Cleaning Up Your First Impression
The first impression a guest in your facility receives will have a major impact on their decision to return again. Returning guests have more chances to hear the gospel and grow in their faith. With that in mind, there should be an emphasis on making sure guests receive a positive impression of their experience visiting your facility. Cleanliness is one of the first things people perceive when visiting somewhere new. Clean floors, restrooms and well-kept facilities provide a positive impression and experience for your guests and members alike. Having a standardized cleaning program that covers training on proper cleaning procedures, products and safety information will help to ensure that your facilities remain clean, healthy and welcoming.
When implementing a cleaning program for your facility, you create a standard for the way things are expected to be done and how often tasks should be performed. Having standards in place provides a way to effectively measure how well the facility is being maintained and how often thing should be done. This will ensure that nothing gets overlooked or missed. Following a good daily cleaning schedule will also prolong the amount of time before restorative cleaning or maintenance is required. Implementing a cleaning program that sets standards for cleaning procedures and a schedule for how often tasks are performed is the first step towards maintaining a clean, welcoming facility.
Having the correct products in place is another key factor to consider when implementing a standardized cleaning program for your facility. When determining the proper cleaning chemicals for use in your facility, focus on finding products that are safe for the user, effective for their intended purpose, and affordable within your budget. You must also determine the best types of cleaning products based on the needs of your facility. There are many different types of cleaning chemicals from alkaline degreasers to pH neutral floor cleaners to acid restroom cleaners. Having the correct products for your facility will be a major factor in how effective your cleaning program will be. Each chemistry is more effective at performing a specific task and having the correct tool for the job will achieve better results. Consult with your sales rep to help evaluate the needs of your facility and determine the best products to meet those specific needs.
Safety training is another concern that should be satisfied by implementing a standardized cleaning program in your facility. It is important to ensure that the products you choose for use in your facility are safe, and that those using them are aware of how to use them properly. This will minimize the risk of accidents and/or someone getting injured while maintaining the facility. Make sure that whoever is cleaning the facility, or using your cleaning products has been trained on the proper use of the product and the product’s intended purpose. It is also required that you supply several pieces of safety information for each product used in the facility including SDS sheets, and properly labeled spray bottles or containers for each product. These items should be provided by the manufacturer of the products and should be readily accessible at your facility. You may refer to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard for more information on safety requirements in your facility.
The cleanliness of your facility is one of the first things people perceive when generating their first impression. Having a standardized cleaning program for your facility will help to ensure that your facilities remain clean, healthy and welcoming. This program should set standards for proper cleaning procedures, products, and safety. With one of the most extensive lines on the market, Buckeye offers superior, cost-effective products that promote safety for the environment and the worker. Buckeye also leads the way in providing the best training programs for end-users in the industry. The Honors Custodial Training Program is Buckeye’s specialized training program for churches, schools, and universities. The Honors website, www.buckeyehonors.com, features the complete program and includes training videos and tests, manuals, PowerPoint presentations, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), product literature, and wall charts. Standardizing cleaning in your facility will reduce labor and product costs, provide optimal training, simplify ordering, and achieve the best results. Speak with a representative to schedule a free facility evaluation and we can help establish a standardized cleaning program based on your individual needs.
- Charles Wood
(Originally published Nov 2016 Magazine)