Armando BelloThe people and businesses are always on the move. According to the latest U.S. Census, over 327 million people live in the United States. Statisticians estimate that 15 percent of Americans move every year. Over 49 million people are packing up their bags to relocate. This mass migration opens up opportunities for owners of cleaning businesses.
People and businesses moving need to clean their old location and ensure their new environment is “work-ready.” Moving firms can benefit from the services of cleaning companies that offer “move in/move out” cleaning. This can be a lucrative add-on for your cleaning business.
How can you increase your cash flow? Add move-in/move-out cleaning services. What is move-in/move-out cleaning?
This service is usually referred to as “deep cleaning.” Deep cleaning includes washing, wiping, and scrubbing everything. You will probably be cleaning windows, cabinets, walls and ceilings, floor vents, fixtures, and blinds.
You may need to perform floor maintenance. Carpets might need cleaning and spotting. Hard Floor Surfaces may require a new finish or buffing.
Most cleaning companies are faced with a significant challenge when performing this service. Most commercial building owners want their location cleaned from top to bottom and will require a specific deadline. Most owners wish the building to be ready as quickly as possible to welcome their new business or tenants or for use in the real estate market.
Where can I find cleaning opportunities for move-ins and move-outs?
Contacting commercial contractors or realty offices is an excellent way to begin when searching for accounts to clean move-ins and outs. You will be asked to do move-in/out cleaning if you have cleaned commercial buildings for some time. You can also let your clients know that you offer this service.
When first beginning the move-in/out cleaning process, meeting the person in charge is necessary to estimate the time required to clean the building. You may not need to provide an estimate once you have established a rapport with the decision-maker. Instead, you can bill your time. Remember to charge more for specialty services such as carpet extraction and hard floor cleaning.
Before starting any work, speak to your point of contact to discuss the time limit, scope of the job, and expectations. Ensure that your cleaners have access to running water and electricity. Spending a few minutes on details today will save you hours later.
How can you provide a successful move-in/move-out cleaning service?
There are several steps to follow when cleaning commercial buildings to ensure your success and the satisfaction of your customers.
Teams of 2 to 4 persons are recommended, depending on the size and shape of the building. For larger commercial establishments, you may need to use larger teams.
The team members should have a specialization in the task they are performing. In a team of two, for example, one member will be responsible for dusting windows and vacuuming. One person is assigned to vacuum and mopping bathrooms, break rooms, and vacuuming.
Assign a supervisor to teams with two or more members. The supervisor will delegate work, manage time, and ensure quality. The supervisor will ensure that all supplies and equipment are delivered to the site and collected when the work is completed. It’s amazing how often our cleaning crews leave behind ladders and tools.
Remember to write or label your name on all your equipment and tools. Often, multiple contractors use the same equipment and work close to each other. It’s easy to identify if your company name is printed on a pail or ladder.
Tips and techniques to help you with your move-in/move-out cleaning
Start cleaning by taking out all large pieces of trash. All trash too big to vacuum should be picked up. Vacuuming is quicker and more efficient if you don’t have to stop, move or pick up large waste.
Vacuuming correctly is an essential step when moving in or out. A backpack with the right attachments will speed up your cleaning.
Vacuum from top to bottom, including window tracks, blinds, and ceiling vents. Also, vacuum along baseboards.
Use a flat microfiber mop to clean ceilings, walls, and doors
Start cleaning the dirt and grime stuck to surfaces after vacuuming and removing all trash. It would help if you had in-your-home: window cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, fume-free stove cleaners, bowl cleaners, degreasers, neutral pH floor cleaners, stainless steel polishes, and furniture polishes. Use concentrated chemicals instead of RTU chemicals (ready-to-use chemicals).
Windows and glass entry doors should be cleaned with an applicator. Scrapers or #0000 Steel Wool can remove stickers and insects. Use these tools only when the window is damp. Otherwise, you may scratch the glass. Window tracks and frames should be cleaned by vacuuming and wiping down.
Give the chemicals enough time to do their job. Make sure your employees are wearing the proper personal protective equipment. Safety Training is essential when handling chemicals.
Use the right cleaning tools to remove any buildup. Scrubber pads, brushes, and scrapers are all excellent options. It would be best if you were careful when using these tools.
Paper towels, terrycloth rags, or microfiber cloths are suitable for most cleaning tasks. Use a green Microfiber Cloth to dust; blue for windows and glass; red for restrooms; and yellow for counters, sinks, and walls.
Hand brushes are beneficial for both general cleaning and specialty cleaning. Grout brushes can clean grout from countertops and ceramic tile flooring. Use a toothbrush to clean around fixtures and faucets.
The Scrubbing Pad can be used either wet or dried. Use to clean, scour, and scrub various surfaces, including floors, stairs, walls, railings, and counters.
White pads are best for glass, chrome, and stainless steel surfaces. The white pads are less abrasive than the green pads.
Use a 2-inch utility scraper to remove adhesives and buildup in bathrooms, kitchenettes, and break rooms. Always have spare blades available.
Pre-spray the inside of your microwave and refrigerator using a pump-up sprayer instead of a spray bottle. Remove the fridge and stove when cleaning kitchenettes or break rooms. Vacuum the coils and under the microwave, as well as the walls, the sides of the appliances, the sides of the cabinets, the floor, the sides of the cabinets, the sides of the border, etc. Also, clean the oven filters and hood.
Clean your floors last. Use a backpack vacuum for a final clean, then mop any hard surfaces. An excellent base is the first thing that people will notice. This will reflect cleanliness in the entire location.