Steve Hanson

Whether you're providing cleaning services to residential homes or commercial facilities, the amount of profit you'll make is directly related to how quickly and efficiently you or your employees can clean. The less productive you are, the lower the profits.

Since every location is different, you'll want to establish a routine for yourself or your employees so the same path is followed each visit. Generally, you'll work in circular patterns, either clockwise or counter-clockwise.

If possible, carry as much as you can with you so there's no need to run back and forth to pick up and drop off equipment or supplies. You should be able to carry spray bottles of all-purpose cleaner and glass cleaner, as well as microfiber cloths. To keep things together, buy a portable caddy, which you can carry with you. If working in an office, use a brute (trash can on wheels), and attach an apron or caddy that can carry your supplies. This will enable you to collect trash, dust, clean the breakrooms and restrooms without having to go back to collect different cleaning supplies.

Avoid backtracking and moving about the home or office erratically. This wastes precious time, and increases the chance that one or more tasks will be missed. When each home or office is given a specific route, it's much easier to get into a flow or rhythm each time it's cleaned.

When deciding on a routine, think logically. In homes, you may start with the back bedrooms and move forward to the entryway, leaving kitchens and bathrooms for last. For offices, you'll usually work your way around the office removing trash, dusting, and spot cleaning. Then you'll clean break rooms, coffee centers and rest rooms, leaving the floors for last.

When routines are established early, you take the guesswork out of cleaning, which means a bigger bottom line for your cleaning business!

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Steve Hanson helps owners of small cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through his online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com, and sign up for weekly cleaning tips at http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com.