment and accessories between uses.
- Finally, a two-bucket flat mop system improves the cleanliness of your floors, since you wash them with clean water.
From highest to lowest
We should start with what's high up, then move to what's lower down. For example, if you dust the ceiling light and the dust falls, you'll then pick it up when cleaning the furniture and vacuuming. Doing it the other way around would be a waste of time.
Furthermore, before washing the floor, you need to plan where to start and where to finish. This way, you won't be stuck in a room waiting for the floor to dry.
Ecological or biotechnological
We are fortunate in Quebec: we have several lines of highly effective ecological or biotechnological products. Therefore, there is no reason to use harsh chemicals. It is also preferable for contractors to have their own products. This gives them access to recognized commercial products that they can dilute according to the tasks at hand. dilute their products depending on the tasks that will be carried out.
L'ethics of the entrepreneur
Since the entrepreneur enters the client's private space, they must respect their privacy. Here are some tips on this subject.
Respect for customer choices
- The contractor respects the way the client arranges and decorates their home.
- In Quebec, it is customary to speak the client's language, or at least French or English.
Respect confidentiality and be discreet
- Keep confidential, for life, what you see in the house and what you learn about the client's personal affairs. It's a matter of respect!
- Furthermore, just because a client grants you access to their home doesn't mean they're granting you access to their private life, or that they want to become friends with the cleaning staff. Be careful not to cross the line into professionalism.
Show your white paw
- The client must be able to fully trust the employees, who will sometimes be left alone in the house in their absence. That's why a clean criminal record is desirable.
- Is there any candy or money left on the table? It belongs to the owner!
For your information, according to Wikipedia, The expression «to show one's white paw» comes from La Fontaine's fable. The Wolf, the Goat, and the Kid (Book IV, fable 15). The goat recommends to her goat to not open the door to anyone in her absence. When the wolf appears, imitating his mother's voice, the kid replies: «Show me your credentials, or I won't open the door.»
Dear Entrepreneur
In closing, let me address the residential cleaning contractor directly. If you believe your methods could be improved, feel free to consult our training calendar. Your clients will be all the happier to receive your professional services. Looking forward to meeting you!
