In both homes and workplaces, regular cleaning is a common practice. However, there are situations where bringing in experts becomes necessary, particularly when dealing with expensive or delicate furnishings and stubborn stains that seem impossible to remove. When seeking professional cleaning services, it’s essential to ensure that the company you choose is knowledgeable and well-informed about the best practices in the cleaning industry. Unfortunately, some cleaning companies lack the necessary expertise, while a few may even engage in unethical practices. To make informed decisions about cleaning services, it’s crucial to understand the three fundamental types of cleaning.
Maintenance Cleaning
Maintenance cleaning encompasses routine cleaning tasks performed regularly. These tasks are typically scheduled, such as weekly bathroom cleaning or semi-annual carpet cleaning for high-traffic areas. Keeping furnishings and spaces clean not only contributes to a healthier environment but also extends the lifespan of these items. One common misconception is that dirt accumulates faster after cleaning. However, this may be true in cases where professional cleaners leave behind detergent residues or hidden dirt. To prevent this, thorough rinsing of cleaned areas is essential.
Immediate Cleaning
Certain types of messes demand immediate attention to prevent lingering odors or permanent stains. The sooner these stains or messes are addressed, the easier they are to clean. Seeking advice from a reputable cleaning service can save you a lot of trouble. Sometimes, attempting to scrub or rub a spill may worsen the situation and potentially cause permanent damage. In such cases, it’s best to bring in a professional with the expertise to handle the situation effectively.
Remedial or Restorative Cleaning
Occasionally, situations call for cleaning that will restore a long-neglected piece of furniture or an area to its pristine condition. When dealing with the restoration of furniture, rugs, or other items, utmost care is required. Vigorous scrubbing of a neglected item can easily result in damage. Gentle yet thorough cleaning methods yield better results by removing contaminants without causing harm. While immediate cleaning practices and regular cleaning routines can help prevent the need for remedial cleaning, it’s essential to avoid over-cleaning or using harsh tools and cleaning supplies when milder alternatives are sufficient.
Examples of the Three Types of Cleaning
Maintenance Cleaning
Maintenance cleaning can take various forms, from a detailed cleaning plan to simply becoming a habit:
- Ensuring that dishes, pots, pans, glasses, cutlery, and other kitchenware are cleaned at the end of the day.
- Regularly removing soap scum from showers, typically on a weekly basis.
- Daily vacuuming to prevent surface level dirt from being pushed farther down into carpet fibers/carpet underlay, which accelerates carpet deterioration and requires more frequent extraction.
- Upholstery vacuuming at least every other week.
Immediate Cleaning
Immediate cleaning is all about addressing issues promptly to prevent dirt and grime buildup and to maintain cleanliness standards:
- Drying a shower stall after use to prevent mold or mildew development.
- Immediately washing plates, coffee cups, or any utensils used for food or drink after use.
- Cleaning up spills or pet accidents immediately, often just by thorough blotting.
- Cleanup of a biohazard situation to prevent spread of disease and restore the functionality of a space.
Remedial or Restorative Cleaning
Remedial or restorative cleaning is essential when items or areas have been neglected or damaged over time:
- Cleaning items or areas after floods, fires, or other disasters have caused damage.
- Restoring a long-neglected antique found in an attic or basement, where it has accumulated dust and surface contaminants.
- Renewing an old hardwood floor.
- Thoroughly scrubbing a shower to remove a year’s worth of mildew and soap scum buildup.
- Tackling the cleaning of the inside of a refrigerator in an employee breakroom that has gone untouched for a year.
- Cleaning soft goods in a home that have reached their soil capacity, including carpets, upholstery, draperies, and more.
Be Proactive & Make a Plan
By understanding these three types of cleaning and their respective applications, you can make informed choices when it comes to maintaining a clean and healthy environment in your home or workplace. Whether it’s regular maintenance, immediate cleanup, or remedial cleaning, the right approach can ensure the longevity and cleanliness of your belongings and spaces.