A helpful reminder to improve quality, safety, and efficiency
Even with experience, mistakes can happen during professional cleaning operations. They can affect service quality, team safety, or customer satisfaction. Identifying and correcting them is essential for progressing toward more effective, safer, and more responsible cleaning.
At La Providence, we promote a culture of continuous improvement. Here is a practical guide to the most common mistakes… and how to easily avoid them.
1. Using too much cleaning product
- mistake: thinking that “more product = cleaner”
- consequences: sticky residues, damaged surfaces, waste, risk of poisoning
- solution:
o follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosages
o use dosing systems or measuring caps
o train the team on optimal product use
o use a dilution or production system (electrolysis)
2. Not respecting product contact times
• mistake: spraying, scrubbing and rinsing immediately
• consequences: incomplete disinfection, increased fatigue, loss of effectiveness
• solution:
o inform about recommended contact times (e.g. 5 min for a disinfectant)
o do other tasks during the contact time
3. Mixing chemical products
• mistake: combining products without checking their compatibility
• consequences: toxic reactions (e.g. bleach + ammonia), dangerous fumes
• solution:
o never mix without prior validation
o always use original packaging
o clearly label containers
4. Cleaning delicate surfaces improperly
• mistake: using the same product for all types of surfaces
• consequences: scratches, dulling, damage
• solution:
o match the product to the material (e.g. marble, stainless steel, glass)
o use the right tools (microfiber cloths, specific products)
5. Poor ergonomics at work
• mistake: incorrect posture, lifting loads without precautions
• consequences: pain, injuries, fatigue
• solution:
o provide basic ergonomics training
o supply appropriate tools (telescopic handles, carts, lightweight mops)
o use digital solutions to avoid unnecessary movement
6. Neglecting equipment maintenance
• mistake: using dirty or unserviced machines
• consequences: poor results, frequent breakdowns
• solution:
o implement a preventive maintenance protocol
o clean equipment regularly, conduct weekly checks
o report any issues promptly
7. Forgetting hard-to-reach areas
• mistake: neglecting corners, baseboards, under furniture
• consequences: buildup of invisible dust and dirt
• solution:
o include these areas in the cleaning plan
o use specific tools (brushes, narrow nozzles, extensions)
Final reminder
No team is immune to mistakes. But a well-trained team that pays attention to detail can spot them quickly and correct them effectively.
Train regularly, raise awareness, check…
These actions make all the difference in a professional, reliable, and valued cleaning service. This is why at la providence we created an academy focused on continuously improving the training of our teams, supported by an lms (learning management system) to ensure ongoing learning throughout one’s professional career.
