AUTHOR: N&C Service Inc. © February 2011

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1. Practice stain prevention.

Spills on carpets or porous hard surfaces need to be cleaned up immediately to prevent staining. Blot up liquids from carpets; don’t rub or you will fray the carpet fibers. Have carpets treated with stain-resistant products to aid in protection.

2. Use microfibers.

Microfiber materials are manufactured by splitting synthetic fibers into even smaller fibers. Because they are so small, microfibers have better pickup and absorption than traditional cloths, and they provide deeper cleaning of pores and crevices. Because microfiber materials clean so efficiently, you can use less chemical. Another bonus: Microfiber mops are easier on your body because they are lightweight.

3. Clean from the top down.

In the top-down cleaning concept, you clean the higher surfaces in each room before cleaning the floors. For example, wipe windows and dust shelves before vacuuming, and clean counters before mopping. This assures that loose dirt will not fall on an already clean floor, saving you time and energy.

4. Clean from wet to dry.

In the wet-to-dry cleaning concept, you first complete tasks involving water or liquid cleaning products. This method can be used in conjunction with top-down cleaning. As surfaces are drying, other tasks can be completed. Wet-to-dry cleaning allows you to multitask as you clean, cutting down considerably on the amount of time you have to wait for wet floors to dry before returning throw rugs and trash cans. In industry jargon, this is also called “working your way out of the house.”

5. Soak.

Some jobs cannot be rushed. The dirtiest areas may need a good soak before scrubbing. These areas include stained toilets, tubs, countertops, and floors. Apply cleaning chemicals according to the manufacturer instructions, and leave on for as long as allowed before scrubbing and rinsing thoroughly.

6. Use mats.

Placing mats inside and outside of entrances will catch some of the dirt before it reaches your floor or carpet, reducing the time you spend dusting, sweeping and mopping.

7. Check your equipment.

Maintain your professional cleaning and safety equipment in good working order. Perform regular inspections of electrical cords. Replace vacuum bags, rags, gloves, mop heads and other disposables as needed. To prevent accidents and injuries, always read the directions on all equipment before use!

8. Check your chemicals.

Use the right chemical for the job, and use the right amount. More is not necessarily better! Keep chemical bottles clean and clearly labeled. To prevent accidents and injuries, always read the directions on all chemicals before use!

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