Here are some simple tips to help you get the most out of your cleaning schedule by ensuring the most effective equipment and successful methods are used. Therefore, using time efficiently to get the deepest clean possible.

Cleaning doesn’t need to be complicated. However, there are a number of basic mistakes that can made, meaning time is wasted and the clean is not as thorough as it could be. Here are our quick tips to level up your time effectively.

Damp wiping surfaces

J cloths, sponge cloths, all-purpose cloths, bamboo cloths, disposable wipes, paper towels. You name it, there are a variety of methods you can use to wipe a surface. However, Microfiber cloths for general cleaning tasks are by far the winning material in our eyes for the following reasons:

• Effective Cleaning: Remove dirt and 98.9% of bacteria from smooth surfaces when used with just water.
• Save Water: Microfiber cloths use 95% less water and chemicals than cotton cloths.
• Fast Drying: Microfiber cloths dry faster than cotton cloths, which reduces the time bacteria can grow on the cloth.
• Lint Free: They are non-abrasive and don't leave lint behind, making them ideal for cleaning glass and stainless steel.
• Hypoallergenic: Microfiber cloths are lint-free, non-abrasive, and hypoallergenic.
• Durable: Microfiber cloths can last for up to 1,000 washes and 500 uses.

Dusting

• Dust from top to bottom: Start with high places like ceilings and lighting and work your way down to the floor. This prevents dust from falling on areas you've already cleaned.
• Use the Right Tools:
  • Microfiber cloth: More effective than other options like paper towels which will just move the dust about. Lightly dampen the cloth with a spray bottle until it picks up dust easily without leaving streaks.
  • Brushes or feathered dusters: Helpful for hard to reach and delicate areas
  • Vacuum with dust attachment: Great for blinds, bookshelves, staircases and hard to reach areas.
• Clean regularly: Rotate and wash your cloths regularly.
• Dust before vacuuming: Dust before vacuuming, and vacuum soft surfaces.
• Clean air vents and filters: Clean air vents and filters to prevent a build up of debris.

Mopping

• Vacuum before mopping: Mopping without vacuuming first means debris like food, hair and end up right back on your floor. Also, dust particles cling to the mop making your water dirtier, faster.
• Don’t use too much water: Too much water can make it’s way into cracks and seams and damage the floorboards beneath. Wet floors are also a slip hazard. Ensure mops are thoroughly wrung out before use or invest in a Kentucky mop or spin mop to wring out excess water.
• Use the right mop for the job: Cotton string mops and sponge mops have been used for decades but are hard to wash and slow to dry, making them breeding grounds for germs. Microfibre mops hold onto far more dirt and germs and last far longer. For larger areas or deeper floor cleaning, steam mops and scrubbing mops have become very popular. Although highly effective and time saving, we recommend checking manufacturers guidelines before investing in a piece of kit that could damage some floor types.
• Use the recommended amount of floor detergent: Using too much or the wrong type of product on floors can leave them sticky and a magnet for dirt and debris.
• Don’t skip the final rinse: For streak free floors, simply rinse and wring out your mop with fresh, clean water. Complete a final mop to remove detergent residue and any remaining dirty water.
• Use the correct technique: Your aim is to move backwards as you mop, so you’re not stepping on wet flooring. Start in the furthest corner and move your mop side to side in a figure 8 or S motion whilst working your way across the room.
• Store your mop correctly: Never store your mop in cleaning solution or on the floor. If your washed mop head can’t be machine dried, ensure the strands are able to hang and your mop is stored in a well-ventilated area.

Vacuuming

• Dust First: This will ensure that any dust or debris that has been disturbed from high level areas and has settled on floors, is picked up.
• Check your vacuum: Replace or empty full vacuum bags or waste compartments and regularly check and clean filters. Also check pipes are not blocked to ensure maximum suction power and remove hair and other items that become wrapped around brushes, restricting their ability to rotate.
• Prep the room: Move furniture as you need to and pick up small items such as coins that could damage the inner workings of your vacuum. Also vacuum underneath furniture to remove balls of dust or debris.
• Choose the right setting: Many vacuum cleaners have multiple settings for different floor types including hard floors and carpets with different pile depths.
• Use attachments: Use the right tool for the right task. Most vacuums come with multiple attachments to clean, edges, stairs, upholstery, blinds and curtains.
• Use the correct technique: Aim to work backwards with multiple passes. Start in the furthest corner of the room moving from left to right. Vacuuming at a slow steady pace also gives the airflow and brush more time to “agitate” the dust and dirt between the carpet fibres to remove them entirely.
• Vacuum regularly: Vacuum at least once a week, and more often in areas with heavy foot traffic. This will extend the life of your carpets by removing dirt sitting on the top and lifting flattened fibres. Regular cleaning ensures the dirt is removed before it has a chance to become ground into the deepest fibres of the carpet.

For more information about effective contract cleaning services please contact info@floorbrite.co.uk

By Nina Wyers, Marketing & Brand Director at The Floorbrite Group

Floorbrite is a 2nd generation family business providing commercial cleaning, specialist cleaning, window cleaning, washroom, hygiene and consumable supplies, waste and environmental management, pest control, plants and grounds maintenance, security and high-level building access solutions. With 50 years industry experience, Floorbrite has grown to become one of the leading soft service providers in the UK FM sector.

www.floorbrite.co.uk