10 Cleaning Mistakes That Can Harm Your Business (and How to Avoid Them)

December 13, 2024

Keeping your facility clean and running smoothly is essential for maintaining your professional image. An unclean facility may lead your customers to doubt your cleaning capabilities and negatively affect your business. However, many businesses unknowingly make mistakes that undermine their cleaning efforts, which can be harmful to your business, customers, and to the longevity of the surface or item you are cleaning. These mistakes can result in increased costs, health risks, and a poor impression on your customers.

Check out this article and video to find out the most common cleaning mistakes and how to avoid them.

10 Most Common Cleaning Mistakes

Common Mistake #1: Selecting Improper Chemicals
Common Mistake #2: Not Adhering to Manufacturer’s Recommended Dwell Time
Common Mistake #3: Skipping/Missing High Touch Areas
Common Mistake #4: Using Dirty Tools or Supplies
Common Mistake #5: Failing to Color-Code Tools and Supplies for Each Area of a Facility
Common Mistake #6: Inadequate Staff Training
Common Mistake #7: Over Wetting Carpet
Common Mistake #8: No Formal Cleaning Schedule
Common Mistake #9: Not Ventilating Properly
Cleaning Mistake #10: No Equipment Maintenance Program

Common Mistake #1: Selecting Improper Chemicals

Mistake: One of the easiest and most common mistakes to make in any cleaning procedure includes selecting the incorrect cleaning agent(s) for specific surfaces or materials, which can lead to damage or ineffective cleaning.

For example, make sure you’re using non-acidic cleaners on stone surfaces as an acidic cleaner will dull and discolor the stone over time. Similarly, using a degreaser on a surface that doesn’t require it may leave behind a residue that attracts more dirt.

Solution: To solve this problem, ensure that the cleaning products and tools used match the surface’s specific requirements. Always encourage staff to read product labels carefully before each use. Training your staff on proper product selection can help reduce costly errors.

Common Mistake #2: Not Adhering to Manufacturer’s Recommended Dwell Time

Mistake: A frequent mistake that many cleaning teams are unaware they are committing is failing to allow disinfectants or sanitizers to sit on surfaces for the recommended dwell time, which can result in incomplete sanitization.

A product’s “dwell time” refers to the amount of time that particular disinfectant needs to remain wet on a surface to effectively kill germs, bacteria, or viruses. If the dwell time is not met, then the cleansing process is ineffective and the surface may not be sanitized. Incomplete sanitization leaves harmful bacteria, germs, and viruses on surfaces, increasing the risk of illness and cross-contamination.

For example, disinfectant that requires a 5-minute dwell time will not be fully effective if wiped off after 2 minutes. This incomplete process can leave behind harmful pathogens, especially on high-touch surfaces.

Dwell time is also important for other cleaning chemicals such as degreasers or floor stripper. Failing to let the product remain wet on the floor or surface will not allow the product to do its job effectively. And, while in these case, the products are not killing germs, it will make degreasing or removing floor wax harder. Adhering to the dwell time ensures the product works as intended.

Solution: Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to allow sufficient contact time for disinfectants. Depending on the product, the required contact time can vary from 1 to 10 minutes. Incorporate this practice into staff training and routine checklists.

Common Mistake #3: Skipping/Missing High Touch Areas

Mistake: An easy mistake to make is overlooking frequently touched surfaces like light switches, door handles, and elevator buttons. High-touch areas are primary sources of cross-contamination, especially in environments like healthcare facilities, schools, and office buildings. Regularly disinfecting these areas can significantly reduce the spread of illnesses

Solution: Ensure high-touch areas are incorporated into regular cleaning routines. Utilize targeted disinfecting, particularly during times of peak occupancy and/or during cold & flu season.

You can also place disinfectant wipes around high-traffic areas to encourage occupants to clean and disinfect these surfaces as well.

Common Mistake #4: Using Dirty Tools or Supplies

Mistake: Using clean tools is key to successfully cleaning a designated area.

Dirty tools not only reduce cleaning effectiveness but can also lead to cross-contamination, increased cleaning time, and higher costs for supplies.

For example, using a mop head that hasn’t been properly cleaned after use in a restroom can spread bacteria onto other floors, negating the entire cleaning effort.

Solution: The simplest solution for this mistake is to clean and disinfect tools after each use and empty or replace items like vacuum bags and filters regularly. Staying on top of equipment maintenance and rotating out dirty tools for clean ones will help prevent cross-contamination.

Common Mistake #5: Failing to Color-Code Tools and Supplies for Each Area of a Facility

Mistake: Cross-contamination can occur when the same cleaning cloth or mop is used in multiple different areas without changing “tools” or proper cleaning. The problem with doing this is that pathogens are transferred from one location to another, which can spread germs and bacteria.

For example, using the same mop for both the restroom and kitchen can introduce harmful bacteria into food preparation areas, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Color-coding tools for specific areas, such as restrooms, kitchens, and general areas, helps prevent cross-contamination and ensures that cleaning procedures are hygienic and effective.

Solution: A practical solution to this issue may be to use color-coded cleaning cloths and mops for different areas to prevent cross-contamination. For example, use red for restrooms, blue for general areas, and green for food prep areas. Train staff on the color-coding system and its importance in maintaining hygiene.

Common Mistake #6: Inadequate Staff Training

Mistake: Having an improperly trained staff can cause numerous issues for a business. Inadequate training on cleaning techniques and product use can lead to unsafe conditions, inconsistent cleaning practices, missed areas, and turnover.

For example, staff unfamiliar with proper disinfectant usage may not allow for adequate dwell time, resulting in ineffective sanitation. Or, they may not know the difference between floor buffer and burnisher pads and install the wrong one on a machine. Failing to install the right pad can not only lead to floor and machine damage but be a hazard to the employee. Loose pads can fly off and injure employees.

Solution: Provide comprehensive and ongoing training on cleaning protocols, equipment usage, and safety procedures. Regular refresher courses can help maintain high standards.

Find out more about the benefits of formal training: 4 Benefits of your Cleaning Team Completing CMI (Cleaning Management Institute) Training

Common Mistake #7: Over Wetting Carpet

Mistake: A mistake you may not think about is using too much water or cleaning solution when cleaning carpets or floors. However, over-wetting a carpet or floor can lead to mold growth, stains, or damaged flooring.

The signs of an over-wet carpet include if the carpet is noticeably soggy, if there are visible pools of water on the flooring, discoloration, and a musty smell indicating that water has sat in the carpet for too long.

Solution: To fix this mistake, use the correct amount of solution and make sure to dry the flooring as quickly as possible, especially in high-moisture areas. Additional equipment like wet/dry vacuums, fans, and dehumidifiers can help speed up the drying process.

Common Mistake #8: No Formal Cleaning Schedule

Mistake: Although waiting until an area looks visibly dirty to clean may seem like the logical course of action, it can actually be a sign of dirt and grime to build up. If you have allowed enough time for the build up to develop, then removing it is going to be difficult as well.

Solution: To avoid dirt and grime build up, follow a consistent cleaning schedule that focuses on both high-traffic areas and regular maintenance tasks. Having a regular maintenance schedule will make the cleaning procedure easier as the build up is less stubborn.

Common Mistake #9: Not Ventilating Properly

Mistake: Failing to properly ventilate rooms during and after cleaning with strong chemicals is a dangerous mistake. Poor ventilation can negatively affect air quality and health.

For example, using a strong bleach solution in a poorly ventilated restroom can lead to respiratory issues for cleaning staff.

Proper ventilation helps disperse harmful fumes and vapors, ensuring a safer environment for both staff and occupants.

Solution: Ensure proper ventilation during and after cleaning by opening windows or using fans and always use spray bottles set on “stream” not “mist”. Having effective ventilation allows for the harmful fumes and vapors to be safely removed from the area, preventing health risks.

Cleaning Mistake #10: No Equipment Maintenance Program

Mistake: And last but not least, neglecting to maintain cleaning equipment like floor scrubbers, vacuums, or buffers is a mistake that can lead to poor performance and unexpected breakdowns. Regular maintenance ensures equipment functions properly, reduces downtime, and extends the life of expensive machinery.

Solution: An essential part of being able to clean and maintain your facility is keeping your janitorial equipment in working condition.

Not only will your cleaning staff need to perform basic maintenance procedures before and after each use, but your machine will need more thorough periodic maintenance to keep it up and running.

This additional maintenance is referred to as “preventive maintenance.” Preventive maintenance is an important component of making sure that your equipment doesn’t experience long downtimes and that your cleaning staff has access to the machines they need to complete tasks in your facility.

Preventive Maintenance can provide your business with 5 main benefits:

Cost Savings
Time Savings
Increased Occupant Health and Safety
Longer Asset Life
Less Equipment Downtime

Learn More: 5 Benefits of Preventive Maintenance for Janitorial Equipment

Final Thoughts

These ten common cleaning mistakes can undermine your facility’s cleanliness, safety, and efficiency. By ensuring you use the correct cleaning products, follow proper dwell times, target frequently touched surfaces, and maintain both tools and equipment, you and your team can avoid many pitfalls that lead to higher costs and lower performance.

Take proactive steps to evaluate your current practices, identify areas for improvement, and implement the right solutions. With the right approach, you can enhance cleanliness, extend the life of your equipment, and ensure a healthier environment for everyone.

If you find yourself in need of a program overhaul, reach out to us today! Contact an Imperial Dade Specialist today to learn more about how to avoid common cleaning mistakes specific to your facility’s needs, or to better understand the steps necessary to implement these procedures so you can keep your facility looking its best.

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