Cleaning technique and method selection
From dry to wet cleaning — and when to use what
Cleaning is about removing dirt in a controlled, efficient and hygienic way. As a service assistant, your job is to choose the method that removes dirt best without damaging the surface or spreading infection. Method choice depends on three things: which surface you are working on, what type of dirt is involved, and what hygiene level the room requires.
§The basic methods
Cleaning methods are typically divided by how much water they apply to the surface. The more water, the longer drying time and the greater demands on aftertreatment.
- 01Dry cleaning: dust wiping, sweeping, vacuuming and use of dry or treated mops. Used for loose dirt and dust without water.
- 02Damp cleaning: tightly wrung cloth or mop that leaves light moisture. The most common method for daily floor and surface cleaning.
- 03Wet cleaning: plenty of water and detergent, often for heavy dirt, sanitation and periodic deep cleaning.
- 04Machine cleaning: floor washing machines polishing machines and similar for larger areas.
§Sequence and work direction
A good workflow follows fixed principles so you do not dirty areas you have already cleaned. Work top to bottom so dust and dirt fall onto not-yet-cleaned surfaces. Work from inside to outside toward the door so you leave a clean floor and do not step in it again. Clean from clean to dirty so you do not carry contamination from a dirty area to a clean one.
§Color the bread
To avoid cross-contamination a colour-coding system is used for cloths and tools. The principle is that toilet and sanitation tools are never used elsewhere. Always follow your workplace's local colour-coding plan as it determines which colour belongs to which area.
- 01Always separate sanitation tools from tools for other rooms.
- 02Change cloth or mop when visibly dirty or moving from a dirty to a clean area.
- 03Use clean tools for each new location as needed.
§Dosage and contact time
Cleaning agents work best when used as directed on the label. Overdosing gives neither cleaner surfaces nor better hygiene – it leaves soap residues that bind new dirt and unnecessarily burdens the environment. Many agents need to be allowed to work for a while before being wiped off. Always read the manufacturer's instructions and the included safety data sheet.
“The right method is one that makes the surface clean and hygienic with the least water, chemistry and time.”
— Professional basic rule.