Training Commercial Cleaners: The Power of the Not so Humble Apron

In the ever-changing world of commercial cleaning, efficiency is everything.  And with labor being the biggest cost involved in performing cleaning services, the best cleaning companies put a strong focus on effective training.  Optimizing for fast and consistent cleaning involves staying on top of new trends and re-imagining old ones. 

You can look at how cleaners move, use their tools, and stay organized—yes, even something as basic as wearing an apron can play a pivotal role. In this blog post, we’ll explore how training commercial office cleaners to use proper movement, steps, and tools, including the often-overlooked apron, can lead to some serious time-saving results.

1. Optimizing Movement: Reduce Wasted Steps

One of the most significant factors that impact cleaning efficiency is the cleaner’s movement. Every unnecessary step—whether it’s walking back and forth to fetch a tool, changing locations unnecessarily, or going out of the cleaning zone—takes up valuable time. Proper training should focus on minimizing these movements.

Best Practices for Efficient Movement:

Plan the Cleaning Path: Cleaners should plan their movements in a way that allows them to move through the office space methodically. They should avoid backtracking and always clean from one area to another in a logical flow. For example, starting from the farthest corner of a room and working towards the exit can help cleaners avoid retracing their steps.

Use the "Top-to-Bottom" Rule: When cleaning a space, it’s essential to work from top to bottom—cleaning higher surfaces like desks, shelves, and windows first, before tackling lower surfaces like floors. This avoids the need to clean the same area multiple times.

Limit the Back-and-Forth: Instead of running back and forth for tools or cleaning supplies, cleaners should organize their carts or equipment in a way that minimizes the need for constant retrieval. Training cleaners to keep all their essential tools within arm’s reach saves time and energy.

 

2. Mastering Tool Use: Efficiency Through the Right Equipment

Efficient tool use is at the heart of every professional cleaner’s success. Using the right tools for the job, and using them correctly, is crucial for reducing time spent on tasks. Providing the proper training in using equipment ensures a more thorough cleaning in less time.

Tips for Effective Tool Use:

Proper Handling of Equipment: Cleaning staff should be trained on how to use cleaning tools efficiently. For example, when using a mop, the technique of using long, even strokes can cover more ground faster than short, jerky motions. Similarly, dusters should be used in wide sweeping motions to remove dust quickly and efficiently.

Maintain Tools Regularly: Tools like vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers, and other equipment should be kept in top condition to prevent unnecessary delays. Training cleaners to check their equipment before and after use can prevent downtime caused by malfunctioning tools.

Use Multi-Tasking Tools: There are many versatile cleaning tools on the market, such as microfiber cloths, which can be used for a variety of surfaces. Training cleaners to use multi-purpose tools in place of single-use items helps to streamline the cleaning process.

3. The Power of the Apronworx Apron: A Unique Tool that’s Worth the Investment

You might not think of an apron as a critical tool for efficiency, but in commercial office cleaning, it can make all the difference. An apron provides cleaners with a simple yet highly effective way to stay organized, carry tools, and improve their movement on the job.  At Apronworx our apron’s exclusive and unique design allows you to carry all your essential cleaning gear at the waist.  Our apron has no shoulder straps, which frees up your upper body for more fluid movements.  It’s also allows for better body temperature regulation and allows you stay cool while you’re putting in the physical work.

How Wearing an Apron Boosts Efficiency:

Keeps Tools Accessible: One of the biggest challenges for cleaners is keeping their tools organized and easily accessible. An apron with pockets allows cleaners to carry essential tools—such as pens, cloths, cleaning wipes, small bottles of disinfectant, and keys—right on their person. This reduces the time spent searching for tools or walking back to the cleaning cart to retrieve supplies.

Reduces Movement Time: Having essential tools within easy reach eliminates unnecessary trips to the cart or storage areas. Cleaners can simply reach into their apron pockets to grab what they need, allowing them to stay focused on the task at hand.

Improves Safety: An apron can help prevent accidents by providing a clear, organized way to carry items. For instance, instead of keeping chemical bottles in hand, cleaners can store them safely in an apron pocket, reducing the risk of spills and accidental contamination.

Promotes Professionalism: Wearing an apron also helps maintain a professional appearance, signaling to others that the cleaner is prepared and organized. This can boost team morale and show that they are equipped for the job.

What Should Be in an Apron? To maximize the benefits of wearing an apron, here are some items cleaners should consider keeping in their pockets:

Microfiber Cloths: For dusting, wiping, and cleaning glass surfaces.

Cleaning Wipes: For quick clean-ups of spills or high-touch areas.

Keys: Especially important for cleaners who need access to multiple areas within a building.

Scraper: For removing gum from floors or desks.

Disinfectant Spray or Small Bottle of Cleaner: Handy for quick application on high-touch surfaces.

The Not So Humble Apron: Small Changes for Big Results

In the commercial cleaning industry, efficiency can make or break productivity. By training office cleaners to optimize their movement, use their tools effectively, and stay organized with an apron, businesses can see significant improvements in both the speed and quality of their cleaning operations. This results not only in cleaner spaces but also in happier, more motivated staff who are equipped to do their jobs well.

So, next time you're reviewing your cleaning operations or training new staff, don’t overlook the power of simple techniques and tools—like strategic movement, smart tool use, and wearing an apron. These small changes can lead to big results in making your cleaning team more efficient, organized, and successful.