Time Savers

[chevygirl57]

Just curious: what are certain tips or tricks or time saving things you have picked up over time that really get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible?

For me just starting out, I realized it saves me tons of time if I do all of the dusting/washing first and then the floors.

I shaved off a whole 1hr of time on one client that I dust/vac & clean bathrooms for twice a month by dusting first.

I also think after the first few cleanings at the same residence that you get in to a routine and it is easier to know what needs to be done and what doesn't and what you can and can't do.

I am now starting to see why initial cleanings are usually much more costly and even the next 1-2 cleanings after that can take more time as well.

Anyone else have any tips to speed up cleaning time?

[Grizzly]

Good for you. Start at top work your way down. Critical hint is always have your necessary equipment right by you. Do not waste time walking back and forth to your maids tote for things. Studies have shown that over time this really slows productivity. As well, if you get staff you will be ready to start team cleaning concepts. Light duty specialists, bathroomspecialists, heavy duty specialists, and working through a building on a rotating basis . Yes , you will find that with experience and with more time at each client you will develop the best practice for that situation. Well done

Bill

[kimmierue]

When I first started cleaning I would clean one room at a time...the living room, the bathroom and so on...carrying my supplies room to room. I was taking about 4 + hours to clean a 4bed/3bath home. Yikes!!

The best speed tip I have to offer is to take the windex in one hand, the cloth or paper towels in the other, and just run with it! Do the whole entire floor you are currently working on. Then take the furniture polish...the do all the feather dusting...then spray down the bathrooms with cleaner, start wipping the last bathroom to the first where you sprayed. Or whatever order, that really doesn't matter....but just don't set the product down until you are done using it for that floor.

Of course kitchens are a bit different. Now, a little trick I have is to stop up the sink, fill it with warm water and use some dish liquid to clean countertops, microwave, and so on. Very simple. I don't mess with buckets except for floors.

[chevygirl57]

Great tips Kimmie! Thanks

[gailm]

I have found the most productive way to clean for you and your client is one room at a time grouped by wet and dry work. Why? Because of the hand/arm movement and the need for or rubber gloves.

And what about your client? When they come home in the middle of your job, they need someplace to hang out until you're done.

Having procedures and specific techniques, everybody is happy and you've done the best job possible. Much of cleaning has to do with time management techniques. Definately a must to implement for any cleaning business.