7 Tips To Train Your Cleaning Staff for Quality Services

Train Your Cleaners to Be a Good Employee

The first thing you need to train your cleaners should be their behavior toward what they do. You can create a checklist of what attitude they should have, especially if they are performing their job. Do they need to be enthusiastic, approachable, jolly, or funny? Ask yourself whose cleaners you have wanted to work with for a long time. From that, you can work with your staff harmoniously. 

Pro tip: Create a list of do’s and don’ts for your cleaners. As they work with you, they will acquire those skills and characteristics as cleaners.  

Introduce Cleaning Courses

One of the initial steps in training your new hires is introducing them to cleaning courses. These courses not only provide a theoretical foundation but also equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their cleaning tasks effectively. Moreover, investment in their training can significantly improve the quality of services your business provides. 

Numerous cleaning courses are available on the Internet, and you just need to choose the most suitable one for your cleaners. Here are some cleaner training suppliers you can check to enroll your cleaning employees. These courses offer a comprehensive understanding of various cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and industry standards. They also provide practical training and certifications, which can boost your staff's credibility and customer trust.

1. Maid Training Academy offers three classes: Level-1, Level-2, and Ethics. After passing these three classes, you can earn your Professional Cleaner certification. They also provide a Team Leader class, which requires Professional Cleaner certification. 

2. Cleaning Masterclass offers online, onsite, and internal training. They also have a train-the-trainer course for cleaning teams and a customised training course for specific skills you want your cleaners to learn.

3. Cleaning Management Institute offers various courses such as facility service professionals, certifications, and much more to cater to unique needs. 

4. IJCSA Training & Certifications Program provides classes teaching basic and advanced skills in all areas of commercial and residential cleaning. From green cleaning certification to chemical hazards certification, they offer a wide range of courses to enhance your cleaner’s skills. 

These may cost you at first, but they can be a good start when training cleaners. They can also help build customer trust, as they know your cleaning staff has certifications. 

Create an Employee Handbook

An employee handbook is a document that will provide your employees with key information about their responsibilities and your company policies. You can introduce it at the beginning of training. Additionally, writing an employee handbook can safeguard you and your employees legally. 

 An employee handbook should cover the following: 

• Company overview and history 

• Mission statement 

• List of administrators and supervisors 

• Behavioral expectations, including attendance or dress codes

• Payroll details such as schedules and e-transfer

Cleaning Tasks Demonstrations 

Demonstrating each cleaning task allows cleaners to perform the actual job under supervision. This method is effective as it provides a clear understanding of the task requirements and the correct way to perform them. Before assigning them to the cleaning work, ensure they know how to operate the tools and equipment needed. 

Cover the basics, such as vacuuming, mopping, and dusting, and progress to more complex tasks, like deep cleaning and handling hazardous materials. During the demonstration, explain each step clearly, show the correct technique, and provide tips for efficient and safe cleaning. This will help your staff perform the tasks correctly and efficiently. 

Here are a few steps when conducting the demonstration or practice session.

• Prepare the environment, and supplies and equipment to use

• Explain everything before demonstrating the actual cleaning task

• Show each of the tasks on a step-by-step basis

• Let the cleaners do the task you demonstrate

• Provide feedback and positive reinforcement

• Procedures when getting sick leaves and personal time off

• Health benefits or HMO 

• Code of conduct

Provide  Checklist

Checklists can be a great way to monitor each task and ensure nothing is overlooked. Additionally, it can be overwhelming to remember all the details. Therefore, using checklists will guide them so that each step of the cleaning process is recalled and done correctly. 

Here is a sample checklist that you can use. Feel free to customize it based on the services you provide: 

Entry and Reception Areas

Dust furniture, surfaces, and decor.

Clean the entrance glass doors and windows.

Vacuum carpets and mats.

Mop hard floors.

Empty and clean waste bins.

Wipe light switches and door handles.

Offices and Living Areas

Dust all surfaces, including desks, tables, and other furniture.

Wipe electronics with a microfiber cloth.

Vacuum carpets and rugs.

Mop hard floors.

Clean windows and mirrors.

Empty trash bins and replace liners.

Sanitize telephones and light switches.

Kitchen/Breakroom

Clean and sanitize countertops.

Wipe down cabinet fronts.

Clean the sink and faucets.

Mop the floor.

Clean the microwave, refrigerator, and other appliances externally.

Refill soap dispensers and replace paper towels.

Empty trash bins and clean them if necessary.

Bathrooms

Clean and disinfect toilets and urinals.

Wipe down and sanitize sinks and countertops.

Clean mirrors and polish fixtures.

Mop floors with disinfectant.

Refill soap dispensers, toilet paper holders, and towel dispensers.

Empty sanitary bins and replace liners.

Check and clean vents and fans.

Hallways and Common Areas

Dust all reachable surfaces.

Vacuum carpets.

Mop hard surfaces.

Wipe down handrails and light switches.

Clean any glass surfaces.

Deep Cleaning (Periodic)

Shampoo carpets and upholstered furniture.

Deep-clean hard-to-reach areas and under furniture.

Clean vents and ceiling fans.

Wash walls and baseboards.

Clean window blinds and draperies.

Healthcare Facilities (if applicable)

Disinfect all surfaces with hospital-grade disinfectants.

Use color-coded cloths and mops to prevent cross-contamination.

Pay extra attention to high-touch areas like doorknobs, bed rails, and light switches.

Follow specific waste disposal protocols for medical waste.

Retail and Restaurant Spaces

Clean and polish all display units and glass cases.

Sanitize dining tables, chairs, and counters.

Deep clean and degrease kitchen equipment and exhaust systems.

Sweep and mop kitchen areas with appropriate cleaners

Shadowing 

Shadowing means pairing new cleaners with mentors or a more experienced one to guide them as they begin their tasks. This is another way to train your new cleaners because your experienced cleaners are there to guide and correct them when necessary. 

When choosing the mentor of new cleaners, select those who are not only proficient in cleaning but also have strong communication skills. 

Provide Evaluation or Feedback for their Work

Giving feedback or evaluation on how your cleaners do their work is not just a formality but an essential tool for their own improvement. As you consistently provide feedback, they will learn to enhance their skills and focus on areas they lack. This process empowers you to shape their performance and contribute to the overall success of your business. 

• Real-time feedback: Let clients provide feedback immediately after your cleaners finish their job. This will allow you to understand your client's satisfaction with the services provided by your cleaners. After getting client feedback, talk to cleaners or the team and let them understand how to improve and do better next time. 

• Using rating systems

• Positive reinforcements: When giving feedback, recognize what employees are doing well. This will motivate them to do their best. Avoid giving only negative feedback, as this can also lead to discouragement. You can also provide constructive criticism when you want to give an evaluation but don’t want to look rude.  

• Anonymous surveys - In addition to real-time feedback, anonymous feedback allows your staff to feel more comfortable receiving feedback on their work. 

• Documentation - Keep records of all the feedback from each employee to keep track of their progress. 

Reward Their Progress

Giving feedback and telling them where to improve is essential for cleaning staff training. Additionally, rewarding their progress and achievement is also worth acknowledging. This acknowledgment would also allow them to feel appreciated and know their efforts are seen. 

Here are a few ways you can reward your cleaners for their progress and achievements:

• Public recognition during meetings or on social media 

• Give special rewards such as  gift cards or bonus pay

• Provide additional time-off

• Token of appreciation like vouchers or even a simple thank you card 

• Team building and events to reward and strengthen the team

By giving some of these rewards to incentivize your cleaners, you not only recognize their hard work but also appreciate and let them feel valued. 

Final Thoughts

Training cleaning staff is an invaluable process for improving your cleaning business services. It is not just a mere expense but an investment in the long run. Moreover, enhancing your cleaner’s skills can significantly impact your client’s rating, leading to client-based growth. 

Training also sets a standard for your business since you are creating a program that will teach your staff the cleaning process. Your cleaning staff training can also be a selling point for clients, especially if they know you set high standards before deploying your cleaners to actual work.