July 31, 2023
9 Ways to Take Commercial Cleaning to the Next Level
The commercial cleaning industry is transforming as we speak. In the U.S. alone, commercial cleaning is a $60 billion-dollar industry and according to Jonathan Rocket, writing for ISSA, the “commercial cleaning industry is experiencing [a shakeup] and it is shining a new spotlight on cleaning’s role as a crucial piece of the infrastructure and backbone of the global economy.”
While at one time it was common for cleaning to happen behind the scenes, it is now common and even expected for cleaning to happen where all can see; cleaning teams no longer only work at night or behind closed doors but instead out in the open.
Keeping commercial spaces clean and well-maintained is crucial for creating a positive, professional and healthy environment. Taking services to the next level can open new opportunities, boost customer satisfaction, increase bottom line, and improve the health and wellbeing of building patrons. So as commercial cleaning continues to evolve and grow into one of the largest and most recognized global industries, it is important for practices and strategies to evolve and improve along the way.
Let’s explore some key strategies to elevate commercial cleaning practices and make them stand out in an industry that is beginning to get the recognition it deserves.
With a growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness, incorporating green cleaning practices can be a game-changer for your business. Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products and methods not only promotes a healthier workspace but also highlights your commitment to responsible and sustainable practices.
In addition to being less harmful to the planet, green cleaning products are also safer to use around people who are immune compromised or have health issues. Green products do not leave behind harmful chemicals that can cause irritations or exacerbate health conditions.
Similarly, green products can help to improve indoor air quality. According to Pritchard Industries “Green cleaning products don't emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that reduce air quality and they are quickly biodegradable. This means you can improve the air quality inside your business and the effect you have on the local ecosystem.”
Considering we spend 90% of our time indoors, it is important to focus on indoor air quality to support the health and wellness of building patrons, and since many businesses now seek eco-conscious service providers, offering this service is a great way to stand out.
Embracing technology not only boosts your cleaning processes but also shows clients that you are on top of industry advancements, positioning you as a leader amongst the competition.
Autonomous cleaning equipment optimizes productivity and provides better results. Cobi 18, an autonomous floor scrubber by ICE Cobotics, for example, can be easily deployed by anyone on your team. Once Cobi is running, the team is freed up to focus on other critical cleaning tasks, increasing productivity.
Autonomous technology is also more efficient, as the cleaning improves the more the unit repeats a route, and because of the sophisticated technology, the machines are less likely to make errors like missing spots or running into objects.
Fleet tracking technology can also help confirm cleaning is complete, track cleaning performance, and improve processes. ICE Cobotics offers i-SYNERGY fleet management software as part of their all-inclusive subscription. This means that once you subscribe to a Cobi unit, you can track the machine’s performance through the i-SYENRGY app.
The technology works together to record the length of time the machine runs, the square footage it cleans and even wraps the data into a Clean Score, of which the goal is set by you. This is a terrific way to work with your team to improve processes and meet cleaning goals.
Adopting technology allows you to stand out to your clients because not only do they see the machines in action, but through tracking data you can show them the progress and improvements you are making.
Exceptional customer experiences are vital across industries and for all businesses. Clients want to know their requests and concerns are heard and that they can count on a job well done each time a service is rendered.
Listening skills are particularly important for delivering great service as are open and consistent communication. Developing ways to connect with your clients and keep communication open not only alerts you to any issues that need immediate attention, but it lets them know you are willing to make changes and accommodate requests easily and efficiently.
Every commercial space has unique cleaning requirements. Tailor your services to meet the specific needs of each client.
For example, healthcare facilities focus on sanitizing, disinfecting, and removing hazardous waste to prevent HAIs (Hospital Acquired Infections) and improve HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) scores.
An industrial facility has different cleaning requirements that focus on making sure floors are always clean to help prevent slips and falls or injuries around dangerous equipment, and to eliminate dust to meet quality control guidelines.
Whether it's a small office, a large retail store, or an industrial facility, understanding and addressing their specific cleaning challenges will set you apart from one-size-fits-all competitors.
Maintaining consistent quality is crucial for the success of your business. Implement rigorous quality control measures to ensure that your team consistently delivers top-notch service.
It will be important to work with the client to determine areas within a facility where higher standards are expected. Identifying those areas right away will help your team meet the expectations and it will help you better manage time and schedules.
Conducting regular inspections and seeking client feedback helps gain a better understanding of what a client expects and how to improve processes. This way they are part of the conversation and can offer insight as to how they would like certain areas to look after each cleaning.
Establishing strong relationships with your clients is vital for long-term success. Be reliable, communicate effectively, and be proactive in addressing any issues that arise. Building trust and rapport can lead to long-lasting partnerships and recurring contracts.
Quality service begins with well-trained staff. Consider investing in continuous training and certifications for your cleaning team. Proper training ensures that your staff is equipped with the latest cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and knowledge of advanced cleaning equipment. This expertise will reflect on the quality of your services and build trust with your clients.
One way to implement this in your business is by partnering with equipment suppliers that offer easy-to-access training materials. ICE Cobotics for example, offers an Automation Academy that is free and available online to all clients.
Anyone can go through the Automation Academy which is a series of Cobi 18 training videos that cover anything from unboxing the unit to learning to map effective routes to troubleshooting. At the end of the academy, users take a short quiz and once they pass are presented with an Automation Certification.
This is a great way to get your staff motivated because it allows them to earn a certification and become automation experts. This gives your business a level of professionalism that will stand out, and your team can feel more empowered and supported at work, which can lead to happier and long-term employees.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Capture and showcase before-and-after pictures of the spaces you clean. Visual evidence of your excellent work can be powerful in convincing potential clients of the value you bring to their business.
If you've successfully transformed the cleanliness of a particularly challenging commercial space, use it as a success story in your marketing efforts. Highlight the problem, the solution you provided, and the exceptional results achieved. This kind of storytelling can resonate with potential clients and highlight your expertise.
Consider expanding your services beyond basic cleaning. Offer specialized services such as carpet cleaning, window washing, or post-construction cleaning. Diversifying your offerings can attract a broader range of clients and create additional revenue streams.
Taking your commercial cleaning business to the next level requires a combination of exceptional service, customer focus, continuous improvement, and embracing innovation. By incorporating these strategies, you can elevate your business, surpass client expectations, and stay ahead in a competitive market.
ICE Cobotics is a cleaning technology and equipment company specializing in autonomous solutions and working to improve the well-being of all. Speak to one of our automation experts about getting started with Cobi 18.
To address the growth of the cleaning industry in addition to combating labor issues, commercial cleaners are relying on robots.
Commercial property managers can significantly reduce the time and effort spent on cleaning using these tips! Impress clients and improve ROI.
Efficiency and innovation converge in the perfect robotic floor scrubber for commercial facilities, Cobi 18, by ICE Cobotics.
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