Get Back to Basics
Develop and implement a standardized, everyday cleaning protocol for teams to follow. This allows for an easier training process and teams know what to expect each day. For more information on developing a protocol, product selection and frequency of disinfecting, visit CloroxPro.com, which has a wide-range of resources such as this webinar.
Cleaning vs. Sanitizing vs. Disinfecting
Educate your team on the difference between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting, including when each is appropriate. This understanding will facilitate the proper implementation of protocols.
Standardize the Disinfecting Products
Limit the number of cleaning and disinfecting products your team uses where possible. For example, select a broad-spectrum disinfectant with appropriate kill claims that can be used throughout multiple areas of your facility. By doing so, your team does not need to be trained on numerous products reducing risk of error, improper use and/or breaches in protocol because teams can focus on learning and knowing one or two products in depth vs. having to know several products.
Implement Training Sessions
Consistent training is imperative for the success of janitorial teams to ensure they know how to properly use cleaning and disinfecting products. Trainings should cover what each product is (e.g. an all-purpose cleaner, germicidal cleaner, or a disinfectant) and the differences between them to how to read product labels to where and how to use each product.
Treat Disinfecting As Part of the Process
Cleaning is a wholistic process and disinfection is only one part of the process. It is imperative your team follows CDC and EPA guidelines for disinfection amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, but remember the first-step of cleaning is equally as important. Without cleaning and the removal of soil and gross matter, disinfectants may not work as intended.
About the expert
For nearly 20 years, Ben has provided consulting and education services to help new and established custodial operations of all sizes and across many verticals sustainably and successfully run cleaning operations. This has been largely accomplished with ManageMen’s prescriptive Operating System 1, known colloquially as (OS1), cleaning program, which focuses on improving safety, reducing waste, improving overall cleanliness, and empowering frontline custodial workers. (OS1) is a standardized, evidence based program built on lean principles, and leverages the popular ISSA 612 Cleaning Times, a best-selling reference guide for cleaning speeds and tasks.
Walker is passionate about sharing his deep understanding of the challenges facing cleaning departments and the larger industry. As a consultant, public speaker and writer, he partners with individuals and organizations with the goal of further professionalizing the custodial industry through continued education, best practices, and safe and effective products and tools. Walker currently works with the ProTeam, Unger, PortionPac and NSS (floor cleaners) to curate high-impact educational programs that inform the (OS1) program, and is a feature columnist for Facility Cleaning Decision magazine and Cleanlink.
